Squid Game

This Korean drama is absolutely brutal to watch but I got completely hooked from episode 1. It gets so much right about human psychology and social dynamics - which wouldn't work if it wasn't for some really great performances from the main cast, particularly Lee Jung-jae who plays Seong Gi-hun. He basically carries the entire series. (the western actors playing VIPs are laughable and their stunted dialogue brings any scene there in to a grinding halt though!). And the production value and set design are amazing - the entire series is worth it just to see the bright and bubble-gum colors of the M.C. Escher hallway. However, I had major issues with the finale. I already mentioned my issue with the VIPs (plus the homophobia on display that episode made it even worse and made me wish they jetisoned the entire backstory), but the penultimate contest seemed poorly selected as it didn't fit the theme as well as the other childhood games and the cross-cutting between the VIPS (blurgh), the intruder/cop side story, and the contestants detracted from the overall experience - and I won't get into the extreme annoyance I felt watching the last 10 minutes. But all in all, I still thoroughly enjoyed Squid Game - I just wish it stuck the landing better.