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The Biggest Loser Season 7

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RealityFreakWill:
Ali and Michelle Return

This last week's episode of The Biggest Loser Couples made me think back to my English classes when we were studying cultural and classic theater.  There was a quote from one that came to mind from a play called the "The Mourning Bride" (1697) by William Congreve that says:  "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned! "

I think we saw an example of that quote in Tara this past week.   No matter what they both teams piled on her, no matter how much giggling and humiliation they tried to heap on her, she served it back to them as their taunting (and Laura's encouragement) ignited a fire in her, leading her to a victory in the challenge.  It was almost unbelievable to watch her pull that car, with the additional weight of a person or two, and go from third to first place... ahead to two strong men, no less!  I'm telling you, that girl is a machine!  It was so very touching to see the others go back and help Ron pull his car across the line - this is one of the most endearing groups of contestants ever!

Last week we also saw Kristin become the first woman in Biggest Loser History to break the 100 pound weight loss while still on The Biggest Loser campus.  Do you think Kristin will raise the bar so high no one can beat it or will she be seen as a threat and get sent home... leaving the door open for the possibility that Tara will set the bar even higher?  It will be interesting to see which of these two ladies will be the champion of weight loss while still on the campus.  Yes, this could be a battle royale and is yet another reason to keep watching the show (as if we need another reason)!

Coming up this week:  According to the NBC website, the contestants get a blast from the past this week with visits from  Ali Vincent (Season 5 winner) and Michelle Aguilar (Season 6 winner), both filling in as host while Alison Sweeney is on maternity leave.

The contestants will also be surprised by the arrival of previously eliminated contestants which is really going to shake things up.  And while one player is sidelined by medical issues (will it be Ron or Kristin) the rest of the contestants compete in a balance and endurance challenge that has our them  standing on a platform that is suspended six feet over a pool.  And in usual Biggest Loser style, the lines will be removed, one at a time, until only the winner is left standing.  Finally, if you watched the trailer, there will be a medical emergency which could send the sickest player home.  Could this medical emergency be the reason one of the contestants is sidelined during the endurance challenge?

http://www.tvgrapevine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3431:the-biggest-loser-couples-ali-and-michelle-return&catid=71:biggest-loser-couples-2009

marigold:
An interview with Aubrey:

Pulling Cars and Shedding Pounds with Aubrey Cheney of The Biggest Loser Couples

THE DEADBOLT: How discouraging was it to be on the blue team and continuously be losing?

AUBREY CHENEY: [laughs] Oh, it was frustrating. I don’t like losing and I don’t like being the underdog, but I’m not a really strong competitor. I didn’t really help out a whole lot, I think, as far as when challenges are concerned. So I didn’t feel I had any grounds to complain about it. We were a really, really close team and I think that’s what made it easier. We really bonded as a team, we had an awesome team, and I think that’s what helped us get through it. Yeah, it was really frustrating. I mean, if you lose time and time again it’ll get to you eventually.

THE DEADBOLT: Which challenge was your favorite?

AUBREY: Well, I’d have to say my favorite was the one my sister, and I won. The rope challenge was definitely my favorite. I mean, how could you complain about an ending like that. That was awesome, and Mandi and I had fun. We actually had fun the whole time . Before it started we were messing around and laughing and joking and it came down to - just like the first challenge when we were inches away from winning - after that we were just like, ‘You know what? Challenges don’t put you below the yellow line. So let’s just do our best and count the calories and take it all in and whatever happens happens.’ But definitely the one that we won, sweet victory always makes everything better.

THE DEADBOLT: I liked the food bank challenge because it worked out for you in the end, even though the blue team lost.

AUBREY: Yeah, that one was awesome, too. That one emotionally was really powerful. [laughs] I’m trying to decide why we were crying so hard all of the time. But I think it was just emotion. I don’t think I was crying so much because we lost. I think I was crying because the whole situation was emotional. I’ve been on the other side. I know what it’s like and to be able to give back, especially in such a huge place where I know I’m going to be helping so many people is awesome. I can just picture the little kids. And I think the whole thing was just so emotional and it was really really good. Since that challenge, I think I’ll be involved in the Idaho food bank and I’ll be helping distribute food all around Southern Idaho as well. And then on top of Mike giving me the groceries, yeah, lots and lots of good came out of that one.

THE DEADBOLT: What did you first think when Alison told you guys you had to pull a car?

AUBREY: Well, when we walked up on the track and we saw all kinds of cars there, I was thinking, ‘This isn’t the right reality TV show to let us drive the cars.’ So I figured we’d be pulling it and the only thing I was worried about then was how far we’d be pulling it. And when she told us it was a quarter mile I was just thinking this is crazy, this is insanity, there’s no way I’m going to able to pull a car a quarter mile and ... Or was it a half mile?

THE DEADBOLT: It was half a mile.

AUBREY: Okay, there you go. I wasn’t paying attention because I’m thinking, 'I have to pull a car, who cares how far it is?' But yeah, it was hard and when she told us we were pulling cars it was like, ‘Okay, whatever you say.’

THE DEADBOLT: Even before that challenge there seemed to be a bit of tension between you and Tara. Was that just frustration on her part?

AUBREY: I think it was. I really think it was. I like Tara, and I know after [the] last episode it seemed like I don’t, but I really do like Tara. We didn’t connect in some of the ways that Kristin and I did. But like I was saying before, we are all there for the same reason. We all know what it’s like to be in each other’s shoes. And when you’re there to stay there as long as possible,and become as healthy as possible, and for somebody who’s there for the $250,000, if there’s somebody standing between you and another week on the ranch or you and $250,000, you’re going to do whatever it takes to slow that person down or eliminate that person, and that’s what we were doing.

It was survival of the fittest and that’s all we were trying to do, because we knew if we didn’t do something to slow her down she was eventually going to get rid of all of us. I mean, she’s the strongest player and we didn’t have a choice. She was going to continue to get immunity so that’s where the tension came from. And I told her she should take that as a compliment, that she is the strongest person and that should keep her motivated, because if I was the strongest person I would be really motivated that there’s eight other people coming after me and I need to run and do whatever I can to stay away from them.

I don’t know. It was probably just the stress of everything and being there. And it’s pretty hard to do that, even if you don’t have kids or a husband at home. I think it just all came to a head that it was something physical. When you’re on top, you know that you’re the best and everybody is trying to catch you, but you don’t actually see it. For everybody to put it in black and white in front of her, I think it hit her hard. I think it scared her and so I was just trying to tell her it’s ridiculous. You can’t get mad at us for doing the exact same thing that you’re doing and that’s playing the game.

THE DEADBOLT: How did you feel when Sione and Filipe jumped ship and started working out with you guys?

AUBREY: I didn’t really care, honestly. Bob was really good about making it really equal for all of us. He was really good about working all of us out equally and making sure that we all had a really strong workout. It’s not like he was there for two hours and that’s it, he’s leaving. So if he worked in Sione and Filipe, it would cut out on our workout time. Bob was really good about staying longer so we all had an equal amount of workout time. He would take us out singly and work with us and he was really good about it. So I really had no problem.

http://www.thedeadbolt.com/news/105588/biggestloseraubrey_interview.php

marigold:
An interview with Aubrey:

‘Loser’ Aubrey fighting to reach 125

“When I looked in the mirror, I realized that I was humongous.”
Tara took a little bit of offense to you guys laughing at her last week. Do you think you were ganging upon her or was she just being oversensitive?
Aubrey Cheney: We were absolutely ganging up on her. We’re all there for the same reason, and that’s to change our lives and become healthy. But we are also involved in a game. And the game aspect is when there’s someone who is standing between you and a healthier lifestyle or $250,000, then your first instinct is to eliminate them or to try and slow them down as much as possible and that’s what we were all trying to do.

When you returned home, you had a little bit of a struggle before picking yourself up again. What advice can you give to other moms in your situation?
AC: Come up with a schedule. There’s always an hour or two that you could be doing housework or you could be doing laundry, but you could also be going to the gym. Come up with a schedule, and see when your slowest time of the day is and take that time to go to the gym. You can always do laundry as you’re helping with homework or something else.

Mandi had said that it was actually your idea to come on the show. What was the turning point for you that you really wanted to do something about the weight?
AC: My husband and I watched every season of The Biggest Loser since it started, and during that time I gained over 100 pounds; from Season 1 until Season 6, and I was thinking, “Look at all of these people, and every season I watch and I’m heavier and I’m heavier and I’m heavier.” When I looked in the mirror or when I saw videos of myself - family videos or pictures that other people had taken – I realized that I was humongous.

You started out with Jillian but ended up with Bob; which trainer did you prefer?
AC: Bob was the best hands down. Jillian has a wonderful track record. She’s a genius when it comes to weight loss and fitness and health and nutrition. But I think there are different personalities that work with different personalities, and Jillian and I are both really strong personality types. I felt like I was doing it for her more than I was doing it for myself.

They said you gained nine pounds when you came home and then they said you lost 10 pounds. Did you lose the nine back and one more, or did you actually lose the 10?
AC: I gained the nine pounds when I got home. And then I lost 19. So all together I had lost 19.

What did you write in that note they showed right before you left for elimination?
AC: I was writing Kristin a letter, letting her know that I’m still rooting for her and she can do this. I just wanted to write something down so she could have and look at when she felt like she was getting caught up in any sort of mess or any sort of drama. I wanted her to know that we’re out here – meaning Kathy and I – are still rooting for her and pushing for her to continue to be honest and play as minimal games as possible and just to be there to be healthy and just wanted to let her know that I appreciated everything she did and I loved her to death and to keep going.

What have you been doing with your dad in terms of working out together?
AC: My dad and I have been to the gym together a few times. I’ve taught him some of the things that I’ve learned on the ranch as far as workouts go, like circuit training and stuff like that. I’ve tried to teach him a little bit about nutrition but it’s been so crazy as far as me trying to figure out my own schedule and how I’m going to take care of myself that dad’s the type of person that he needs someone to be with him; he needs someone to go to the gym with him.

He’s taken what I’ve taught him and he has been to the gym, he’s been working out on his own I think a few times and he’s lost an additional 16 pounds.

How discouraging was it to be on the blue team and constantly losing?
AC: It was frustrating. I am the type that doesn’t like losing, and I don’t like to be the underdog. We were a really, really close team and I think that’s what made it easier is everybody really bonded as a team. We had an awesome team.  It was frustrating, but I think the fact that our relationship was really good it made it a lot easier.

You’ve set a goal for yourself to be 125 pounds at the finale; how did you come up with that number?
AC: I just wanted to be what I was in high school, and that was around 120, 125. I figured had I been able to stay on the ranch from now until the finale then I’d probably be at 125.

How did you feel about the whole half-marathon?
AC: Running a half-marathon was more than I would have ever expected for me to do. It was very, very challenging, but I think my adrenaline and where my body was physically from being on the ranch and being trained and being conditioned and ready for it was - made it so much easier.

http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/Loser+Aubrey+fighting+to+reach+125/RealityTV/Exit+Interviews/Articles/090331_loser_couples_aubrey_GD.htm?isfa=1

Texan:
Well I only saw the last 10 minutes of the show so I know who was in the bottom yellow.  Will have to wait until the show is online.  I do find it itneresting that Filipe and Sione were going to boot Ron, I think they thought Tara would boot Ron.  Could be the best thing for Tara.  Now Mike and Ron will be mad at Filipe and sione and would probably boot them if they fall below the line.

What did the other players have to do to get back on the show.  That must suck to get back on and then leave right away.

marigold:
 :groan: I have no idea Texan I missed it too .... a recap from my girl Sarah

'The Biggest Loser: Couples': Ron rage

"The Biggest Loser: Couples" has me nearly apoplectic with rage and bile, as someone comes back to the ranch, someone leaves, and someone (cough RON! cough) needs to disappear from my TV screen before I do some serious damage to my electronics.

Past winners Ali and Michelle stand in for Alison, who is busy giving birth, while three booted competitors get a second chance. Estella has lost 45 pounds and is pleased as punch. David loses just one more pound than Estella and looks mortified. Ali reminds me why I loved her so much during her season by telling him not to be downhearted -- you lost 46 pounds! That's something to be proud of! Use this is the springboard to make good choices. Damn straight -- that's the way you have to approach this. Ali rocks.

You  know who else rocks? Nicole. I always thought she was adorable and dedicated, and she proves me right. She's lost 87 pounds at home -- holy crap! That means she's back on campus, and she's got immunity* (we’ll get to that asterisks later). It also means she's got the second highest percentage of weight loss of anyone on the ranch. Let the freaking-out commence!

House drama
The rest of the competitors go into heavy game-playing mode, sucking up to Nicole and trying to give her "friendly advice." Tara is more freaked out than anyone, and she alternates between bravado -- I'm glad she's here! She'll make me step up my game! Bring it! -- and despair -- she lost 87 pounds at home! Woe is me! Jillian finally tells her to get a grip -- "Honey, you're manic!" -- and figure out what it is that makes Tara tick. Tara tries to quiet her monkey mind, but we'll see how that goes.

Filipe, Sione and Kristin are peevish that Ron lobbied to get Filipe kicked off at the last elimination. Apparently at the beginning of the season, Ron had made some sort of alliance with the Fijians, and Sione and Filipe are SHOCKED! that Ron would go back on that. Oh please -- Ron wants his son to win, and will do anything to make that happen. Bob agrees with me, and tells them to avoid the problem by staying above the yellow line. He works extra hard with Sione and Kristin to give them an edge. Filipe? Apparently Bob already thinks he's a lost cause.

Ron experiences light-headedness, cold sweats and chest pains. He's whisked to the hospital, where they rule out a heart attack but discover some half-healed (and moderately disgusting -- look, I stopped writing about radiology for a reason, thank you!) bleeding ulcers in his gastrically bypassed gut. They pump him full of fluids and meds, and he's eventually cleared to go back to the ranch.

The challenge
The competitors stand on board balanced on 40 ropes suspended over a pool. They can hang onto a rope overhead with one hand. As time goes on, ropes are cut. Last person standing wins a 1-pound weight credit. Since Nicole as immunity*, if she wins, she can give a 1-pound weight penalty to one of her competitors.

Filipe speaks for me by telling Michelle that this is a boring challenge and they need to cut ropes faster. Granted, that bit of bravado was misplaced, as Filipe was the second one (after Mike) to fall, but still -- watching people balance just isn't that exciting. After many splashes, it comes down to Sione and Kristin. Kristin blinks first, and Sione gets the weight credit.

The weigh-in
Here's where the * comes in. Alison(who is back from birthin’) announces that Nicole has immunity -- assuming she hasn't gained any weight. Wait a minute - they didn't mention that at the outset... Nicole's new routine, the stress she's under, and the change of scenery bit her in the butt -- she gains 5 pounds. Dammit! This is so not her fault! It's just her body reacting to being discombobulated! Don't take her immunity away for that! Alas, Alison doesn’t heed my pleas. Dammit.

Mike has a stellar week, losing 11 pounds. Sione, Filipe and Helen each lose 6 pounds, while Filipe and Kristin lose 4 pounds. But Ron's hospital stay prompts him to gain 3 pounds, and Laura somehow gains 1 pound. Ron and Nicole are below the yellow line.

The elimination
We finally have the opportunity to boot Ron out, but he's up against a woman whose return freaked everyone out. Will people vote to save Nicole -- the woman who really, truly, honest-to-god deserves to be there -- or will they boot her as the biggest threat? Nicole refuses to beg -- I'll just remind you all of the things you said to me, about how you're glad I'm back and how I push you to do better. It's about your personal integrity now, she tells them. Oh, Nicole. You're doomed.

Filipe has the temerity to vote for Ron -- who tried to get him booted last week. Ron is offended. Alison asks him to explain. "People are making these decisions to help themselves," Ron gasps. Well, DUH! That's what you've been doing the whole time, Ron! Don't you DARE claim the moral high ground now! Mike accuses Filipe of lying to him, and Mike, I really want to continue liking you, so shut it. Filipe says no, I just told you Ron would be fine. Ron and Mike cluck and roll heir eyes and act like they've experienced a personal betrayal, and I'm ready to kill someone. SHUT. IT.

Sione is just as frustrated as I am -- quit with the "he needs to be here" argument, because we're all going home soon and we all need to suck it up. Begone, Ron! Helen also tries to cast out the Ron demon that is possessing the ranch. Alas, everyone else votes for Nicole to go home. Again. Dammit!

Nicole looks fantastic at the Look-at-me-now interview, but then, she looked fantastic when she walked back onto the ranch. Nicole, you're a sweetheart, I adore you, and you didn't deserve what happened to you. Congrats on all your efforts, keep it up for yourself, and don't let the malignant schmuckiness get you down.

Highlights, thoughts and odds and ends

Tara did seem a bit unhinged by Nicole's presence. She was parroting self-help phrases by the end, but I can't help but think there's something a lot deeper that needs to be addressed. And no, Dr. Jillian's two-minute sessions don't count.
Sione shoots an impressive Look of Death at Kristin during the challenge.
Mike talks about his prospects in the challenge: "I have zero balance standing up. It's a miracle I can walk." Heh.
When Nicole gains weight, Tara busts out this blinding grin. Grrr. Yeah, you're happy that she's here, you're glad for the extra incentive to do well. Pull the other one...
Seriously, how long will we have to endure Ron? He's even poisoning my appreciation for Mike. Make it stop!

http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/03/the-biggest-loser-couples-ron-rage.html

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