The long-awaited third season of Netflix’s hit series Alice in Borderland has arrived, bringing a fresh wave of players into its deadly games. While familiar faces like Arisu and Usagi return, the season introduces a roster of new characters who quickly become the heart of the story. Some of these newcomers left a lasting impression, while others left fans wanting more.
The Standout Performers
Rei: The Clever Strategist
Played by Tina Tamashiro, Rei makes an immediate impact. With her cyan blue hair and a sharp, nonchalant attitude, she is often seen as a worthy replacement for the clever Chishiya from earlier seasons. She enters the games with a sense of bravado and wildness, proving to be a clever and resourceful player. Rei consistently demonstrates her intelligence, especially in the “Possible Futures” game, where she focuses on team success rather than getting distracted by the tempting glimpses of what could be. Her unpredictable nature and quick thinking make her a scene-stealer and one of the most memorable additions to the cast.
Kazuya: The Redeemed Fighter
Hiroyuki Ikeuchi brings Kazuya to life, a character who begins the season as a clear villain. A former Yakuza member, he shows no mercy in the early “Zombie Hunt” game, brutally killing other players to ensure his own survival. However, his character undergoes one of the most significant transformations. After being saved by Nobu, Kazuya shows gratitude and a changed heart. He becomes a reliable teammate, ultimately sacrificing his life to help Arisu’s team in the “Kick the Can” game. His journey from a self-serving antagonist to a selfless hero provides some of the season’s most satisfying moments.
Nobu: The Growing Leader
Kotaro Daigo portrays Nobu, a young man who starts his journey as timid and depressed, having faced unemployment and bullying in the real world. Initially, he is a follower, often letting others dictate his actions. However, his friendship with Arisu becomes a catalyst for his growth. Throughout the season, Nobu finds his courage, eventually standing up to formidable players like Kazuya. His journey from a nervous observer to a confident participant who earns his survival makes his story one of the most relatable and rewarding to watch.
Characters Who Missed Their Potential
Ryuji: The Morally Complex Scientist
Kento Kaku plays Ryuji, a university professor obsessed with near-death experiences. He serves as a main lead and is central to the plot, as his manipulation of Usagi’s grief for her father is what draws her back to the Borderlands. While his final act is heroic, his earlier morally questionable decisions make him a difficult character to like. His initial actions cast a long shadow, and for many viewers, his last-minute redemption was not enough to make him a truly admirable character, leaving him ranked as one of the less likable new additions.
Itsuki and Yuna: The Underdeveloped Siblings
The brother-sister duo, Itsuki (Joey Iwanaga) and Yuna (Akana Ikeda), start with promise. Itsuki, a firefighter, shows potential for strength, but their shared story arc lacks depth. During the “Possible Futures” game, they become too fixated on choosing a perfect future, losing sight of the immediate need to survive. This obsession leads to tragic consequences, including Itsuki’s death. Because the show doesn’t fully explore their backgrounds or motivations, their ultimate fate feels less impactful than intended, making them missed opportunities for deeper emotional connection.
Tetsu: The Tragic Figure
Koji Ohkura gives a compelling performance as Tetsu, a man struggling with drug addiction. He brings a raw vulnerability to the team, continually trying to prove his worth and show loyalty despite his personal demons. His arc is particularly tragic, as the “Possible Futures” game seems to doom him to the addicted life he fears. He ultimately accepts death as a form of release. While his character is memorable and sympathetic, the lack of a positive resolution for his struggle feels like an unfinished story for a character who showed great potential for growth.
Sachiko: The Quiet Survivor
Risa Sudou plays Sachiko, a compassionate housewife and a survivor of abuse. Her friendly and non-confrontational demeanor makes her a kind presence, and her real-world background adds a layer of realism to the series. However, her refusal to take a stand during moments of danger and her tendency to let others lead prevent her from becoming a more central and proactive force. She remains a supportive background character when she could have had a more powerful journey.
A New Dynamic for the Final Games
The introduction of these new characters created a completely different dynamic for the Joker tournament in Season 3. With Arisu and Usagi separated for much of the season, these new players became their essential allies, each contributing their unique skills and personal burdens to the team’s survival. Their varied backgroundsโfrom a firefighter and a Yakuza to a university student and a housewifeโshowcased how people from all walks of life were thrown into the chaos of the Borderland.
The final game, “Future Sugoroku,” truly tested these new bonds. The game forced players to make choices based on glimpses of their potential futures, revealing their deepest desires and fears. This high-stakes environment highlighted the core traits of each character, solidifying who worked as a team player and who was led astray by personal ambition.
The new cast of Alice in Borderland Season 3 brought a mix of brilliant strategists, redeemed villains, and tragic figures to the forefront. While some characters like Rei and Kazuya won over audiences, others left fans wondering what could have been with more developed storylines.
Also Read: Alice in Borderland Season 3: Arisuโs Final Choice Between Life and Death Explained
