Super stoked for this upcoming season of TVN's The Genius. By far, one of my favourite Reality TV game show ever, not just for the really smart players but also for the execution of the show. While it is similar and influenced by the Liar Game manga, the show has taken off on its own and truly caught my/our attention. I actually found out about the show from the second season and I watched the first episode thinking that this is really cool, having had one of the best death matches [Quattro]. After, I pretty much just binged watch the whole of season 1 and caught up to season 2. By then I was definitely a hardcore fan of the show. Now, this is like a huge thing in the Reality TV Game Show arena, attracting international viewers [say what? Ian Terry(BB) + Myles Nye?] to get in on the action. Such success! #proudtobepartofhegeniusfanclubhaha
... Wait...??? What? Final? Is it the last season??? D;
NOOOOOO Please continue the show please.
So, this is an all stars season with returning players from all the first three seasons. Recently, the list of players was announced and everyone's super excited, except that Sunggyu (season 1) so ought to be part of it too so BOO and CRIES. Such a pity he wasn't casted, but oh well still very stoked to see all the familiar faces!
{5 from S1; 5 from S2; 5 from S3} I did double count but woah, I don't know how it will all turn up but looks like S3 players might be in a better position if they team up as there is no overlap with other seasons...
CAST ASSESSMENT
Here's the list of players and pardon my fangirling in advance:
**Background = BG; Predictions = PDT
Hong Jin Ho
BG
Winner of Season 1, Placed 7th in Season 2, member of Crime Scene 1 & 2, Previous a Pro Gamer (usually placed 2nd), sometimes has problems pronouncing words, Very Observant, Icon of The Genius
PDT
I think JinHo will do quite well unless targeted by others or feel like others should get a chance to win, after all he has played twice. However, generally still has a competitive side and will get to see some surprises and brainy moves from him. Do not expect to see him win though.
Kim Kyung Ran
BG
Runner Up of Season 1, shown some smart moves in her season, Former announcer
PDT
Compared to JinHo and SangMin, Kyung Ran has not been back in The Genius studios for awhile and might be a bit rusty at first. While I do not have a clear memory of her game play, she could use this to her advantage. Very glad to see her back with a second chance.
Lee Sang Min
BG
2nd Runner up in Season 1, Winner of Season 2, believed to have been through some setbacks, says that The Genius Studio is like his second home, Good social player, Singer-Idol
PDT
I believe that he will be targeted near the start of the game as an outstanding player who has made it very far in both of his seasons. Might try to persuade others that he is back for the games and can help them to win in order to stay in it. A force to be reckon with and can go either ways.
Lim Yo Hwan
BG
Runner up in Season 2, Rivals of Jin Ho as a Pro Gamer (beat Jin Ho to place first), Good in individual games, Do not work well in groups.
PDT
His unpredictability might put some other players off as he screws them over in group games, but the same trait also becomes his weapon in individual games, making him both a huge liability and huge threat to be taken out ASAP. Might create drama by targeting Jin Ho. Do not see him going far this time round.
Jang Dong Min
BG
Season 3 winner, member of Crime Scene season 2, Good leader and speaker, Threatens to control, Comedian-Host
PDT
Very smart player that was underestimated in his season early on, however it is different this time. He is capable of pulling off good strategic moves, but does not work well with everyone. Hard to predict where he stands with this group of players but he will be someone that others are threatened by. Not sure if he will team up with Hyun Min to help further his friend's game.
Oh Hyun Min
BG
Runner up of season 3, Smart and strategic player, but not too good a social player, Student
PDT
While he only played once and didn't win, Hyun Min is a target for getting very close to the ultimate prize and he is fresh in other players' minds. Should team up with Dong Min as a Dream Team or make alliances quick. He should go far in this season if nothing goes wrong.
Kim Yoo Hyun
BG
5th in Season 3, Super Lucky at times, Poker Player/English Teacher
PDT
Unless S3 alliance becomes a reality or that he becomes super lucky, I do doubt that he will go far. Seemingly a less strategic player, I wonder if he had some tricks left up his sleeves, after all he is a Poker Player right? Unless he is back as an upgraded version, I think that he will only make it till about halfway into the game.
Lim Yoon Sun
BG
9th in Season 2, Strategic player but wasn't well liked in her season, Lawyer
PDT
Thought that the players in her season didn't quite do her strategic side justice. Yoon Sun has a lot of potential to do well this season and if she is able to gain alliances quick, I see her going far, or at least hopefully further than she did in her season.
Choi Jung Moon
BG
9th in Season 1, Not that memorable nor strategic, Mensa member
PDT
Surprised to see her name in here as she wasn't that memorable a player. I only remember her screwing up in the Zombies game (she wasn't able to hide the fact that she was a zombie) but the fact that she has high IQ is something worth giving a second (and probably last) chance to prove herself. Not expecting much from her TBH.
Yoo Jung Hyun
BG
2nd Runner Up in Season 2, did surprisingly well in the death matches, but considerably not included in any of the group game as a main player, Former Announcer, Now a lawmaker (?)
PDT
I don't know how he is going to stand out as a worthy player among all these All Stars and prove that he can play the game well too. I hope he is not dragged along which I have a feeling he will be again...
Kim Kyung Hoon
BG
12th in Season 3, had his guns blasting from the start, Seoul Graduate, not sure what he does now
PDT
I think that Kyung Hoon has much potential to do well. Playing with a more laid back approach at the start might just work in his favor, but he is known to stir up trouble and is competitive. If he stays collected, he is a huge competitor. If not, he must as well just be burning the whole place down as he screws up everyone's game.
Choi Yeun Seung (Ooo side note, all the players from S3 casting calls are back!)
BG
2nd Runner up in Season 3, I believe he has great concentration, Oriental Doctor
PDT
Not someone who come across as a strong player either, and not very memorable. Don't think that Yeun Seung will go far this season, especially with all the All Stars, unless the other players decide that he is easier to beat at the end and try to take out the "stronger" ones first. I do think that he is a great alliance member though.
Lee Jun Seok
BG
Last place in season 1, JinHo thinks that he is a huge threat, Harvard Graduate, Politician, Entrepreneur
PDT
Will definitely do better and has lots of potential to go deep in this season. I think that Jun Seok will be just as good as Jin Ho, and might even win.
Kim Sung Gyu
Certainly a bold and smart player, I am positive most people wanted him back. A pity to have left him out.
Cha Min Soo
Really smart Poker player that had it going really well from the start of the first season. A crucial mistake made by Jin Ho/himself costed him the game during team death match, this would have been a much needed redemption.
[edit: okay I remembered wrongly. ): Not really Jin Ho's fault...]
Doo Hee
Smart and memorable player, he really was in the running to be one of the best but he was really screwed over by ID cards that were stolen.
Yoo Su Jin
Made an upsetting mistake that costed her game to come to an end, this would have been a great chance for a great redemption.
Kim Gu Ra
A giant player that was targeted from the start, and his group game play was pretty good. Would have been a great to see him back, but nope, it didn't happen.
Kim Jae Kyung
Was at the wrong place, making a wrong decision at the wrong time. Her acting was superb in the first death match in Season 2 and I still can't believe how she fell out with the rest so quick in the second episode. She had much potential to do well.
Such a pity they were not selected instead! haha maybe next time? ><
Alright so as we wait for the show to start, tweet me @raycherr and tell me who you are rooting for? :)
Might be doing a draft on who we support with a friend soon! Stay tuned! (Delayed until further notice haha)
*some of my opinions of the players have changed after watching the previews...
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Came here after seeing your comment on a YouTube video. I mostly agree with what you've written! In my opinion, Sangmin would want to bring Jinho down. After watching the preseason videos, it seems that Junseok wants to bring Jinho down too. I would prefer if they work together though! I also don't think Yohwan would go far. I think Hyunmin would go really far, maybe even as far as in Season 3. I fully agree with what you said about Jungmoon, Kyunghoon, as well as Junseok. Definitely agree that Sunggyu and Doohee should have been in Season 4!
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for reading and commenting! :) Oo but why would Sangmin do that to Jinho? It would be spectacular though for them to go head to head again haha.
DeleteYup, after watching those teasers, Junseok would definitely go against Jinho. I doubt they would work together though it would kinda be funny and cool to see. Looks like this might be a season of alliances playing out! ;)
Haha unless Yohwan does well in the individual games, I think its really hard for him to survive as he isnt a team player...
Ya looks like Hyunmin is one of the fave to win this season.
I read somewhere due to the controvesy that occurred in S2, the PDs might be hesistant to bring back Doohee. ): I still think that Jimmy Cha should be back haha, though he doesnt really fit well with the other casts.
Who are you rooting for? :)
(I typed in a reply but I'm not sure if it got through, so just typing another one T-T)
DeleteDefinitely rooting for Jinho! Love him and his playing style so much - too much I think, haha! Hyunmin is definitely the favourite! Maybe Yohwan will change his playing style, since he has had experience before. Had to search for the controversy you mentioned. It was really unfortunate, but I think it would be great to bring Doohee back, since the other players would know where's the line they're not supposed to cross. Jimmy Cha would have been an intimidating opponent!
What about you? Who are you rooting for? Will you be making a review for each episode? :)
Phew yep only this reply got through. :)
DeleteWow another Jinho fan here hehe I think that he is really the face of The Genius. ^^ Yep yep I think that Hyunmin has what it takes to win but... looks like he won't be teaming up with Dongmin as shown in preview though... I can't help but feel that its a wrong decision but maybe its just the Min-Min dream team fan girl in me haha.
Hmm I think that Yohwan is still one of the weaker team players, so I'm not expecting much. ><
Doohee, yesh oo and he has a pretty good relationship with the other players (I see them interacting on FB). Jimmy Cha would have done really well in logical games!
I'm undecided as for now, but I have high hopes for Kyungran & Hyunmin. I'm leaving out the previous winners as I really hope someone else will win. >< I really like them too, don't get me wrong haha (I rooted for Dongmin last season).
I would make my pick after I see how the players are together in the first episode. :)
Ooo I would love to do a review for each episode if there are people who would read them! :D Definitely something I will consider! ^^
imo, yohwan is a really good individual player with unconventional game styles. a hit and miss though (completely lost himself in that second game in final lol), but his unpredictability is his biggest trait. to survive three consecutive episodes with zero garnet is really something. he'll be a threat in death matches so i think he'll make it far.
Deleteand am i the only one who dislike cha minsoo? that guy shows off and bluffs too much, or maybe i'm rooting for whomever work with sunggyu lol. i think his style worked in season 1 because most of the people are not experienced. pretty sure not many will listen him closely here. most of the players are smart, bold, and have temper.
Yohwan dares to take risks, which is something I really like but sometimes it totally backfires as you mentioned. He definitely could make it far, but it would be a tough fight.
DeleteHahaha, Jimmy Cha does kinda give off that kind of vibe but as a avid go and poker player its probably in his nature to play in a bold manner that I guess don't equate to being a genius for some. I was thinking it would have been good to get him back and see his new game, if he can up his social game to do well as his quick understanding of the game isn't as valuable this time round.
Here from the YT comment too.
ReplyDeleteAs Kong's fan, I'm worried as hell, as always, since he's the weakest in team play and always the victim of ostracisation. Despite that, I hope he goes far because I want to see more BTS shot of him, like in Open-Pass and 5:5. There's always interview about him on "How did you do it?". Not many players show off that kind of flashy brainy moves. So, I'm hoping I could see him in every episode of the season.
I just realised, I sound so in love with HJH. lol XD
Hi! :) Thanks for commenting! ^^
DeleteYes yes omg after s1, I was really into Jinho too XD
Indeed he is always a target because everyone views him as a huge threat. While I think there are weaker team players in this season haha, he is definitely stronger in individual games. Yesh how he was able to pick out details in open pass and the way he went about 5:5, Jinho really proved himself as a real genius. :) I love those magical wow moments I get when the moves are revealed, I get goosebumps and its so cool. >< hehe I do think that some other players are capable of these brainy moves too! This season is going to be so epic! :D
hi, saw this from youtube. i've been trying to write comment here but idk why it didn't get through T_T
ReplyDeletelove your commentaries. esp agree with sunggyu need to come back! he's the dynamic we need for variety show -- young, ambitious, smart, and witty. i'm excited to see sangmin-kyungran-sunggyu team again, but mostly i want to see him paired with hyunmin or dongmin. and i ship sunggyu-dealer noona too... ugh. but sucks for us, they pick jungmoon and junseok instead, yeah...
for my winner pick.. well, a proud team hyunmin here! lol. 80% sure he'll not work with dongmin because he has temper. even when he worked with dongmin, you can see sometimes he want to do it by himself (ep 10 is the most noticable one). probably will casually form alliance with dongmin but not as close as previous season. kinda expect to see him with sangmin-kyungran or jinho. basically, he'll play sunggyu's role imo.
anyway, i think this will be the alliances in the long run:
- sangmin-kyungran-hyunmin/dongmin
- jinho-hyunmin/dongmin-jungmoon
- yoohyun-yoonseung-junseok-yoonsun, maybe at the beginning they'll have many participants including yohwan, junghyun, and kyunghoon.
still, junghyun, yohwan, and kyunghoon will work by themselves most of the times. junghyun will be left out because of his slow pace doesn't mingle well with the youngs. yohwan will try to ruin main games again. and kyunghoon will move from one to another.
Hi! :) Ahhh I will look into getting a better comment system up instead.
DeleteAww thanks! :D Yes indeed! Sunggyu can read the mood well and respond to them brilliantly too! I am sure everyone was looking forward to his return and it is really a pity it didn't happen. Yes it would have been fun to see the chemistry with the newer players! I feel Junseok is a worthy competitor though! Just that he isn't exactly good TV.
Ooo cool! I will let you know if I am on Team Hyunmin after episode 1. Yes, you mention temper... it did interfere with his game as the others were not so keen on working with him. I think that Hyunmin is quicker than Sunggyu in the logical sense but less so in the social sense.
Interesting breakdown of the alliances! looks like you are ranking the players in different categories haha somewhat like the elit and the less worthy ones... :/
I am still not sure how the alliances will turn out, there are so many variables! It should be a fun season. :)
Yep the sole rangers! I think Kyunghoon will work with the others this time round and hopefully not betray them in the last moment haha, if he learnt from his last attempt.
hellow~~ i'm korean. i'm not good at english, so i say brief.
ReplyDeletei want to knw the forum that associate with genious like http://gall.dcinside.com/board/lists/?id=thegenius
i want to know aborad reaction.
bottom words is korean, i want you can transfer korean.
안녕하세요~ 저는 한국인이에요. 저는 당신이 한국말을 잘 해석할수 있었으면 좋겠어요..
왜냐하면 저는 영어에 능숙하지 못해서 제가 원하는 comment를 달수없기 때문이죠 ㅠㅠ..
한국에서 꽤나 유명한 예능인데 해외에서도 널리 알려질줄은 몰랐네요.. 기분좋기도하고
해외에 판매되어 해외에서도 지니어스예능이 곧시작된다고 들어서 좋기도하고요..
서론이 좀 길었고요 제가 댓글을 다는이유는 하나입니다.
위에 갤러리 같이 (참고로 저 갤러리는 약간 공격성을 가지고있는 갤러리입니다.)
해외에서 한국예능 지니어스프로그램에대해서 이야기를 나누는 포럼을 제가 알고싶어서요.
해외 반응도보고싶고 외국인들은 어떻게 생각하는지 궁금하기도해서요..
만약보시면 좀알려주세요!!
제가 혹시나 댓글을 볼수 없을지도 모르니 low01033@naver.com<< 제 e-mail이에요.
여기에다 보내주셔도 감사할꺼같습니다~ 그럼좋은하루되세요~~
Have a good day~~
안녕하세요~ Sorry I cannot really understand Korean but I will try my best to answer you. >< 나는 한국어를 읽을 수 없습니다。。。 ><
DeleteFirst, I can't believe you found this post!
I am guessing here but if you are looking for international genius forums here is a links http://www.bothersbar.co.uk/?page_id=8620
The Genius only started to have more international viewers recently, especially from the English speaking community. The Chinese are actually really active on the show since it started. We are all loving TheGenius! :)
I have sent you an email too! :)
It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. mesas de dulces
ReplyDeleteHi! Thank you for visiting and reading :) glad to know that the information here is not too outdated yet. Enjoy watching the show!
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ReplyDelete