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'The Biggest Loser' hits a new low
Are you kidding me? Are you freaking kidding me? There was so much that frustrated, appalled or otherwise enraged me on The Biggest Loser this week that I hardly even know where to start.
The spoilers have just become the biggest group of dumb jocks.
Everyone on Team Black was appalled that Jackie got ejected last week -- Mark and Jay went back on their word! The fiends! Yes, they should have just been up-front about what they were planning. But the amount of self-righteous anger oozing off Team Black was over the top. Brittany, I love you, and it pains me to say this, but shut it!
Then there's Dan. Dan is all alone. Dan is adrift. Dan feels betrayed. Dan can't trust anyone. Dan is on an island. Dan is... Dan is talking too damn much, that's what Dan is doing. I get that you're upset. I get that this is a big deal. But seriously, dude: Stop. Talking. It's a game. That's it.
Dan finally decides to tell the rest of Team Blue that he understands what happened, and that he's ok with it. The rest of Team Blue falls all over themselves to say he's awesome, and they wronged him, and he's such a prince for letting it go. That's because they're idiots. Dan isn't letting anything go. He's just letting people think he is so he won't be so isolated anymore. It's a good move on his part, but I can't believe Mark and Jay fell for it.
The challenge
Bernie, who is officially my favorite now that Brittany is getting so damn snippy, chooses the Gameplay reward for being last week's biggest loser. His reward is "50 percent off at the next challenge." What?
That actually turns out to be a good thing: Pairs of team members stand on a balance beam over a lake, working together to hold up the amount of weight they'd lost so far. It's about balance! And teamwork! And trust! OK, we get it -- Team Blue is lousy on those aspects right now. So Team Black's superior spirit of teamwork, plus the fact that Bernie and Brittany are actually holding up less weight than everyone else, gives them the victory.
The prize: Team Black gets to grant immunity to one member of their team -- and one member of the opposing team. I immediately think it's going to be Dan, since they're all gung-ho about how betrayed Dan was. Hah! They grant immunity to Jay, who is offended they see him as the least threatening Team Blue member. Team Black -- or rather, Jillian -- decides to pick a name out of a hat (or actually, pick every name out of the hat except one, thus ratcheting up the televised suspense.) Maggie is the lucky winner.
The psychotherapy
Here's the part that had me foaming at the mouth. Jillian realizes that her team is suffering from a variety of psychological issues, which contribute to their weight problems. I'm fine with that. She decides to bring in an expert to help. Um, ok. That expert is her mother. Who she addresses as "Mommy." Who she describes as being "to psychotherapy what I am to fitness training." You mean, a grandstanding cult leader? Great!
Jillian sends each member of her team in to hash out their life-long issues with Dr. Mom -- on camera. We're talking abandonment, physical abuse, intense guilt... and all these pent up secrets are spilled for anyone to see. No WAY is that in the best interest of the competitors.
Which is not to say I'm against psychotherapy -- far from it. It's incredibly helpful, when used well. Which is why Bob and his team's reaction made me equally furious: We don't need no stinking therapy! We'd rather walk than talk! Why, this hike to the top of a mountain is better than any intervention by a trained professional. That's perilously close to saying hey, who needs psychotropic drugs or therapeutic interventions-depressed people should just exercise their way out of the blues! And that? Complete crap. Exercise can help, but it's not the only answer.
The weigh-in
This weigh-in was so impossibly overdramatic that I almost wonder if there's a man behind the curtain fiddling with the scale. Black put up great numbers at first -- Kelly lost 8 pounds, Bernie lost 7 and Paul lost 10 -- but the final two results are disappointing in the context of the game (but not, I hasten to add, in the context of real life): Maggie lost 2 pounds, and Brittany was down 1 pound. They're devastated, and yes, Kelly cries.
Team Blue gets confident -- dude, we'll totally kick ass! It looks like they will indeed: Roger loses 9 pounds, Trent loses 8, Dan loses 7 pounds, and Mark loses 6. That means Jay has to lose only 5 pounds to push his team to victory. Team Black is quietly (or not-so-quietly, in some cases) weeping and gnashing its teeth, convinced it's doomed, when Jay gets up on the scale -- and loses just 4 pounds. Team Black avoids elimination by 1 pound. Bob is so frustrated or disappointed or pissy that he stalks out of the room. Way to support your team there, Bob!
The elimination
In Team Blue Central, Trent falls on his sword: My knee is injured, I'm dragging you down, it is a far, far better thing that I do, etc. And yes, Trent is being incredibly awesome, and I adore him, but the amount of drama and schmaltz they pump into this is sickening. Plus, there's Dan's reaction -- oh, so NOW we're all going to vote for Trent, unlike last week, when we said we were and then you offed mom. Great. Thanks.
Trent gets paeans to his virtue and nobility and is sent packing. His homecoming is actually quite sweet -- his whole family is there to greet him, and the high school he works at threw a pep rally welcoming him home -- and he looks great in the look-at-me-now interview, having lost 112 pounds. Go, Trent!
Highlights, thoughts and odds and ends
- Another reason Bernie is my favorite person on the show right now: His was the only therapy session not broadcast. Did he refuse to be bullied into therapy? Did he refuse to allow it to be broadcast? Did he make Dr. Mom look like an idiot? Whatever the reason, I respect him for it.
- Bernie tweaks all the long, flowery elimination-room speeches when he announces who Team Black chose for immunity. "The person we picked is remarkable in every way, a great teammate, and she also got extremely lucky and we pulled her name out of a hat." Hah!
- Mark is working on alienating not just his team and the opposing team, but also the host. When Alison was doing some (admittedly somewhat annoying) color commentary during the challenge, Mark snaps at her: "Stop being so overdramatic! This isn't a soap opera!" Oh, nice.
- It was obvious early on that Trent would be going home, because they used the classic reality TV trope of talking about what a great guy he was, how he wasn't in it for the money, how he didn't want to play the game... oh, Trent. So doomed.
- The big twist: Next week, the competitors go home, and the resulting weigh-in is "tragic." We'll see how it goes.
What did you think? Am I off-base in my rant about the therapy aspect, or do you agree? Who was the most annoying person on this week's show? How will everyone fare when they get home? And do you know any grown women who refer to their mother as "Mommy"?
What a surprise to find out that Muppet faced Dan could talk and not just move his lips while his mom stuck her hand up his ass and talked for him. But they were the nastiest game players from the beginning so his outrage was ludicrous. And Bob is acting more and more like an old pissy queen. I loved mark calling out Allison's insincere ramblings. (You're not that good of an actress airhead). Caroline Rhea would have ripped him a new one.
Aretha Franklin 450 pounds | Feb 13, 2008 3:29:28 AM | #I think Jillian bringing her mom to talk to her team was an alright idea, but did you see how they just sat there when they were asked who wanted to go first? I don't remember seeing Maggie talk to Jillian's Mommy, just Jillian. Maybe Bernie didn't have a tragic, good-for-ratings story about losing weight. Maybe he just likes McDonald's. But, WOW, the producers were probably foaming at the mouth once Kelly, Brittany & Paul started talking. I found Jillian's Mommy a little annoying. I'm sure she was there to help, but she got on my nerves. I've always been partial to the Blue Teams on this show because I've always loved Bob. However, I think starting with last season, the trainers are becoming too involved with 'the game'. Bob has team members who are already ultra competitive and manipulative & he seems to encourage that. Jillian has team members with serious emotional issues and she portrays them as underdogs & the one's nobody wants...except her of course. Here, Black Team, try this Kool-Aid I just whipped up. Anyway, the trainers need to worry about training and stay out of the rest. They lose a little bit more of their respectability every week. Mark's shot at Allison during the challenge was great. He was being a cry baby & she looked like she wished the bags he was holding would drop on his head.
| Feb 13, 2008 5:20:04 AM | #NBC gave away the end of this week's show when they showed the preview last week. I think the trainers are becoming the most annoying people on the show. Maggie is still the luckiest person there. I hope Kelly drinks a lot of water...she has to be risking dehydration every week with all the crying. Dan, grow up & shut up.
DG | Feb 13, 2008 5:24:51 AM | #I enjoyed this show very much. I know what you mean about conducting televised therapy, how sincere can it be. I did get a sense for what these people have been through and what makes them tick. I'm guessing most of us can relate to the people on the show, otherwise we wouldn't be watching. I'm glad the show isn't just an excercise informercial (enough with the "last chance workout" already).
Joe | Feb 13, 2008 6:09:42 AM | #I know Mark's comment was a rude, but she is so pro-black team, oh the poor underdogs (Kelly STOP crying!) The black team is so mad about the game play -- HELLO??? who was it that threw a weigh in with Jackie as leader of the band?!?!? Very annoying is the black team. Trent is great!!! I hope he wins the 100 grand.
PJ | Feb 13, 2008 6:43:16 AM | #It was a dumb mistake to eliminate Trent, for he's been a big weight loser for the team. The two brothers have basically flatlined with their wt. loss. the only one left who can really lose weight is Dan, but he 's got some revenge up his sleeves. Talk about really dumb jocks
rickyers | Feb 13, 2008 6:48:25 AM | #You know, I don't have a problem with the televised therapy. These people signed up for anything the producers would throw at them - all these shows seem to relish torturing or otherwise embarrassing the contestants (at least a little). Plus, in this kind of situation, where you are truly in the hands of your trainers, I would fully expect you to follow that traiers philosophy.
The responses from the contestants in their sessions seemed very genuine, so Dr. Mom, however corny or annoying she seemed, must be good at eliciting emotional response. And with Paul, I really appreciated that she stressed that this was start for him - she didn't claim to come in an cure these folks.
I can understand why Blue Team might not want to see the opposing team's mom, but their overall reaction was stupid. Bob should have offered to talk to them or bring in someone himself.
I really loved Maggie's (and yeah, she's super lucky...) camera talk about the Blue Team as "dumb jocks". And they did look ridiculous coming into the gym with their hoods on... what was that, intimidation?
My opinion of Bob is completely changing. I couldn't believe he would just walk out on his team; besides having his priorities screwed, it's just poor sportmanship. The trainers above everyone else should understand the arbitrariness of weight loss. I agree that they need to stay out of "the game" part of this show and just train.
Last thoughts: Allison's color commentary is really annoying.
I think it was the first episode where Kelly said something about not wanting to be known as "the cryer"... My God, does she ever stop crying?
KELLY STOP CRYING!!!! im totally going for bernie! that dude rocks...keep losing the weight
ms v | Feb 13, 2008 8:48:42 AM | #not to sure why you think maggie was lucky, the black team didnt lose so it didnt matter if she was picked or not. if the black team lost, then you could say she was lucky.
wednesday | Feb 13, 2008 10:19:38 AM | #I am surprised that no one mentioned Paul and his eye rolling. Immature and condescending. I can't stand it and makes me wish he would get sent packing.
I fastforwarded through most of the therapy sessions, reminded me of Jerry Springer -way too melodramatic for my taste. I am an advocate of therapy and I think that most people with food addiction need to talk about their issues but I didn't feel like this was the place for it.
hopep | Feb 13, 2008 11:16:23 AM | #This show should be called The Biggest Martyr.
After last season's "left in the desert to rot" incessant bitching, we now have to hear Dan going on and on and on on how he's been wronged. His room, once known as Shangri-La, is now a desolate, lonely place where he he is jailed with nothing but his tears to keep him company. (And whoever said Muppet-faced Dan above -- hilarious!)
Jillian's mom being a therapist explains a lot. Jillian has been leaking more and more touchy-feely psychobabble in each episode, now I see that was merely a setup to this "payoff". I was dumbstruck that the producers would show these sessions on national television, and I am equally floored that the contestants would allow it.
This season sucks! Mark is an a*hole of epic proportions, Kelly never stops crying, and for God's sake -- ENOUGH WITH THE FOOTBALL REFERENCES ALREADY, ROGER! We get it! You played football! Congratu-freakin-lations!
The only enjoyable part of watching the show last night was thinking "Sarah is going to have a field day with this...I can't wait to read the recap tomorrow!"
I'm giving it 1 more episode this season before I cancel the Season Pass. These recaps are way better than the corny garbage they are producing.
Chris | Feb 13, 2008 12:27:37 PM | #Therapists are bound by law to keep sessions confidential, so what we see on television is agreed to up front by everyone with tons of waivers and releases signed and counter-signed. No ethical therapist is going to push someone to open up too soon about the core issues and the little "sessions" we see with Jillian are probably after hours of talk. A good, ethical therapist will make sure that anything that gets opened up, gets dealt with in a way that leaves the individual unharmed. That said, I'd never want to see my client's participate on television like that - they're too vulnerable to make informed decisions and the money prize makes them say yes to things they will possible regret later.
Kacey | Feb 13, 2008 2:15:09 PM | #I have to admit, I like the football references. I get a kick of Roger's "pride on three". It's a nice alternative to the "Whoa is me, left to wander in the dessert for forty years, we're not paranoid it's just that everyone is out to get us" black team. I liked the barge in to the gym with the hoods up. Some real men are here to work out, move over ladies. Can't say for sure this was how it went, a lot is controlled by the directors and producers as far as what camera angle to show, little sound effects/dramatic music inserts. I liked the wrap-session prior to elimination. We don't need no stinking therapists! We're men, we walk, and settle issues on our own. I'm curious if they will keep the fox hole meetings for future eliminations. All right men, we need someone to go out there and take one for the team. Private Dan, front and center!
Moose | Feb 14, 2008 7:28:56 AM | #I don't mind so much the crying and nashing of teeth. Let's face it, this show is about people with issues. I truly feel sorry for Kelly. I see a fragile woman unsure of herself. Weight issues only compound that. I truly hope she gets the self-confidence and self-assurance tyically associated with weight loss.
Dr. Phil | Feb 14, 2008 7:45:49 AM | #Dr. Phil, you are getting to the heart of the problem with this show: It is a show that is CAST with people with issues and they are forced into this Survivor-style gameplay. Kelly is a fragile woman with compounded weight / self-esteem issues and she's forced to fear rejection because she isn't losing ENOUGH weight fast enough. It's cruel. Any elimination-based reality show is a show about rejection, no matter how well you do at (fill in the blank).
Jack | Feb 14, 2008 9:27:59 AM | #Bob disappoints me. I always liked him and felt he trained fair and with heart.When he didnt pick his original Blue team of B&B I thought Hmmm, when he made snide comments about therapy I said Oh Bob, but when he walked out on his team?? I said Bye Bob. Trainers, get out of the game and train your people. and please producers, would you show us what they ARE eating? we know they work out more than any of us could but a little food advice besides chew gum would be nice!
PaTTy | Feb 14, 2008 3:25:44 PM | #I think Jillian's mommie got a nose job from the same guy who did michael jackson's nose. And it was assanine to put therapy on tv. That's not therapy, that's showcasing. Any therapist worth her salt would not even agree to do therapy on tv.
yer mamma | Feb 15, 2008 5:51:32 PM | #All of these contestants sign up for what they get. C'mon people! They willingly subject themselves to ALL this crap! It's not like it's the first season. They ALL know what they're getting into. No one has to do anything they don't want to. Personally, my favorite contestants are the ones that don't get too dramatic and just buck up and do what they got to do. But if all the contestants were like that you all probably wouldn't be watching the show you're complaining about anyways. You like the drama or you wouldn't watch it in the 1st place!
Renee | Feb 15, 2008 8:00:55 PM | #Everyone left for home. They came back and did the challange. The camera kept showing Paul all over the chicken wings, and soda, ha ha.
Mark as usual. Highly motivated, going a little crazy over Jay , taking break to do some work. Well, Mark ,just take it easy.
They came back , and first thing they had to do was the challange. Brittany was annoying, what's happening with her? I like Bernie and hope he goes very far. Yes, Maggies is very lucky. I agree with that.
So, 2 members of blue team had to weigh in first and dan lost 11 and roger 16. Amazing weight loss. Trainer Bob was jittery, on his toes, his veins growing thicker and thicker,i bet with the pressure. Of course, Bob was happy, well he shouldn't have walked away from his team the last weigh in.
Of course, looking at Mark and Jay, you can tell, they lost weight. and true enough 13 and 16. Not bad for Jay, good job.
Well, Black team knew it. Numbers were just impossible to catch up with. 60 pounds, yeah sure, they knew it.
Kelly stop stop stop crying and Paul stop rolling your eyes, and making those faces. ha ha ha.. OMG!!
Paul got booted out. Well, what was going on with the yellow shirt thing and Brittany, she and her snappy remarks nowadays,well annoying to listen to. Kelly defending Paul. He is gone now and next week, well something happened I guess. EVeryone from team blue cried in the preview, and Mark apologizing. What did he do now?
I like this week's episode. It was fun to watch. Those weight loss were amazing
After watching last night, you can pretty much tell who will make it, not just losing, but keeping it off, and who will not. I felt sorry for Paul's girlfriend talking about who he might fall back in love with. I think Kelly needs to cut his emotional ties. They both have significan others. I was sorry to see Trent go. I did notice one thing that bothered me last night. When Jillian talked about the Zip Loc cooking bags. I hope they don't do what the apprentice did. That became one hour long commercial with some competition wrapped round it. It made me stop watching, I hope Biggest Loser doesn't go that route.
Sweetie | Feb 20, 2008 8:22:10 AM | #
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