The Devil’s Plan Season 2 Faces Backlash for Predictable Gameplay and Unfair Rules; Fans Express Disappointment

Netflix’s The Devil’s Plan: Death Room Season 2 ended on May 20, 2025, but the finale left many viewers unhappy. Fans called the show “too predictable” and “unfair,” criticizing its focus on alliances over strategy and the controversial prison division twist. The season featured 14 contestants and games like Balance Mancala, Wall Go, and Formula Pyramid, but fans say the rules favored certain players.

The prison twist, which split players into different living conditions, received heavy backlash. Viewers argued it created an uneven playing field and felt more like social control than a game mechanic. Hidden rules and unclear gameplay added to the frustration. Many compared Season 2 unfavorably to the first season, which had more suspense and drama.

One fan wrote:
“Yes he’s a good player but i can’t root for him, season 2 was too predictable and unfair, at least on s1 we got the drama and the thrill of who’s gonna win…”

Another viewer criticized the group-focused gameplay:
“The Devil’s Plan Season 2 is more likely a group competition. I don’t get it why they joined this kind of game but don’t have the courage to take decisions by themselves. They just followed all the time!”

Some blamed production interference, saying key moments lacked fairness. A fan pointed out:
“Hyungyu played well, but the production team ruined #TheDevilsPlanS2. Lots of unfair dynamics, including Hyungyu’s advantage, and the prison alliance had NO SHOT at the semi-finals.”

Despite the criticism, the show performed well in ratings. It ranked in Netflix Korea’s top variety list and reached ninth place globally for non-English TV content. Director Jung-yeon defended the season, saying it aimed to showcase Korean-style gameplay without catering to international audiences.

The season’s eliminations also sparked debate. In Episode 9, fan favorites like Lee Se-dol were unexpectedly cut early due to obscure rules. Choi Hyun-joon used a “double lines” rule to eliminate Se-dol, shocking players and viewers. Other eliminations, like Kim Ha-rin and Justin H. Min, further frustrated fans who felt the rules were unclear.

Remaining players like Kyuhyun, Jung Hyun-gyu, and Yoon So-hee advanced to the finale. However, many viewers felt the final rounds lacked tension. One fan said:
“Those prison matches were intense but only worth 1 piece? The format could have worked if prisoners had a real chance to improve their standing.”

Comparisons to Season 1 dominated discussions. Fans praised the first season for its unpredictable twists and emotional stakes. A viewer commented:
“Season 1 was so good, how did they fumble Season 2 so badly? At one point, it became boring and painful to watch.”

The show’s structure also drew complaints. Some felt the main living area players had too much control, while the prison team struggled to catch up. A fan noted:
“The status quo never changed. Those in the living area pissed me off. I don’t like the winner. A lot of it was boring with no shock factor.”

Despite mixed reactions, The Devil’s Plan Season 2 kept viewers engaged. The finale, aired on May 20, awarded 280 million won to the winner, with the prize potentially increasing based on strategies. While some enjoyed the mind games, others hope for a fairer Season 3.

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