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This episode was interesting but not for the reason you'd expect.

The games itself went as expected so nothing really changed from that perspective but what I will say changed was the aftermath of it. Even with how much Gi-Hun helped, he still ended up having people killed and to make matters worse, he failed to stop the games which was a different outcome to what happened in the first season. He tried to initiate change within the system but ended up only growing that sense of greed (that same greed that fuelled everyone's desire to participate).

It's an episode that showcases how people can be so addicted on trying to obtain their desires but at the risk of losing their humanity.

I must clarify that this second season lacks the overall novelty of the first, which, obviously, works against it. However, even with that disadvantage, it has managed to maintain a certain level of quality in all aspects. Sure, there are some elements that feel forced in terms of the plot, and even a few scenes with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) come across as overly dramatic. But everything continues to progress with the occasional surprise, like the ending of the previous episode where it's revealed that No-eul is not a participant but a host.

Well, the same thing happened at the end of this episode-it even made me immediately watch the next one. By the way, considering what repeatedly happens to humans in this game, I'm starting to think like the game's creators. So, Gi-hun will have to do something phenomenal to change my mind.

Episode 1 of Squid Game, "Red Light, Green Light," delivers a thrilling and unsettling introduction to the brutal competition at the heart of the series. The episode does an excellent job of establishing Gi-hun's struggles, making him a compelling protagonist that viewers can sympathize with. His financial desperation and personal failures set the stage for why he-and so many others-would agree to participate in such a mysterious and risky game.

The buildup to the first game is masterfully done, with eerie tension lingering in the air. Once Red Light, Green Light begins, the sudden shift from curiosity to absolute terror is shocking and unforgettable. The cinematography and sound design heighten the suspense, making the scene both horrifying and mesmerizing. The slow realization of what's at stake, combined with the desperate attempts to survive, creates one of the most memorable opening episodes in recent television history.

While the episode is mostly setup, and some moments take their time unfolding, the shocking climax ensures that viewers are fully invested in what comes next. It perfectly hooks the audience, setting the stage for the high-stakes drama ahead.

Verdict: A tense and gripping start that masterfully blends character development with shocking brutality, making for an unforgettable opening chapter.