Outrage over 'Squid Game 3' ending: Viewers call it 'stupid,' question if an agenda was being pushed

Time of India

9 hours ago

Content Warning & Spoiler Alert: This article contains descriptions of suicide or self-harm that may be disturbing to some readers, as well as plot details from a current movie or series.
Netflix officially closed the chapter on Squid Game on June 27, releasing its highly anticipated final season. Set in the wake of the failed rebellion from Season 2, the story dives back into the twisted arena of survival - this time with higher stakes and deeper emotional turmoil. But beyond the shocking eliminations and tense gameplay, it's the season's bold ending that has left fans divided, sparking intense debate about the message it ultimately delivers.
A mother, a newborn, and a brutal beginning
One of the major unsolved question from Season 2 was what happened to Player 222 (Jun Hee) and her unborn child? Jun Hee survives long enough to give birth during the next game, but the experience is far from pleasant.
A mother, a newborn, and a brutal beginning. Credit: Netflix
In the same scenario, Hyun Ju (Player 120) is killed, becoming the first of many beloved characters to go this season. Meanwhile, Geum Ja (Player 149) murders her own son to protect Jun Hee and the baby. After the players vote to continue the games, Geum Ja commits suicide, believing it is the only way to keep the baby safe.
A sacrifice that defines the season
Any hope for Jun Hee and her child's survival is fleeting. In the second game, jump rope, Jun Hee's damaged ankle keeps her from crossing a dangerous bridge. Player 456, Gi Hun, carries the baby over himself, but when Jun Hee realizes he may try to return for her, she sacrifices herself, entrusting her child's destiny to him.
A sacrifice that defines the season. Credit: Netflix
The child is then assigned her mother's number and competes in the remaining games. When the rest of the remaining players learn of this, five try to eliminate the child. Surprisingly, her father, Player 333 (Myung Gi), has no objections.
Player 222. Credit: Netflix
Final face-off
In the last round, Gi Hun and Myung Gi have a face off. Myung Gi threatens to kill his own daughter, but does not follow through. Due to a technical glitch, Gi Hun and the infant daughter are the last two survivors. With just one allowed to survive, Gi Hun chooses to sacrifice himself so that the infant can live, therefore terminating his life and putting an end to any further revolt against the Squid Games.
Backlash and interpretation: feminist, moral, or manipulative?
The finale has been met with mixed to negative reactions. Many viewers have pointed out the near-total absence of women after Episode 4, with the only female survivor being an infant. Some called this misogynistic, while others were troubled by what they perceived as a "pro-life" message - highlighting how characters who attempted to "abort" or eliminate the baby faced grim ends.
While Gi Hun's sacrifice was meant to be noble, critics argue it felt emotionally manipulative and inconsistent with the show's core themes. His choice to prioritize a stranger's baby over his own daughter struck some as uncharacteristic and hollow.