Here They Go, Losing Again

First, thanks for the emails, texts and comments regarding Biggest Loser.  I agree with those that enjoyed last night’s episode and am definitely looking forward to watching the season unfold.  The first week’s final weigh in always blows my mind-even if it might actually be more than a week in reality and even knowing the contestants clearly play with their starting weight (probably doing everything they possibly can to be their very heaviest at that initial weigh in- I know that personally, at 5’1 and a normal weight, I can fluctuate almost 5 pounds up after simply having a couple of martinis and eating a little salt the night before.  Imagine what these people that are 4 times my size can do with the numbers?  Always remember, this is a television show about extreme weight loss….not extreme weight loss being televised.  Does that make sense?

Anyway, back to the tv show.  The fabulously moving, inspiring tv show.  While I was most anxious to meet the new trainers and quite disappointed that we didn’t, the episode itself was excellent.  This past season, many of us had a hard time bonding with any of the contestants.  Last night, it took no time to realize that the dynamics between the “couples,” definitely helps us better get to know them.  Last season it was all about who had the most tragedy in their lives.  This season, the contestants stories (so far) were less heart wrenching and I appreciate that.  There is NO question that Rulon has the competitive edge as well as the experience manipulating the scale!  I can think of NO other competitive sport that uses scale manipulation, in fact, more than wrestling.  Personally, his advantage makes me uncomfortable, but again–tv show!

I liked the 5k challenge and think they all did exceptionally well.  It was safe, fair and still competitive.  It was interesting to see who picked whom to train with.  Being a self-motivated person, 4 weeks of immunity would have easily been my choice.  Were the people who picked Bob and Jillian really thinking about the fact that each week one of THEM would go home?  Each of their odds of elimination are pretty good.  Trust me, I would love the chance to talk food with Bob Harper and fitness with both he and Jillian, but as a contestant, give me the 4 week guarantee! Clearly, someone like Rulon, probably needs NO trainer (or any trainer)…probably all he needed was to make the commitment.  We’ll see…

Sadly, we didn’t get much of a chance to get to know the “unknown trainers” couples, but I am sure there will be lots of twists and turns along the way.  We (I think) only saw some of their final weigh in results.  We did see a 41 pound weight loss by Moses, from the gray team.  In the end, it would be orange team mom and daughter, fall below.  It was pretty obvious that mom, Ana, would get sent home and she did, down 50 pounds, now and enjoying salsa dancing, great for socialization, exercise and weight loss!  You go, mama.

My knee jerk, first episode “likes” are aqua teams, Courtney, (who can’t like her, already down 100plus pounds and a powerhouse with the attitude it takes)- the screamer, Jen, and I kindof like the sisters (one who sings opera) as they seem to have a lot of personality.  I thought that one of them might go home last night but they did a bang up job of each losing 16 pounds!

What did you think about the episode?  Who did you like?  I look forward to reading and hearing your feedback and comments.  Good, bad and otherwise!!  Please fill in any blanks I might have left out.  My computer time is UP!  Now it’s your turn…