[Variety Show Review] New Journey to the West season 2 & 3


Truthfully, I started watching this because I kept watching snippets of Ahn Jae Hyun being part of the show. Then I also saw that all the episodes were subbed, so with free time on my hand, I started watching it. However, as I watched it, I realised that it was worth to watch for all of the cast and the overall theme of the show!

Now, the only stupid mistake on my part was that I started with s3 first instead of s2... well, it didn't really matter because the two are not interlinked apart from the main theme of the programme. 

Theme 

If you have never watched this, let me quickly explain the overall theme! It's based on an animation of the same name but also combines Dragon Ball. Truthfully, I'm still unsure which it is really based upon as I am not familiar with it. But basically, each filming takes place in a city of China where the casts aim to gather Dragon Balls by completing a series of ridiculous missions. However, little catch is that previous to going to the city, each of the cast member is given a role... some with perks and some with none... for example, wearing a girl costume (representing one of the characters from the story). But you get the gist of it once you start watching!


Opinion 

I really enjoyed the overall tv show because it is seriously genuine and truly works on game basis. The overall interaction between all the casts is great! They couldn't have picked better members! 

In the first season, Lee Seunggi was part of the cast instead of Ahn Jae Hyun, but due to his military enlistment they needed a new cast member which is how Ahn Jae Hyun became part of it. Interestingly, Lee Seunggi proposed for them to cast him and it was a great choice as he had great chemistry with the other cast. I haven't had chance to see the first season but can really vouch for the next two!

What I can say that the chemistry of the cast really makes the show! Kang Ho Dong and Lee Sugeun are known pair duo since 1N2D and also Our Neighbourhood Arts and Physical Education, they also stair in JTBC's Knowing brothers, so they have known each other for years which really helps to get the comedy across! Not to mention, Eun Ji Won who has been with them in 1N2D and is an expert on variety shows. They bring their experience and comedic side so there are no instances where you are not laughing. Even though Ahn Jae Hyun was new to variety shows, he fit in right away with the others with his witty actions! 

Actually, funny part was that I didn't realise it until I watched the s2, but Ahn Jae Hyun and Lee Sugeun actually worked together before.. anyone remember JTBC's Lee Sugeun and Kim Byun Man's High Society?! 


Let's not also forget Na PD! If you have watched Three Meals A Day then you know who I am talking about... if not, well he is one of the most well known PDs and it's not hard to see why! His interactions with the cast is priceless and knows them just as well as they have worked on different projects. 

For the 3rd season, Minho of Winner and Kyuhyun of Super Junior also joins in, creating even better puns and comedy! The games get upgraded and you cannot help but enjoy it!

Overall, great de-stresser ... the amount of times I laughed at it was great!!! But one downside I could find was that they eat so many good food!! I mean half of the tv show was food porn, I couldn't help but feel hungry every single time I watched it! Great games as well, very innovative with the cast personalities showing through!


I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEW SEASON IN JUNE 2017!!!

Comments