<ul><li>Season two of "Squid Game" reminds us why it is an excellent TV series and cultural sensation.</li><li>It follows similar patterns as the first season, but this thematic iteration is a strength.</li><li>The repetition of familiar games and character beats is incredibly effective and still compelling.</li><li>The new season introduces several new games, which are just as superlatively designed as their predecessors.</li><li>Gi-hun takes a backseat in season two to make room for the show's captivating cast of new characters.</li><li>Most striking are the moments where he falls back into Gi-hun's childlike innocence from season one.</li><li>Success can bring crushing pressure, and with it, an impulse to iterate. In this case, the iteration works in service of the show's point.</li><li>"Squid Game" season 2 is a torture cycle for Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the victor of the games.</li><li>Unfortunately, Gi-hun's crusade puts him back where he started in the games, with his life on the line.</li><li>"Squid Game" seasons one and two are now streaming on Netflix.</li></ul>

'Squid Game' season 2 is a torture chamber for its protagonist — but not for audiences

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