The Epic Transformation of Alice in Borderland Season 3 Sets New Standards for Manga Adaptations on Netflix

Summary

Alice in Borderland season 2 had a perfect ending that resolved major plot points and provided a satisfying explanation for the characters' predicament.

Without the manga to adapt, Season 3 faces the potential of inconsistencies and straying from the original storyline. However, the absence of source material does not guarantee failure. By focusing on captivating games, innovative storytelling, and impactful emotional elements, Season 3 can still achieve success while also reintegrating its social commentary.

Alice in Borderland is set to return for season 3, but there is a risk of undermining the perfect conclusion of season 2. Based on Haro Aso's manga, the series takes place in a dystopian Tokyo where selected individuals must participate in deadly battle royale games to survive. Season 1 showed promise by introducing intricate games and real-world symbolism, while season 2 explored the survival genre with Arisu and Usagi's search for answers.

Although season 2 of Alice in Borderland had a conclusive ending, it left viewers with a cliffhanger that hinted at a potential season 3. Building on the success of season 2 and the suspenseful setup, Netflix has renewed the manga adaptation for another season. However, despite the excitement, season 3 has the potential to undermine the elements that made season 2 so captivating.

Alice In Borderland Season 2’s Ending Was Perfect (& Closed The Manga)

The first season of Alice in Borderland ended on an uncertain note, leaving the biggest mystery unanswered: how did the citizens of Borderland end up in an empty version of Tokyo? However, the second season not only resolved all the main character arcs but also provided a comprehensive explanation for Arisu, Usagi, and the others' presence in the enigmatic Borderland. This made the ending of season 2 nearly perfect as it defied expectations. Following the first season's conclusion, many theories suggested that Arisu and the other players were trapped in a computer simulation.

This theory seemed plausible due to the show's similarities to video games and the relevance of Arisu's gaming skills in the central games. However, it also appeared to be a cliché narrative device used to explain the mysterious events of the first season. Instead of taking the predictable storytelling route, season 2 took a bold risk by revealing that all players in Borderland were existing in a transient state between life and death, struggling to survive and find a way back to the real world. This risk paid off tremendously and kept the show's storyline and conclusion fresh without pushing the boundaries of believability too far. Furthermore, season 2's ending was even more satisfying because, like the original manga, it rekindled Arisu and Usagi's romantic journey.

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Won't Have The Manga To Adapt

Following the conclusion of Alice in Borderland season 2, which aligns with the ending of the original manga, the live-action Netflix series finds itself without any remaining source material for season 3. However, the inclusion of a Joker card in the closing scene of season 2 opens up the possibility for a continuation. This new element suggests that Arisu and Usagi may have to confront another game master before escaping the dangerous games of Borderland. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the meaning of the Joker card differs in the original manga. As a result, season 3 will depart from the manga's storyline and introduce an entirely original plot. While this decision brings excitement to the show's overall narrative, it runs the risk of deviating from the original story and unnecessarily prolonging the show's progression.

Why Alice In Borderland Season 3 Can Still Work

For Alice in Borderland season 3 to succeed, it must maintain its intriguing game dynamics, break away from predictable storytelling, and allow its characters to grow in a positive direction. Introducing fresh game designs and captivating storylines, while incorporating a compelling emotional aspect, will prevent the series from being seen as a superficial fantasy with no substance. Furthermore, to resonate with viewers, season 3 should reestablish the show's thought-provoking commentary on topics such as grief, capitalism, social isolation, and morality, which were crucial in making the first two seasons relatable and realistic.