A very well written review, which has highlighted some flaws I had yet to consider.

My three thoughts on Squid Game:

1) Although it borrows extensively from other stories, it is gripping enough in its own right to stand out. It is well scripted, acted, and directed, with great sets, innovative scoring, and iconic imagery. Plus it pays blatant but heartfelt tribute to Stanley Kubrick - particularly A Clockwork Orange - in many enjoyable ways.

2) It highlights the Korean debt crisis (and the problems of extreme capitalism) in a vivid and thought provoking way.

3) It provides a fascinating insight into the depravity of the human condition, in terms of where unchecked hedonism could lead. Yes it's satirical, but once upon a time gladiators fought one another at the Roman Games. Squid Game isn't such a stretch, in the context of history.

One final note: After episode one, I predicted the twist in the final episode, as it is exactly how I would have written it. Once again, my wife has banned me from verbalising any of my theories whilst watching TV series, as she says she is 1) sick of me always being proved correct in such predictions and, 2) sick of me ruining these things for her as a result. Fair enough really.