Unveiling the Mastermind Behind Alice in Borderland Games
Discover the sinister force behind the deadly games in Alice in Borderland Unravel the mystery of who is behind the twisted games that the characters must survive and explore the thrilling twists and turns of this highly addictive series
The plot of Alice in Borderland revolves around the creation of the games that the characters are compelled to participate in, and the reasons behind their existence remain a puzzling mystery. Throughout both seasons, the show teases answers to this central question, yet some aspects remain unclear even by the conclusion. Nonetheless, this enigma serves as a compelling hook that keeps viewers invested in the story, eagerly anticipating how it will unfold.
What Is Alice in Borderland About?
The answers to the mysteries of the show are not revealed until the final episode of Season 2. The episode takes its time to reveal the truth, leaving both the characters and the audience questioning what is real and what is not. This can make it challenging to identify who is truly responsible for the games, as the show often holds back on revealing information until the very end.
Alice in Borderland presents a twisted version of Tokyo where ordinary people are forced to participate in brutal games to prolong their lifespan. These games are a matter of life and death, as the citizens must secure their "visa" - the duration of time they have left to live. Failure to do so results in a fatal laser beam from the sky.
The games within the world vary in difficulty and type, each represented by a specific playing card denoting its suit and number. The protagonist, Arisu, is a young man whose passion lies solely in video games, lacking any clear direction in life. Upon entering this new world, he must navigate its challenges and uncover the mysteries leading to their unexpected arrival.
The second installment of Alice in Borderland continues to explore the thrilling adventures of Arisu, Usagi, and their comrades as they engage in a higher-stakes round of games, centered around the elusive face cards. Each game is presided over by a formidable figurehead such as the King of Spades or the Jack of Hearts, who must be defeated in their own game for the players to progress. The stakes are raised as the players are urged to conquer every game, with the tantalizing promise of uncovering more secrets about their predicament or even finding a way out of this alternate reality.
Arisu and Usagi, the dynamic duo, have been inseparable throughout their journey, even after losing some of their companions along the way. The group faces an intense challenge in the penultimate episode as they struggle to defeat the King of Spades, with most of them sustaining life-threatening injuries before they emerge victorious. In the final game, they encounter the enigmatic Queen of Hearts, who may hold the key to their unanswered questions.
Who Is Behind the Games in Alice in Borderland?
Mira, also known as the Queen of Hearts, is revealed to be the mastermind behind the games in the final episode. Initially depicted as an ordinary player and a member of the Beach, her true intentions become more ominous as the series progresses. As the gamemaster, Mira is responsible for manipulating everyone and even creating some of the games herself, such as the Seven of Hearts game that resulted in the deaths of Arisu's friends Karube and Chota in Season 1. It remains unclear whether Mira is the ultimate authority or if there is someone else above her, but she had help in designing and setting up the games.
Mira employs manipulative tactics and gaslighting in her final croquet game with Arisu and Usagi, making it seem like finishing the game is enough to defeat her. Her attempts to mentally break them almost work on Arisu, but Usagi manages to bring him back to reality. Mira resorts to cheating and lying to win, giving fabricated stories about the alternate version of Tokyo they're in, including claiming that everyone is an alien or in a simulation video game, none of which are true. In the end, Mira is defeated and players have the choice to return to the real world or become "permanent residents" of the game world. Those who choose the former wake up in a hospital, having survived a meteorite falling on Tokyo, with hazy memories of their time in the game world and vague recognition of each other. The final shot of Season 2 is a Joker playing card on the table, leaving fans wondering if there will be another season.
The final moments of the series left some unanswered questions, particularly regarding the authenticity of the meteorite crash and whether Mira was the sole mastermind orchestrating everything from the shadows. It remains uncertain if these inquiries will ever be addressed.
