In the climactic seventh episode of Squid Game's second season, titled 'Friend or Foe', the players find themselves at a critical juncture where the line between ally and adversary is starkly drawn. The episode, set against the backdrop of the game's relentless pressure, culminates in a violent rebellion led by Gi-hun, a desperate attempt to overthrow the game's orchestrators and bring an end to the carnage.
The episode picks up where the previous left off, with a brutal brawl in the bathroom that claims five lives, including that of Thanos, played by T.O.P. The Xs now have the upper hand, outnumbering the Os 48 to 47, but the anticipation of further violence is palpable as both sides prepare for the next day's vote.
Gi-hun, adopting the role of a military strategist, devises a plan to redirect the players' efforts towards the game's operators rather than each other. He instructs the Xs' best fighters to hide and play dead, aiming to catch the pink soldiers off guard and seize their weapons. This plan sets the stage for a chaotic and bloody confrontation.
As the Os attack, Gi-hun and his team stay hidden, listening to the screams of their fellow players. The first part of Gi-hun's plan executes without casualties, but the rebels soon find themselves outgunned and overwhelmed. In-ho saves Gi-hun from a soldier, highlighting the complexity of their relationship and the blurred lines between friend and foe.
In a shocking twist, In-ho reveals his true loyalties by turning on his teammates, shooting them and instructing the staff to end the game. His betrayal is a stark reminder of the game's corrupting influence and the high stakes for which players are willing to sacrifice their morals.
The rebels, now out of options, face a dire choice: go down fighting or surrender. Hyun-ju, having retrieved ammunition, is cornered but chooses to stand her ground. Gi-hun and Jung-bae, realizing the futility of their resistance, raise their hands in surrender. In-ho, now in his Front Man attire, taunts Gi-hun with the consequences of his actions and shoots Jung-bae, leaving Gi-hun devastated.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Gi-hun's fate uncertain and many questions left unanswered. The mid-credits scene suggests that the Os have won the vote to continue the game, setting the stage for a third season. The violence and betrayal have taken their toll, leaving the survivors to grapple with the moral implications of their actions and the future of the game.
In 'Friend or Foe', Squid Game delivers a powerful and visceral conclusion to its second season, leaving viewers with a profound sense of the human cost of the game and the moral ambiguities that define its players. As the dust settles on this chaotic episode, the stage is set for a third season that promises to delve deeper into the game's secrets and the players' struggles for survival and justice.