Random TV Show Review - Alice in Borderland (Seasons 1-2)

 

Netflix are really upping the ante on their offerings from the eastern side of the world. Some of which are following a similar formula to Squid Game, such as this one. Now, I know some of you might think that because of the name, this must be to do with the Borderlands games. It's not, far from it, in fact. What it actually is, is using the idea of Alice in Wonderland and turning it into a modern and bloody event series, as it were. Sounds interesting and with Squid Game on break at the moment, guess this will have to do to fill the void. So let's go and see what deadly things lurk here:

Season 1

A trio of friends causes an altercation in the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan. When they re-emerge, they find the city abandoned. At night, there are instructed by a billboard to enter a game arena, which soon leads to a series of deadly games. The difficulty and the type represented by a number and playing card symbol respectively. As this trio of friends continues to play the games, something isn't quite right, and it's up to Arisu (played by Kento Yamazaki) of the trio, to figure things out. Whether it be with his friends or going solo. With a very attractive and well acted cast, good cinematography and good use of violence and editing, this first season makes it stand out from Squid Game. The idea to use games to survive is similar, but the premise and everything else, very different. But good work for another Netflix original that looks very promising for future seasons. 9/10 

Season 2

And speaking of which, let's go onto season 2. A bit difficult to explain without giving away spoilers so to sum the story of season 2 up, the kings, queens and jacks reveal themselves and make themselves known to the players. Or do they? Either way, things soon get tough for Arisu and his allies as they continue to figure out just what is going on and find a way out of it all. The second season pretty much does what the first did with its story, acting, visuals, cinematography and so forth. Sadly, it does feel like an ending to the series, but who knows. Maybe we will get more should Netflix continue to be around (but even if they don't, other streaming platforms will take the rights no doubt). 9/10

Not so much an Alice in Wonderland sort of story, but I can understand why elements, such as playing cards, were used to make this show. It's pretty good with lots of edge of your seat moments, and it's a lot of fun to watch even if there are a few emotional moments here and there. 9/10