American Ninja Warrior: American Ninja Warrior Big Finish

September 12, 2023 3:39 PM - Season 15 (Full Season)

The season ended with a bang last night, and a million dollar winner! (Not a spoiler, they've been hyping it all season). I really liked the head-to head races this season. Echoing my comments last year, more balance obstacles to reduce the importance of upper body strength would be a good move. Still the most interpersonal conflict-free hour or two of TV you'll get. Everybody roots for everybody, everybody is relentlessly happy. I almost want to see somebody scream F*CK, as they hit the water.
posted by COD (5 comments total)

From my experience playing water polo, you scream "FUCK!!!" while under the water so you don't get in trouble.

This was a good season! I wasn't at all sure about the race aspect but it definitely made for a more dynamic competition, and since the kids are all used to it (it's how they do Ninja Warrior Junior) it makes sense to bring it in to the adult competiton. I do feel bad for some of the older competitors who are very good but just getting smoked by kids half their age.

And I was delighted that Vance Walker won. I wouldn't have been unhappy if Daniel Gil had taken it - he's earned it for sure, he's been top of the field for years - but man that dude creeps me out a tiny bit. And Vance Walker is just fun to watch. He also has the forearms of an orangutan, which I suspect is an advantage in this sport.
posted by restless_nomad at 8:59 AM on September 13, 2023

I was rooting for RJ, always been a fan of the metal head ninja! I thought Vance was quite full of himself his first season, but he seems quite likable this year. Either I totally misjudged him, or a couple of years of aging has been good for him. And yeah, I respect Gil's ability on a Ninja course, but anti-vaxxer worship leader is not somebody I can really respect.
posted by COD at 12:38 PM on September 13, 2023

I catch these occasionally and am just astounded. Really good to see they are all kinds of folks, not just uber-jocks.
posted by sammyo at 1:03 PM on September 13, 2023

I liked the courses this year, but I think overall last year's were more entertaining to watch. That casino wheel thing was goofy.

Really good to see they are all kinds of folks, not just uber-jocks.

Big Evangelical vibe.
posted by rhizome at 1:44 AM on September 16, 2023

I think the themed obstacles are consistently the least interesting (like the construction signs one in Finals Stage 3 this year). I don't watch ANW Jr., so the side-by-side races are new to me, and I really didn't like them this season. Part of the basic appeal of ANW to me is that it pits each competitor against the course, rather than directly against each other.
posted by LooseFilter at 8:42 AM on September 16, 2023 [1 favorite]