Squid Game is making its return on Netflix, but this time in the form of a reality show. However, it appears that the reality show does not quite capture the essence of the original hit. When Squid Game was released in 2021, it became a huge success, and fans worldwide appreciated its social commentary. But, in their efforts to cash in on the franchise, Netflix has overlooked the original series’ central point.
Squid Game: The Challenge is an upcoming reality TV show based on the popular series. It is one of Netflix’s highly anticipated releases in 2023. In this show, contestants will participate in real-life versions of the games from the original series, with the crucial difference being that losing does not result in harm. With $4.56 million up for grabs, stakes are undeniably high for Squid Game: The Challenge. However, the success of the reality show is not guaranteed due to its heavy focus on the game element of the original series.
Squid Game Was Not Just About ‘Games’
Squid Game‘s success was not just about the games; it was primarily driven by its well-developed characters. Characters like Gi-hun, Sae-byeok, Ali, and others were the heart of the show, carrying the story with their personalities and character arcs. While the games were exciting, if the same concept were applied with less engaging characters, Squid Game might not have been as popular.
The games in the series were compelling because they tied into the show’s underlying themes. Squid Game‘s strong anti-capitalist message was evident throughout the series, and the games served as a powerful allegory for the story’s core message. On their own, the games might not have been all that alluring. However, when combined with well-developed characters and a theme worth exploring, they contributed to making the show one of Netflix’s biggest hits.
Even though Squid Game: The Challenge may appear to deviate from the original series’ core message, it does not necessarily guarantee the show will be of poor quality. The challenges could potentially offer entertainment value, and viewers who have not seen the original series might not notice any issues. Nevertheless, the mere existence of Squid Game: The Challenge suggests that Netflix may have missed the mark in understanding the essence of the original show.
The games in Squid Game symbolize the struggle of the underprivileged against the wealthy elite in a capitalist system. In the show, not participating or losing leads to death, highlighting the harsh realities of this system. Squid Game is meant to be a thought-provoking commentary, not just a fun game show. While Squid Game: The Challenge could be entertaining, its overreliance on the ‘games’ to capitalize on the success of the original hit could be far-fetched.
Squid Game: The Challenge debuts on Netflix on November 22, 2024.
