Season 2 of Squid Game came with high expectations after the first season’s massive success.
While the first season focused heavily on the shocking twists that revealed the true nature of the games, Season 2 flips this idea.
Instead of saving the big reveal for the end, it gives the audience crucial information early, building tension throughout the season.
Season 1’s Big Twist
In Squid Game Season 1, the biggest twist came at the end. Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist, believed that Oh Il-nam, the elderly contestant, had died.
But in the final moments, Il-nam is revealed to be the mastermind behind the deadly games. He created the games for the bored rich elite, and his participation was driven by nostalgia. This shocking revelation left viewers questioning everything they knew about the games and their players.
How Season 2 Flips the Twist
Season 2 turns this formula on its head. Rather than keeping a major twist for the finale, it gives the audience key information early on. In Episode 3, Gi-hun re-enters the games to dismantle them from the inside.
The final vote to continue the games is cast by contestant 001, who is revealed to be none other than the Front Man, Hwang In-ho. Gi-hun doesn’t recognize him, and In-ho uses this to gain his trust.
The dramatic irony in Season 2 is key: the audience knows In-ho’s true identity, but the characters don’t. This adds tension, as viewers can see In-ho’s manipulations in real-time, wondering what his true motives are.
It’s a different kind of storytelling compared to Season 1, where the twist came at the end, forcing viewers to reconsider everything they had seen before.
The Power of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony has been used in storytelling for centuries, dating back to Greek tragedies. In Squid Game Season 2, this technique creates a different experience from the first season.
Instead of waiting for the big reveal, viewers are left to watch the characters’ interactions, knowing that there’s a hidden agenda at play.
By flipping the twist, Squid Game Season 2 offers a fresh take on the story, keeping the tension high while building on the mystery of the games.
With the season ending on a cliffhanger, fans are left with plenty of questions and theories, eagerly awaiting the final season.