Warning: MAJOR spoilers for Alice in Borderland seasons 1 and 2
The long-awaited second season of Netflix’s thriller drama Alice in Borderland was released last December to excited viewers who were left in suspense from the cliffhanger ending of Season 1.
If you’re unfamiliar with the premise of Alice in Borderland, here’s a quick summary: video-game-savvy Arisu finds himself transported to a parallel dimension where he’s forced to play games of life or death, the difficulty of which is represented by playing cards, to extend his game “visa” and avoid being executed. Arisu is faced with the difficulties of surviving and adapting to the hellish reality of the Borderlands, in which his intellect and will to live are tested. Along the way, he makes strong allies, namely Usagi, an experienced mountain climber and his eventual love interest. Arisu and his friends must discover a way back to their world while fighting to live another day.
After watching all 8 episodes of the second season, I have to say that the follow-up does live up to the hype of the series, but unfortunately the finale does leave a bit to be desired.
In this review, I’ll be evaluating the second season based on three criteria: plot, characters, and the resolution of the season.
THE PLOT
The second season starts right where the first left off. After discovering the truth about the games, Arisu and the rest of the surviving group members are now left wondering “Is it even possible to return to the real world?”
First and foremost, the pacing of this season was impeccable. There was a natural progression and build-up to the final boss fight with the formidable King of Spades that didn’t feel rushed or out of place. There was truly never a dull moment and every scene felt purposeful and necessary to the progression of the storyline, rather than just fluff or filler. This season also managed to strike a balance between scenes of adrenaline-pumping action and the more quiet and meaningful moments of connection between characters. There were also various flashbacks throughout the season, which were masterfully interwoven with the present narrative to create an even more embodied viewing experience.
However, my main gripe about this season was the unrealistic plot armor that allowed our protagonists to escape relatively unscathed from seemingly impossible games and various shoot-outs. I vividly recall my sighs of relief devolving into laughs of disbelief when several characters escaped what seemed like point-blank gunshots for the umpteenth time. It happened so often that it became a running joke to poke fun at the invincibility of certain characters with my friend who was watching alongside me.
There’s arguably a fine line between preserving the central characters needed to further the plot and having so much plot armor that it absolutely negates the tension, stakes, and any emotional investment in the characters since viewers know that they aren’t at any true risk of death.
THE CHARACTERS
I loved how this season focused on the backstories of various characters which helped to inform the audience of who they were before being transported to the Borderlands as well as further flesh out their characters. These flashbacks chart the growth and development of the characters as they are faced with difficult decisions and hardships in preserving the cruel and violent world of the Borderlands. Every character was so well-written and compelling that it wasn’t hard to empathize with and understand their motivations.
The slow-burn romance between Arisu and Usagi also comes to fruition in this second season, as their relationship is simultaneously tested and strengthened by all the challenges they must face together. Their conversation in the final episode was truly moving and indicative of the deep care and love they have for each other.
THE RESOLUTION
Though not in full, many burning questions are answered in the final episode. The ultimate reveal of the Borderlands being some sort of interpretation of limbo — where one hovers between life and death — is an interesting metaphor for how a near-death experience can make someone value their life even more. There’s something almost kind and reassuring about the message embedded in this ending that emphasizes the importance of life and being kind and selfless, even in the face of adversity.
I found the final game with the Queen of Hearts extremely intriguing, although the number of red herrings she uses to distract Arisu and Usagi from discovering the truth greatly muddled the final reveal. So much so, that I’m not even sure that the ultimate reveal is the actual truth.
The final shot that closes out the season, lingers on the Joker card, a wild card representing the twisting or undermining of pre-existing rules. The meaning behind this shot most likely alludes to a larger and deadlier game that could potentially upend the real world though only time and (hopefully) a third season will tell.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I would rate season 2 of Alice in Borderland a solid 8/10. I genuinely enjoyed watching the newest installment of the series and am hoping for the possibility of a season 3 to answer the lingering unanswered questions in the finale. I would highly recommend giving this series a watch if you haven’t already seen it!