Alice in Borderland Season 3 Finale Marks Poignant Conclusion to Global Hit

The third season of Netflix's "Alice in Borderland" continues the story of Arisu and Usagi as they navigate the mysterious Borderland, a liminal space between life and death following a meteorite strike in Tokyo. Season 3 introduces new dynamics and complex psychological games, notably through the character Ryuji Matsuyama, a wheelchair-bound professor obsessed with the afterlife, whose potential as a layered figure was criticized for being underdeveloped and reduced to a mere plot device. The season also explores the emotional and psychological struggles of the players as they confront their pasts and desires, highlighted by the immersive final tournament where players face manipulated realities reflecting their deepest secrets. Despite the introduction of new storylines and games, some fan-favorite characters like Chishiya, known for his cunning and survival skills in previous seasons, are notably absent, raising questions about his fate and role in the evolving narrative. The show's director, Shinsuke Sato, emphasized that Season 3 offers a fresh experience that can be enjoyed both by newcomers and manga fans, blending source material with original creative elements to broaden its appeal. Overall, Season 3 expands the lore of Borderland while balancing new thematic explorations and character developments, though some narrative choices have sparked mixed reactions among viewers.