The Biggest Loser: Couples Episode Recap "Week 2"
Last week's premiere episode of The Biggest Loser: Couples was quite a doozy, filled with twists, turns, and tears. After receiving the news that 1 person from each couple had to leave, the contestants were pretty much defeated but upon learning they had the option to come back, their determination was restored. I was pleased to see that within the first few minutes we were treated to a montage of the contestants staying on the ranch, and those competing at home. The consensus of the latter group? "I'm going to prove to America it can be done at home." Just a reminder, the contestants have 30 days to lose weight at home but if they're partners get eliminated in the first 3 weeks then the competition is over for both members of the pair. And while some were off to a good start (Estelle got rid of all the junk in her fridge), others not so much. Within two minutes of David's return he was ordering French fries, and 2 hot dogs! 2! With his family there not saying a word it makes me wonder how he'll succeed on his own.
This week the contestants had their first temptation challenge. As Alison said, "Being on campus is not for the faint of heart" and they'd have to prove just how important the experience is. And to do this they'd have to turn down a piece of the final prize money. Either cross the line, get the money and go home, or continue on as is. The one player really mulling it over was Joelle from team Silver. She said that she was living at home, being supported by her mother, and the temptation of $5000 and then $10,000 and then $25.000, was pretty great. Damien made a comment that the money couldn't buy your life back and it may have been the thing to keep Joelle in the game because she didn't cross that line.
When Bob met up with his team he wasn't happy to see it cut in half. Then he found out that Joelle almost took the money after her teammate Carla sacrificed herself, and didn't know what to think. The two of them had a little heart-to-heart as he pushed to find out where her head was at and she told him that her biggest problem is the fear of failing. Bob told her that she needed to welcome that fear rather than giving it the power, and see what she's capable of.
The constant week 2 struggle was on both trainers' minds. "Let's be honest, I'm the best. The best. Nothing gets past me. And for me to still not be able to sail through week 2 after 5 years, 7 seasons, is kind of annoying." Classic Jillian. Bob on the other hand was a bit more confident since he had "great numbers last season, week 2." His theory is that if you feed the body, keep it going, and get plenty of rest, it's a winning combination to beat the typical 2nd week plateau.
Once again we got some at home updates. I'm glad that we've been able to see what the other players are up to. So far they all seem pretty tired but committed. Carla is kicking it in gear and how great was her dancing and singing? It's definitely one way to burn some calories. David was a bit worrisome as he's not quite pushing himself. Aubrey was hoping to be eased into her workouts but instead found herself a "he-Jillian."
The challenge this week was a tought one. The contestants started out on a boat in the middle of the ocean where they first had to race by kayak and then race by foot to the top of a mountain. The reward yet again was immunity as well as a phone call home for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place. Blaine from the Black team was pretty sure he had this in the bag and while he got out to a great start, Helen was able to keep tabs with him. Then Tara pushed into gear and she and Blaine were neck and neck. Just when she had a breaking point Tara went for it and started to run ahead. Blaine did as well but couldn't catch her and instead came in 2nd place to the victorious Tara from Green. She's certainly been one to watch out for these first 2 weeks. Mandy came in 3rd with Helen in 4th. The person in last was going to get a 1 pound penalty pass and Jerry barely beat out Dan for second to last place. Some of his teammates came to help and although it's going to be a tough road ahead for Dan, the largest on campus, it's nice to see he has support there. Then Tara graciously gave her phone call home to Filipe, because she felt it would be better suited for someone else with a family and children at home.
The last chance workout was intense. Blaine said it was the hardest thing he had ever done and that Jillian is the scariest, hardest person he's ever had to deal with, including past football coaches! Dan proved himself by running as fast as 6.7 miles per hour and felt great. Joelle, meanwhile, kept cursing and giving up. And that's when Bob lost it. He kept asking her "What is it?" every time she would stop at 20 seconds. Even Jillian had never seen him that angry. Bob went back and forth with Joelle, and at one time even had to take a few seconds to himself to cool down. After a few more failed attempts Joelle finally did what he was asking of her.
At the weigh-in, the trainers were at least able to laugh if all off. "I was possessed by Jillian Michaels this week," Bob said. And then came the scale. Tara, who won immunity, went first and only lost 1 pound. Not a great way to kick-off the usual 2nd week slump. Here's how everyone else did:
Blaine and Dane, Black, lost 16 & 15 for a total of 4.04%
Mandi, Yellow, lost 6 for a total of 2.39%
Helen, Pink, lost 8 for a total of 3.27%
Mike and Ron, Brown, lost 7 & 12 for a total of 2.49%
Damien, Red, lost 9 for a total of 2.47%
Kristin, Purple, lost 10 for a total of 2.93%
Filipe, Blue, lost 9 for a total of 2.59%
Joelle, Silver, lost 2 for a total of .68%
Jerry, White, lost 1 for a total of .29%
Daniel, Orange, lost 2 (w/ penalty) for a total of .47%.
Unfortunately Jerry and Dan, the two that needed to be there the most, fell below the yellow line. Even if they didn't say it, I think most people were disappointed they couldn't oust Joelle. And Joelle certainly wasn't celebrating. "I just beat the oldest and the heaviest. There's no glory in that."
During the tough deliberation, a lot of tears were shed. Tara felt that Dan was so young and needed to be on the ranch to live his life. Kristin reminded everyone that Jerry had collapsed on day 1. Ron, though, was the most convincing. He told the group how Jerry was once thin and had an image to go back to along with the support of a wife and children. Dan has never been thin and this is his shot. "I was him, my son is him. He'll lose 80 and gain 110 back. That boy has to be here."
At the elimination ceremony, Kristin, Filipe, Tara and Team Brown's votes were enough to send Jerry back home. Definitely a week that ended sadly either way the votes fell. So would Jerry become the stronger and healthier self he claimed in his exit interview? Looks like it. After 3 months the man looks great. He's lost 84 pounds and at his annual physical he no longer had diabetes. He and his wife Estella (now below 200 lbs.) are now active grandparents. Way to go!
Also have to say congrats to host Alison Sweeney who had her baby Monday night!
