By now almost everyone has heard of Most Extreme Elimination Challenge (MXC), the Japanese gameshow that is hilariously (and incorrectly) translated into English. Although the events in MXC are relatively stupid, the absurd dubbing and hosts Kenny Blankenship and Vic Romano provide enough entertainment to make the show worth watching. Then came Ninja Warrior. Ninja Warrior relies on legitimate obstacle courses and real athletes to provide entertainment. If you have never seen Ninja Warrior, catch an episode and you will be hooked. They air just about all day every weekday on G4. Today, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see a new show from the same people who brought Ninja Warrior to the states. It is called Unbeatable Banzuke.
Unbeatable Banzuke is like Ninja Warrior in that its contestants are attempting to complete an obstacle course, but that is where the similarities end. The episodes are split into two events, each requiring a different ridiculous skill to complete and has a whole new set of competitors. Each fifteen minute section is a separate competition. The first episode that I watched was an obstacle course that had to be completed while walking solely on your hands. Awesome! The second was far more absurd. Remember those big rubber balls you used to roll around on in gym class or that people use for crazy looking ab workouts? Imagine trying to complete an obstacle course while balancing yourself on your hands and knees on top of one of those balls. We’re talking serious balance here. The next episode features contestants who must complete the entire obstacle course while on stilts! Unbeatable Banzuke has serious potential to become some great daytime programming, and we all know how much I hate daytime television. So, do yourselves a favor, and check G4’s listings and find some time to watch some Unbeatable Banzuke!
-Ritt
UPDATE: Apparently today was the first airing of Unbeatable Banzuke. I really hope G4 makes it a part of their regular rotation. Did anyone else catch today’s episodes? Let me know what you thought!
I just got home from D.C. and I’m tired as hell and have a ton of work to do tomorrow but instead of going to sleep I’m staying up till 2 A.M. to check this shit out, so it better be sweet Danny.
It was pretty sweet.
I’d awaited the premiere of banzuke for a few weeks after seeing it advertised during ninja warrior and it most definitely did not disappoint. I was so impressed that I spent about half an hour afterwards trying to learn to walk on my hands. Needless to say, my transitory attempt at becoming a skilled asian gymnast was fairly futile, but the excitement that it aroused within me was noteworthy nonetheless. Anyone who enjoys useless yet incredibly impressive talents should check this show out. Never underestimate the power of acrobatic asians to provide hours of entertainment.
“Never underestimate the power of acrobatic asians to provide hours of entertainment.”
Truer words have never been spoken Nate.
Japanese game shows never cease to amaze me.