Part 6/13:
A key strength of the original "Running Man" was its satirical edge—highlighting media manipulation, corporate corruption, and societal desensitization. It used the game show format to expose the hypocrisy of entertainment intertwined with violence, with moments like the audience's support swinging in real-time as public opinion shifted.
The new version drops much of this subtlety, opting instead for heavy-handed storytelling. The audience's support is artificially manipulated through deepfake technology and AI, making the protagonist's character a pawn constantly turned against him. The satire is lost in the process, replaced by a predictable, hamfisted narrative that treats viewers like fools.