Round 6 Season 3 Review: A Dark Turn for the Netflix Hit

One of the most disappointing elements is the collapse of the protagonist Gi-hun’s redemption arc. In previous seasons, we saw him evolve from a broken man to someone intent on challenging the corrupt system behind the Squid Game.

But in Season 3, that arc is rendered meaningless. His efforts are portrayed as futile, and his character stagnates. Showrunner Juan Don Huk appears to give up on Gi-hun’s journey, instead reinforcing a sense of despair and inevitability. The emotional investment fans made in Gi-hun’s growth is ultimately unrewarded.

Gratuitous Sadism Overshadows the Story

As Gi-hun’s narrative falters, the show dives headfirst into excessive violence. A brutal “hide-and-seek” sequence—where players literally murder each other—is emblematic of the series’ new direction.

Even more disturbing is a subplot involving a conspiracy to murder a newborn. What once served as a critique of society’s appetite for cruel entertainment now indulges in the very horrors it used to condemn. It’s dark for the sake of being dark, and many viewers may find it off-putting.

The Elites Become Laughable Caricatures

The portrayal of the wealthy masterminds behind the games also suffers. Once morally complex and unsettling, these characters have been reduced to shallow stereotypes with cringe-worthy lines and over-the-top performances.

The scenes of billionaires watching the games now feel like parody—stripping the narrative of its original depth and satire. The nuance and psychological tension that made these characters compelling are replaced with one-dimensional absurdity.

Side Stories Derail the Main Plot

A recurring problem in Season 2 returns in full force: the show spends too much time on side plots that go nowhere. The introduction of a new character, Mr. Choi, shows promise but receives disproportionate screen time compared to Gi-hun and other core characters.

This imbalance weakens the central narrative, reducing emotional impact and creating a scattered, frustrating viewing experience. Instead of digging deeper into the characters fans care about, the show meanders.

Killing Gi-hun: A Misguided Creative Decision

The most divisive moment in the season is the death of Gi-hun. While Round 6 has never shied away from risky storytelling, killing off the main character feels like a betrayal of everything his arc stood for.

It’s hard not to see this choice as an attempt to cater to international audiences, particularly in the U.S., where redemption arcs are narrative staples. But this ending strips the series of its original moral complexity and vision.

Final Twist Hints at an American Sequel

Despite the season’s flaws, the finale offers a surprising twist. In the last scene, Libong—after delivering the prize money to Gi-hun’s daughter—spots a woman playing a game eerily similar to Squid Game on the street. That woman turns out to be none other than Hollywood actress Kate Blunt.

This unexpected moment suggests a possible American adaptation or spin-off. Whether that’s good or bad is up for debate, but it leaves a door open to revisit the Round 6 universe in a new light.

A Harsh Goodbye to a Once-Great Series

Round 6 Season 3 is a disappointing conclusion to what was once a groundbreaking series. The shift toward violence-for-shock, underdeveloped characters, and the dismantling of core themes result in a finale that feels like a betrayal rather than a payoff.

Still, the possibility of an American adaptation may offer a second chance. One can only hope it learns from these missteps and returns to the thoughtful, socially aware storytelling that made Round 6 a global sensation.

Until then, fans may find more value in rewatching the first two seasons and remembering the brilliance the series once promised.