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Premierewatch: 'The Biggest Loser: Couples' brings the twists
Welcome back to The Biggest Loser: Couples. New motto: "Changing lives -- or ending them." See, if they don't manage to kill one of the contestants, I'm reasonably sure the producers are angling to kill ME by making my head explode from sheer rage. Won't you join me?
This spoiler's TiVo boycotted the first 10 minutes. I'm assuming I didn't miss anything.
A new group of desperate folks descend on the Biggest Loser ranch, but this time it's the Heaviest! Group! EVER!!! I fear for the health of all involved when Alison announces that their first workout will be without the benefit of trainers. Here, welcome to a gym full of unfamiliar equipment, any piece of which could make a muscle or tendon or major organ go sproinging across the room if used improperly. Have at it, folks!
Bob and Jillian watch via hidden camera, so they can see how utterly lost everyone is. They basically stare at the contestants, slack jawed, marveling at how huge everyone is. Because hey folks, did you know that this is the Heaviest! Group! EVER!!! on the show? Did you? DID YOU?
Bob and Jillian waltz into the gym to receive the adulation of their acolytes. But what's this? One couple is not paying homage to their weight-loss gods. That's because Jerry (at 63, the Oldest! Competitor! EVER!!!) passes out and gets hauled off to the hospital. We later find out that his blood pressure plummeted after working out (I'm guessing from dehydration, although there are a number of serious medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure). That's right -- we get an emergency situation in the first 30 minutes of the first show. Because folks? This year is the Most! Dramatic! Journey! EVER!!! Sigh.
Jillian's Minions:
Team White: Married couple Jerry and Estella. They are the Oldest! Competitors! EVER!!!
Team Black: Cousins Blaine and Dane (fall mainly on the plain.)
Team Green: Tara and Laura, friends and former plus-size models
Team Orange: Best friends David and Daniel. Daniel is the Heaviest! Competitor! EVER!!!
Team Yellow: Sisters Mandi and Aubrey
Bob's Mob:
Team Silver: Best friends Carla and Joelle. Carla is the Heaviest! Woman! EVER!!!
Team Brown: Father and son Ron and Mike. Mike is the Youngest! Competitor! EVER!!!
Team Blue: Cousins Filipe and Sione. They're of Tongan descent -- which I mention because Tonga has something like a 60 percent obesity rate.
Team Red: engaged couple Nicole and Damien
Team Pink: Mother and daughter Helen and Shannon
Team Purple: Mother and Daughter Kristin and Cathy
The challenge
The teams have to run across a bridge, scale a giant mound of sand, touch their flag, and go back to start -- and both team members have to touch for it to count. We immediately see that Team Green is in trouble: Tara is in better shape, and MUCH more competitive, and she's getting very impatient with Laura. This isn't going to be pretty.
After a couple of heats, it comes down to Team Black and Team Yellow. It' a photo finish, but Dan just beats Mandi over the line. Team Black wins immunity.
The twist
After a last-chance workout that involved screaming, puking, crying and more puking, it's time for the weigh-in, where Alison announces that there will be no elimination. Everyone cheers, but Bob and Jillian look suspicious. As well they should: Alison then tells everyone that nine people are going home after this weigh-in. Team Black, which has immunity, and team that wins the weigh-in will remain. All other teams must choose one person to go home. Ouch.
Team Black
Blaine goes from 365 to 351, losing 14 pounds.
Dane goes from 412 to 392, losing 20 pounds.
Together they lose 34 pounds, or 4.38 percent (assuming my math is correct.) They have immunity and are safe.Team Brown
Mike goes from 388 to 366, losing 22 pounds.
Ron goes from 430 to 398, losing 32 pounds.
Together they lose 54 pounds (!!!), or 6.6 percent. They win the weigh-in and are safe.Team Green
Laura goes from 285 to 272, losing 13 pounds.
Tara goes from 294 to 273, losing 21 pounds.
Together they lose 34, or 5.87 percentTeam White
Jerry goes from 369 to 344, losing 25 pounds.
Estella goes from 242 to 233, losing 9 pounds.
Together they lose 34, or 5.56 percentTeam Orange
Dan goes from 454 to 424, losing 30 pounds.
Dave goes from 393 to 377, losing 16 pounds.
Together they lose 46 pounds, or 5.43 percentTeam Blue
Filipe goes from 364 to 347, losing 17 pounds.
Sione goes from 372 to 349, losing 23 pounds.
Together they lose 40 pounds, or 5.43 percent.Team Red
Nicole goes from 269 to 251, losing 18 pounds.
Damien goes from 381 to 364, losing 17 pounds.
Together they lose 35 pounds, or 5.38 percentTeam Yellow
Mandi goes from 263 to 251, losing 12 pounds.
Aubrey goes from 249 to 236, losing 13 pounds.
Together they lose 25, or 4.88 percentTeam Purple
Kristin goes from 360 to 341, losing 19 pounds.
Cathy goes from 293 to 281, losing 12 pounds.
Together they lose 31 pounds, or 4.75 percent.Team Pink
Helen goes from 257 to 245, losing 12 pounds.
Shannon goes from 283 to 270, losing 13 pounds.
Together they lose 25 pounds, or 4.63 percent.Team Silver
Carla goes from 379 to 368, losing 11 pounds.
Joelle goes from 309 to 296, losing 13 pounds.
Together they lose 24 pounds, or 3.49 percent
The Twist, Part Two
After all that angst, with people unable to celebrate stellar weight-loss numbers, Alison reveals the second part of the twist. Yes, nine people are going home -- but if their remaining partner is still on the ranch after 30 days, they can come back. Basically, one member of the team will have to try to lose weight at home, while the other member will work his or her butt off on the ranch, trying to stick around long enough to bring their partner back.
Some teams have a pretty easy decision -- Tara is mega motivated, and Laura … is not. Shannon believes that her mom will go back to smoking and other bad habits if she goes home. David's got the most weight to lose, and Jerry needs all the help he can get.
Other teams.. well, it's tough. Team Silver argues: Carla wants to stay, but Joelle pulls out the passive-aggressive tears. Both women bug me. Team Yellow has the opposite problem : Both women think the other should stay, and Mandi breaks down -- what if I'm too weak? I don't want to let you down! Oof.
After much deliberation, we find that Helen, Filipe, Tara, Mandi, Damien, Dan, Joelle, Kristin and Jerry will be sticking around at the ranch, while Shannon, Sione, Laura, Aubrey, Nicole, David, Carla, Cathy and Estella will be working from home.
Highlights, thoughts and odds and ends
- What do you think of the twist? I think it's cruel and unusual. First of all, it means that people aren't celebrating their very real achievements at the weigh-in. Dude, you just lost 12, 17, 23 pounds -- that's phenomenal. But because the couple know that if they don't have the absolute highest weight loss, they'll be ripped apart, you got tears of disappointment, not joy, at those numbers.
- Second, it's a nasty bait-and-witch to pull on the competitors. These people were told they'd be working with a supportive partner, and the first time out, their support system is ripped away. That's just mean.
- I will say one thing -- the twist probably saved Laura from a bludgeoning, as it looked like Tara was getting increasingly frustrated at -- and intolerant -- of her friend. At the challenge, Tara was at the front of the pack, but Laura lagged behind. "I truly believe that Laura gave all that she had," Tara says. "But it truly sucks that it wasn't enough."
- About that weight loss -- 9 or 11 pounds in a week in insane, and not supportable over the long haul. And those were the low numbers! 25 pounds? 30 pounds? 32 pounds? That's crazy talk.
- Dr. Jillian is back in session, and at least one of her charges isn't happy about it. "Are you trying to make me cry?" Laura sobs. No, Jillian says. Yes, the viewing audience responds. I understand that there are psychological triggers behind weight, but I don't know if Jillian's gym is the best place for therapy, thank you very much.
- Bob tells his charges to start running, and Joelle bursts into tears. She wails that she know she needs help, she needs to be here, she needs to have this opportunity... "Joelle does a lot of talking and not a lot of working out," Bob observes. That's one reason I'm so surprised she stayed and Carla went home.
- Carla seems equally dubious. When Joelle reveals that she's staying, Carla says that she expects Joelle to bring her back, or else. "This is a test of our friendship," she says. Good luck with that...
- We only got a brief glimpse at the personalities this time out -- I suppose in part because the producers knew nearly half of the folks would be out the door, so why bother? We’ll have to wait and see who we love and who we loathe.
I hate the twist too, I agree it was cruel.
Claude | Jan 7, 2009 5:02:04 AM | #I was bewildered as to why NBC would promote it as a couples season and then send most of the partners home on the first show. It would have made more sense (at least to me) to have the partners stick around awhile and learn something helpful before sending them packing. I understand it's a game/contest, but they're playing with people's lives for the sake of putting in a new "twist" to keep the show fresh. Go back to focusing on the struggles of individuals and couples trying to make life altering changes. Isn't that enough to grab a viewing audience? It is the reason I tune in.
Christo' | Jan 7, 2009 5:02:54 AM | #Do you think this could be the result of the Vicky/Heba season? The players left aren't going to be able to play the game with water loading if they have to be sure to stay for their partner to come back in 30 days. I'm sure the last season has something to do with it. It was pretty sucky though. So far I like the orange team and the blue team.
Margie | Jan 7, 2009 5:56:23 AM | #One more thing, on another site someone mentioned that this is the 3rd old Jerry we have had.
Margie | Jan 7, 2009 5:58:04 AM | #Seems like a rather silly twist. NBC touts this as a couples show, claims no eliminations yet send 9 people packing. 30 days and you "might" come back? Big deal. That means there will be elimination shows during that 30 days (I wonder how many?) and possibly 2, 3 or 4 people will be screwed out of ever really participating at the ranch since their counterpart was eliminated. What's the point of that?
Sending 9 people home was cruel. If they haven't been able to lose weight at home yet, they sure won't be able to do so for the next 30 days. They will have the motivation, but will not have the experience and knowledge that being on the ranch for a few more weeks would have given them. I hope these people will be an inspiration to American viewers and not have a few bad apples, like Vicky and Heba, to spoil it for everyone. They were a disgrace to their families and friends. I feel for their children. Now, the F word...this needs to stop. This is a family show. Low class language is not necessary and should not be tolerated. Jillian and Bob...stop with the potty mouths. It's childish, disgusting, and low class.
Joni | Jan 7, 2009 7:03:52 AM | #i believe dane and blaine are friends, not cousins.
and while yes the twist is kind of cruel, the message behind it was made clear through all the scripted confessionals. i say bring it because there is nothing more boring then a couple of couples dominating the game and dictating the pecking order...
what else you got alison?
in for the twists! | Jan 7, 2009 7:07:07 AM | #I like the twist. Keeps the show fresh. Also keeps the couples from teaming up early and trying to sabatoge the others like last season with Heba/Ed and Vicki/Brady. Helps the contestants to focus on their own results and not just "playing the game". They have an early goal of working hard and trying to bring their partner back. A new twist on teamwork. And like they said last night, the one who was sent home will have to work on their own like most of us have to do. It will show their true commitment. Might be the best season yet.
Terry | Jan 7, 2009 7:12:05 AM | #We loved this twist. Wish they had done it last season so we could have been rid of two of those idiots. It actually provides the people sent home with more opportunities. If they go home, stick to a plan and are brought back they are sort of being rewarded for their efforts (and obviously their partners'). If they go home and do not stick to the plan (which you can already see happening to a couple of these people who appeared to not be serious and just wanted some TV time), they would be able to return and get a second chance with a full support system.
You have to hope that these 'home' people will still be able to take the time off from work to seriously hit a gym. If they return to their regular routines, chances are slim that they can remain focused enough to succeed on their own.
Hopefully they will all surprise us and motivate us!
Overall, it was just so nice to see an episode that hasn't (yet) been plaqued and edited with internal contoversy. Maybe NBC learned something from last season?
DenverGuy | Jan 7, 2009 7:33:33 AM | #They could've accomplished the "twist" in a way that would not send 9 couples home - simply break up the couples and send them to a different gym away from their partner with no contact with them. Same effect, but at least they're getting the help they need.
Cynic | Jan 7, 2009 8:14:30 AM | #like how you think, cynic!
TWO campuses...could bring back the other trainer from a few season back and introduce a new one.
PLUS, it would give these bloated two-hour episodes something more than extra jiggle.
ain't it ironic how a show about obese people is obese itself??!!
i mean, TRIM THE DAMN FAT, NBC, the show is ONLY an hour-long show! i proved it every week with my tivo...
i only really watched the premier to see the twist--and, it's not enough to get me to watch the season.
i will say a couple things before i go: 1) about the trainers' picks, i found it interesting that jillian didn't pick silver, who are gonna drive bob CRAZY; and, bob didn't pick white, who don't need to be screamed at. 2) i like the blue team!
i love recaps, though, so i'll be around! have fun y'all!!
NonImus | Jan 7, 2009 8:57:19 AM | #I gave up watching about midway through last season. Just couldn't take the product placement and slow-paced, repeat every scene after a commercial nonsense. Maybe my expectations are really low, or NBC is waiting to sucker me in, but last night's show seemed a little better than usual. The "24 Hour Fitness Body Bug" in-show commercial dragged on, but I didn't notice nearly as much repetition as usual.
Both the opening and the ending of the show seemed a little skeevy to me. Are Bob and Jillian really that shocked that hugely overweight people might not know how to use gym equipment? How many people of any fitness level really know how to use parallel bars? It had the feel of a mean high school practical joke; let's hide and watch the fatties stumble around.
The weigh-in twist was unnecessarily dramatic and cruel. The Week 2 letdown that is coming is going to be sad enough, it would have been nice to give them at least one week to feel happy with their progress. Cynic's idea was a good one; I hope at a minimum the show gives the homers a gym membership or some type of support. My guess is not, though, so there's drama in a few weeks when the teams reunite and there's a massive difference in weight loss.
Jessie | Jan 7, 2009 11:48:19 AM | #Did last night's show seem, for lack of a better word, slimmer than usual? I gave up midway through last season due to the incessant product placement and the non-stop replays. Other than the endless "24 Hour Fitness Body Bug" in-show commercial, the premier didn't seem too bad. Or maybe my standards for this show are just really low.
Both the opening and the ending of the show seemed a little skeevy. The initial workout had the feel of a mean high school practical joke; "let's hide and watch the fatties stumble around!". Are Bob and Jillian really that shocked that massively overweight people might not know how to use gym equipment? How many people of any fitness level even know how to use parallel bars?
The twist at the weigh-in was just cruel, and robbed the show of what is usually one of the nicest points, the contestants' realizing how much their lives can change. They are going get the traditional Week 2 letdown anyway, it would have been nice to give them one week to be proud of themselves.
Short of Cynic's good idea, I'd hope the show would at least provide the homers with gym memberships or nutrionists to help them. My guess is not, though, so there's more drama when the teams reunite and there's a massive weight loss differential.
Jessie | Jan 7, 2009 11:55:53 AM | #sorry for the double post, the first one didn't show up until the second one went through!
Jessie | Jan 7, 2009 11:56:47 AM | #I had an uncle that died of obesity at the age of 29. I cried through the whole show because even though I am an avid viewer - this was really the first time I identified with a contestant. I am praying for Dan. I can't help but think what my uncle's life would have been if he'd had the Biggest Loser as proof that he could lose weight and be healthy. My only criticism of the show (which I feel is great) is that they remember when they send someone home with twists in the game that for that person it could end up being a death sentence.
Trista | Jan 7, 2009 1:09:24 PM | #I wouldn't mind the twist so much if they had maybe two or three weeks at the ranch first (with no eliminations, but letting everyone know what's coming) to really give the players sent home a chance to build a foundation and really start making the working out/eating better a habit. Only one week and then then springing it on them at the weigh-in just seems so mean.
Sabrina | Jan 7, 2009 1:49:59 PM | #It would be one thing to separate them and have a third (secret) trainer or something, but yeah, sending them home without the benefit of a fitness routine seems bound for failure.
Then again, maybe they took on too much with all these obese contestants this time and they need more personalized attention than they would get if they were with everyone else.
I just hope they keep the backstabbing and bitching out of it this year - that is why I watch Survivor. I watch Biggest Loser for happy success stories.
Jenna | Jan 7, 2009 1:53:06 PM | #Sabrina I'm with you. Going home to the same old nutrition standards they left a week ago ... and no clue how to get in physical shape at their local gym without the guidance and encouragement of a skilled trainer ... hopeless!
Far too soon to desert those folks who have swallowed their pride and exposed their obesity to the world as a last ditch attempt to turn their lifestyle around.
Did anyone stay tuned and watch "Ruby?" Now there's a gal with a challenge ahead. All the best Ruby - you CAN do it!
Nana24 | Jan 7, 2009 2:27:54 PM | #These are someof the largest contestants ever, why would they send them home? wouldnt the twist have been better if there were NO elimination for several weeks then a large elimination at once? If these people COULD do it on their own they never would have been 300 and 400 pounds. Shame on you NBC.
BIGfan | Jan 8, 2009 8:29:44 AM | #i totally laughed out loud when i read sarah's repeatedly Something!! Something!! EVER!!! lol
gemini | Jan 8, 2009 8:59:56 PM | #They should let everyone stay for the first two weeks. The audience has nothing invested in anyone during the first two shows, but by the third, you begin know the contestants (love ‘em or hate ‘em) and really root for certain people. The weight loss is so huge in the first few weigh-ins that there is drama without having to add a vote off. Let everyone stay and give the “biggest loser” for those first two weigh-ins a reward—and extra vote or a 1 lb pass for a future weigh in. These people are here because they have exhausted all other options and it is just cruel to send them home when they are just beginning to see a way to change their lives for the better.
What is wrong with the daughter of the purple team what is her medical condition
kris | Mar 10, 2009 9:36:32 PM | #
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