10 Sci-Fi TV Shows That Wasted Great Characters
8. Players 069 And 070 (Squid Game)
In a year full of shocks, Squid Game's sudden rise as the most popular show of 2021 was undoubtedly among the most surprising. But despite being one of the year's biggest accomplishments, it suffered from a host of issues. Of all its shortcomings, the misuse of these characters really stood out.
Plenty of background characters lacked spotlight in Squid Game, but players 069 and 070 were chief among them. Seeing people betray each other in this show was par for the course, but the tragedy of a married couple trying to wade through it together was utterly compelling and something that could have been explored way more.
This was especially noticeable after player 069 outlived his wife and was arguably responsible for her death. The show set up the really fascinating idea of a man battling on whilst full of guilt, but rather than exploring his grief in a meaningful way, he was quickly killed off via suicide.
In the end, this incredibly compelling conflict and horrifying thought became a simple punchline for one of the infamous VIPs, laughing at his number 69 moniker. What a waste!