Alice in Borderland Season 3 Barely Justifies Its Existence

Netflix’s Japanese thriller Alice in Borderland returns with Season 3, a high-stakes continuation that feels both excessive and chaotic. While the show pioneered the “deadly games” concept before Squid Game, its latest season struggles to justify its existence while clearly taking inspiration from its Korean counterpart.

A Familiar Story with Higher Stakes

From the beginning of Season 3, it is Arisu who is drawn again into the land of the dreaded Borderlands. Higher stakes and a personal mission: His wife, Usagi, has joined the games pursuing a dream once shared by her late father, and Arisu must go after her to save both her and their unborn child. This plot follows the format of the preceding seasons with an attempt at cranking up the tension and intricacy levels.

Games Bigger, Harder, and More Complicated

The games in this season are larger and more intricate than ever. Unlike earlier installments, the Joker card’s games defy traditional suits. Challenges, such as a “rain of arrows,” combine luck, intelligence, and endurance, pushing Arisu to his limits. The thrill comes from decoding hidden clues within each game, a feature that gives Season 3 its few standout moments. Some sequences even resemble the puzzle-driven intensity of The Devil’s Plan, elevating the competition beyond simple survival games.

Too Much, Too Familiar

However, not all choices land successfully. Several plot twists, including the absurd integration of a newborn into the games, strain credibility and echo questionable decisions in Squid Game Season 3. The season’s ending also feels heavily inspired by its Korean rival, blurring originality and raising questions about influence versus imitation.

Overshadowed Yet Ambitious

While Alice in Borderland predates Squid Game, the Korean sensation has largely overshadowed it globally. This season, though arguably unnecessary, takes bolder risks, attempting to push the franchise into uncharted territory. Fans of mind-bending survival games will find some rewarding moments, but the narrative often feels weighed down by chaos and repetition.

Verdict

Alice in Borderland Season 3 is a visually thrilling but narratively thin continuation of the Borderlands saga. Its inventive games and high production values offer moments of excitement, yet the weak storyline and derivative beats make it feel like an unnecessary addition. For viewers seeking clever puzzles and intense action, it delivers—but for those craving a coherent and fresh narrative, this season may fall short.