The Unseen Protagonist of Alice in Borderland Season 3

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

The gripping Japanese series, "Alice in Borderland," has captivated audiences for two intense seasons, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama of Season 3. As viewers reflect on the show's standout moments, the spotlight falls on the exhilarating games that define the Borderland experience. Interestingly, a closer look at Alice in Borderland Season 2's most compelling games unveils a common thread, shedding light on who the true protagonist of the series might be.

"Alice in Borderland," adapted from Haro Aso's manga, introduces us to Arisu and Usagi, played by Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, trapped in an abandoned Tokyo and compelled to navigate life-threatening challenges. The allure of Season 3 looms large, promising the return of familiar faces to the enigmatic Borderland.

Despite Arisu being the central character, the series has evolved into an ensemble narrative, featuring a spectrum of beloved characters. However, recent revelations from Season 2's Face Card games, particularly the Jack of Hearts' Solitary Confinement and the King of Diamonds' Beauty Contest, hint at the real powerhouse of the show – Chishiya, portrayed by Nijiro Murakami.

Intriguingly, both these standout games revolved around Chishiya, hinting at his pivotal role in the narrative. Unlike previous games where multiple characters took center stage, Chishiya emerged as the sole protagonist in both Solitary Confinement and Beauty Contest. This deliberate focus on his character raises questions about his significance in the grand scheme of Alice in Borderland.

The adaptation from manga to live-action brings an interesting twist. Chishiya's absence from the Jack of Hearts game in the manga is a notable deviation. In the live-action series, however, not only does he feature prominently in Solitary Confinement, but he also assumes a central role in these episodes. Chishiya's nonchalant attitude, particularly his apparent disregard for others, positions him as the perfect player for the Jack of Hearts game, injecting an element of unpredictability into the series.

The Beauty Contest game delves even deeper into Chishiya's character, testing his moral compass and unveiling surprising facets of his background as a doctor. This game serves as a catalyst, retroactively transforming Chishiya from a mere player into a complex and multifaceted character. His past betrayal of Arisu and Usagi in Season 1 set the tone for his unpredictable journey, establishing him as an "anti-hero" rather than a conventional hero or villain.

Unlike the more predictable paths of Arisu and Usagi, Chishiya's fate hangs in the balance, adding an extra layer of suspense to the narrative. This unpredictability factor is a key element that makes supporting characters like Chishiya so compelling. The Beauty Contest game, in particular, elevates Chishiya's role retrospectively, making him a scene-stealer in Season 2 and leaving fans eagerly anticipating his potential return in Season 3.

As "Alice in Borderland" continues to blur the lines between hero and anti-hero, Season 3 holds the promise of further revelations and unexpected twists, ensuring that Chishiya remains a pivotal force in the intricate tapestry of the Borderland saga.

 Source: Screenrant, Gamerant

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