Thanos’ Fate In Squid Game Season 2 Is More Important Than You Think For A Sinister Reason

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Squid Game season 2, episodes 1-7.Squid Game season 2 ends on a tragic note for T.O.P.'s character, Thanos, and his fate is more important than you'd think heading into Squid Game season 3. Squid Game's sophomore season introduces many new players as Gi-hun returns to the titular tournament, and some prove more memorable than others. The best new characters in Squid Game season 2 are mostly Gi-hun's allies, but there is one villain who leaves a strong impression throughout the latest outing: Thanos.

Player 230 is quickly noticeable by his purple hair and exuberant personality. While the deadly competition tends to make players more fearful and serious, Thanos continues to be boisterous and entertaining even while his life is on the line. This has gotten Thanos a lot of attention since season 2's debut, but he meets a grim fate during the finale. Squid Game season 2's ending sees Thanos being killed by Myung-gi during the brawl that breaks out in the bathroom. And while deaths are inevitable in the Netflix show, this one comes with a sense of foreboding for season 3.

Thanos’ Death Means Squid Game Season 3 Won’t Have Time For Comic Relief

The Final Episodes Will Return To Season 1's Somber Tone

Although Thanos' willingness to sacrifice just about anyone for his own interests is a sinister aspect of Squid Game season 2, the character also provides much of the comic relief present in the newest episodes. Whether he's hitting on women during the tournament, pushing people over during Red Light Green Light, or excitedly voting to continue the Games, Thanos does it in such a way that it's almost impossible not to laugh. He's so ridiculously over-the-top in his actions that it brings some much-needed levity to Gi-hun's second tournament.

With Thanos perishing in Squid Game season 2's finale, it's unlikely this comic relief will be present in the third and final outing. In fact, Thanos' death seems like a direct signal that Squid Game season 3 won't have time for such antics. While he and the other charismatic new characters serve to get viewers invested in the latest iteration of the Games, that won't be necessary in season 3. Now that we're attached, Squid Game season 3 is poised to get much darker — and not having the humor Thanos provides will make that change in tone palpable.

Squid Game Season 3 Will Be The Show’s Darkest Yet After How Season 2 Ended

Jung-bae's Death & Gi-hun's Failed Rebellion Don't Bode Well

Squid Game season 3 will likely be the series' darkest outing yet, and that goes beyond Thanos' comic relief disappearing. The end of season 2 is incredibly bleak, with the Front Man proving to Gi-hun that resistance is futile — and executing Jung-bae to drive that point home. It's not clear if this will push Gi-hun to rebel even more, but it seems more likely to break him. Squid Game's lead may not be as quick to push back in the final episodes, and that alone is heartbreaking and sets a dark precedent for what's to come.

Additionally, many of the major characters from Squid Game season 2 are still alive on the heels of Gi-hun's uprising. While Jung-bae and Gyeong-seok are shot for their resistance, players like Dae-ho and Hyun-ju aren't caught. There are also several players who don't involve themselves in the fighting, meaning they'll move forward in the Games. With all these likable characters still alive, the final outing has a lot of emotional leverage. It seems probable the last batch of episodes will feature plenty of deaths, and the lack of Thanos' comic relief will make things even bleaker.

Thanos Stole The Show In Squid Game Season 2 (Despite Not Making It To The Finale)

It's Difficult To Imagine The Latest Outing Without Him

While Thanos is undeniably a villain in Squid Game season 2, he really steals the show — even if he dies at the beginning of the finale. Watching T.O.P.'s performance is a highlight of the new episodes, as he's charismatic and entertaining, even if it's impossible to fully root for his character. It's difficult to envision the second season without him, even if there are many other dynamic characters to enjoy. He brightens up every scene, and he simultaneously drives home the show's message with his selfish actions.

Unfortunately, viewers will soon get a taste of what this tournament is like without Thanos — and it's bound to be pretty grim. That's a fitting shift for Squid Game season 3, which will be tasked with raising the stakes and delivering one last punch before the series draws to a close. Even still, it's sad to see Thanos go after how entertaining and iconic he is in Squid Game season 2. T.O.P.'s character will certainly be missed.