Squid Game Finale Sparks Displeasure among Viewers
Squid Game: The Challenge's gripping finale has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, with a particular scene leaving some feeling uneasy
The finale of Squid Game: The Challenge has sparked mixed reactions, with a particular scene leaving some viewers feeling "irked." Regardless of opinions, the reality show has become a worldwide phenomenon for Netflix, even though it does not reach the same level of acclaim as the original Squid Game. The unique reality show format sets it apart as a separate entity altogether.
456 players began the journey, but only one emerged victorious with $4.56 million. The suspense was finally lifted last night to reveal the ultimate winner. After the reveal, a final scene depicted the fan-favorite players in their everyday lives, sparking discussion online. Spoiler alert: read on at your own risk!
Squid Game: The Challenge viewers “irked” by finale scene
In the climactic scene of the Squid Game: The Challenge finale on Netflix, the spotlight is on all the key contestants, with the focus on the three finalists – Sam (Player 016), Mai (Player 287), and Phill (Player 451) – as they are depicted in their respective home environments.
The montage was a fantastic conclusion to the show in my opinion. It was a clever and nostalgic nod to some of the players, followed by a chilling teaser about the next season. The editing of this show was truly exceptional. (Winner spoiler ahead!) #squidgamethechallenge #squidgame pic.twitter.com/v4LHyY9v8A
— sal (@sanguinesal) December 7, 2023
Many viewers at home have criticized the show for creating an impression that all contestants who survived the initial games live comfortable lives. One person on Reddit expressed their annoyance, saying "It kind of irked me to see how well off a lot of the last contestants seemed to be in the post-episode montage. Complete 180 from the actual Squid Games, which are comprised of desperate people."
"They were all incredibly carefree and happy, probably because they had half a million dollar homes and boats waiting for them." Another person added, "I hate to be that person, but as a Latin American, it's still shocking to see the extravagant images of some players at the end of the show."
So many of these people appear to lead comfortable lives in their very attractive homes. While everyone could use more money, comparing the typical lifestyles of people in first world countries to the lives of middle class (not to mention lower class) people here is quite strange. It struck me that I had assumed most of these people were really struggling and that money would be life-saving, but then they show some of the participants and they seem to be quite well off.
"Sam, a finalist, has a collection of expensive designer toys which seems wild to me. I hope next season benefits individuals who genuinely need the money." However, not everyone interpreted the montage the same way, like this person who wrote: "In my opinion, the montage was a great way to end the show. It was a nice callback to some of the players, followed by the eerie notice about next season. The show's editing was top notch."
Another viewer mentioned that the final edited montage following the win on Squid Game was stunning. Despite its flaws, the show excelled at visual storytelling. #SquidGameTheChallenge. Watch Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix. More coverage available below.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the original Squid Game, I approached Squid Game: The Challenge with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While the reality show format intrigued me, I couldn't help but wonder if it could capture the same level of intensity and social commentary as its predecessor. After watching the finale, I have to admit that my feelings are conflicted.
On the one hand, I appreciate the show's attempt to create a unique and immersive experience for the contestants. The challenges were well-designed and physically demanding, and the overall production value was impressive. The show also did a good job of building suspense and keeping viewers engaged throughout the competition. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. The original Squid Game was a powerful allegory about class inequality and the desperation of people driven to extreme measures by poverty. Squid Game: The Challenge, on the other hand, seemed to focus more on the entertainment value of the competition rather than the deeper social issues that made the original so compelling.
