The highly anticipated finale of Squid Game: The Challenge, which premiered on Wednesday, fell short of viewer expectations, transforming the thrilling show into a bore fest. Netflix, the streaming giant, aired the episode that determined the recipient of the substantial $4.6 million prize.
Adapted from the popular Korean drama Squid Game, the reality TV show had contestants engaging in games reminiscent of the series, featuring classics like Red Light, Green Light, Honeycombs, and Hopscotch.
With an initial pool of 456 players, the final episode narrowed down to three contestants: Player 016 Sam, Player 287 Mai, and Player 451 Phil. However, disappointment struck as the pivotal game, determining the fate of the series, turned out to be the simplistic Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Sam secured the third position after a chance button selection during the final three’s dinner. The remaining contestants were then tasked with playing multiple rounds of rock, paper, and scissors. Each won round granted the contestant a key, potentially opening a safe containing the prize.
Ultimately, Mai emerged victorious, selecting the correct key that unlocked a safe with a golden credit card inside.
Fan reactions flooded social media, expressing annoyance and dissatisfaction with the unexciting conclusion. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “It felt flat after such a great series,” while another netizen lamented the missed potential for a compelling ending, stating, “And they produced a finale worth skipping through. So boring.”