This review may contain spoilers
Alice in Borderland: A Too Vague Ending for a Remarkable Series
I was really curious to see this season 3, especially after the memorable ending of season 2. The series could have very well ended there, but Netflix decided to make a sequel… and unfortunately, this season mostly feels like an unnecessary extension.
Right from the start, you can tell the tone has changed. The action gives way to a slower, more introspective, almost sad atmosphere. That’s fine the idea of exploring the return to “real” life, memory, and a blurry reality is interesting. But it clearly lacks strength, tension, and especially strong characters to carry this more psychological side.
The new characters, in particular, are a real weakness. Ryuji, who was supposed to be an important part of the mystery, is underused. Others like Mika or Sora just seem to be there to fill the story, without much development or emotional impact. None manage to reach the intensity or charisma of characters from previous seasons like Chishiya, Niragi, or Kuina.
And about the games: this is probably the biggest disappointment. There are very few of them, they are quite short, and really lack originality. While seasons 1 and 2 stood out with challenges mixing logic, strategy, violence, and psychological tension, here the games feel recycled or rushed. None really stick in your memory. Even the much-anticipated “Joker trial” lacks clarity and impact.
As for the main characters, Arisu remains consistent and well-written, but Usagi is clearly sidelined. She is at the center of the story, yet almost becomes secondary in her own plot. She deserved more presence and development.
Finally, the ending. It clearly plays on ambiguity with a metaphysical twist about the reality of the Borderland and the nature of existence. But instead of a “wow” effect, it mostly feels like the series leaves too many things unclear, as if it didn’t quite know how to finish. Many questions remain unanswered, and that frustrates more than it satisfies. It feels more like “we don’t know how to conclude” than a well-managed open ending.
Thank you *Alice in Borderland* for these 5 years...
Goodbye 👋🏻
Right from the start, you can tell the tone has changed. The action gives way to a slower, more introspective, almost sad atmosphere. That’s fine the idea of exploring the return to “real” life, memory, and a blurry reality is interesting. But it clearly lacks strength, tension, and especially strong characters to carry this more psychological side.
The new characters, in particular, are a real weakness. Ryuji, who was supposed to be an important part of the mystery, is underused. Others like Mika or Sora just seem to be there to fill the story, without much development or emotional impact. None manage to reach the intensity or charisma of characters from previous seasons like Chishiya, Niragi, or Kuina.
And about the games: this is probably the biggest disappointment. There are very few of them, they are quite short, and really lack originality. While seasons 1 and 2 stood out with challenges mixing logic, strategy, violence, and psychological tension, here the games feel recycled or rushed. None really stick in your memory. Even the much-anticipated “Joker trial” lacks clarity and impact.
As for the main characters, Arisu remains consistent and well-written, but Usagi is clearly sidelined. She is at the center of the story, yet almost becomes secondary in her own plot. She deserved more presence and development.
Finally, the ending. It clearly plays on ambiguity with a metaphysical twist about the reality of the Borderland and the nature of existence. But instead of a “wow” effect, it mostly feels like the series leaves too many things unclear, as if it didn’t quite know how to finish. Many questions remain unanswered, and that frustrates more than it satisfies. It feels more like “we don’t know how to conclude” than a well-managed open ending.
Thank you *Alice in Borderland* for these 5 years...
Goodbye 👋🏻
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