The Top 10 Running Man Episodes of 2015
22:42:00
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The year 2015 will end in a few days. Time really flies when you're having fun, and it's been a good long and fun ride with Running Man. Throughout the year, Running Man has provided us with some of the funniest laughing material week in, week out. Since it's the end of the year, it's definitely a perfect time to take a look back at some of the episodes that stood out in 2015.
I did a similar list for the past 2 years, which you can check out here:
Top 10 of 2013
Top 10 of 2014
I have to make a note here that what constitutes a "great" Running Man episode (to me, at least) is how entertained I was from watching it. Running Man is, after all, a variety show and variety shows are supposed to be a source of entertainment and laughs. That's what I deem to be a good Running Man episode, and why I chose the episodes in this top 10 list.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 Running Man episodes in 2015, in the order that they were aired. All these episodes selected are in my very humble opinion, so should you have your own, don't hesitate to leave a comment below!
Note: The final episode of the year (ep. 279) is not included in the list because the English subs hasn't come out at the time of writing.
#10 Running Man Yoomes Bond's Successor (Ep 231)
Yoomes Bond makes a fantastic return into the world of spies and water guns, and along for the ride is a possible successor, Lee Kwang-soo. This episode stands out in terms of the variety of games it has to offer, while the earlier 2 Yoomes Bond specials focused more of searching for items.
With the bumbling Kwang-soo making almost a huge mess of all this eliminations, it's also more refreshing to watch each elimination with a different perspective from the much more professional and experienced Jae-suk.
Of course, the ending is more or less as expected of the Icon of Betrayal, and it ends up being one of the better Yoomes Bond specials around.
#9 Running Man Hidden Variety Special (Ep 233)
What happens when you throw the greatest underdogs in the idol world into a big stage like Running Man? This episode, apparently. Dubbed the Hidden Variety Gem Race, and featuring idol guests who made it huge with their respective groups but have rarely appeared on variety shows, this episode gave them all a chance to shine.
And what better way to shine than to throw them into a gigantic mud field (for their visual gags) and the brutal game of nametag ripping on the show that made it all possible.
If anything, this episode featured guests who were down and ready to showcase what they had to offer, and despite being hidden gems all this while, managed to pull off enough wit and humor to make this episode a great one to watch.
#8 Running Man The Greatest Love (Ep 237)
Good guests make a great episode, and it cannot be more true in this episode. With an amazingly diverse cast of pretty faces, like Yerin (G-Friend), Hani (EXID), Jung So-min, Nam Ji-hyun and Yoo So-hee, you could almost be forgiven for thinking that this was one of those episodes which featured guests that were shy and laid back.
And who could forget Yerin's moment of variety glory? This will forever be one of my favorite Running Man moments ever!
#7 Running Man Big Nose Hyung's Ultimate Victory (Ep 240)
One of the best things about Running Man is trying their best to win over each other in the missions and races. But what if the mission was to make sure that the weakest member (aka Big Nose Hyung) reached his goal of 100 points and victory?
This sets up one of the most hilarious episodes of the year with everyone trying their best to help Suk-jin win; a task so monumentally difficult because it's Suk-jin. The games tested each and every one of the members because they weren't playing to win, but to help Big Nosed Hyung win. The guests were amazing as well, the all rounded Kim Woo-bin, the surprisingly hilarious Kang Ha-neul and the cool Junho from 2PM.
This episode also included an amazing nametag ripping game between the Running Man members and the Hunters, which was made more challenging by the fact that they couldn't let Suk-jin get ousted while also making sure that he had to tear off 2 nametags with his own hands.
Really, even with the poor Hunters all pinned down, it took a lot for Suk-jin to rip the nametag.
The finish of the episode was nothing less than what Suk-jin would do. You have to watch the episode to find out because it's better not to be spoiled.
#6 Running Man Tricking the Giraffe (Ep 247)
The Running Man members have a very unique relationship defined by a mixture of friendship and betrayals. No one is more aware of this fact than the Icon of Betrayal, Lee Kwang-soo, who has over the years betrayed his fellow members so many times that they might actually be wary of him in real life. So what happens when the Icon of Betrayal becomes the Icon of Betrayed?
Well, in tune with one of Running Man's classic episodes, the Tru-Gary Show in episode 66, this episode focuses on how the members exact their revenge on the Giraffe; by tricking him into thinking he won the entire episode. This is easier said than done, with the missions being difficult in themselves.
Still, the end result is very satisfying to watch, especially when you see the members' relief at getting back at the betrayer.
This episode also showcases Kwang-soo's House Raid, where the members barge into Kwang-soo's house to show the world what he has going on. It's really worth the watch.
#5 Running Man x Big Bang: Time Warriors (Ep 250)
The biggest idol guests appear on Running Man in their second outing together as a full group; as Big Bang literally comes back from the past to fight for a chance to return to their own time. This premise isn't anything new, but the way the games are played and with TOP and G-Dragon both trying their best to maintain their cool, it came together as a surprisingly good episode overall.
That being said, the only comparison was to the previous Big Bang snoozefest, which only consisted of Bells Hide and Seek. This time, the boys were given a bigger chance to showcase their skills and variety talents. Like who knew that TOP's face would be the best looking one even though it slammed through a plastic sheet?
There was also a 18+ moment of taking off poor Taeyang's pants. And a completely naked Commander. Yes, this happened on a variety show.
This was a good, solid and fun outing for the Big Bang boys. GD even promised to return to the show. If this episode is any indication, let's hope that episode is soon.
#4 Running Man High School Horror Special (Ep 261)
Running Man has a real knack for horror themed episodes, and this is no different. The only complaint I have about episode 261 is that it is split into 2 parts, a continuation of the previous week's Millionaire Club episode and one of the most legit scary horror themed episodes on Running Man.
The mission is so simple: go into an abandoned girl's high school and find your nametags. The catch is that each member has to find both his or her nametag, as well as the nametag of their cameraman who has worked tirelessly running alongside throughout the past 5 years.
The events that transpire in the half an hour can honestly leave you in stitches, while also cowering in fear. In true haunted house fashion, the members are all scared silly by jumpscares, dancing ghosts, mother ghosts pushing baby prams, dead scholars, the works.
The thing about the Running Man members is that all of them are extremely chicken about the prospect of a haunted house (with the exception of maybe Ji-hyo because of her role in Whispering Corridors) and to put them in that situation with no other means of escape definitely gives them a ghost of a time.
#3 Running Man Unanimous Teamwork (Ep 267)
It's a known fact that most fans watch Running Man because of one thing; the amazing cast interaction. The seven members have bonded so well on the show that watching them week in, week out isn't so much as a chore as it is to see what they are getting themselves up to.
Think Big Bang Theory, Friends, How I Met Your Mother etc. So what better way than to showcase this fact than to put all seven members in a house and try to get them to play nice with each other.
The mission for this episode actually involves unanimous teamwork, in which all members have to complete the task in unanimous fashion. In between the Monday Couple's puzzle, to the foot volleyball and a lot of hilarious forehead slap punishments, this episode doesn't showcase that much of the "Running" aspect of the show.
Instead, it gives us a more intimate look at how the 7 members have grown since the show began 5 years ago, and it's extremely heartwarming to watch.
#2 Running Man 100 v 100 (Ep 271 and 272)
Running Man has ways of surprising its viewers. The 100 v 100 episode was one such surprise. Running Man always aimed to do bigger and better, and this episode was an example of the lofty ambitions the producers were planning to reach.
But there was so many factors that could have made an episode of this magnitude go south. The fact that the members themselves had to recruit the guests was a potential problem in itself, but there was also the distribution of screentime for 100 people, the logistics of playing games, the nametag ripping finale. There were so many things that could have gone wrong, but Running Man played it perfectly.
From the entertaining interviews which enabled guests to not only introduce themselves, but also to show off their various talents, to the games which gave everyone a fair chance to play regardless of gender or age, the exciting nametag ripping battle at the end, and special stages from the likes of the adorable G-Friend and UEE, this episode did everything right.
Not many variety shows can juggle so many guests at once and still make them all shine in their own way. Kudos to the Running Man members themselves who did their best to make all the guests feel at home, and especially Jae-suk for his commendable effort in keeping the interviewees and guests entertained throughout.
#1 Running Man Zombie (Ep 277)
A zombie special that was a hark back to the days of the older Running Man specials. Despite the obvious scripting in this special which made the whole episode feel more like a mini TV movie, the gags were hilarious and the cast were well into their respective roles. Taking a page out of the classic zombie movies, the PDs were very careful to script an episode which showcased many of the typical zombie tropes, with an obvious twist of course.
The best thing to happen is the transformation of several of the Running Man members into their zombie counterparts. Suk-jin, in particular worked his zombie charms the best, and his leadership of the undead horde will go down as one of the greatest moments on Running Man.
Another good thing that came out of this episode is the fact that you can always rely on Kim Jong-kook in whatever situation. Even zombies are afraid of him.
In an episode so full of zombies, there was undoubtedly a lot of moments to savor; like the Shoulder Brothers dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller, or Ji-hyo putting up against an zombie attack by herself.
A zombie special that definitely has enough bite to keep us all entertained.
Do you agree with the top 10 list above, or do you think I missed out something, somewhere? Maybe I missed out a favorite episode of yours which you think deserves a spot on this list? Which are YOUR top episodes from 2015? Leave a comment below!
It's only 4 more days to the new year 2016. Since this is the last Running Mondays post of the year, I just want to take this chance to thank all of you for your support and for reading. And of course, a very Happy New Year everyone! Here's to more Running Man goodness next year!
Cheerios!
With the bumbling Kwang-soo making almost a huge mess of all this eliminations, it's also more refreshing to watch each elimination with a different perspective from the much more professional and experienced Jae-suk.
Of course, the ending is more or less as expected of the Icon of Betrayal, and it ends up being one of the better Yoomes Bond specials around.
#9 Running Man Hidden Variety Special (Ep 233)
What happens when you throw the greatest underdogs in the idol world into a big stage like Running Man? This episode, apparently. Dubbed the Hidden Variety Gem Race, and featuring idol guests who made it huge with their respective groups but have rarely appeared on variety shows, this episode gave them all a chance to shine.
And what better way to shine than to throw them into a gigantic mud field (for their visual gags) and the brutal game of nametag ripping on the show that made it all possible.
If anything, this episode featured guests who were down and ready to showcase what they had to offer, and despite being hidden gems all this while, managed to pull off enough wit and humor to make this episode a great one to watch.
#8 Running Man The Greatest Love (Ep 237)
Good guests make a great episode, and it cannot be more true in this episode. With an amazingly diverse cast of pretty faces, like Yerin (G-Friend), Hani (EXID), Jung So-min, Nam Ji-hyun and Yoo So-hee, you could almost be forgiven for thinking that this was one of those episodes which featured guests that were shy and laid back.
But from the first whistle onwards, and the rest of the episode, the girls were competitive, strong, and gave enough variety spirit to scare the Running Man members. It was quite surprising to see how competitive they were, because they went all out to win the games with their respective partners. It's good to see guests who are so eager and active to win.
And who could forget Yerin's moment of variety glory? This will forever be one of my favorite Running Man moments ever!
#7 Running Man Big Nose Hyung's Ultimate Victory (Ep 240)
One of the best things about Running Man is trying their best to win over each other in the missions and races. But what if the mission was to make sure that the weakest member (aka Big Nose Hyung) reached his goal of 100 points and victory?
This sets up one of the most hilarious episodes of the year with everyone trying their best to help Suk-jin win; a task so monumentally difficult because it's Suk-jin. The games tested each and every one of the members because they weren't playing to win, but to help Big Nosed Hyung win. The guests were amazing as well, the all rounded Kim Woo-bin, the surprisingly hilarious Kang Ha-neul and the cool Junho from 2PM.
This episode also included an amazing nametag ripping game between the Running Man members and the Hunters, which was made more challenging by the fact that they couldn't let Suk-jin get ousted while also making sure that he had to tear off 2 nametags with his own hands.
Really, even with the poor Hunters all pinned down, it took a lot for Suk-jin to rip the nametag.
The finish of the episode was nothing less than what Suk-jin would do. You have to watch the episode to find out because it's better not to be spoiled.
#6 Running Man Tricking the Giraffe (Ep 247)
The Running Man members have a very unique relationship defined by a mixture of friendship and betrayals. No one is more aware of this fact than the Icon of Betrayal, Lee Kwang-soo, who has over the years betrayed his fellow members so many times that they might actually be wary of him in real life. So what happens when the Icon of Betrayal becomes the Icon of Betrayed?
Well, in tune with one of Running Man's classic episodes, the Tru-Gary Show in episode 66, this episode focuses on how the members exact their revenge on the Giraffe; by tricking him into thinking he won the entire episode. This is easier said than done, with the missions being difficult in themselves.
Still, the end result is very satisfying to watch, especially when you see the members' relief at getting back at the betrayer.
This episode also showcases Kwang-soo's House Raid, where the members barge into Kwang-soo's house to show the world what he has going on. It's really worth the watch.
#5 Running Man x Big Bang: Time Warriors (Ep 250)
The biggest idol guests appear on Running Man in their second outing together as a full group; as Big Bang literally comes back from the past to fight for a chance to return to their own time. This premise isn't anything new, but the way the games are played and with TOP and G-Dragon both trying their best to maintain their cool, it came together as a surprisingly good episode overall.
That being said, the only comparison was to the previous Big Bang snoozefest, which only consisted of Bells Hide and Seek. This time, the boys were given a bigger chance to showcase their skills and variety talents. Like who knew that TOP's face would be the best looking one even though it slammed through a plastic sheet?
There was also a 18+ moment of taking off poor Taeyang's pants. And a completely naked Commander. Yes, this happened on a variety show.
This was a good, solid and fun outing for the Big Bang boys. GD even promised to return to the show. If this episode is any indication, let's hope that episode is soon.
#4 Running Man High School Horror Special (Ep 261)
Running Man has a real knack for horror themed episodes, and this is no different. The only complaint I have about episode 261 is that it is split into 2 parts, a continuation of the previous week's Millionaire Club episode and one of the most legit scary horror themed episodes on Running Man.
The mission is so simple: go into an abandoned girl's high school and find your nametags. The catch is that each member has to find both his or her nametag, as well as the nametag of their cameraman who has worked tirelessly running alongside throughout the past 5 years.
The events that transpire in the half an hour can honestly leave you in stitches, while also cowering in fear. In true haunted house fashion, the members are all scared silly by jumpscares, dancing ghosts, mother ghosts pushing baby prams, dead scholars, the works.
The thing about the Running Man members is that all of them are extremely chicken about the prospect of a haunted house (with the exception of maybe Ji-hyo because of her role in Whispering Corridors) and to put them in that situation with no other means of escape definitely gives them a ghost of a time.
#3 Running Man Unanimous Teamwork (Ep 267)
It's a known fact that most fans watch Running Man because of one thing; the amazing cast interaction. The seven members have bonded so well on the show that watching them week in, week out isn't so much as a chore as it is to see what they are getting themselves up to.
Think Big Bang Theory, Friends, How I Met Your Mother etc. So what better way than to showcase this fact than to put all seven members in a house and try to get them to play nice with each other.
The mission for this episode actually involves unanimous teamwork, in which all members have to complete the task in unanimous fashion. In between the Monday Couple's puzzle, to the foot volleyball and a lot of hilarious forehead slap punishments, this episode doesn't showcase that much of the "Running" aspect of the show.
Instead, it gives us a more intimate look at how the 7 members have grown since the show began 5 years ago, and it's extremely heartwarming to watch.
#2 Running Man 100 v 100 (Ep 271 and 272)
Running Man has ways of surprising its viewers. The 100 v 100 episode was one such surprise. Running Man always aimed to do bigger and better, and this episode was an example of the lofty ambitions the producers were planning to reach.
But there was so many factors that could have made an episode of this magnitude go south. The fact that the members themselves had to recruit the guests was a potential problem in itself, but there was also the distribution of screentime for 100 people, the logistics of playing games, the nametag ripping finale. There were so many things that could have gone wrong, but Running Man played it perfectly.
From the entertaining interviews which enabled guests to not only introduce themselves, but also to show off their various talents, to the games which gave everyone a fair chance to play regardless of gender or age, the exciting nametag ripping battle at the end, and special stages from the likes of the adorable G-Friend and UEE, this episode did everything right.
Not many variety shows can juggle so many guests at once and still make them all shine in their own way. Kudos to the Running Man members themselves who did their best to make all the guests feel at home, and especially Jae-suk for his commendable effort in keeping the interviewees and guests entertained throughout.
#1 Running Man Zombie (Ep 277)
A zombie special that was a hark back to the days of the older Running Man specials. Despite the obvious scripting in this special which made the whole episode feel more like a mini TV movie, the gags were hilarious and the cast were well into their respective roles. Taking a page out of the classic zombie movies, the PDs were very careful to script an episode which showcased many of the typical zombie tropes, with an obvious twist of course.
The best thing to happen is the transformation of several of the Running Man members into their zombie counterparts. Suk-jin, in particular worked his zombie charms the best, and his leadership of the undead horde will go down as one of the greatest moments on Running Man.
Another good thing that came out of this episode is the fact that you can always rely on Kim Jong-kook in whatever situation. Even zombies are afraid of him.
In an episode so full of zombies, there was undoubtedly a lot of moments to savor; like the Shoulder Brothers dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller, or Ji-hyo putting up against an zombie attack by herself.
A zombie special that definitely has enough bite to keep us all entertained.
Do you agree with the top 10 list above, or do you think I missed out something, somewhere? Maybe I missed out a favorite episode of yours which you think deserves a spot on this list? Which are YOUR top episodes from 2015? Leave a comment below!
It's only 4 more days to the new year 2016. Since this is the last Running Mondays post of the year, I just want to take this chance to thank all of you for your support and for reading. And of course, a very Happy New Year everyone! Here's to more Running Man goodness next year!
Cheerios!
2 comments
I love these episodes that you stated. But to be honest, the eps 250 where Big Bang was invited as guest. It seems thay there's not much fun scenes to watch. It's true that it's hilarious at the moment when they are in the water. Now I was hoping that they do some good scenes when they are invited once again.
ReplyDeleteBigbang episodes are always hilarious ❤️🤣😂
ReplyDelete