After years of brand tie-ins and ill-conceived spinoffs, Netflix's Squid Game is back with its highly anticipated second season. The new season, which premieres on December 26th, promises to deliver the same level of tension and brutality that made the original a global phenomenon.

In the three years since Squid Game became Netflix's biggest property, the show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has remained faithful to the series' core themes and tone. While Netflix has been busy milking the show's popularity with various merchandise and collaborations, Hwang has been working on expanding the Squid Game universe in a way that stays true to its nihilistic view of humanity.

The second season picks up where the first left off, with Seong Gi-hun, also known as player 456, trying to use his winnings to shut down the games for good. Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, has spent the past few years isolated and paranoid, planning his next move. He eventually finds the salesman, a mysterious figure who seems to take pleasure in terrorizing the poor and destitute.

The first few episodes of the new season focus on exploring the show's strange world, delving deeper into the characters of the salesman and the guards who patrol the games. The games themselves don't appear until later in the season, but when they do, they're just as brutal and intense as before. The twist this time around is that Gi-hun is the only returning player, and the new cast of characters brings fresh stories and motivations to the table.

The games have been changed up, with new challenges and obstacles for the contestants to overcome. The show's creator has managed to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation, making the second season feel both like a remix of the original and a natural progression of the story. The tension is palpable, and the show's exploration of class conflict and the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy is just as timely and relevant as ever.

The season culminates in a bloody massacre that pushes Squid Game further into horror territory than it's ever been. While the cliffhanger ending may be disappointing for some, it sets the stage for a third and final season that promises to shake up the games themselves.

Overall, Squid Game season 2 is a triumphant return for the Netflix series. It's a testament to the show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, that he's been able to stay true to the show's vision and themes despite the pressure to cash in on its popularity. With its clever twists on the formula and storylines that hit even bloodier notes, Squid Game season 2 is a must-watch for fans of the original.

Squid Game season 2 starts streaming on Netflix on December 26th. Don't miss it.