Alice in Borderland Season 2
Episode 1 No Recap
There are a bunch of beach people in a bunch of different cars - survivors anyway. They eventually saw the blimps and decided to come and investigate. Just one anti-tank rifle suddenly destroys several different people. No rule or reason is given behind it; it is massacre.
Running around the field trying to find a way out, Arisu leads the charge. Usagi and Arisu hide behind the cars as that ominous projectile flies overhead, raising the "King of Spades" banner. A cloaked figure approaches in the distance, what he assumes is the King of Spades, and desperately tries to escape. Thankfully, Ann and Tatta arrive in their car and enter. Unfortunately, Chishiya is stopped by a grenade launcher and forced to retreat.
As the survivors chase the hot spot of the battle, Arisu realizes what's going on here. Maybe it's a boss fight and the only solution is to defeat all four suit masters (symbolized by their blimps flying around) so they can move on to the next stage. That explains why there are no rules, and this Mira they saw in the game room during the finale could have been one of them. They need a full deck of cards to get home, at least if Hatter's theory is correct.
Suddenly, the King of Spades flies up to them, swings his weapon and fires at their vehicles. Ann takes the wheel and bombs him down the street. Unfortunately, they drive directly into another car and reverse. Everyone is still alive, but as soon as they get out of the car, the gunfire starts again. The King of Spades sprays bullets all over the road, but thankfully our heroes manage to find shelter in an abandoned store.
While there, we see a bit more of the past, including Arisu hanging out with her friends and Usagi being forced to deal with her father's departure. He lost his father before all of this happened, his last words calling him a liar, before he left to climb Mt. He was never heard from again after that.
Arisu tells her she understands, offering a sympathetic ear and shoulder to cry on. After all, Arisu hated the world before, but these games pushed him to become a better person. He's determined to do the right thing, and part of that comes from protecting Usagi no matter what.
Night turns to day and the King of Spades approaches. Arisu suggests trying to stay off the radar for him by getting involved in another game. They have to do something because their visas are running out. Although they are not in favor of playing more games, this can be a solution for them to get more time. Their target will be the closest King of Clubs here, and these games are generally about teamwork, so they won't be pitted against each other.
Four appear in port - Tatta, Kuina, Usagi and Arisu - but there's a problem. They need 5 for their team play. But behind them Niragi inexplicably appears. He's still alive, but there are concerns that he might completely sabotage their game. Still, it's a risk they're willing to take. Everyone puts on their bracelets and prepares for what's to come.
Walking into the wide open playing area, the King of Clubs appears next to his team (naked, I might add). They are all completely shocked by his appearance, especially when he reveals that they are residents of this town.
Episode Review
Alice in the Borderland is back and the first episode wastes no time in getting to the heart of the drama. Arisu and the others are under heavy fire from the King of Spades and have no choice but to return to the game. It looks like we'll get back to the Spades boss, but for now it's down to the King of Clubs and his group.
Squid Game's oft-overlooked Japanese sibling is arguably more complex with deeper world-building than its Korean sibling, and this episode is no exception. The way the show jumps into flashbacks to reveal certain aspects of the character's history is really well done, and it's helped a lot by the acting, which is solid throughout.
The ending hints at bigger things to come, and with most episodes now clocking in at around an hour, it looks like we're in for more drama!
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