While this is the beginning of the end for the world’s most popular scripted show, “Squid Game” has always managed to keep the excitement so intense that you simply can’t worry about the ledge when the stakes are so high at any given moment.

The season three premiere “Keys And Knives” is proof of that.

Of course with season two’s frantic finish, this episode is more about picking up the pieces and figuring out exactly what’s going on. Gi Hun is still alive of course, and The Front Man has retaken his perch running the games as the VIPs arrive, and once again, we got Dae Ho continuing his sabotaged search for the games.

With all of Gi Huns allies dead, the jerks easily win the vote to continue the games, and the next contest is hide and seek. The taggers get a knife, while the hiders get a key to safety. The toughest split is between our mother and son and estranged pregnant couple. The credits pop before the actual game begins with the premiere setting the table for an exciting second episode.

The premiere was terrific. If the show didn’t stumble during it’s years long absence, then six months wasn’t going to be a problem. It almost feels like just a winter delay.

Either way, the Squid Game season three premiere is still everything we love about the series. I’d be surprised if you’re reading this article after not watching it yourself.

What did you think? Let me know in the comments.