“Alice in Borderland” made its debut in 2020 as a gripping survival drama that skillfully combined intense games with a character-driven narrative. The second season elevated the suspense by unraveling the central mystery of the Borderland and left fans with a tantalizing Joker card hinting at more to come. Season 3 has now landed on Netflix, venturing into uncharted territory beyond the original manga storyline. Despite its ambitious goals, “Alice in Borderland” Season 3 struggles with inconsistencies in pacing, character development, and the quest for resolution.
The latest season kicks off in the real world, where Arisu and Usagi are trying to lead a peaceful life as a married couple after their harrowing experiences. However, their tranquility is short-lived as Usagi’s unresolved grief over her father’s absence makes her susceptible to the manipulations of Ryuji Matsuyama, a researcher fixated on proving the existence of Borderland. Matsuyama’s quest leads him to Sunato Banda, who, along with Yaba, opted to stay in Borderland in the previous season. Banda now acts as a recruiter, enticing people into the deadly games under false pretenses. Through Usagi’s vulnerabilities, Banda manages to pull her back into the dangerous realm, prompting Arisu to follow suit, setting the stage for a new round of challenges with the enigmatic Joker card at the helm.
Initially, the setup is promising as the early games maintain the tension that the series is known for, featuring thrilling scenarios like flaming arrows, lethal train rides, and intricate puzzles that push the players to their limits. However, as the season progresses, the narrative loses its momentum. The episodes, although reduced to six from the previous eight, drag on for over seventy minutes each, resulting in a bloated storyline. The once tight survival narrative gives way to sluggish melodrama, with games overstaying their welcome and losing their edge. The intricate strategies that once defined the show are overshadowed by chaotic spectacle, diminishing the sense of purposeful gameplay. The Tokyo Tower Bingo game lacks suspense, the zombie card sequence feels drawn out, and even the climactic finale struggles to maintain coherence amidst its complexity.
The character development in Season 3 is another contentious issue. Arisu and Usagi, previously portrayed as rational and grounded individuals, find themselves embroiled in arcs that deviate from their established personas. Arisu is thrust into a chosen one role burdened with mythical significance, diluting his relatable charm. Usagi’s erratic decisions and motivations veer off course from her established character traits, weakening the authenticity of her choices. The supporting cast introduces intriguing new characters like Matsuyama and Ryuji, but their development is delayed, reducing their impact to emotional triggers rather than fully realized personas. Established characters like Banda and Yaba, who exuded menace in the previous season, are underutilized, failing to deliver the anticipated gravitas to the narrative. Only Ken Watanabe manages to leave a lasting impression in his brief yet captivating appearance, adding depth to the otherwise faltering ensemble.
Visually, the series continues to shine with its striking cinematography, capturing the intensity of the games with cinematic finesse. The thematic exploration of survival, sacrifice, and existential dilemmas remains a strong point, grounding the fantastical elements in real-world anxieties. However, the late integration of themes like climate change feels more obligatory than impactful, missing the mark on delivering a profound commentary.
In conclusion, “Alice in Borderland” Season 3 has its moments of brilliance, showcasing thrilling games and moral quandaries that resonate with viewers. While the dynamic between Arisu and Usagi still captivates, the season falters in maintaining a consistent narrative flow and character integrity. The ambitious scope of the show sets it apart in the survival thriller genre, but its lack of source material to guide the storytelling results in forced resolutions and convoluted plotlines. Ultimately, the season falls short of recapturing the enigmatic allure of the Borderland, sacrificing ambiguity for clarity and losing the essence that made the series exceptional.