Squid Game
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CreatorHwang Dong-hyuk, much like his character Seong Gi-hun, couldve just taken the win and moved on.
But as we already learned in theseason-one finale, Player 456 cant do that.
(This shows stance on capitalism is as clear as ever.)
I saw all those Luigi Mangionefan cams.
The premiere picks up seconds after we left off in theseason-one finale.
Apparently, Jun-ho drifted in the water until a guy named Captain Park pulled him onto his boat.
He wakes up in the hospital whispering In-hos name.
Meanwhile, Gi-hun seems driven by a desire to prove something about his personal worth.
I do believe him when he talks about wanting to end the game to prevent more deaths.
Okay, so how are we going to get back to the deadly titular game?
Money is power, and Gi-huns got plenty.
In contrast, Jun-hos status has fallen.
Wait …pleasedont tell me Jun-ho is about to pull him over for speeding and recognize him.
At least one person picks bread, but everyone else goes for the lottery ticket.
The Recruiter then stomps on the leftover bread, telling his shocked audience that its their fault.
Uh … is harassing the unhoused just something he does for fun in his spare time?
They decide that they can and should capture him without waiting for Gi-hun.
After the Recruiter ups the Russian roulette odds of dying to five in six, Woo-seok plays two rocks.
Mr. Kim plays paper and scissors, but doesnt pull either hand back.
Picking a hand to move would feel like actively deciding whether his close friend should live or die.
Hed feel responsible for the outcome.
Its a zero-sum game any win in this system means someone else has to lose.
Its a relevant idea to introduce in the premiere, given Gi-huns goals.
Were also being asked to think a lot about dehumanization.
The Recruiter and Gi-hun both accept and reinforce the idea that there are power hierarchies in this world.
Youre human or youre trash; youre a master or a dog; you deserve respect or you dont.
And whew, Gi-hun definitely makes it clear that he doesnt respect the Recruiter.
In fact, he was actuallyhappyafterward because it affirmed his career path.
Im terrified even big boss In-ho shot Jun-ho only in the shoulder but Gi-hun remains unimpressed.
So the Recruiter proposes a modified game of Russian roulette where one of them will die within six shots.
Gi-hun thinks that he couldnt possibly comprehend what it takes to survive competing in something like Squid Game?
Well, what if the Recruiter stops being an overseer and puts his own life on the line?
After four blanks, Gi-hun has the gun.
The odds are 50/50 hell get the bullet.
The Recruiter points out that Gi-hun could just take his chances and aim across the table.
If he fires once or twice, hell find a key to meeting the higher-ups in the Recruiters pocket.
Instead, Gi-hun grits his teeth and pulls the trigger.
He hands the gun over and uses the Recruiters own monologue against him.
Obviously, the Recruiter could use the loaded gun on Gi-hun without saying that.
But then Gi-hun could die looking down on him as both a doganda coward.
Is your personal dignity worth more than your life?
Gi-hun already pulled the trigger and let us know what he thinks.
In English,breadcan refer to food or money.
So this episodes title is a pun in both languages!
Hwang Dong-hyuk has publiclycomparedthis season toThe Matrixwith regard to Gi-hun taking the red pill rather than living in ignorance.
New player(s) alert!
We see two people with Squid Game cards.
A bruised guy on the subway ignores a call from a girl who then skips an OB/GYN appointment.
Winner of the episode: The Recruiter, hands down.
Hope youre doing okay, bud.
