Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Squid Game season 2, episode 3.Squid Game season 2 mirror things from season 1. However, there's one great reversal thrown into episode 3.

While the first two chapters of season 2 see Gi-hun and Hwang Jun-ho planning to take down the Games, the third installment fully throws Gi-hun back into them. "001" marks the return of Squid Game's most famous game — Red Light Green Light — and the voting process (but with a new twist). It also sees the players taking photos before the Games begin, and Gi-hun's is a far cry from his season 1 headshot. In fact, the Netflix show intentionally reverses his iconic season 1 picture to highlight his character's evolution.

Squid Game Season 2, Episode 3 Reverses Gi-hun's Iconic Smile Scene

He's No Longer Posing With A Big, Goofy Grin For The Photo

Gi-hun smiling in Squid Game season 1

One of the most recognizable images from Squid Game season 1 is Gi-hun having his photo taken before the tournament begins. As Gi-hun has no idea what's to come, he smiles happily at the camera. It's a big, goofy grin that conveys how excited he is for a second chance at life, freed from his gambling debts. This is one of Gi-hun's most iconic moments from Squid Game's first season, and season 2 puts a new spin on it.

this brilliant Squid Game season 2 moment really shows how much Gi-hun has changed since the beginning of the series.

With Gi-hun competing in the Squid Game tournament again, he's forced to go through the introduction process and take another photo in "001." This time, he glowers angrily at the camera rather than smiling. His stare is meant for the people who organize the Games, conveying how much contempt he has for them. And this brilliant Squid Game season 2 moment really shows how much Gi-hun has changed since the beginning of the series.

This Reversal Shows How Much The Squid Games Have Changed Gi-hun

He's A Much Angrier Person After All That's Happened

Gi-hun's new picture for the Squid Game tournament highlights how his character has changed, showing that he's a much angrier and less hopeful person than he used to be. This rage is justified, as Gi-hun has spent the three years before Squid Game season 2 dwelling on the cruelty and injustice of the tournament. Watching his friends die and being treated as though he's worthless has clearly left a mark on Gi-hun, even if he still manages to see the good in people.

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Squid Game will air the final season in 2025, but ahead of the final outing, there are several great alternatives to keep fans of the show satisfied.

Squid Game season 3 will likely see Gi-hun changing again, but without another competition, the series must find clever new ways to convey that. Season 2's scene reversal does an impressive job of saying a lot without saying anything, bringing the story full circle in the process. Hopefully, the creators will feature more clever callbacks in the final outing.

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Your Rating

Squid Game
TV-MA
Action & Adventure
Mystery
Drama
Thriller
Release Date
2021 - 2025-00-00
Network
Netflix
Showrunner
Hwang Dong-hyuk
  • Lee Jung-Jae Profile Picture
    Lee Jung-jae
    Seong Gi-hun / 'No. 456'
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Jeon Young-soo
    Game Guide

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 about financially struggling individuals who are invited to participate in a series of children's games. The competition offers a lucrative prize but comes with perilous consequences, as the players soon discover the lethal stakes involved in each round.

Directors
Hwang Dong-hyuk
Writers
Hwang Dong-hyuk
Seasons
3