Squid Game Season 3 Crosses the Line – Here's When

Squid Game, Netflix's worldwide hit, launched its third and last season just over two weeks ago. You likely are aware of this. Frankly, you might have already seen all six episodes (andperhaps you believe this is how it was meant to conclude). I admit I have failed to keep up with the streamer's dystopian phenomenon. Several major twists, violent kills, and story revelations have already made their way online.

My excuse? Being a father. Yeah, I know that sounds like I'm blaming my daughter for this, but I just can't watch Player 456/Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the others take part in this deadly game while my 6-year-old is around. So, it got put on hold for a while.

See at Netflix

The last time I discussed Squid Game in any significant detail,the second season's cliffhangerremained at the forefront of every fan's thoughts. Inquiries about the appearance of the new games, who would endure, how the final showdown between the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and Gi-hun would unfold, and whether those maintaining Squid Game's operation would face consequences from Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and his group were widely discussed.

One aspect I hadn't anticipated was the addition of a newborn baby to the scenario. It had already been revealed in season 2 that Player 222 was pregnant. However, given the show's clever storytelling and intense narrative tension, I assumed that series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk had some bold decisions planned for the final season.

Boy, was I wrong.

Spoiler warning: Before I proceed, please be aware there aremajor story spoilersCheck out the content below for season 3 of Squid Game. If you're reading this and haven't watched the episodes yet, go back now. Or, maybe don't. It's up to you. Do your thing, darling.

Read more: Netflix Review: Our Favorite Option Among Numerous Streaming Services

The opening episode of season 3, titled Keys and Knives, immediately plunges audiences into the chaotic violence of the Squid Game universe. The first new game introduced is hide-and-seek. Participants wearing red vests must locate and kill those in blue within 30 minutes or face elimination. Those in blue must either remain hidden or discover the exit before time runs out.

As expected, the game was full of excessive violence, betrayal, and conflict. And throughout it all, as the game continued in episode 2, "The Starry Night," Player 222 goes into labor.

Before I delve into all the problems I have with this story selection and what follows, I need to share something with yousome backstory about myself. 

If you've read everything mentioned earlier, you're aware that I'm a father. During the year before my daughter was born, my wife and I attended childbirth classes. I discovered that the medical system in America often lacks empathy or comprehension in this area, and contrary to what is shown in films, when a woman's water breaks, it can take hours or even days before the baby arrives.

Additionally, as you might be aware, a newborn requires consistent feeding—approximately every two hours—and will cry and scream to signal if you're late. As you can likely picture, these frequent feedings also result in regular diaper changes. Although I was there to provide assistance, there were specific experiences my wife had to endure to care for our daughter. To put it simply, this entire process gave me a better understanding of how childbirth and parenting are portrayed in media.

Now that we're caught up, let me return to Squid Game. Within about 10 minutes of her water breaking, Player 222 delivered a baby girl who didn't emit that typical first cry when taking her initial breaths. It did cry, don't get me wrong; I guess it was the best kind of cry a CGI baby could manage. Still, that was the first indication that I might be watching a show with little understanding of this topic.

It deteriorated further from that point. In addition to the reality that active trauma can trigger a woman's body's fight-or-flight response, making an active (and normal, in fact) childbirth a longer and more difficult process — my wife, for example, was in labor for four days — I found myself observing characters dealing with the ongoing fear of death while also holding new life in their hands.

I understand. The baby represents a symbol: Humanity's source of hope within the show's themes of greed and classism. You need to offer the audience some hope at the end of the tunnel.

However, similar to when The Walking Dead added baby Judith to the storyline, I was instantly pulled out of the experience. My engagement with the series dropped sharply. It became evident to me that the baby would make it through everything, and given how clever Dong-hyuk has been with the show's major plot twists, I started to suspect that the newborn would ultimately prevail in the game... in some way.

It gave me an odd combination of satisfaction and sadness when I found out my prediction was correct. But to be honest, I didn't care anymore. As the season continued, I observed the newborn going without any diaper changes, saw Player 222 and her very young daughter sleeping soundly throughout the night, and noticed that the baby wasn't being fed on a consistent schedule.

I leaned back and chuckled at the idea that Player 222 could stand up and walk following childbirth, how it was considered okay for Gi-hun to fasten the baby to his chest while rushing through the show's unrealistic take on jump rope.Shaken baby syndromeor not, that was a confusing decision. And, after Player 222 chose to end her life and jump off a cliff, I raised my hands in shock at the show's commitment to this narrative choice.

I understand, this is a fictional show. It's a social comedy. A violent form of entertainment that captured the world's attention. Still, if you want to maintain realism and credibility, perhaps do some research before using a CGI baby as a simple and poorly informed narrative device. A scapegoat, in a way. Similar to what I did with my own daughter earlier in this article. Just an idea.

Now, David Fincher's US spin-offis scheduled to ensure this world continues. My suggestion? Please avoid placing a child in the Squid Game. That's my only request.

The entire series of Squid Game is now available for streaming on Netflix.