The following contains spoilers for Season 2 of Alice in Borderland, now streaming on Netflix.
One thing that has annoyed fans regarding Netflix over the last couple of years is how the streaming service cancels shows, especially those that end on epic cliffhangers. 1899 is another that joins the cancellation list, which is disappointing given the series teased an entirely different Season 2 in space and in the future, as opposed to a cruise liner on the seas in the 1800s.
The cancellation trend has left viewers hoping no more of their favorite shows get canned, while inhibiting audiences who don't want to spend an entire binge session investing in something that won't get renewed. Simply put, with so many streamers out there competing with content, fans want to attach themselves to something that has legs. Interestingly, some wondered if another highly-popular series, Alice in Borderland, might end on the chopping block after its second season ended on a massive note. However, its twist ending does work in case the show gets axed.
Alice in Borderland Season 2 Ends With a Sinister Note
After so many twisted death-games a la Squid Game, Arisu and his friends beat Mira (the Queen of Hearts) in the final match. They then opt to head back to the real-world, affirming this pocket dimension of an abandoned Tokyo has been purgatory all along. However, as everyone recovers in a hospital with friends and family after a meteor strike left them near-death, a Joker card is shown. It teases a final boss -- something Arisu's friends Karube and Chota hinted at in Season 1.
The Joker card left fans speculating if this real-world is another level in an Inception-like reality, and that the twisted game will continue with all these persons having their memories altered in what's basically a clean slate. It's admittedly sadistic, but it's the kind of scenario a Joker would get off on. It's what a true devil would do, lulling people into a false sense of security before rebooting the game for an Alice in Borderland Season 3.
Alice in Borderland Season 2 Could Be a Happy Ending
However, if the series gets axed, the Joker card could always be construed as a red herring, with the players truly back in the real-world. They could be deemed the worthy, accepting this second chance and wanting to move forward. As for the Joker card, this can always be construed as a tease to the audience, making them enter their own guessing-game, forming conspiracy theories, in what would be a meta moment.
As it stands, there's a sense of closure, especially because the Joker never really is used as a playing card in games. It might well be a distraction when really the story's at an end, which again, would feel devious. But at least fans could rest easy by thinking it's not ambiguous -- their favorite characters are in a better place with loved ones again. At least, that's the consolation fans could have, or what the creators could put forward if they're hurting. Ultimately, it'd fit the trickster nature of the property, sticking to mind games and an overlord (in this case, Netflix) running the creative game as seen fit.
Season 2 of Alice in Borderland is now available on Netflix.