The hit series “Alice in Borderland” continues to engage audiences with its exploration of the purgatorial realm known as Borderland. The show, based on Haro Aso’s manga, leaves viewers with cryptic messages and endless possibilities. As the series approached its third season, the anticipation of unveiling the mysterious Joker character created quite the buzz, only to result in yet another layer of intrigue.
In Season 3, Arisu, played by Kento Yamazaki, encounters a mysterious gentleman portrayed by Ken Watanabe. This enigmatic figure, clad in gray, is approached by Arisu, who naturally questions if he is the fabled Joker. What unfolds is a cryptic conversation that ultimately dismisses the idea of the Joker being a tangible entity or individual with control over Borderland. Instead, the Joker is presented as merely a card, symbolizing time’s uncertainty.
This nod to the original manga’s elusive portrayal of the Joker character adds depth to the third season, with director and co-writer Shinsuke Sato crafting a narrative that leaves viewers pondering the essence of life, death, and everything in between.
Watanabe’s portrayal of this shadowy character brings a presence that is both powerful and unsettling, especially as he demonstrates his ability to stop time while describing his role as the Watchman of the gates of death. This role, guarding the transition between life and death, encapsulates the show’s ongoing theme of ambiguity and the human fear of the unknown.
The concept of water as a pathway to death, drawn from Japanese folklore involving the Sanzu River, further cements the cultural roots in the narrative. In Japanese tradition, crossing the Sanzu River represents the soul’s journey to the afterlife, a theme woven into Arisu’s experience in Borderland.
The introduction of Ryuji, a professor intrigued by the afterlife, adds another dimension to this exploration. His curiosity further entangles Arisu’s wife, Usagi, in the complex world of Borderland, hinting at grander revelations about the afterlife.
As the season concludes, choices about life, death, and happiness are at the forefront. Arisu’s refusal to succumb to the Watchman’s seductive call to the whirlpool exemplifies a rejection of the emptiness beyond death in favor of embracing life with its challenges and joys.
Though the series ends with lingering questions about what lies beyond Borderland, it marks a journey of growth for Arisu and Usagi, who return to a changed real world. Arisu embarks on a newfound purpose, helping others who have faced similar trials, while Usagi prepares for motherhood, illustrating their evolved outlook on life.
“Alice in Borderland” season three has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate storytelling and exploration of profound themes, leaving a lasting impression as it continues to challenge perceptions of life, death, and what lies beyond.