S02.E01: Bread and Lottery

[AnimeMania]

A vengeful Gi-hun makes a U-turn at the airport. Later, in his hideout, he intensifies his search for the elusive recruiter who is seeking new players.

Premiere Date: December 26, 2024      Netflix 

[Hanahope]

Poor Mr. Kim.  So much smarter than his employee.  
 

Little tid bits of some new players.

Gi-hun won’t let go. Neither will Jun-ho.  

[Helena Dax]

I enjoyed it. The ending was great, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I also liked that we learnt more things about the recruiter and how he ended up doing what he did. (Not anymore, though). He was a very disturbed individual, but I guess you need to be if you're working for the Squid Game people. 

[dubstepford wife]

Coffee Prince was my very first K-drama.  It's nearly 20 years old.  And Gong Yoo has not aged a day.

It's also very, very, very weird to see him as an absolute psychopath.  

Spoiler

He definitely had fun with the scene with the bread in the park.  It's a glimpse into the recruiter's true nature.  He presents himself as an extremely elegant and calm individual, but he squashed all that bread with just a little bit too much enthusiasm.  And then later when he talked about shooting his father in the games, he had serious crazy eyes.  I can't tell what I think is creepier, his barely suppressed glee at the thought of killing people in cold blood, or In Ho's complete and utter detachment from any and all feelings.

 

[kittykat]

Well that didn't disappoint.

I think Gong Yoo might have a good chance at that guest actor Emmy.  What a great turn as the recruiter.  We also learned that he was a masked man.  We still don't know how they get brought in.

Interesting that Mr. Kim caught on before the police that a bunch of people mysteriously disappearing every year and not paying their loans is a red flag that something sinister is afoot.  Not gonna lie the subs referring to his lackeys as thugs gave me a laugh.

Not too much with the new players but hopefully Jun-Ho and Gi-Hun will meet up soon.

That Russian Roulette at the end was damn fine television.  

[Meedis]

Wow.   Wasn't sure how they would top Season 1.   But so far looks like the new season is up for the challenge.    It was very interesting seeing how things play out.   I assume the surviving "thug" is now going to be one of the players in the new game.

Gong Yoo definitely bought it this episode.  It was good seeing more of his story.  I'll admit I wasn't sure whether he or Lee Jung-jae would make it through Russian Roulette.    With each empty shot, the tension increased.   They also played the game without cheating and shooting the other though I liked how they both parroted that thought to keep the other from doing just that.

Appropriate song during the final Russian Roulette.   "Time To Say Goodbye".  Well played, show!

[driver18]

That was an amazing first episode. Excellent continuation of last season, beautiful character work, and such an intriguing start with a brilliant final scene. I can't wait to go on!

[Oscirus]

Gong yoo said Im just gonna go ahead and gobble up everything in site. Between this and train to busan, the only reason he wont get more american roles is because he doesnt want them. wow.

Very nice intro. But there was two characters that were interesting and one of them died.

[iMonrey]

I didn't remember anything about Jun-ho from the first season. I had only the vaguest recollection of him. Fortunately I found a very good Season 1 recap on YouTube to refresh my memory.

Personally I think the season is off to a rather slow start.

[tennisgurl]

That was one hell of a strong start, this show really does give you the feeling of a slap to the face. 

Mr. Kim noticing that something is up because the people who owe money to him keep disappearing is not something that I thought of at all but makes total sense. 

The recruiter guy is terrifying, it was really cool to see more of him, he had a real Patrick Bateman sort of vibe. Seemingly very smooth and together but with this violent monster lurking just underneath.