EARLY ACCESS: Alice in Borderland 2x8 FULL REACTION
Added 2025-03-02 17:38:35 +0000 UTCThank you all for recommending this fantastic show! Season 3 can't come soon enough.
LINK (watch along): Alice in Borderland 2x8 FULL REACTION
Full-length Uncut (Full Show): Alice in Borderland 2x8
Note: The uncut version is for testing purposes and is not a permanent addition at this time.
The uncut will be up for 48 hours
Format: Watch along (Have your copy to sync)
Why is it blurred? Copyright laws. We do not own this movie property nor can we afford the rights to distribute
First watch: All
Watched on: Netflix
Alice in Borderland watch options here
Thank you and hope you enjoy
Comments
I called BS on the mental asylum thing as soon as it happened. I knew it was fake. It's one of the oldest TV tropes and it's never true. First one I ever saw was Star Trek: The Next Generation that episode where Riker gets kidnapped by aliens and they try to make him believe his whole life as a Starfleet officer is fake. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Trio tries to convince her that she never left LA and none of her life as a Slayer is real, and she's in a mental asylum the whole time. Smallville, when it happens where Clark isn't really an alien with super powers, and they try to get him to relinquish his powers voluntarily or something.. In Charmed when Piper is kidnapped by the Source and same exact thing-- She's not really a witch who's saving the world from evil, and all she has to do to get better is to recite the spell from the Book of Shadows that removes their powers. It's always the same exact thing, and it's always manipulation to get them to give up something really crucial that's in their head. I knew that was garbage immediately. I'm not convinced that the Borderland thing wasn't real. It makes sense that it wasn't necessarily "the real world," because that's the only way you can have guys that can send tigers flying with punches, or get shot with a machine gun all up their body and still survive. But I don't think it all in their heads. and I think we're gonna see something similar to some other series where it LOOKS like it wasn't real but then in the next season stuff happens that explains that it actually was real, to some degree.. Basically they went to a different dimension. In many supernatural shows/movies Bardo / Limbo (the place between life and death) is depicted as an alternate dimension. And time moves differently in different dimensions due to time dilation so they could have only been out for a minute in the real world but could have been way longer in the alternate dimension. You'll see this in Buffy when Buffy sent Angel to hell and he was there for 100s of years even though when he came back to Earth he was only gone for six months, So I think that's what happened. but I really hope they don't have other tropes.. But I will say, the mental asylum nothing was real trope is still better than the "musical" trope where the whole episode becomes a musical. I absolutely CANNOT STAND those.
Alex
2025-09-29 21:34:02 +0000 UTCThis is by far, the best episode/movie I have ever seen. I dont feel like i need to say much, my favorite stuff are mind fucks for example Hereditary, Inception, Interstellar, The Prestige, The Substance, Smile 2, first few seasons of Rick & Morty, etc., every minute was a masterpiece. Holy shit is this all a lie too? WHAT DOES THE JOKER REPRESENT 😂😂😂
Steven W
2025-03-09 06:19:12 +0000 UTCIt is said that the original manga author is giving advice for season 3.
swingo
2025-03-05 02:45:27 +0000 UTCi am also scared for season 3 because this feels like the perfect ending! and especially because there are no more mangas. it ended with a happy ending and i loved that the manga ended that way. and he is not writing more. so this will be up to the screenwriters to do season 3 on their own without the guidance of the manga and they have made some questionable changes from the manga already in the first two seasons... i think the joker means this is still part of the games? maybe this isnt how they got to borderland? or are they saying that real life is a joke and now their real lives are going to somehow have life or death games involved? im sooooo nervous! haha
Lindsay Wood
2025-03-05 02:29:53 +0000 UTCalso in the manga, all of the main characters that are (in the show) inches from death/dead, are all fine enough to walk with arisu and usagi to the queen of hearts final showdown and then they converse amongst themselves about who should go in to play the final game and they decide on arisu and usagi while the others just wait outside talking amongst themselves about how they hope they will win, etc. so the show made it a lot more crazy of an ending with everyone almost dead at the end. and thats why i always tell reactors to ignore the "coming back from crazy injuries" moments throughout the show because it's not technically real. they are in a border of life and death and their will to live will make them survive some crazy gunshots/stabs/explosions.
Lindsay Wood
2025-03-05 02:00:57 +0000 UTCListening to this ending discussion, I just keep thinking about how much you guys need to watch Dark. Please at least put it on a poll. Dave especially will enjoy the masterpiece of mind bending.
Kel
2025-03-04 20:18:51 +0000 UTCHoly wow. What an episode. What a series! I’m so glad I chose to watch season two along with you. Going through this insanity together made it so much more fun. Also Dave’s constant whispers of “I love you” cracked me up throughout this one. 😂 What a rollercoaster!
Kel
2025-03-04 19:55:49 +0000 UTCBack when season 1 was first released in 2020, there was a lot of theories going around on what the Borderlands really were and how everything was happening. Some of the most popular theories going around were Aliens, Virtual Reality, all of it being in Arisus head, ect. Rumor has it that the writers took all those top theories that the fans had come up with and made them the "lies" that the Queen of Hearts was telling Arisu and Usagi. Not sure how true that is but it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case considering they used the most popular theories that were going around as the lies. if it is true I think it was a cool idea to bring in fan theories and incorporating them into the show.
Maddy Coleman
2025-03-03 23:34:04 +0000 UTCThe Glory was one of my first kdramas! Was so good. Never watched Itaewon Class, but it has been on my watchlist. After I finish a billion other shows I'm currently going through
Xiao
2025-03-03 22:53:53 +0000 UTCReally embarrassing confession for me: it took me until halfway through this episode to realize I read the Manga. I kept having some deja vue with reading the comments and listening to the guys talk, and now I know why, lol. I binged a lot of Manga between 2008-2017, so I guess it's muddled in my brain. Carol's novel was clearer to me while watching this reaction series than the source material, lol. Makes me wonder what else I've forgotten from that time period....
Bluhawke
2025-03-03 22:29:07 +0000 UTCThe best part is, even if season 3 is bad, it won't ruin the ending at all. Just forget it and accept the season 2 ending, that's where the novels end so...
TheMilkMan
2025-03-03 11:37:28 +0000 UTCSo yeah, the Borderlands was basically the space between life and death, now it explains the should be fatal wounds, their will to live is what brought them back. The people who chose to stay are people who died, those who chose death. I don't know if it's confirmed but I read somewhere that the citizens of Borderland, the face cards, are people who have been in a coma for a long time, when they lost, they died in their comas. I think the novels ended here so when season 3 was announced, I was a bit surprised, what else is there? The Joker Card was explained in the novels, I want to say who the card is but since season 3 is coming, I won't say. Like every face card said, "You'll find out soon enough"
TheMilkMan
2025-03-03 11:34:51 +0000 UTCThis is where the manga ended besides some irrelevant spinoffs. Dont want a season 3 at all. Going to watch it to give it a chance, but if they undo this ending by making it another fakeout i wont finish it and will pretend it never happened.
Kyle Ledermann
2025-03-03 07:03:45 +0000 UTCThis show was a first time watch for me, although I couldn't wait for this episode last week so I watched it then lol, but I enjoyed watching this series with y'all and I feel thoroughly mindfucked. Idk what's real anymore. Initially the joker card made me think we're still in the games and that the meteor thing is another decoy. But who knows, maybe that's real but somehow it'll start bleeding out into the real world, who knows? But this being a spin on Alice and Wonderland just confirms to me, to trust nothing lol. We're all mad here right.
Bri
2025-03-03 07:01:32 +0000 UTCOak I know what you're talking about and I had the same thought! Didn't remember the scene though, but I figured it out from reddit lol.
Bri
2025-03-03 06:55:34 +0000 UTCNah Answer ate with "Round Three bitch" lmao.
Bri
2025-03-03 05:37:28 +0000 UTCIf S3 is trash, I'll just pretend it doesn't exist.
Donna Castellano
2025-03-03 04:07:20 +0000 UTCThe very first game Arisu plays in Borderland is way better on the show than the manga.
Donna Castellano
2025-03-03 04:05:24 +0000 UTCThey said S3 has nothing to do with any of the other comics. It's a completely original storyline. It'd have to be if they're expanding the Joker role, given he only had one panel in the original manga story.
Donna Castellano
2025-03-03 04:03:03 +0000 UTCEpisode was a mindfuck😭😭
C. J. Ramirez
2025-03-03 02:50:53 +0000 UTCYou guys are my all time favorite reactors and the amount of depth that you guys got to with understanding this show is proof of why ya'll are my favorites. As someone who loves to think deep and in a complex fashion, this show hit all the right spots while maintaining moments of action, romance, and frustration. I have so much I could say about this show but in short terms, Its a masterpiece, and i've rewatched this show many times just to understand things in a new way each time. One of the moments in the show that I didn't really think much of before but after watching it again makes my heart drop, is the story about the King of Spades. I thought he was just added to bring actions sequences to the story/be a villain but the super short glimpse of his past lingered with me. The most curious question i have is what type of person he was in the real world...the only way he knew how to help others [according to that flashback] was to put them out of their misery and I wonder if this was only because he was in the borderlands and saw how much everyone was struggling or if it was because he was a soldier that still felt the need to fulfil his duty to survive. You can literally SEE the pain/conflict in his face when the enemy soldier in his flashback asks him to end his misery and he has carried the guilt with him all this time to where he finally apologized on his brink of death. Aguni's line of "I never held it against you" was so impactful because I can imagine the amount of weight on their shoulder being lifted for someone who experienced war.. As someone who watches a handful of war films, I thought the King of Spades was one of the most interesting characters to think about.
Ameera Moua
2025-03-03 02:39:06 +0000 UTCAlright guys, I have loved these reactions so much. As always, a fantastic reaction. For me, this was such a fitting end. I have not read the manga so I don't know if this is where its supposed to end or if there was more. I can't honestly imagine what season three is supposed to be about and I am worried that its gonna make this perfect ending ruined for me. I have not looked at season three at all, I don't even know if Netflix has put out a trailer. I am absolutely down for seeing more of this world, but I have fears. I have always thought that the Joker at the end is to signify that life is a game, just as the Queen of Hearts had said. But it could just as easily signify that the games aren't over, weather or not life is the final game or if its all just another clever lie. I guess we will have to see what season three brings. I like to think that this is the author's idea of what may happen in purgatory. Like, if you have a brush with death and attempt to survive- this is what happens and you just forget it all at the end.. because why would you want to remember something that horrifying? You would have endless PTSD from something that never happened to your physical body. How would you go to therapy for that? How could you explain that to anyone with out being sent to an institution for the rest of your life? I think that every person that we see in the borderlands all had their hearts stop, they were on the edge of dying--they were all there and cognizant in the moment during the games-- weather or not they survived until the last game was finished (and chose to not accept the offer of permanent residence), determined weather or not they would survive in the real world. I think that everyone who instantly died from the meteor never saw the borderlands. All the injuries we see the characters get in the borderlands I firmly believe that they actually got due to the meteor- case in point as pointed out by Answer I believe- Usagi's injuries line up as does Akane's leg (but not her bullet wounds because there are no guns involved in the meteor accident). Some people were probably burned to death in fires created by the meteor- could explain the acid death in the King of Spade's game we saw- not necessarily the exact same end result but you understand what I am getting at. Whatever injuries they suffered in the real world were explained away in their minds by the games they were playing. Like smelling smoke and feeling hot very early on for Arisu and company in that very first game they played the building they were in was probably on fire. Also everyone started the games at different times aside from those who were perhaps right next to each other when their hearts stopped. I believe, because the show does not state it, that the residents only exist there if you survive until all the games are won and you choose to be a resident. Momoka and Asahi and many others were chosen by residents to assist with the games, since they accepted I don't think they were going to survive anyway and the residents knew this. I would like to know how the game masters came to be, how long they have actually been there and what tragedy they would have faced, individually or not, to send them to the borderlands. Kinda sad now to think about it, did any of them want to lose their games so that they could finally move on from that place? Did they regret taking up residence there? When I watched this for the first time, the Queen got me so many times.. I bought each lie and then doubted halfway through and then believed it again until she would laugh. That last one got me until Usagi walked into the room and then I thought that there was no way this was the truth, after everything. The fun part of all this, when watching for the first time, was that I had seen so many theories being thrown around online, some even saying oh what about this being all virtual reality and they are unaware somehow (I think one of the characters in the show actually presents that and the Alien theory as their own very early on). And then having these theories show up as false truths that the Queen uses in this episode was awesome. Anyway, I have rambled enough, thanks for reading it all if anyone did. Not even sure some of what I wrote was coherent or flowed as nicely as I wanted it to but whatever. Its late. I am so happy I got to watch this show with such great reactors, with such a good community. Its been awesome and although I have my reservations, I can't wait to see what season three has in store.
Wonderxfull
2025-03-03 02:19:25 +0000 UTCFinding out the answer has been in the title of the show THE ENTIRE TIME is always a great reveal. It’s so fun watching reactions to the last game, everyone quickly forgets it’s a Hearts game, but it’s not just Arisu and Usagi playing all the viewers get their emotions messed with too!! What I love the boarderland concept is when it comes to guys like Niragi, sometimes bad guys make it. Sometimes people with injuries like Akane have enough fight to pull through. Death doesn’t discriminate.
Yaz
2025-03-03 00:18:27 +0000 UTCRemember when you guys kept saying “how? How? How are they still alive?” This is how. The willpower to live. To survive. The ones who made it and went back in the real world are the ones who had the strongest will to survive. I’ve worked in the hospital for years now, and I’ve lost count on so many times I’ve said that phrase too, “how the hell are they still alive after this?” Many times were you think that they had 0% chance of surviving, yet they come back. And on the other spectrum of that, I’ve seen patients who also died out of “simple” things. We’ve heard so many stories where, like Oak said, people claimed they had an out of body experience when they were near death’s door. People come out of a coma a completely changed person, etc. Honestly, i loved the ending because they went through the philosophical and even spiritual approach. It’s something to ponder on. Also, you can easily explain the laser thing as their heart flatlining forever. It explains the accuracy lol.
Bunnie
2025-03-03 00:16:04 +0000 UTCSo in the comics. There is two more sagas. One in the future where arisu returns to the borderlands after an accident he had. And another with a group of a different set of characters. Going into the borderland. I dont know if season 3 is going to play of this. I love that in this episode many of the queen Mira realities were fan service theories. And the joker is an interesting character, he is going the represent life/death. The mastermind of the games. And there are some theories he is the one that let arisu say goodbye to his friends at the end.
Marbelis
2025-03-03 00:04:11 +0000 UTCI love this show and this is one of my favorite episodes! I personally loved the final game and I LOVE seeing reactions to Mira's mind games. The first lie totally gets you and even seeing the pattern, the final lie goes on long enough you start to buy it too. Usagi is the real MVP of this show, Arisu gave up so many times and he would've lost here too if not for her. Riisa Naka, who played Mira, did an absolutely phenomenal job from start to finish. She became a favorite just in her short introduction at the end of s1, but seeing her play the final boss, really elevated her! The laser beams were the heart beats flatlining in case you didn't figure it out. I personally, would've been okay with any of Mira's stories but I think the real story was insane and so much better. All of that happening in one minute is absolutely insane. And every time I rewatch, I always try to see if I see our group in the first episode. 🤣 I also love this episode because we see that Ann lives in the end too. I remember being so upset the previous episode thinking we lost all our favorites to this one, before the reveal, thinking we lost Ann. And like the Answer, I too waited for the Joker card. The deck wasn't complete so now I'm excited to see how that come sin to play, if at all. If I remember correctly, manga fans explained that the Joker card was just a "your life is the final game" it wasn't a set up for another season. As others have said, this was supposed to be the final season as it followed the anime. But those of us who didn't know it was a manga/never read it, took the card as a set up for s3. Manga fans were the ones saying the card is just a card, etc. after the finale so I don't remember, what like 4 years out now, if the creators themselves said no s3 (and the popularity gave us another season) or it was just the anime fans being loud saying s3 is a no go. I'm just happy Netflix didn't cancel it after s1 like they do with everything else. I know Anime fans (and all fans of any og material getting adapted to a new media in general) get crazy when adaptations aren't scene for scene, and liberties are taken, but when written work is adapted to a new form, it's meant for everyone. At the end of the day, they are trying to reach a wider audience and make money. The only thing that matters is whether the new work is good or bad and this was done very well. I personally am looking forward to s3 because there are more answers to be had.
Megan
2025-03-03 00:03:11 +0000 UTCI don't think this show needs a season three, and I think Mason is right that Netflix just wants more cash. In the original manga, it ends here with the joker card representing life. There isn't really supposed to be anything that comes after this since it's a metaphor. But I heard the original manga author is working on season three with Netflix, so I'm still hoping it's an enjoyable watch.
Sophi
2025-03-02 23:49:27 +0000 UTCAlso...im one if the people from the gang that has suggested this show for over a YEAR and thought it wasn't gonna happen and here we are, perfect score from all of you at the end! This was the best possible way for me to rewatch this show<3 (Also, does anyone else believe the red laser was the heart monitors flat lining...?)
Ren
2025-03-02 23:05:17 +0000 UTCIt has been unreal rewatching it with you guys. This is almost sad, now that it is over...like the feeling you get after watching a long show you been binging for a few weeks and feeling a bit lost when it is over...wich is why i a SO happy you posted the reaction to the first episode of All of us are dead so i have something to jump right into!
Ren
2025-03-02 23:02:03 +0000 UTCThis is the best final ever it was such a pleasure to rewatched the whole show with you !! For me the Joker card implied that the real game and hardest of them all is life, so making a season 3 doesn't make much sense... I'm really scared since clearly Netflix took an opportunity to make more money, but at the same time I'm so glad that the adventure isn't completely over ! Like I want to see Arisu and Usagi on screen again, I want Chishiya and Kuina to meet again (she has been searching for him for the whole season 2 and the fact that they didn't have a single scene together is criminal), I want to see Ann and Aguni properly awake... Honestly I would be fine with a wholde season on how they construct their life and learn how to live after the trauma they've been through... But if there is no game and Borderland in it, I think a lot of fans would be disappointed so I unfortunately don't think this is the road Netflix as taken for the season 3..
Roxane
2025-03-02 22:29:31 +0000 UTCWhen he said "border between life and death" I was like 😲
Michael Aldana
2025-03-02 21:39:02 +0000 UTCThe Glory is so good. Revenge is executed in the best way ever - so clever 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Another really good revenge drama is Itaewon Class. It’s totally different from The Glory with more focus on entrepreneurship. It’s very inspirational and uplifting.
WHY
2025-03-02 21:18:07 +0000 UTCSame. I love the message and life lessons of this show. Apart from all the themes displayed, such as trust, equality, fairness, friendship, love and personal growth, there also lies the important messages which are the meaning of life, the purpose of fighting for life and the purpose of living. This is so much deeper than people playing games for the sake of money as in Squid Game or people playing games under the control of the rich or powerful people as in Hunger Games.
WHY
2025-03-02 21:11:33 +0000 UTCI think season 2 finale has got the perfect ending, and there’s really no need for Netflix to “force” a season 3 just to make more money. As much I as trust the writer and love the writing of this show, since season 2 ends where the manga ends (so technically there’s no more basis/sources from the writer for season 3 except a manga sequel), I don’t really trust Netflix can make season 3 better than season 2. It’s gonna be hard for season 3 ending to top the season 2 ending. We shall see. Take the Queen of Spades game as an example. It is most people’s least favourite game in season 2, and that game was newly created by Netflix, it was not based on the manga. So we know some scenes/games/decisions newly created/made by the Netflix not following the writers’ original writings are not as good as the ones that followed the manga. I’m really curious and excited for season 3 cuz this show has been really good, but I have to say I have low expectations for season 3.
WHY
2025-03-02 20:58:37 +0000 UTCThank you Badd Medicine for all awesome reactions you gave while watching Alice in Borderland! Very appreciate your honest opinion. Looking forward to your reaction to season 3 this September! Now I’m going to write something that I rarely discuss with people; why Alice in Borderland (and particularly the message about the will to live despite all the doubts, losses, pain of any kind) meant so much for me. When I was 19 years old, my parents died in a car crash, and this tragic event broke my psychic for years to come. I was in a state of depression (not obvious enough for others to care, for the most part others perceived me as cold and indifferent to people and things), suffering from survivor’s guilt (I should have been in a car that day with them, but circumstances prevented it) and I refused to see any point in a joyful living in the absence of my parents. I lost 10 years in a very hollow existence deliberately escaping any meaningful social contact, completely closing in my inner world. There was one pathetic try of suicide (not completing it due to physical pain); overall my health after these years worsened a lot. I survived because of my two friends. I still don’t know what made them interested in me, developing friendship with me, staying close despite my bad behavior (due to depression in the beginning I was quite passive aggressive towards my friends), but they saved me, they managed to bring me out of this mental jail to the open world with so many things to appreciate and enjoy. Don’t worry, I’m 37 years old now and in strong state of mind, I’ll never harm myself again because I value life the most and I have my own purpose to live to the fullest. After watching Alice in Borderland my views - about life in general, about friendship, about personal losses and growth that comes with it, about keeping the will for living day after day not only for myself, but for all people that matters to me – only grew stronger. This experience made me to relive my past again; I realized how lucky my life is, and that even if my parents died way too soon (in their forties), their impact on other lives still lingers through our life decisions, building our legacy which we will give to other generations to come. Nothing is wasted; everything has its own meaning. Nothing is forgotten, everything gives the birth for new things to flourish and help to keep our humanity prevailing over the darkness sleeping deep inside us. I totally felt so much familiarity with many characters and themes throughout two seasons. I never felt cheated by the show, only being given enormous trust in our ability to connect with such humane (despite all sci-fi elements of it) story about survival of our souls in this beautiful, but tough world. I’ll be forever grateful for the existence of Alice in Borderland (kudos to Haro Aso for manga, kudos to director Shinsuke Satô and the whole crew for this TV version, kudos to Netflix making this series available to the world to witness). Even if Season 3 will be a letdown, it doesn’t change the fact that first two seasons are truly the masterpiece on all fronts. And to share the experience with you, guys, was just a lovely bonus to everything else. Thank you! P.S. If your mental state is in danger, please, remember that there’s always someone who will kindly give you help in any possible form (sometimes even a simple hug can mean a lot for those in need of care). Don’t be afraid to admit that you need help. Don’t let shame and other negative things to overpower you. There’s no shame in asking for the help, really. I hope that you will not lose years in depression, and instead find a solid faith in whatever helps you to live on a daily basis through all hardships. Take care, Arisu/Usagi!
Dylan Hearts
2025-03-02 20:55:13 +0000 UTCWhat about the zoo animals. Did they get to make their choice? Enjoyed watching the series with you guys. Glad you all loved it. Can’t wait to watch season 3 for the first time with you guys.
Alex Lutz
2025-03-02 20:53:26 +0000 UTCA complete saving circle is shown here: Usagi saved Arisu from depression after Arisu lost his friends > Arisu saved the injured leg guy from the bus > The injured leg guy saved the King of Diamonds > King of Diamonds saved Chishiya > Chishiya saved Usagi from the shot > Usagi saved Arisu again from the breakdown in the Queen of Hearts game > Arisu saved Usagi from bleeding out.
WHY
2025-03-02 20:43:47 +0000 UTCTo think that Niragi never actually did those things and is just someone who got bullied in real life or who at most had evil thinking in his mind … I understand all the hates to Niragi and people all want him to die whenever he appears, but I think the writer has purposefully kept this character in the show not only because the show needs a villain, but also because as the King of Diamonds pointed out, it’s not our decision to put a value on someone’s life; it’s not for us to decide who can or cannot live. I like it when the writer didn’t have Niragi stay in the borderland but have him also choose to return to the real world cuz he (even though only represent the minority of people in this world) equally has a strong will to live. To think that he didn’t actually become a bully in real life is like putting an end to the cycle of violence in real life.
WHY
2025-03-02 20:43:34 +0000 UTCThe author of the manga is going to work with netflix for the season 3
pestenxir
2025-03-02 20:43:13 +0000 UTCWithout getting into how the show’s gonna develop in season 3, there’re basically 2 broad interpretations of the joker card when season 2 ends: 1) Joker represents life: As Mira said to Arisu, life is just like a game, full of challenges and difficulties. 2) As people who’ve read the manga said, the Joker is indeed the game master (like a God/a Devil or neither/both) who’s designed these games and given these people a second chance to live if they survive those games. Those who have a strong will to live in the purgatory/ borderland between life and death will live in the real life. So even though here in the show the games seem more like a metaphorical battle for lives/survival, in the manga people were all indeed playing games together in a different dimension (i.e the borderland) and that also explains how people (who don’t know each other before) could interact with each other in the games.
WHY
2025-03-02 20:39:53 +0000 UTCTotally agree with yall, the concept of this ending is just so perfect, it really doesn't need to say more. As excited as I am about a 3rd season, I'm hoping it doesn't do anything to undermine this great conclusion.
Jessie
2025-03-02 20:39:10 +0000 UTCI’m so glad you guys loved it! It’s one of my favorite shows. My boyfriend and I were cracking up a bit in episode 7 because the injuries were so over the top and they were still crawling around it was hilarious. After the finale though it makes so much more sense!
Kelsey
2025-03-02 20:33:01 +0000 UTC100% agree with this interpretation. Riisa Naka as Queen of Hearts gave an outstanding performance, her charismatic presence (among other things, of course) is what made the first part of the episode work brilliantly.
Dylan Hearts
2025-03-02 19:43:48 +0000 UTCIMO the ones staying as resident/citizen are in a coma until they lose their game and die IRL. Banda (the serial killer in the prison) chose to stay because he was condemned to death anyway, as for his partner maybe because he felt that the Bordeland would allow to be as manipulative as he wanted. Many made the point that the lasers were in fact the flat line when your heart stop, it's the point when you give up may it be in a physical or mental way. also Mira's stories about aliens or avatars ... were all theories of the viewers so it played with our own mind like "See i knew I was right" until you see Mira's laughing "'Just kidding"
Maelyra
2025-03-02 19:28:11 +0000 UTCAlice in Borderland stands out as an exceptional live-action manga adaptation due to its gripping plot, well-developed characters, strong acting performances, an ethereal, atmospheric score that highlights the story’s tension and emotion. This Japanese science fiction thriller follows a group of friends who find themselves in an eerie alternate version of their home city: Tokyo, Japan, where they’re forced to complete deadly challenges to survive. Despite this series being underrated due to the timing of its release, and seemingly familiar concept, its philosophical message gives it a unique and unforeseen edge, making Alice in Borderland one of the most remarkable adaptations to date. The plot of Alice in Borderland, heavily inspired by Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland presents a horrifying twist of Alice’s adventures which unfolds in this adaptation as both captivating and unsettling. The story begins with Arisu, the protagonist, trapped in his unfulfilling reality. Facing the recent loss of his mother, coming second to his career-successful older brother, and not living up to his father’s standards, Arisu copes by living vicariously through video games. In an attempt to lift his spirits, Arisu’s two best friends take him out, but their antics end up causing a traffic disturbance resulting in a police chase. The three friends hide in a subway station, only to emerge and find Tokyo completely abandoned. They search the streets for anyone that may be around, and what starts as an initial thrill of freedom quickly turns into a nightmare as they realize they’re completely alone. From this moment, the viewer is in a continual state of mystery trying to identify how and why Tokyo, one of the busiest cities in the world, would be abandoned in a matter of seconds. Those who follow the dialogue and visual storytelling appreciate the profound message woven throughout the narrative and notice that there are no loose ends. The plot shows incredible depth and purpose in every sequence, to eventually reveal a shocking and thought-provoking ending. The series introduces a diverse cast of main characters, each well-written and essential to the plot of the story. The series dives into their backstories, revealing struggles that are deeply relatable such as parental loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, gender-dysphoria, betrayal, and sexual assault. Arisu grapples with grief, self-worth, and lack of purpose, evolving from a depressed gamer to a determined survivor. Usagi, a skilled mountaineer and fellow player in the deadly games, struggles with isolation and emotional wounds left by her father’s death. Kuina’s journey highlights themes of gender identity and acceptance, while Chishiya’s cold, calculating nature speaks to morality in high-stakes situations. Though controversial, Niragi’s arc displays the lasting impact of bullying, showing how his past trauma drives him to become a perpetrator of violence and vile acts of sexual assault, and ultimately leaves him seeking redemption. While not explicitly stated in the series, many of the characters parallel to figures from Alice in Wonderland. Arisu represents Alice, an imaginative and intelligent character who questions the strange world that surrounds her, now having to make quick life-changing decisions in an unknown land. We witness both characters learn more about themselves, and develop into strong, confident people by the end of their story. Usagi, whose name quite literally translates to “rabbit” serves as Arisu’s new reason to fight for survival much like the White Rabbit leads Alice through Wonderland. Usagi’s athleticism, her early morning routines of stretching, running, and physically preparing before games, can be compared to the White Rabbit’s obsession with time and a rabbit’s athleticism. Kuina’s struggle with gender-dysphoria mirrors the Caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly. Just as the Caterpillar symbolizes change and self-discovery, Kuina comes to accept that her parents may never understand her decision to transition, she embraces her love for them which gives her a final burst of strength she needs to defeat a deadly opponent. Chishiya’s calm and collected demeanor represents the Cheshire cat, who both exude an air of mystery and relaxed attitude throughout their stories. They each harbor a deep understanding of human nature beneath their seemingly detached exterior. In Alice in Borderland, Niragi represents the March Hare, who drove Alice crazy during her journey in Wonderland and reflected the madness in Wonderland itself. Both characters embody elements of chaos and absurdity. Niragi’s violence, and the March Hare’s antics were both unpredictable in their respective stories. As events unfold, Niragi’s final moments suggest that he is capable of change and reflection. Beyond the key characters, many others are inspired by figures in Alice in Wonderland, and each is intricately written down to their mannerisms and psychological depth. The development of each character from start to finish shows deep intent and craftsmanship, which confirms how excellent Alice in Borderland truly is. Actors face a significant challenge when given the task of adapting characters from manga to live-action. Successfully adapting fictional characters requires a balance of stylization and realism – staying faithful to its original material while bringing the characters’ complexity and emotional depth to life. In some cases, adaptations adjust for realism and actors must be able to adapt their performances accordingly, both emotionally and physically. An example that proves the talent and skill in this series, is Kento Yamazaki’s portrayal of Arisu in the climatic moments of “Season 1 Episode 3”. In a high-stakes death game where only one of three best friends can survive, Yamazaki masterfully conveys Arisu’s heartbreak and desperation. His raw emotional delivery – especially when he cries out “You guys are all I have”, while choosing to sacrifice himself – feels excruciatingly real and immerses the audience in his situation. Throughout the series, the characters play brutal games to survive, in hopes of returning to their original world and the actors convincingly portray emotions of confusion, stress, desperation, panic, sorrow, and even love as they continue to work their way up to the final game. The mystery of their fate lingers until the final episode, and the actors ensure that every moment leading up to it is filled with genuine emotional weight. During the final scenes of the entire series, the players beat the final game and are essentially given a choice: remain in this alternate world as game dealers – deciding the fate of others – or decline the offer. All the actors in Alice in Borderland effectively convey the intense emotions of surviving in such a brutal, unforgiving world. They capture the psychological toll of being forced to play life-or-death games, only to later face an impossible choice to remain in the horrid alternate world or to decline the offer. One of the most powerful performances comes from Tao Tsuchiya as Usagi. Her portrayal of Usagi’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with the central question of the series – what makes life worth living – is breathtaking. Her decision to decline the offer, despite the uncertainty of what it means, is not only inspiring but also deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The actors performed phenomenally, and their work has been highly praised by both new viewers and long-term fans of the original manga. The score in Alice in Borderland is another element that elevates the series, making it an unforgettable experience. Crafted by award-winning composer Yutaka Yamada, the score immerses viewers with its range of softness, intensity, eeriness, and beauty. The score of a TV series acts as a powerful tool to enhance storytelling, invoke emotion and set the atmosphere. Composers must create music that compliments the frequent change-in-scenes but also maintain continuity between the episodes of a show. Whether through his piece titled “The Looking Glass” played during Arisu’s final moments with his friends, or in his piece played during the final moments of the series titled “Beyond the Mist – Encounter” Yamada shows tremendous skill and understanding of film composition, which adds to the shows list of incredible factors. Alice in Borderland is often compared to Squid Game for their shared “death games” concept, but what sets Alice in Borderland apart is its deeper philosophical message. While Squid Game and The Hunger Games critique societal issues like wealth disparity, and the exploitation of human lives for entertainment, Alice in Borderland goes beyond social commentary, delving into existential questions that transcend the screen: What is the purpose of life? What makes it worth living? In an industry where violence is often gratuitous, Alice in Borderland uses the expected violence to challenge viewers with mystery and introspection, as the answers to these questions are reserved for final moments of the final episode. What seems like just another “death games” series unexpectedly delivers profound philosophical questions, leaving a lasting impact that elevates it above its counterparts. While other factors like its immersive set design, realistic dialogue, and action-sequences enrich the series’ watchability, the plot, the characters and their portrayal, the score and themes alone make Alice in Borderland one of the most exceptional adaptations to date. The plot masterfully balances high-stakes action with psychological depth, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. Raw, authentic performances make the characters’ struggles feel real and relatable. The message of the series lingers long after the final episode, challenging viewers to reflect on their own existence. In the end, viewers are left with an answer to a question that each must ask themselves: What is the purpose of life?
Chishiya
2025-03-02 19:24:38 +0000 UTCI love this series so much because of its deeper philosophical message. Its not just rich people screwing over the poor like in squid game or the hunger games (which i love btw) its a deeper question: What is the purpose of life?
Chishiya
2025-03-02 19:23:17 +0000 UTCThose who chose permanent residency, died. Their souls remained in Borderland to decide the fate of others.
Chishiya
2025-03-02 19:22:07 +0000 UTCwill you watch the trailer for season 3?
Aggiiee
2025-03-02 19:05:28 +0000 UTCIt was good rewatching it with you all. As for me IMO Mira's tears were more the realisation that she gave up to the game, she gave up living because she is the one having nothing to live for. And seeing both of them finding this will in each other made her long the same thing but knowing it's too late.
Maelyra
2025-03-02 18:48:33 +0000 UTCThis episode is soooo good.
Alyssa Dyson
2025-03-02 18:44:39 +0000 UTCI can't believe I am a hour late....but I suppose this episode was uploaded earlier then I expected. Especially after last week. Let's goo!
Mr H Aziz
2025-03-02 18:33:21 +0000 UTC🃏🃏 WILD
LaLa
2025-03-02 17:51:05 +0000 UTCNoooo I’m at work I won’t be able to enjoy this reaction until much later. So sad.
Bunnie
2025-03-02 17:46:03 +0000 UTCThis is it!<,3
Ren
2025-03-02 17:42:17 +0000 UTCCan't wait to watch this one! It's been really fun rewatching AIB with you guys, and the highlight of my week. Your reactions have been thoughtful and entertaining, honestly my favourite react channel. I'm glad you enjoyed this show so much, it's my favourite- can't wait for the new season! I will say if you have any openings in the future, I recommend either The Glory (the best revenge drama in my opinion- the main girl is so smart), or Mr. Plankton (a 10 episode emotional and bittersweet kdrama that came out in 2024) Regardless, excited for whatever you have next in store! (Especially All of Us Are Dead)
Xiao
2025-03-02 17:41:57 +0000 UTCOH MY GOD ??? THIS EARLY??? Thank you! 🤩
Una Katrina
2025-03-02 17:40:02 +0000 UTC
