Alice in Borderland Season 3

Happy ending but...

A lot of people seem to have issues with this season because of nostalgia, and lack of references to earlier seasons. My only real complaint is the hint at a U.S. spin-off in the last scene. I'm going to pretend as it doesn't exist. Overall, they did a great job introducing new characters and handling the storytelling. The baby plot annoyed me a bit, but considering Japan’s low birthrate, I have a feeling this trope is here to stay. In addition, it wasn't nearly as annoying it was in a Squid Game. The standout newcomers for me were the actors who played Rei, Yuna, and Tetsu. I also really appreciated how they included the old characters with special cameos that felt natural. All in all, I'm glad that they managed to conclude the series on a happy note. Writers need to normalize happy endings.

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Average because Seasons 1 & 2 set the Bar High

For me, Alice in Borderland Season 3 was average compared to the first two seasons. It had its moments, but it didn’t live up to the high standards set before. Here’s why:

🔹 Versatility

The first two seasons gave us real versatility — diverse strengths of characters, different ages and personalities, backstories that made even villains compelling, and the clever parallels to Alice in Wonderland. Every main character had their own strength: some excelled in mind games, some in physical battles, some in leading, and some in simply playing an unforgettable villain.

Season 3, however, felt like it revolved almost entirely around Arisu and Usagi. Yes, Rei and Ryuji were interesting additions, but they weren’t enough to match the level of depth and charisma from earlier seasons. Season 1 & 2 set a standard of rich ensemble characters, but this season fell short of that balance.

🔹Game Strategies

At first, I honestly thought Arisu had lost his brain. Later, his spark came back, but it was never quite enough. In previous seasons, Arisu impressed us with both physical and psychological tactics — his strategies were sharp, creative, and thrilling to watch. Fans loved the way he thought through problems. But this season felt different. His planning seemed weaker, and the other players just followed him blindly without offering their own ideas. That took away some of the excitement and teamwork that made earlier seasons so engaging.

🔹 The Games

The games in Season 3 were decent but not as fascinating as the ones in Seasons 1 & 2. The psychological games lacked the depth that made earlier ones iconic. For example, the “thinking game” felt too easy — if Chishiya had been there, it would’ve been solved in no time. The physical games also seemed less intense compared to previous seasons, which lowered the tension.

🔹 Ryuji

Ryuji was one of the most disappointing parts of the season. His character had huge potential, but the writing let him down. He often came across as confused, sometimes wanting to save Usagi, other times wanting to kill her. This inconsistency made his arc frustrating. With stronger writing, Ryuji could’ve been as powerful and memorable as Ann, but instead, he felt wasted.

🔹 Netflix’s Influence

I really blame Netflix here. The first two seasons were written with passion, but this season felt more like a money grab. The ending was especially frustrating — recycling elements from Squid Game like sacrifice, children, and even hints at an American spin-off. Sure, both Alice in Borderland and Squid Game are different stories, but Netflix made them feel similar in a way that invites unnecessary comparisons. Instead of finishing strong, it felt like they were trying to stretch the franchise for profit.

🔹 The Real Mission

We all expected Season 3 to finally give us answers — the ultimate mystery behind the Borderland. But instead, it added more questions while solving almost nothing. The story pulled us deeper into another version of “Alice,” leaving the mysteries of reality still unresolved.

What I Did Like

It wasn’t all bad. In fact, some aspects were brilliant:

-First of all, it has some great CGI scenes. Oh my goodness, the CGI was so on point and looked really suitable for the new era. And the beauty of the cinematography — I noticed they used the black-and-white theme really well. The flood scene and the time-stopping in that scene are two of my favorites.

The concepts of the games really matched well with the Joker card. The Joker card usually means chaos, unpredictability, and potential. In the zombie game, most people thought it was best if players stayed human. But in the end, we could see that being a zombie was actually a good idea. If everyone became a zombie, they wouldn’t have needed shotguns or vaccines, and just by playing a random card game, they could have passed. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) Also, in the last game, Arisu was the real winner. This shows the unpredictable side of our life and the game of cards. The Joker might not be useful or powerful in some games, but it can change the possible future unpredictably. But again, “Joker is just a card,” just like the hat man said. It only distinguishes between death and life, but this very card holds the unpredictability of future actions. At first, we thought Banda might be the Joker, but the truth is the Joker is nothing and everything at the same time.

Lessons: S3 played a big role in giving lessons. In Season 3, we can see many lessons that really connect with the real world. Even though everything is in the hands of someone greater, you can always choose to be who you want. The hat guy, who might seem like the Joker, I think, is more like the Grim Reaper — dressed in all black, standing between life and death. Even though Arisu’s life depended on his choice, he somehow managed to win because of his own will. It also shows that helping others never goes to waste — everyone paid back their kindness to Arisu. I also loved when they showed them their future. Even though some of them believed it, real fate is in their own hands. That’s why Arisu did not pick the doors just because they showed him a possible future — but built his own way.
A big thanks for bringing Ken Watanabe, the legend who played major roles in Inception, The Last Samurai, Batman Begins, and Pokémon Detective Pikachu.
Chishiya’s Cameo: A small moment but deeply satisfying. Just as Chishiya and Arisu had challenged each other in games, their brief exchange in this season carried emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Season 3 left me with a bittersweet feeling. The acting was top-notch, and the production quality was amazing, but the storytelling lacked the same fire as the first two seasons. It failed to give the closure we wanted, introduced underdeveloped characters, and leaned too heavily on familiar tropes.

Yes, it delivered powerful visuals, meaningful lessons, and a few standout moments — but considering the brilliance of Seasons 1 & 2, this finale felt like a letdown. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the great conclusion we hoped for either.

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An afterthought - I mean the season feels like an afterthought

The announcement of a third season itself felt like a capitalisation effort if I'm being honest - on the back of it's own popularity because the finale of season 2 of Alice in Borderland, except for a tiny bit, didn't really leave much to interpretation. I liked that about it. I was confused sure, had a ton of questions but I was satisfied with the ending. So when it was announced that it's coming back for another season, I thought 'yeah.. alright.. maybe we get some answers'
But now I'm just disappointed that I didn't anticipate my disappointment.

Firstly, and again, it's not like there was room for much interpretation except for that very last scene in the previous season finale. But I do appreciate a show that can end satisfactorily and still leave a bit to the imagination. Revisiting that plot over and over again kind of takes away the shock factor because you know what's coming.

I was going to watch it anyway though, and surprisingly, it held up so well! The story picked up perfectly from where it left off, the premise was quite exciting because all the characters, old and new, were now back in Borderland playing against the Joker, in a seemingly no structure, no rules situation - which I loved. It is the perfect embodiment of the joker card condensed into a plot.

The new characters were surprisingly very immediately likeable (which I've found is quite rare in sequels), the games once again had me on the edge of my seat, sometimes even made me cry (because we all know what goes down in them) and just watching Arisu on screen again was nice because I love Alice in Borderland. With each episode, the story just kept clicking into place and I was so happy. Finally! A sequel that felt fresh and innovative.

That thought lasted four episodes. Longer than I thought it would but not long enough. Because with every other scene, this season was starting to look more and more like another show I know. One that Netflix released just a while ago, one that I would rather not talk about. Not a huge deal in the massive scheme of things, but unfortunately, this is also where I started losing interest. They did manage to reel me back in with the final game, but wow. That finale..

I did not like that finale. Because I did not sit through five good episodes to end it with a debate on the crisis of existence. It left me with so many questions, and not any that I could answer myself. By the time it was over, I repeatedly asked myself 'that's it?'
Because all that happened, felt like it needn't have happened. The way they concluded it just felt so unsatisfactory and that's when I realized that right from the beginning, all the returning characters were behaving very uncharacteristically and at the end, I had recieved no answers to my questions from season 2.

This finale was not it, but even worse was the very last scene. For the love of all things good, let's not make this a habit. I'll once again mention the show I will not mention because they pulled the same thing months ago. LET'S STOP MILKING THE COW.
We do not need a remake. We do not need another sequel. Let's just not. This season itself felt like an afterthought, we do not need more.

This was a strange experience - I enjoyed it, but I'm still not satisfied. I loved seeing more, but I don't think the story needs to be developed any more! While it was nice to see all the characters from the first couple of seasons again, I hope they don't revamp this plot.

For six episodes, this was mostly enjoyable. If you enjoyed the prequels, chances are you will enjoy this season as well. You might also be just that bit disappointed, but it's fair.

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Finally the finale

I like that viewers think they know the material better than the author himself.
I enjoy watching how their "wants" override all common sense.
Quote end.

I was against the third season because it could destroy the logic of the first two. Preserving the essence of the original source was the director's main task. They preserved it, added to it, and finished it off beautifully, revealing the rest of the characters at the end. They were assisted by the author, Haro Aso.

From the very beginning, three seasons were planned. They took a long time to film it because Kento is a very busy actor. He is simultaneously filming several very complex projects. And Tao was also pregnant. The director was also busy with another project. Filming resumed when the three of them were free.

I had a biased attitude, but I decided not to be a jerk and use my head a little.

Most people can't calm down because their favorite characters didn't participate in the games in season 3. Apparently, these people wanted their favorite characters to die. The new characters were enjoyable. And they didn't have (what people like to call) plot armor. Any one of them could die suddenly. And it was no worse than the unkillable group of friends in the second season. Negative attitudes interfere with viewing and turn off the brain.

The games were as creative as in previous seasons.
They were not boring. There were many games in the first and second seasons that could also be called this. Therefore, I do not consider this assessment objective.

Haro Aso is a master at inventing games.

The reason for Usagi to be in the game is weak. But it is not without meaning.
But, in my opinion, whatever the reason, people would still be unhappy.
They've simply got it into their heads that this season shouldn't exist, and this prevents them from adequately perceiving information.


Ken Watanabe as the overlord was a pleasant surprise.
The most important thing for me was Arisu's meeting with the Overlord. This is an important scene that was missing from season two. The meeting was epic. They did it very well.
Many people don't understand at all that he is not a game master. He is the Host of the Borderland, who maintains order. He is an ancient, wise, tired deity.

The Joker is not an ordinary face card. He is the personification of destiny. The Joker is always there, like a Domokl sword.

Technically, the Joker was Banda, but in fact it was not. The Overlord needed a strong soul, so of all who remained, it was Banda. But power ended up in the hands of a psychopath who turned the Borderland into his playground (because he was bored). There are never many people in the Borderland. After all, this is a border, not the world of the dead.

Well, Banda failed to fulfill his role, so the master killed him. It's logical.

At the end they showed the good old line-up. The characters are doing well, their lives have improved, and they're moving on. It's tempting to tell the "fans" to leave them alone. I think it's much better to see them happy than dead. I'm glad the director didn't give in to the whims of capricious fans.

I didn't agree with all the script decisions. But that wasn't a reason for me to lower my rating. We are not obliged to always agree with the author and that is okay.
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I don't know how to write reviews aha-ha-ha... Sorry for my English

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Unnecessary addition, but still intriguing

Although an unnecessary addition and maybe Netflix's cash grabbing opportunity, this original material got me excited nonetheless, although I didn't kept much expectation.

Season 3 starts with an obsessed professor to have a near life-or-death experience. He lures Usagi to the game again, ultimately causing Arisu to join the game.

As we saw in the earlier seasons, this piece continues to give us high stakes game that are thrilling, although a bit sluggish at times. The new characters doesn't create much impact, except Rei. This season has less episodes compared to S1 and S2, however the slow pacing (especially in Eps 5 and 6) makes it less intriguing.

From games perspective, some were fresh while some were seen in earlier seasons which automatically diminished my excitement a little. The emotional aspect was given more weightage towards the final episodes.

Coming to the finale, I would say it gave us little answers and more questions. Although we got to take a look into Borderland's existence, we didn't get much insight though. Viewers maybe divided with the season finale in my opinion.

Overall, Season 3 of Alice In Borderland is an unnecessary addition, that still manages to engage it's viewers with high stake contests and the lead characters. An enjoyable season, if not fulfilling or relevant.

My Rating : 7.5/10

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Another money grab at the expense of story telling

Alice in Borderland joins the growing list of excellent kdramas that are being exploited for further gain by adding additional seasons that do not compare to the original. The Uncanny Counter, Sweet Home, and Squid Game have all proven that this money grab by Netflix will ultimately end up disappointing the viewers and this third season is no exception. While not the worst offender in this new season it still lacks the reasoning and plot cohesion to justify continuing the story.

This season does manage to maintain the level of graphics and game quality with that insane deadly adrenaline that previous seasons had but the pacing and overall character development leaves the characters feeling hollow and unmemorable. The why's for all the important questions are flimsy and not very believable. Why do they return? Why only those that have been before? Why is Joker looking for them? Why is she suddenly depressed over her dead father? Why is Ryuiji weirdly obsessed with her? None of the answers provided by the show feel accurate to previously established character development and story progression/rules nor does it give strong enough reasoning to make the explanation feel satisfying.

This season also fails to really bring Borderland to its full potential like the previous seasons. Previous seasons had the rules for the cards which were suit coded and numbered which provided clues for the type of games and the difficulty that gives them time if they survive them. In this season since it is only Joker the participants are unable to choose their games and must compete in all of them leaving all the previous rules behind which I could understand since Joker is often the wildcard but then the show fails to give any further gravity or conclusion leaving the ending feeling flat and pointless. The money grab for an American spinoff to match Squid Games is also really obnoxious.

Overall this felt a bit boring and does not come close to the previous seasons but I did not hate it and found it mostly watchable. Just set your expectations for mediocre.

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make it make sense pls

Not one bit of the story made any sense. First of all, Usagi going back to the borderland, aparently willigly, made absolutely no logic. Why was she going after her father, who is obviously not there? She was the one who managed to take Arisu out of his stupor on the end of season 2 so they could LEAVE the borderland and now she just blindly goes after ilusions? Also, she was one of the strongest of the games, and in the end she gets carried away by a man who wants to bring her to the death hole and does not try to fight him back AT ALL? also when he dies she wails in pain wtf was happening, he was trying to kill you, girl!! i could not understand their relationship at all, the writers seemed to give more meaning to usagi and ryuji than to usagi x arisu. also, i couldn't care less about all of the other characters bc they didn't give them enough screentime to make me care. and then, when they were all about to die, they would drag some flashback out of nowhere to try to make me sad and i would just think "I WANNA SKIP". also, nothing was mindblowing, the ending seemed forced and nonsense. I also didn't understand why they wanted Arisu to stay in the borderland as a citizen. at least they showed us the other characters we care about at the end.
and then we get to the US and have the same fucking type of ending as squid game, a hint that they'll continue the series in the US............... yeah, here we go again, the us ruining a good show out of their greed. it's better if we pretend this season didn't exist

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Arisu & Usagi is the luckiest character i've ever seen

Banyak banget yg harus dibahas, ending game ngga clear kayak season sebelumnya. Tapi yang lebih aku sorot di sini chemistrynya Arisu Usagi as couple married tuh kurang banget, sama plot armor mereka yg lumayan tebel pas scene pusaran air itu, beruntung bgt bisa selamat tanpa tertimpa, tertusuk, dan terseret puing-puing bangunan tinggi di sekitar mereka.

Disamping itu aku suka banget banyak karakter ga penting langsung mati gitu, I feel so satisfied.

Dan Usagi aku hampir kesel sama aku waktu kamu bilang "Kita bisa bertemu di sini berkat dia" Instead of kamu nanya kenapa arisu dateng juga NYAMPERIN KAMU KE BORDERLAND.

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Good in my brain but average in my heart

It was great seeing these characters again, and in general, I do feel like S3 stayed true to the characters and to the heart of what the Borderlands have meant up till now, but ultimately this season was sort of missing that spark that S1 had in particular, and while I did hope for a S3 because I am an amnesia trope hater, this one ultimately still feels a bit tacked on.

One part of that is the side characters. We always have a little cast of B characters, and while S3's weren't annoying of out-of-place necessarily, I definitely found them the least memorable, aside from the professor/doctor. It doesn't help that Arisu and Usagi spend 95% of the season apart, so we really have no pre-established relationships to rely on for those deep, yet comfortable scenes that gave the show a lot of heart. Arisu/Usagi scenes were probably the strongest in the entire season.

The games ARE fun though, and as usual I enjoyed the stunts a lot. The climax delivers in terms of cinematography and stakes, and the cameos we get at the end are fun and really do provide closure. I'm glad we got this season, but I do think I never quite felt the gut punch I wanted.

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Entertaining but characters’ motives were unclear

Let me start by saying that seasons 1 and 2 were 10/10 and the ending of season 2 gave a lot of opportunities for this season to be just as awesome.

However, the story fell flat. The motives of the characters were maybe the biggest issue for me. Like why would Usagi, a happily married woman, suddenly leave without saying anything to her husband? And were she trying to find her father or what? And why would the ”citizens” want Arisu there?? Etc.

Also I didn’t like at all the theme of ”saving Usagi” as a starter for the season. It would have been better if they were both forced to go and then separated for some reason.

The feeling of mystery was also gone in this season since we already knew that they had to play until they win the last game and get to go back to real world. And that they were in between life and death and that there were people running the games.

The games were okay but not nearly as intriguing as in previous seasons. The last game focused too much on the videos which the gamers believed to be true too easily.

Overall it was still entertaining but there was so much lost potential.

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Season 2 already did what Season 3 tried to do, better

This is one of my favorite series ever, following this closely ever since its release in 2020. I rated the first 2 seasons high, with Season 2 scoring a perfect 10/10 from me.

Season 3 though....WTF. The theme is still there, but S2 already delivered the message way better than S3 ever could.

My problem lies not in the new characters, because frankly, I loved this new cast and appreciate how much we got to know about them despite only 6 episodes. I wasn't super attached, but still liked them---I liked Rei, Nobu, Ryuji, pretty much everyone. My problem is the redundancy. The more you learn about the borderlands, the less it is about the games and more about humanity. I liked the idea they had going in the last 2 episodes, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking that I thought it NEEDED 2 whole episodes.

They ran out of ideas to make it emotional and so deeply psychological. What is the meaning of life, why are they fighting for their lives again sure, but S2 still moves me as the best ending. As much as I liked certain aspects of S3, it should've ended at the Queen of Hearts.

Arisu still got it in him, I liked the games and his ability to think under pressure is my favorite thing about him, ever. I also love that the focus was on Usagi a lot this time, but I critically question whatever was going on between her and Ryuji. They didn't need to write her to be so empathetic and protective towards him, when he brought her back to the borderlands against her own will. As a standalone character though, I enjoyed Ryuji's addition to the storyline.

I will pretend I didn't see the teaser ending. I'm gonna miss AIB though, thanks for the memories :'(

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