 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
I watched Alice In Borderland, Season 2, and there was so much significance in it that I must speak about it.
Alice in Borderland is a Netflix series based on a manga (from which an anime also came) and produced in Japan. It is mainly categorized as a Science Fiction Thriller, though Horror is also prevalent in it. It premiered on December 2020 and, although it wasn’t as popular as Squid Game, it was well-received. On December 2022, the second season was released.
Since I’m generally into anything regarding dystopias and survival, it appealed to me. But more than that, the story and the characters were impactful and memorable while the games and signs in it were intriguing and compelling. I may not have been counting the minutes for it, but I was definitely looking forward to more.
Alice in Borderland is something I can recommend to anyone who’s into seeing the twisted sides, interpreting possible and potential meanings, making it in and out of challenging situations and circumstances, sticking together through thick and thin, and wondering what else could be beyond us.
SPOILER ALERT!
If you haven’t watched it yet and you don’t want it spoiled for you, stop reading!
There are spoilers ahead.
 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
Basically, Alice in Borderland is about a strange event, in which a number of people are suddenly transported to what seems to be a virtual reality or an alternate dimension. Perhaps somewhere in the future. Whatever the case, this world resembles their former one, as though it is the same, but only a few people are around and they are forced into joining deadly games to extend their stay (and not be killed). They have a “visa” system in place for this and laws by which they must abide. This coerced them all to become players in order to survive.
In the first season, a number of select people are introduced to this world. Lost and confused, they begin making sense of what is happening and familiarizing themselves with what the consequences of their actions (or lack thereof) are. Some with more knowledge and experience than others would share information or offer assistance to newcomers. And rumor had it that a community existed and was formed to make matters easier. In the second season, those that made it alive despite the ruthlessness and viciousness of the games get closer to finding out what it is all about and meet the world’s “citizens”.
 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
The games are represented by the cards in the classic playing cards deck.
The Number Cards vs The Face Cards
On the first round, the players were participating in games represented by the number cards - the higher the number, the higher the difficulty. Whereas, on the second round, the remaining games are represented by the face cards - where the remaining players would be going against Jacks, Queens, and Kings.
The Suits
Interestingly, as another layer to it, the suits vaguely refer to the type of game.
♠ Spade games tend to be aggressive and violent.
(Often involving tenacious sports and battles.)
♦ Diamond games tend to deal with practicality and pragmatism.
(Often requiring meticulous calculations.)
♣ Club games tend to encourage and reinforce teamwork.
(Often making it essential to work well with others.)
♥ Heart games tend to go deep and insidiously get under and alter participants.
(Often turning them against each other or themselves.)
 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
The Games
Typically, games are scattered around at different locations and the players can seek them out and opt to join them before they begin. However, there are exceptions where, to the contrary, the games seek the players out and include them without their consent. Furthermore, certain games show more malice than others, preying on the players’ vulnerabilities and putting them at a major disadvantage.
Apparently, the citizens in King, Queen, and Jack positions of authority all have the ability to create their own games. As game masters and hosts, they may be merciful or merciless, or start one way and end up another. And although there are rules to respect, they still hold power to advance or sabotage the players. The King of Clubs, for example, risked his chances and put his own life on the line by mentoring and sympathizing with the leader of the opposing team.
 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
Symbolism
Alice in Borderland, much like Alice in Wonderland, is greatly symbolic. Besides the blatant and explicit symbols making up the structure and components of the tournament, countless details point to what goes unsaid. Some stand out as what could mean something more, while others are so integrated and camouflaged that they are likely to be overlooked or taken at face value.
In any case, as the search for truth drives the protagonists, it becomes clear that looking for hints and clues all around is part of the experience. Hunting for literal evidence, too, as this surreal space can be quite maddening and call for firm answers.
 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
Philosophy
And of course, where life is concerned, there are philosophical questions. Anything from whether life is worth living or not, what the purpose of it is, to how to live it well and without regrets. Certain issues and dilemmas are brought up, as unsettling as they may be, and presented for consideration. Views and opinions vary between the characters and, as astute as they may appear, may be off or incomplete, giving room to reconsider and showing where one got it twisted or has shortcomings.
They are also ultimately given a choice. To become permanent residents or to return to where they came from. And this choice is supposed to reveal what kind of person they really are. However, I don’t believe that to be very telling. Some people are simply tired of the games or have their reasons.
 |
| Alice in Borderland [Season 2] (2022) |
The MVP
With so many assists and sacrifices, as well as numerous relevant factors and variables, gauging who the most valuable player is can be difficult or downright impossible. And although the story begins with his friends betting on him as the one who would survive a zombie apocalypse and continues showing him as victorious or even indispensable, Arisu has many people to thank for making it that far. And some luck (if not divine intervention). It is true that as a gamer he has an advantage, but these games put plenty to the test. And ultimately, it is not about who is the best.
The games may not be completely over yet as, in the end, we see a last card: The Joker. And judging by the complexity of the surpassed games and their increasing sophistication, I doubt that the game (or games) represented by The Joker will consist of no more than foolish antics by a clown. But we will see if there’s a Season 3.
Overall, though, the players definitely leveled up - even if they have little to no conscious recollection of the ordeal. Maybe changed for the better, too.
To you, what is the worst game to participate in?