Despite what others are saying, this is exactly how I would've expected season 2 to go. In fact I predicted it, in conversation with friends that it would be an eerily similar story. The action sequences were exciting, although I do admit there were some dull moments that dragged on and on so I just sped up the video a little.

Gi Hun goes to such lengths to prevent repeats of season 1, begging people to leave the games, pleading on his knees, but no one listens. He tries to save people in that first game, but to no avail, the deaths playing out in parallel to the first games. I couldn't see any other way for it to play out.

These games are supposed to reflect capitalism, how the rich look down on the struggles of the poor, and see their battle for survival as some form of entertainment. They promise riches for the 1/456 who manage to succeed. Preying on desperation.

The side quest with Jun Ho was also rather necessary, despite others thoughts. He's trying to bring to justice these people, but they're always two steps forward, prepared for every move by planting one of their own in Jun Ho's midst. It is reflective of the real world, how the rich and powerful often evade being brought to justice by the common folk, by killing witnesses and whistleblowers, or by simply foiling their plans by planting moles.

The presence of moles paints a direct parallel with the games and the real world, as Hwang In Ho takes up the identity of Oh Young Il, destroying Gi Hun's last chance to reach the control room. There is some dramatic irony in this as we the audience obviously know the identity of player 001, but Gi Hun doesn't and we are left to despair as he comes to trust 001 all over again, not putting two and two together. (Could've been avoided if Jun Ho had just shown him a picture but where's the fun in that lol)

However this season also brought to light who the soldiers are and what they do. The fact that these soldiers are likely in similar positions to the participants if No Eul is anything to go by. They are however offered a different job, thereby becoming class traitors. This is backed up by the recruiter saying he had come face to face with his father in the games, before shooting him.

All in all season 2 was rather enjoyable, with rather tense moments that had my heart racing. Many of the characters were rather lovable, even Thanos was rather amusing to watch. I admit I don't know what to expect for season 3 now, and the direction it will take, but I look forward to the final act.