Episode #2.4

The first half of this episode is the conclusion of the collar game from the previous instalment and it's as well-written and exciting as you'd expect; real, top-level drama here. The rest, once we move back to Arisu's adventures, isn't anywhere near as gripping. They seem to be trying more for world-building and character development, but I think the scenes with the King of Spades just lack a certain something. They don't have the game-based feel of the best episodes of either season one of this show or SQUID GAME, and it doesn't help that the post-apocalypse styled setting is so old hat these days.

After that third episode, I was definitely not surprised that this episode was relatively calm for the most part. Really didn't expect them to pull off another one of those which is fine (they really shouldn't anyway).

Compared to the clubs, the hearts game relatively ended without any conflict whatsoever. Obviously there was a bit off a standoff near the end but I wouldn't go to say that it had the emotional or suspenseful impact that the clubs game had. Kind of wished they did that here because the hearts game up until that point was really entertaining. But I'm not gonna stress on it too much.

The rest of the episode calms itself down. I do think there's a lot to take out of this, more specifically with how everything's changing around them. This part of the episode showcases the new reality people are now living with. I'm glad they were able to open up on this aspect because it's interesting to see the different views that people have on this world and how they deal with that.

It may not be as great as episode 2 but it sure contributes heavily to the overall story.

SIDE NOTE: I'm kind of disappointed with how the spades situation is going. He's a character that doesn't really make much sense to me. The game that is played is fairly straightforward and simple. It's also really annoying that he's a sharpshooter when targeting random people but is wildly inaccurate when it comes to the main characters.

I've noticed that the people that enter borderland aren't happy with "our" world for various reason. Some even tend to find true happiness in Borderland saying they feel free for once in their lives. The way the contestants died in this episode was brutal, and worth the watch for those who have not seen it. As some have mentioned, the lead character in this episode is always calm and logical. I also noticed that Tokyo in Borderland is decaying and going back to the elements; I suppose that would be due to lack of people. Note: before Arisu and company came to Borderland, there were people who came before them; some of the people start working for the game and create their own games.

I have no idea where this is headed (I stopped here last night), but it is one of the most entertaining and riveting TV shows I have seen in a while.

The guy who is somewhat effeminate is one of my favorites because of his logic and brains; Arisu is more like a person who takes up for the little guy. The characters make you want them to survive!

Such a top tier message about trust and equality, and a fantastic, satisfying resolution to this one game (which is usually definitely not the case).

The moments surviving (or about to die) characters share just after each game have all actually been really strong and memorable...

Really good stuff. My only issue is - I'm up to halfway the last season (as of yet) and still there are no real answers to anything, nothing makes sense in the long run, and I really hope it does, eventually, and isn't come cheap copout. But we'll see, I guess.

Either way, this show has been consistently really engaging.

The plot of the fourth episode was really interesting and gladly it wasn't located in the prison, lol. The storyline was very well written and we had the chance to be informed, more things about the real world. The characters are still the same, very interesting and well-developed. In my opinion, season 2 isn't as intense as season 1 was.. However, I really enjoy some of the games of season 2, even though they aren't too many and not action-filled. The ending scene of episode 4 was definitely unexpected and I really can't wait to watch episode 5. Last but not least, only the killcount of season 2 is way more bloodier than season 2.