Literally Chishiya steals the show this episode another solid 8 for me like episode 3 and 4. The King of Diamonds is honestly the most crazy insane game of all I seen so far in the series as the players who get game over gets killed very brutally with sulfric acid (I know very brutal) instead of the usual quick death like gun shot, collar explosions or laser in the head. The diamond games to me are the deadliest compare to hearts due to ways on how it kill players who got a game over. Too bad season 1 did not show Chishiya's backstory of his participation of Six of Diamonds in the manga. That one players get hanged in result of game over which is very brutal in a game of Blackjack with similar format like this game where few players participate, only one survives which is Chishiya. In Season 1 episode 5 the 4 of diamond game was also deadly in way how they kill people, if Arisu didn't solve the game the entire players would have been electrocuted in the water.
10 Reviews
A whole lot of good with some missteps
samppawe29 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a bit torn about this show. Season 2 has had some amazing cinematography, great performances, awesome production design, music etc. But few of the episodes have had some questionable stuff to say the least.
The "guess the number" game in this episode is probably the most ridiculous game you could play for your lives. The rationale of the players make no sense and is overly complicated, probably because the game itself lacks any sense so they had to confuse you to stop thinking about it, and when Chishyua (probably spelling the name wrong) starts explaining his reasoning for guessing the exact number out of a 100 to the tenth of a decimal point, I was convinced the writers had written themselves into a bag which they had no clue how to get out of. Utterly laughable.
Then there is the game of tag with 5 minute rounds, that magically stretch or shrink in duration, depending on the needs of the script. Some rounds last 5 seconds with nothing getting done and some rounds have time for 10 minute gatherings with heroic speeches. Now obviously this is so they can build drama, but for my taste it's a bit too much to buy into.
Also, where are all these wimps and old people coming from into the final games? Judging from their actions they couldn't survive even the easiest games in the world, let alone these face card games.
The "guess the number" game in this episode is probably the most ridiculous game you could play for your lives. The rationale of the players make no sense and is overly complicated, probably because the game itself lacks any sense so they had to confuse you to stop thinking about it, and when Chishyua (probably spelling the name wrong) starts explaining his reasoning for guessing the exact number out of a 100 to the tenth of a decimal point, I was convinced the writers had written themselves into a bag which they had no clue how to get out of. Utterly laughable.
Then there is the game of tag with 5 minute rounds, that magically stretch or shrink in duration, depending on the needs of the script. Some rounds last 5 seconds with nothing getting done and some rounds have time for 10 minute gatherings with heroic speeches. Now obviously this is so they can build drama, but for my taste it's a bit too much to buy into.
Also, where are all these wimps and old people coming from into the final games? Judging from their actions they couldn't survive even the easiest games in the world, let alone these face card games.
A battle of beliefs
Mesina0228 February 2023
If your looking for a fast paced action heavy episode, you won't find it here unfortunately. But what you will get is some of the best character moments displayed in the show so far.
This is similar to how episode 5 was but what makes this a bit better than it is that it is able to have the game be as exhilarating while simultaneously having some emotional baggage to it.
The diamonds game was what caught my attention. The game itself was solidly constructed but I think what puts this amongst the best is the idea behind the game. Kuzuryu's choice on making the game fair for everyone is a testament to his character and his beliefs and I like how it imposes on Chishiya's beliefs as well knowing what he did before this.
This was such an interesting episode that certainly brings a lot into play.
This is similar to how episode 5 was but what makes this a bit better than it is that it is able to have the game be as exhilarating while simultaneously having some emotional baggage to it.
The diamonds game was what caught my attention. The game itself was solidly constructed but I think what puts this amongst the best is the idea behind the game. Kuzuryu's choice on making the game fair for everyone is a testament to his character and his beliefs and I like how it imposes on Chishiya's beliefs as well knowing what he did before this.
This was such an interesting episode that certainly brings a lot into play.
Love it or hate it. I loved it!
Ibsen33 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Scrutinised carefully, the negative comments here are indeed valid but I think they miss the point. From a philosophical point of view, the King of Diamonds game is beautifully realised and offers more insight into the background of the series. The game simply serves as the model for ideas in a quite abstract way that Japanese fiction often accomplishes. I don't care to scrutinise in this way as the soul of the King of Diamonds is laid bare, closing a link with the beach and allowing us to consider a theme that has long been missing: the value of a life. I found myself silently composing all manner of possibilities about the nature of the games and, in my view, this sort of apocalyptic reflection is what makes a show like this valuable.
It even goes some way towards justifying what appears to be Chishiya's apparent casual indifference and complete lack of fear. Although he may not have been a surgeon, there is nevertheless some credibility in him being a doctor with nerves of steel.
It even goes some way towards justifying what appears to be Chishiya's apparent casual indifference and complete lack of fear. Although he may not have been a surgeon, there is nevertheless some credibility in him being a doctor with nerves of steel.
Wow
FlorianLaur9 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I really liked season 2 so far, so much that I can't keep myself from watching just "one" episode per day. I don't quite understand why many people seem disappointed or dislike it. My friend who binged the show in a few days told me he felt disappointed, but so far, I can't agree.
The way the first game turned out, yeah, I can understand that the Queen didn't feel "threatening". But I think he and others forget how short-sighted and emotional most people behave, especially under stress.
Of course at first it seems like there's no way the players would voluntarily be on the Queen's team if they could easily win by just remaining one group. But once they chip away at that group and a loss seems possible, self preservation kicks in and the Queen does make a good point (although the players don't seem to see why).
We do know that she must have been playing that game for a long time because she's so hellbent on getting Arisu for her team because "he's my type". So through her, we get a good idea how lonely and sad this game actually is: You have to keep playing it with the same people and her team is very small to begin with for a game that she always won so far (that seems like a bit of a plothole, unless this was the first time the game was played).
It's the psychological part and the selfishness of people that makes this a dangerous game.
As to those who complain that the boy just shows up and then is immediately dropped, well...first of all, it does seem highly unrealistic a child could have lived through most of these games. But maybe he was just sent to this world? Also, he does have that lady who took him under her wings, so it does make some sense to leave him to her. They just helped him to extend his visa.
Now as for the second game, it was very tense. I especially liked the flashback and the speech by the King's boss. He does have a point about the law, but the King also has a point about having ideals and standing up for them.
I am not surprised that WESTERN audiences may not understand that concept anymore or think anyone would put so much meaning into it, but I think it makes a lot sense for a country where society functions the way it does because people were brought up this way for centuries.
I also thought Chisiya was betting on the King to make the choices he did, based on reading his character, so I wouldn't say it was unrealistic or dumb luck. I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if both had died or Chisiya had.
Speaking of him though, I do think he has Urbach-Wiethe disease, a very rare (400 recorded cases) condition where a person is incapable of feeling fear. Because tell me what you want, but logic only goes so far and he has shown that he doesn't seem capable of feeling fear before.
I was actually more surprised to see that he was a doctor in the real world. I never quite thought as what I imagined him before, but definitely not a doctor.
The King did win in a way, because Chisiya showed what choice he made in real life. He choose "the greater good" and saved recommended patients who kept the clinic open, understanding that he may help the patients who actually earned the surgery, but that eventually the result would be that all of those patients had to die and not just some. It's a mere logical decision, not a very humane or ethical one.
To me, this made it one of the best episodes of the show so far. I really like the world building that is done on this show and the focus on the value of life and what value we give it. None of the King's or Queen's seemed the least bit phased (not counting the selfish prison King and his game was one that didn't value life in any way) about their imminent death and I'm guessing all of this will bring us some conclusion later on in the show.
So don't watch this show if all you care about is gore or how you would like to see the show. Thinking like that has already ruined shows like Twin Peaks season 2 or Game of Thrones. Just enjoy the ride and be happy that there is thought-provoking tv like this:).
The way the first game turned out, yeah, I can understand that the Queen didn't feel "threatening". But I think he and others forget how short-sighted and emotional most people behave, especially under stress.
Of course at first it seems like there's no way the players would voluntarily be on the Queen's team if they could easily win by just remaining one group. But once they chip away at that group and a loss seems possible, self preservation kicks in and the Queen does make a good point (although the players don't seem to see why).
We do know that she must have been playing that game for a long time because she's so hellbent on getting Arisu for her team because "he's my type". So through her, we get a good idea how lonely and sad this game actually is: You have to keep playing it with the same people and her team is very small to begin with for a game that she always won so far (that seems like a bit of a plothole, unless this was the first time the game was played).
It's the psychological part and the selfishness of people that makes this a dangerous game.
As to those who complain that the boy just shows up and then is immediately dropped, well...first of all, it does seem highly unrealistic a child could have lived through most of these games. But maybe he was just sent to this world? Also, he does have that lady who took him under her wings, so it does make some sense to leave him to her. They just helped him to extend his visa.
Now as for the second game, it was very tense. I especially liked the flashback and the speech by the King's boss. He does have a point about the law, but the King also has a point about having ideals and standing up for them.
I am not surprised that WESTERN audiences may not understand that concept anymore or think anyone would put so much meaning into it, but I think it makes a lot sense for a country where society functions the way it does because people were brought up this way for centuries.
I also thought Chisiya was betting on the King to make the choices he did, based on reading his character, so I wouldn't say it was unrealistic or dumb luck. I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if both had died or Chisiya had.
Speaking of him though, I do think he has Urbach-Wiethe disease, a very rare (400 recorded cases) condition where a person is incapable of feeling fear. Because tell me what you want, but logic only goes so far and he has shown that he doesn't seem capable of feeling fear before.
I was actually more surprised to see that he was a doctor in the real world. I never quite thought as what I imagined him before, but definitely not a doctor.
The King did win in a way, because Chisiya showed what choice he made in real life. He choose "the greater good" and saved recommended patients who kept the clinic open, understanding that he may help the patients who actually earned the surgery, but that eventually the result would be that all of those patients had to die and not just some. It's a mere logical decision, not a very humane or ethical one.
To me, this made it one of the best episodes of the show so far. I really like the world building that is done on this show and the focus on the value of life and what value we give it. None of the King's or Queen's seemed the least bit phased (not counting the selfish prison King and his game was one that didn't value life in any way) about their imminent death and I'm guessing all of this will bring us some conclusion later on in the show.
So don't watch this show if all you care about is gore or how you would like to see the show. Thinking like that has already ruined shows like Twin Peaks season 2 or Game of Thrones. Just enjoy the ride and be happy that there is thought-provoking tv like this:).
Probably, one of the best episodes of season 2
funnycommentor11 February 2023
The plot of the 6th episode was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. The storyline was very well written, even though there are still many unanswered questions. The opening scene was super intense and finally we had the chance to watch an action filled game. Sadly, the next game wasn't really intense and it was kinda difficult to understand.. Actually, most games of season 2 are emotionally intense and they aren't really action-filled. The killcount of episode 6 was very bloody and most of the kills were definitely unexpected. The ending scene was very promising and I'm sure the following episode is gonna be really good.
two of the weakest games here
Ar_Pharazon_the_golden3 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The chasing game is conceptually silly, as in reality the risk is only to the 'kings'. The way it is handled in this and the previous episodes is also rather weak, as the 'challengers' do absolutely nothing for 14 rounds, and then suddenly win, let alone the rounds lasting however long the script needs them to.
Of course, the silliest part comes from the struggle to save "random child character", and then immediately abandoning him (?) the moment the game is over.
The king of Diamonds game is sort of interesting as an idea, although it is, in reality, largely a game of chance, rather than complex calculation which is what the the show tries to pretend (including in this try a guy who moves his hands around like a cartoon villain in what I think is an effort to appear as a savant - spoiler: he gets everything wrong). Because it is chance and Chinchila (you know who I mean) has little chance to turn things around at the end, he has to convince us that he simply convinces the King to lose on purpose. Which is stretching it veeeery much. Matched only by the utterly nonsensical explanation of how he guessed 'hysteric woman player #24' would pick either 62 or 74. I also have to say his background flashback is rather iffy, even if that's only because the guy is 25, and is supposed to be a cardiac transpland surgeon. However, despite the unconvincing game, the acting on the king of diamonds' part especially is good, and he manages to sell his part, despite the script weaknesses.
Of course, the silliest part comes from the struggle to save "random child character", and then immediately abandoning him (?) the moment the game is over.
The king of Diamonds game is sort of interesting as an idea, although it is, in reality, largely a game of chance, rather than complex calculation which is what the the show tries to pretend (including in this try a guy who moves his hands around like a cartoon villain in what I think is an effort to appear as a savant - spoiler: he gets everything wrong). Because it is chance and Chinchila (you know who I mean) has little chance to turn things around at the end, he has to convince us that he simply convinces the King to lose on purpose. Which is stretching it veeeery much. Matched only by the utterly nonsensical explanation of how he guessed 'hysteric woman player #24' would pick either 62 or 74. I also have to say his background flashback is rather iffy, even if that's only because the guy is 25, and is supposed to be a cardiac transpland surgeon. However, despite the unconvincing game, the acting on the king of diamonds' part especially is good, and he manages to sell his part, despite the script weaknesses.
Longest episode yet
Leofwine_draca6 March 2023
The sixth episode of the season and the longest yet at an hour and fifteen minutes. I really can't work out the running times of these because they're often slow and dialogue-heavy and yet the games themselves end up being rushed. The opening game carries over from the last episode is engaging enough and certainly action-packed, but they seem to skip a lot of it out so it makes it unbelievable. We then get a lot of stalling before we move onto the next game, which is one of the best of the entire season: vicious, suspenseful, and intelligent. It also plays out in a hurry, so much so that I was disappointed to see it end so quickly.
Alice in Borderland.
bombersflyup27 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This one has a long runtime. Arisu and Usagi had done nothing all game and she takes forever using up the entirety of the turn with a silly unmotivating speech and they somehow quickly turn it around Disney style. Only to leave the kid and be on their way just like I thought, totally worth it. The Diamond average game is okay at best, the deaths are gruesome at least. Know it all Chishiya blase about the whole thing, as usual. Spending the game trying to understand the creator's motivation, giving him no choice but to dictate the outcome, which he wants to do anything but. I find the resolution stupid though, killing himself for Chishiya. He's the one not making it fair, by forcing him to know the result. Not buying the flashbacks either.
While it attempts to be logical, it isn't
shivum17 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The game at the Supreme Court is meant to be a game of logic being played by very smart people. However in said game, choosing 0 will NEVER allow you to win the round, because the number can never be under 0. Choosing 1 is the most logical answer if you are attempting to choose the lowest number possible to win the round. For some reason, all these supposedly smart persons kept choosing 0 repeatedly, even all tying at once with 3 0's.
Sadly this TV show went from being great in season 1 to barely watchable in season 2. Every episode has either the thickest plot armor or completely illogical decisions being made by non-main characters.
Sadly this TV show went from being great in season 1 to barely watchable in season 2. Every episode has either the thickest plot armor or completely illogical decisions being made by non-main characters.
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