Dark Heart

In the original "Squid Game" series, a sickening feeling of dread and anxiety hangs over every episode, because you know with 100% certainty that characters you've gotten to know and care about are definitely going to die horrific, sudden, violent deaths. That's what makes the show so emotionally gripping. In this reality show version with real people, they keep trying to mimic that same feeling, but It just doesn't work. It comes off as forced and phony. Too many of the contestants turn into these jittery, hyperventilating, fearful cry-babies, blubbering away as if they too are about to have their very lives snuffed out. But you already know this one's just a safe, harmless game show, and other than losing a chance at a big pot of cash, these people actually have nothing at risk -- much less their actual lives. I wish they'd stop carrying on like they're all in mortal danger of being slaughtered. Silly. Also, frankly too much chatter. I found myself not caring about any of these people or their personal stories.