Content Warning: This article contains plot spoilers for the Netflix show Alice in Borderland.
With its countless twists and turns, jarring deaths, and deadly games, it’s not surprising that there are a few unpopular opinions about Alice in Borderland. Some aspects of the survival drama series are polarizing, as discussions on the subreddit r/AliceInBorderlandLive show.
From Mira’s bad acting to Hatter’s justifiable actions, there are some truly controversial opinions from the series’ growing fandom. As fans continue to wait for more details about the upcoming second season, it’s the ideal time to explore the unpopular statements Redditors have made about the show.
Usagi Isn’t That Likable
Usagi is one of the most likable characters from the show, as she’s depicted as a strong and caring player who helps Arisu during his darkest moments. The user ambivalentbasil has a different opinion about her, though, simply stating how they “don’t really like Usagi.”
Most fans would agree that Usagi has slowly but surely become an important and likable character in the series. Her moving backstory about having to overcome the tragic loss of her dad, her efforts in helping Arisu, and her impressive performance during games have all turned her into an invaluable fan favorite.
It’s Not That Good
Despite being popular enough to be renewed for a second season, not everyone is impressed by the survival drama show. The Redditor ImAmBaby says that “Alice in Borderland isn’t that good,” explaining how it is “bland and stereotypical,” with characters “ripped from a generic popular webtoon.”
Fans who know that the show is an adaptation of a popular manga series understand that it’s the inspiration behind the series’ unique aesthetic. Its popularity continues to grow thanks to its well-designed games and tense scenes between well-written characters. It’s an exciting take on the genre, but not everyone will be impressed by its distinctive style and story.
Hatter Did The Right Thing
Hatter is responsible for some of the most horrific things in Alice in Borderland, with his establishment of a manipulative cult being on top of the list. Vanilla_Euphoric thinks fans may be a bit too harsh on him, though, saying that his “reasoning behind creating the Beach is justified” because “anyone trapped in a place like that should at least have fun before they die.”
While it’s an interesting perspective to consider, most fans can easily weigh the pros and cons of the Beach based on the events of the show. Hatter’s cruel actions and misguided beliefs led to the deaths of hundreds of players, both through his rule against traitors and his influence on the organization in general. The massacre at the Beach certainly wouldn’t have happened if it never existed.
Mira Had Bad Acting
A huge twist towards the end of the show centers around Mira’s real identity, as she turns out to be one of the enigmatic people pulling the strings behind the scenes. Shiro_heyhey isn’t too impressed by the reveal, as they think “Mira had bad acting, especially in her speech in the season finale.”
Most viewers would say that Mira’s acting perfectly matched what the scene was trying to depict. Her unhinged and wild personality highlights the twisted inner workings of the mysterious competition. It wouldn’t make sense for her to be perfectly composed and normal like the rest of the players, as it takes a wacky character to hype up what Arisu will have to go up against in the upcoming season.
The Final Fight Was Terrible
Fans won’t soon forget the epic final fight between Niragi and the rest of the players during the gripping round of “Witch Hunt.” The user Possible-Highway7898 feels disappointed by it though, saying that “the final fight was terribly choreographed and performed.”
They’re likely referring to Aguni’s selfless act in Alice in Borderland, which is the last fight Niragi has before his death. The epic scene shows Niragi killing players with his rifle and even throwing Usagi to the side when she tries to intervene. Aguni blocks the bullet meant for Arisu at the last second and the entire sequence of him charging towards Niragi is shown in slow motion. It’s an incredible sequence that perfectly caps off the Beach’s story arc.
It Was Dragging
Alice in Borderland’s brilliant pacing makes it easy to binge the entire show without feeling too overwhelmed by each violent round. The show stops and gives viewers enough breathing room while ingeniously inserting poignant backstories. This was more of a con than a pro for Suberizu, who believes that at “some points the show was dragging too much,” giving the “beginning of ep 1” as one of their examples.
The first few minutes of the first episode are definitely slower than the rest, but for a good reason. It highlights the friendship of the trio, Arisu, Chōta, and Karube. Without slower moments that help fans feel closer to the characters, the heartbreaking deaths that happen in the games wouldn’t be as impactful.
The Last Game Was Too Easy
Most viewers would agree that the “Witch Hunt” game is the most difficult one in the series so far – it is a ten of hearts round after all. The Redditor RealDZ says it’s too “predictably easy for it to be the last game of the season,” though, explaining how “it felt like a drag” after they “figured it out.”
While it’s certainly a possibility for fans to figure out the solutions to the games before characters like Arisu do, this likely doesn’t happen for most viewers, especially during the last round. No one could have expected the dealer twist and Momoka’s motivation for becoming the witch, as even Arisu has a hard time wrapping his head around it without hearing Asahi’s shocking confession.