Netflix’s popular Japanese survival series, Alice in Borderland, returned last week with its highly anticipated Season 3, concluding nearly three years of waiting for fans. While the series maintained its signature tension and suspense, the finale left many viewers frustrated and sparked debates about a potential American spin-off.
A Controversial Finale
Set in a desolate, alternate version of Tokyo, the show follows ordinary people forced into deadly card game challenges. Central characters Ryōhei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki), a video game enthusiast, and mountaineer Yuzuha Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya) fight for survival in this high-stakes world.
The Season 3 finale, however, received backlash for several reasons:
- The season consisted of only 6 episodes instead of the usual 8, leaving some plotlines unresolved.
- The finale ended with a cliffhanger, continuing the story’s uncertainty and leaving fans dissatisfied.
In the final episode, Arisu and a pregnant Usagi survive the deadly games for the second time and attempt to return to a normal life. As they prepare for their child’s birth, a sudden tremor at Arisu’s workplace hints at a larger upcoming catastrophe.
Rising Tensions and a Los Angeles Twist
Guest star Ken Watanabe appears as the “Borderland Observer,” hinting that the characters face a threat far greater than previously imagined. Global tremors suggest this looming danger is approaching, culminating in a shocking shot of Los Angeles experiencing a 4.2-magnitude earthquake.
In a quirky detail, two men in a California burger restaurant are served by a waitress with a name tag reading “Alice”, referencing both the series title and the English version of Arisu’s name.
Fans React to Possible American Spin-off
The finale’s final scenes ignited speculation that Netflix might be planning an American adaptation, similar to what happened with Squid Game. Fans expressed strong disapproval on Reddit and social media:
- “Netflix should stop. Making an American version disrespects the manga, the Japanese adaptation, and the series’ legacy. Especially the Arisu character.”
- “Don’t bring Asian dramas to America. That scene wasn’t impressive. Are we starting over with another character? Completely unnecessary.”
- “Why does everything need an American version? The US acts like a jealous cousin copying every cool thing other countries have.”
One fan bluntly commented, “I rolled my eyes so hard at that last scene it became comical. Nobody asked for this.”
Netflix Remains Silent on Season 4
Despite ongoing speculation, Netflix has not officially confirmed a Season 4 or spin-off project. Some viewers argue that the “Alice” detail could merely reference Alice in Wonderland, not an American adaptation.
Adapted from Haro Aso’s manga, Alice in Borderland concluded its second season closely following the source material. Season 3, however, introduced original storylines not present in the manga, leaving the possibility of a fourth season or spin-off open.
