“Alice in Borderland” Season 3 Was a Joke! Here’s Why It Ruined Everything Seasons 1 and 2 Built

The highly anticipated Alice in Borderland Season 3 was a massive letdown for fans. The latest season felt like a weak attempt to cash in on the success of its predecessors, stretching a storyline that was already concluded and even setting up an American remake no one asked for. While the first two seasons were full of tension, emotional depth, and gripping storytelling, Season 3 completely fell apart. Here’s a breakdown of everything wrong with it.

1. Usagi’s Return – A Decision That Makes No Sense

One of the biggest plot issues is Usagi’s return to the Borderlands. In Seasons 1 and 2, her father’s death was a painful wound that she struggled to overcome. However, it was never portrayed as something that would drive her to depression or pull her back into the Borderlands. In fact, she was desperate to escape it. So, why would she willingly return? And when she does, her realization that it was pointless feels rushed and unconvincing. She quickly decides that people should move on, which feels completely out of character. This sudden shift leaves the audience confused and wondering why the character arc was handled this way.

2. Banda’s Pointless Role

Banda, who dragged the characters back into the Borderlands, makes little sense in this season. Previously, Banda was just another player. But suddenly, he’s in charge of a lot of power, and his motives are weak and unclear. It’s especially baffling considering that Arisu had already rejected becoming a citizen of the Borderlands in Season 2. Why would he ever consider it now, especially with Banda’s involvement? Banda’s authority feels random, and the lack of explanation for his central role makes his presence in the story feel forced.

3. Ryuji’s Confusing Character

Ryuji’s character arc is one of the most frustrating aspects of Season 3. He constantly “develops,” only to backtrack at the next available opportunity. One moment he’s showing affection for Usagi, and the next, he’s trying to kill her. His character flip-flops so often that by the time he dies, it’s hard to feel anything. Ryuji’s emotional journey was never fleshed out enough to make his death impactful, and this lack of character development makes his demise seem meaningless.

4. Random Character Lore Dumps

Season 3 also introduces a number of new characters, many of whom get lengthy backstories that feel completely unnecessary. These random character dumps not only slow the pacing but also take away from the emotional weight built up in Seasons 1 and 2. The original cast was never bogged down with such filler content, which is one of the reasons why those seasons worked so well. The new characters simply don’t have the same depth or impact, and their backstories only serve to add more bloat to the series without enriching the story.

5. The Joker’s Final Game – A Flat, Unnecessary Confrontation

The Joker’s final confrontation with Arisu should have been a climactic moment, but it ultimately fell flat. The Joker tries to push Arisu into sacrificing himself, but why would this even be a consideration for Arisu in Season 3? Season 1 Arisu, perhaps, when he was lost and hopeless after the deaths of Karube and Chota, might have considered such a move. But now, Arisu has a wife, a child, and a future to look forward to. The stakes were non-existent, and the Joker’s attempt to manipulate Arisu felt out of place for the character we’ve seen evolve throughout the series.

6. The Absence of Key Characters

The lack of Chishiya, Kuina, and Aguni was another glaring issue. These characters carried much of the emotional weight in the previous seasons, and their absence left a huge void. Fans became attached to these characters and their dynamic with Arisu. The new characters simply didn’t hold up to the same standard, and the show failed to recognize how much this missing element would hurt the overall experience.

7. Dragged-Out Scenes That Ruined the Pacing

The pacing in Season 3 was painfully slow. Entire scenes dragged on for what felt like hours, and the writers seemed to assume the audience wouldn’t notice. For example, the “60 hours” the characters spent in a vortex was stretched out unnecessarily. Instead of creating tension, it became boring and felt like the show was wasting time. The pacing issues were frustrating, and the constant dragging of the narrative made it difficult to stay engaged.

8. Usagi’s Dad Plotline – A Clumsy, Meaningless Addition

Usagi’s father’s backstory, which is brought up again in this season, is completely unnecessary. The connection between Usagi’s return to the Borderlands and her father’s story is clumsy and confusing. It ultimately adds nothing to the plot and feels like a last-minute attempt to add emotional depth to a character who was already well-established. This subplot only serves to distract from the main narrative and doesn’t enhance the story in any meaningful way.

9. Cashing In – A Season Designed for Profit, Not Quality

Above all, this season of Alice in Borderland screams “cash grab.” The original brilliance of Seasons 1 and 2 is completely lost in Season 3, which is bogged down by weak storylines, filler content, and slow pacing. The show even begins to set up an American remake, a clear attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the series – much like Squid Game. But unlike Squid Game, Alice in Borderland didn’t have the same magic in its third season, and it shows.

Conclusion: A Disappointing Attempt to Milk a Completed Story

In conclusion, Alice in Borderland Season 3 felt like a weak attempt to stretch out a story that was already finished. The sloppy writing, dragged-out pacing, and incoherent character arcs destroyed the magic of the first two seasons. The absence of beloved characters, the pointless character developments, and the forced addition of filler content made it clear that this season was designed for profit, not for quality storytelling. For those who loved the first two seasons, Season 3 is a major disappointment – a sad, unnecessary chapter in a series that had already told a complete, satisfying story.