Squid Game viewers divided over underwhelming finale game
Squid Game fans left in disappointment as the highly anticipated finale of The Challenge sparks a division among viewers The climactic last episode falls short for some, leaving them with an overwhelming sense of anticlimax
The finale of Squid Game: The Challenge has left some viewers feeling disappointed, branding the last episode as "anticlimactic". Over the past three weeks, a diverse group of 456 participants from around the world have been slowly eliminated, leaving only three players remaining. After numerous challenges, the final trio competed in Episode 10 to determine the first-ever winner of Squid Game: The Challenge.
The episode is filled with drama as Mai, Phill, and Sam are compelled to participate in two additional challenges: a button-pressing test that some fans suspect may have been manipulated, and a final game to determine the winner. Despite the general satisfaction with the outcome, numerous viewers have condemned the "underwhelming" conclusion. Spoilers ahead…
Squid Game: The Challenge finale divides viewers
Mai's victory was not a cause for concern among fans - it was the last challenges that received backlash, as viewers believed that luck-based games led to a lackluster ending. The final trio faced a test of chance, where they each had to press a button that could result in their elimination, advancement, or have no effect at all.
Mai and Phill then went head-to-head in rock paper scissors, with each win granting them a chance to pick the right key to unlock the safe and take home the money.
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One Redditor expressed disappointment in the reliance on luck-based games like dice rolling, button pressing, and rock paper scissors, and called for more skill-based challenges involving both physical and mental abilities. Another Redditor agreed, noting that the games lacked creativity and entertainment value due to the emphasis on luck over intelligence and ability.
"I agree that the finale was disappointing. The earlier episodes exceeded my expectations. With the budget for this show, I would have expected a better ending than rock paper scissors. Some have defended the show, pointing out that the original games were designed with luck and chance in mind, and the physically stronger participants did have advantages but their strength was exploited in certain games, such as Tug of War."
One user initially dismissed Rock, Paper, Scissors as a lackluster and foolish choice, but now sees how well it aligns with the theme of childhood games. "It’s probably the most basic childhood competition there is,” they added.
Another user pointed out the diverse fitness levels of the participants and how a physical matchup wouldn't make sense given the nature of the games. "This isn’t the strongman competition," they explained.
"The show is all about luck and chance. Mai increased her odds by playing RPS strategically, giving herself more opportunities to try keys. Anyone suggesting physical games to end the show goes against the Squid Game and its core message, as expressed by the old guy in the show about the games and why he made them," a third commenter noted.
You can watch Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix. Check out more of our coverage below.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Squid Game, I was eagerly anticipating the finale of The Challenge. However, I must admit that I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The last episode fell short of my expectations, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticlimax. The reliance on luck-based games, such as dice rolling, button pressing, and rock paper scissors, felt like a letdown. I would have preferred more skill-based challenges that showcased the physical and mental abilities of the remaining players.
I understand that the original Squid Game series also incorporated elements of luck and chance, but I believe that the finale of The Challenge could have been more creative and engaging. The rock paper scissors game, in particular, felt like a weak and anticlimactic way to determine the winner. While some fans have defended the show's adherence to the theme of childhood games, I personally found it to be a missed opportunity for a more thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
