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Tuesday 18 October 2016

Episodes 321 to 325

Episode 325














Deficiency Travel
Broadcast Date: 13 November 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 07 November 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Gary (T.T)


I felt frustrated and warm at the same time. Clear as day that the members want to move on, but seriously, PD team, please let this be the last ep Gary guests for like at least 4 months okay? Pretty please? It's a heartwarming and cringe-worthy episode. You'll definitely watch it. 

Episode 324













Gary's Farewell (Memory Hunter)
Broadcast Date: 06 November 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 31 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: None


I thought I'd cry, but I didn't. I'm happy that the editing was done well for the farewell. This was always coming. But I think no one really acknowledged it. Honestly, even as a RM fan, at the inconsistent (and mostly disappointing) episodes, I think it's better they end as a legacy, rather than die out? There really isn't a point for me to write this review/summary, you'll watch the episode no matter what. 


Episode 323













Avatar House
Broadcast Date: 30 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 17 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: 
Jang Do-yeon, Kim Jun-hyun, Min-ho (SHINee), Seo Ji-hye, Yang Se-chan

Totally ended up hating Ji-hye, not sure if that's the point, really. But it was a fairly good concept, Jun-hyun shined, along with Min-ho, top notch guests in the episode. Only person who did the starting avatar well was SJH, who I guess got the memo. Again, not a bad episode. Only thing I really disliked with Ji-hye. But maybe that's the point? 


Episode 322














Running Field Day
Broadcast Date: 23 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 10 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Kang Min-kyung (Davichi), 
Park Mi-sun, Son Yeon-jae, Ye Ji-won, Yu-ra (Girl's Day)

There wasn't anything wrong with this episode. But it just didn't feel right to give it all 5 stars. It had body gags, LOL moments (seriously, gangster chilli made me LOL), and betrayals. Felt a little way too complicated when they first explained. SJH seem absent, Gary stepped up, KJK seems to slink behind shadows. And seriously, what happened to the betrayal and officials etc from 312? Ugh quite disappointed at it. I mean if you made a whole episode to elaborate and warn them only to not follow through? *rolls eyes*



Episode 321


No Way Out Race
Broadcast Date: 16 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 04 October 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Lee Kyu-han, Park Na-rae, Park Soo-hong, Solbin (Laboum), Yang Se-chan

Honestly, it wasn't a bad episode, but pacing was so-so. Could have done away the audience games. Given the guests are all comedians, felt really quite sub-par. Is anyone else sick of Soo-hong? Cause I am. The ending left me a bit a little frustrated with everything. It promised quite a good start. Go watch Park Bo Gum dancing bombastic to make up for it. There you go...



Tuesday 11 October 2016

Episodes 316 to 320

Episode 320



Acquire the Consonants
Broadcast Date: 09 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 03 October 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Jo Yoon-hee, Lee Joon, Lim Ji-yeon, Yoo Hae-jin

I thought it was really quite educational (who knew RM could be lol). Hae-jin was so clueless it was funny. Evil to starve them though. I can't really place a finger on the issue, but I'd say it was too complicated to explain which took a bit of the fun of it.

Episode 319













Running Man TV (1) & Running Man Go
Broadcast Date: 02 October 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 13 & 27 September 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Multiple appearances

I didn't really like this episode. Felt so all over the place. I'd think it's fun if we were doing it with them, just not watching this. Massively confusing. Only point I thought was funny was when LKS & YJS were sent to jail with action messages. Idk. It really depends. Did you like the 100 vs 100 episode? If you did, you'd like this, if not, you won't. I personally didn't like it.

Episode 318



Running Man TV (1)
Broadcast Date: 25 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 13 September 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Multiple appearances

This episode wasn't all that bad, objectively, but it was not good. I didn't get the concept it was trying to go for, and use YJS again really has gotten way too old. I'd very much like to have seen JSJ done scene stealing. While I'm happy for LKS (supposedly), his mission was literally the most lame and pointless one. I honestly didn't see the point of it. Maybe I'll change my mind when I see part 2 next week. Maybe they are building up for something. But at this point, I'm not holding my breath. If you don't have time this week, maybe don't bother. Go watch EXO & YJS dance, way more wonderful. (IC ep 498) Teaser for you:




Episode 317




Running Man vs Avengers 2
Broadcast Date: 18 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 06 September 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *****

Guests: Han Hye-jin, Key (Shinee), Kim Dong-hyun, Lee Kyung-kyu, Moon Hee-joon (HOT), Sung Hoon, Yoon Hyung-bin

This episode is the sequel to Ep 305. I wished they did more of "runjuring" to be honest. Quite like seeing the members scared half to death. But what I liked most about this episode was the pacing. The second game made me literally LOL. Did love it so much when they did the skills assessment. I guess they need to give LKK some face & let him win right? Both teams' choices were predictable towards the end. But all in all, a good episode.

Episode 316




Train to Prison
Broadcast Date: 11 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 29 August 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ****

Guests: Hyo-rin, GOT7, Lee seul

LOL. This episode was classic RM team work. Or lack thereof if you want to be technical. But it was really good. Was hoping someone would have to do the final mission though.

Episodes 311 to 315

Episode 315














Running Map
Broadcast Date: 04 September 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 23 August 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: ****

Guests: Cha Seung-won

LOL. Cha Seung-won really was an amazing guest. His chemistry with the cast right from the start was amazing. Seriously Ace JH just steam rolled the guys. For comedy sake, I was hoping LKS didn't buy the small octopus (LOL) I was so hungry watching the cooking challenge. But this episode really was so good compared to the recent ones. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Episode 314













R Empire 
Broadcast Date: 28 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 16 August 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Hong Jong-hyun, Kang Ha-neul, Lee Joon-gi

Starting was a little off. No context, but as it went along, I must say this episode's MVP is LKS. He put a different spin on betraying. And the PDs seem to put the "judges" in a prominent spot. Which makes me expect great things of the punishment episodes. Mud wrestling wasn't fun. I mean who likes to see JSJ suffer like that all over? They really have got to cut him some slack. Otherwise, rather monotonous episode. Hoping this will build up to a better "betrayal" punishment episode. 


Episode 313













Gather the Running Balls
Broadcast Date: 21 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 08 August 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Ahn Mun-sook, Ha Jae-sook, Kim Se-jeong (I.O.I / Gugudan), Mi-joo (Lovelyz), Noh Sa-yeong, (Ahn Kil-kang as judge of RT)

I must admit, this episode was amazing. Even though we knew it was coming, it was still amazing to see the opening. I'm starting to love Jae-sook really. Her timing is impeccable.
And seriously, what is the fate of MC. Some times I can't believe the odds. But it's undeniable. Needless to say, their chemistry is amazing, to say the least. Running theater was the best thing in a long long while. I've not laughed as hard. Please do it again PD team!!! YJS vs LKS still immensely funny. MONDAY COUPLE <3 <3 <3 <3 <3



Episode 312

Monthly Running Man

Broadcast Date: 14 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 26 July 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Bada, Jo Jung-chi, Kim Kyung-ho, Yoo Byung-jae, Yoon Jong-shin

I didn't get the point of their outfits at the opening. They completely lost the plot there. -.-
I think just a monthly representation is a little too abstract for it to make it funny. But I do like that the writers are "officially" banning cheating. I feel like it will backfire though. The members themselves have said, the whole point of some of them is to cheat & betray.
It got rather draggy at the games & kinda yawn inducing. I feel like this episode is them finding a fit, but it's kinda like that dress that makes you look fat from almost all angles. Although you can tell the relationship among the team has become way too comfortable, it's not really sparking anything anymore. I feel like I'm up for disappointment every Sunday (Monday for me). Please find a better way, PD team. ><



Episode 311

Mysterious R Cube Race
Broadcast Date: 07 August 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 18 & 19 July 2016 (Monday & Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: No guests

I like how the entire team ganged up on KJK to start the love line. And how cooperative Soo Ae was! Love ice hockey games and their violence. But you could tell it toned down a lot. Was hoping for a more fun morning mission. I guess they really do want to shed their "old selves". I can't help but pity JSJ this episode really, he didn't even get a single clue. I mean, if they want to change the concept of the game, you can't exactly keep some parts and then hope for the best too right? Here's hoping the fresh start will really be a fresh start.

Episodes 306 to 310

Episode 310

The Representative Race 
Broadcast Date: 31 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 18 July 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Ha Jae-Sook, Oh Yeon-Seo, Soo Ae

The starting was good, I think I'm rather sadistic to enjoy seeing them scared shitless. Didn't last long enough to keep me entertained, but I like the fact that they are now choosing people based on results and not as members. Although how much is scripted, I can't say for sure. The second half was long and draggy IMO. Could have been more entertaining? Soo Ae took way too long to warm up to the cast.

Episode 309

Lee Kwang Soo's Revenge
Broadcast Date: 24 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 12 July 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Hong Kin-kyung, Lee Ki-woo, Seo Jang-hoon

I'll say that the saving grace is the hilarity of the height difference and body gags. While I love LKS half to death, but this concept is neither new nor funny. His previous revenge challenge was way better in comparison. RM members excel, as per usual. Loved it while LKS team is discussing, RM is just leisurely playing. But in any case, 생일 축하 이광수!


Episode 308

Special Agent H
Broadcast Date: 17 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 04 July 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *

Guests: Ji Jin-hee, Kim Hee-ae

The spy thing is really weird for me. Only selling point for the show will be the food challenge, interesting concept to mess with their heads. But even then, it was overall draggy to say the least. I think I'll start giving zero points for episodes if it's just going to anchor on one good point. 


Episode 307

The Best Couple Trip
Broadcast Date: 10 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 05 July 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Bo-ra, Da-som, Hyo-rin, So-you (Sistar), Shownu

Given how excited I was from the mission at the end of last episode, honestly, I wasn't very happy at how it turned out. And for it to have shed light that some of the members themselves don't seem connected to the show anymore, was rather disappointing. I mean, if you don't root for yourselves, it's hard to convince fans to root for you right? Loved the guests, Shownu I'm guessing he's really new so not much presence felt? I liked that even though the outdoor events were cancelled, the members did rise up to the challenge. The whole ganging up on LKS is getting really old for me honestly. He won the points fair & square with the partner. One star purely for the fact how funny LKS height made it for his partner. 


Episode 306

Suspicious R Rescue
Broadcast Date: 03 Jul 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 28 June 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Kyung-ri, Lee Ki-woo, Nickhun

I didn't even sense the presence of Kyung-ri. So-so episode. I'd have given one star if not for the ending mission by Myuk PD. OMG HE's BACK!!!! I'm totally looking forward to the next episode!

Episodes 301 to 305

Episode 305

Running Man vs Avengers

Broadcast Date: 26 Jun 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 13 June 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Jo Se-ho, Kim Dong-hyun, Kim Jun-hyun, Lee Jung-jin, Lee Kyung-kyu, Lee Soo-min, Yoo Jae-hwan
I'm always a fan when RM teams up tgr. It makes me smile deep in my heart. But Lee Kyung-kyu stole the show. Not the God of Variety for nothing. Best timing & comments. One of the better episodes this year.

Episode 304

Oh My Queen
Broadcast Date: 19 Jun 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 14 June 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Park Shin-hye, Yoon Kyun-sang, Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Min-seok

JIHYO MAJORLY PRETTY. I CANNOT. 2 stars are purely just for her white dress. Honestly, the guests didn't stand out. Completely zero presence from the two male guests. Either that or the editing was horrible. I totally disliked Lee Sung-kyung in this ep.

Episode 303

The Hunt
Broadcast Date: 12 Jun 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 31 May 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Ahn Sung-ki, Han Ye-ri, Jo Jin-woon, Kwon Yul

The start was predictable, I mean, come on, were they all really NOT going to open that box. Even then the race was so-so. LKS made it only slightly more interesting. But still overall not a fun episode.


Episode 302

Dangerous Meal
Broadcast Date: 05 Jun 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 24 May 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Yeo Jin Goo, TWICE

Meal introduction was predictable. I gave it an extra star just for the bravery at the bee mission. Yeo Jin Goo was funny & super cute. TWICE on the other hand, I found really annoying and flat. 


Episode 301

7 vs 300 2
Broadcast Date: 29 May 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 09 May 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: None

Took way too long for the games at the school. Although, totally in love with MC mission. Excuse me while I swoon. The final game was a bit of a let down given the build up through the day. Interesting concept, but not the right ep to play the mission

Episodes 296 to 300

Episode 300

7 vs 300 1
Broadcast Date: 22 May 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 09 May 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: None

Loved the walk down memory lane. And the fact that it has reached 300. Loved the writing mission. For the fact that it reached 300, deserves 5 stars.

Episode 299

Centre Race
Broadcast Date: 15 May 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 03 May 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *****

Guests: Hong Jin-young, Jo Bo-ah, Kyung Soo-jin, Stephanie Lee, Uhm Hyun-kyung, Yoo In-young, Zico (Block B)

OMG THE BLUE SCREEN. That last scene alone scored 5 points for me. Great concept by the PD team.


Episode 298

Find the No man
Broadcast Date: 08 May 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 26 Apr 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Go Ara, Kim Sung-kyung, Lee Je-hoon

Loved how smart the members were & FLYING CHAIRS!!! The food always make me hungry. :(


Episode 297

DOTS: Red Sun
Broadcast Date: 01 May 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 25 Apr 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Eun-seo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won

Loved Jin Goo in the episode & all the acting scenes for the mission. 


Episode 296

I'm Sorry, I Love You 2
Broadcast Date: 24 Apr 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 12 Apr 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *****

Guests: None officially.

I gave 5 stars just for the honest (I'll choose to believe these aren't staged) conversations. It made me cry & pray so hard that RM will continue.

Episodes 291 to 295

Episode 295

I'm Sorry, I Love You 1

Broadcast Date: 17 Apr 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 11 Apr 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: None officially.

Was quite slow, but I love that they are re-visiting their evil moments & making amends (in the tiny ways).


Episode 294

Human vs Machine
Broadcast Date: 10 Apr 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 29 Mar 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Hye-ri (Girl's Day), Nam Tae-hyun, Song Min-ho (Winner)

Don't bother with this episode. Rather disappointing. Wasn't planned out very well.


Episode 293

Majority Rule, Dangerous Unanimity Race
Broadcast Date: 03 Apr 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 21 Mar 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: None

Love the concept & all the mind games among the members. Miss Mong finally gets her wish to meet Park Bo Gum! Ha Ha is pure evil. 



Episode 292

First Unluckiest Festival
Broadcast Date: 27 Mar 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 15 Mar 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: **

Guests: Hong Jin-ho, Jeong Jeong-ah, Kang Hyeon-soo, Lee Wan, Lizzy (After School), Mikey(Turbo), Nam Chang-hee, Park Myeong-ho, Wax

It took way too long to recruit the unlucky members. Games were funny. Overall meh.



Episode 291

All about them
Broadcast Date: 20 Mar 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 14 Mar 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ****

Guests: None

I think in any platonic relationship, having been together for that long, logically speaking, would have fizzled out and remain the best of friends. But having it proven medically & the fact that Gary said if this was done in the earlier years, I'm sad. I did enjoy it, but in melancholy. I'm truly afraid for the lives of Kwon Ryeol & YJS manager.

Episodes 286 to 290

Episode 290

Dubai 2
Broadcast Date: 13 Mar 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 22 Feb 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *

Guests: Jung Il-woo, Lee Da-hae

Don't bother to watch if you don't have the time.



Episode 289

Dubai 1
Broadcast Date: 06 Mar 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 21 Feb 2016 (Sunday)

Rating: *

Guests: Jung Il-woo, Lee Da-hae

Only redeeming factor for this episode, ironically is the punishment. Don't bother to watch if you don't have the time.



Episode 288

12 hour food tour
Broadcast Date: 28 Feb 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 15 Feb 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: None

I didn't see the point to the episode. 2 stars were just for the MC date. <3


Episode 287

Interns with 12 years age GAP

Broadcast Date: 21 Feb 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 01 Feb 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: Ahn Gil-kang, Kim Do-kyun, Kim Jo-han, Kim Won-hae, Lee Hong-ryul, Park Mi-sun, Yoo Yul

When the members read the mission card, I wasn't sure if I was being too smart to have read between the lines with the subs as 12 years age gap or it was meant to be younger. I was proven right in minutes. This episode, just with the guests, made me re-watch this episode thrice over the past 3 months. 



Episode 286

Mysterious Mountain Cabin
Broadcast Date: 14 Feb 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 26 Jan 2016 (Tuesday)

Rating: *

Guests: Kim Ga-yeon

Gary never cease to surprise & amaze me. Not the best episode, meh. Story line dragged out too much.

Episodes 281 to 285

Episode 285

Fifth Official Skills Assessment
Broadcast Date: 07 Feb 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 25 Jan 2016 (Monday)

Rating: *****

Guests: None

Honestly, I enjoyed it completely & thoroughly. 5 stars for the amazing cast chemistry throughout, pacing was keeping me at the edge of my seat. Was a finale meant for JSJ. This is a must watch.


Episode 284

Agent J & Secret Society
Broadcast Date: 31 Jan 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 11 Jan 2016 (Monday)

Rating: ****

Guests: Ji So-yun, Jong Tae-se, Park Ji-sung

Love the giant set & the games. Along with the massively confusing spy vs agent J. But I like the editing this time round, gives you a better feel. And JSJ, you'll think after SIX years he'll learn, you'll be wrong.


Episode 283

Smile Cup - Shanghai
Broadcast Date: 24 Jan 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 10 Jan 2016 (Sunday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Ji So-yun, Jong Tae-se, Park Ji-sung

There hasn't been an episode with Park Ji-sung that I've not enjoyed. RM has proven time & again they really are not on the professional level for football. But the effort they put in warms my heart. Miss Mong's airport fashion <3. Morning missions are the best. But honestly, I have to give them credit. To film 24/7 at the most vulnerable states, I'm really amazed. Miss Mong has been my complete idol. She's amazing in all ways.


Episode 282

Winter's tale
Broadcast Date: 17 Jan 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 04 Jan 2016 (Monday)

Rating: **

Guests: Go Ah-sung, Lee Hee-joon, Si-Wan (ZE:A), Hong Yoon Hwa (Hostess)

With the exception of Hong Yoon Hwa, the guests were quite boring. The intro stories are hilarious. Love cooking episodes, but not a fan of fishing episodes. A little weird in the pacing. Quite a nice twist at the end.



Episode 281

Game of Heirs
Broadcast Date: 10 Jan 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 22 Dec 2015 (Tuesday)

Rating: ****

Guests: None, but Lim Ji Yeon as hostess

I've always got a soft spot for the elaborate introductions. The members all look amazing. My other soft spot will be guest-less episodes. Because they usually are amazing. Name tag running circle just cracks me up. AND RAMEN ALWAYS look better when they are eating. Unbelievable sharpness and logical assumptions. They are amazing.

Episodes 278 to 280

Episode 280

Comment Avatar Race
Broadcast Date: 03 Jan 2016 (Sunday)
Film Date: 21 Dec 2015 (Monday)

Rating: ***

Guests: None

YJS shows his age & got hooked to SNS! Was a good concept to involve the fans, but was slightly draggy at the beginning. The random guest omeoni was hilarious. RUNNING BALLS ARE BACK! Loved the humiliating punishment though. I WANT ONE MONKEY TOO.


Episode 279

X Man Collaboration & Fortune Reading 2016

Broadcast Date: 27 Dec 2015 (Sunday)
Film Date: 08 Dec 2015 (Tuesday)

Rating: ****

Guests: Andy (Shinhwa), Bobby, B.I (iKON), Chae-yeon, Kim Ji-min, Kim Jung-nam (Turbo), Lee Ji-hyun, Lee Jong-soo, Seolhyun (AOA), Stephanie (The Grace)

I was rather surprised that LKS hadn't screwed up the finale. heh. My rating for this episode was purely for the Fortune Reading 2016. I'd have given it 5 stars if not for the ping pong game. Needs better editing IMHO. The fortune reading is simply amazing given the years they've been together. Feel good ep & stomachache inducing laughter.



Episode 278

X Man Collaboration
Broadcast Date: 20 Dec 2015 (Sunday)
Film Date: 08 Dec 2015 (Tuesday)

Rating: ***

Guests: Andy (Shinhwa), Bobby, B.I (iKON), Chae-yeon, Kim Ji-min, Kim Jung-nam (Turbo), Lee Ji-hyun, Lee Jong-soo, Seolhyun (AOA), Stephanie (The Grace)

Collaboration with X Man (popular variety show back a few years). While I have never watched X Man, I've seen enough episodes to know about its history from the RM members. And of course Yoon Eun-hye. For someone who's never watched X Man, I didn't really understand what the X Man really was without the help of Google. The of course game & intro dance are not to be missed, but the rest was slow and dragged out. I gave an extra star for the "X Man" team members. Still fiery as ever.