The Biggest Loser, Special Edition: Engaged Couples, Episode 2

Welcome to the next episode of The Biggest Loser, Special Edition. This series pits two teams of overweight contestants in a competitive struggle to lose weight and, in the process, regain control of their lives… and win a little cash. This “Special Edition” version of the show features small teams with some kind of special relationship, and the entire story arc plays out over just two episodes.

Last week, we met our two engaged couples – rural brunettes Steve and Sarah, and Portland blondes Rasha and Edwin. They went through two weeks of hard work at the ranch, ending with Steve and Sarah winning the initial weigh-in and a Jamaican honeymoon. Along the way, all four resisted a temptation (although Rasha was quite ready to fold), and Steve and Sarah won $5,000 in a challenge.

OK, on with tonight’s show. We open with a lengthy preview, and I note that in the preview, there’s a spoiler shot of both couples standing on the final stage. All seem pretty trim, so I guess no one quit on the process.

Jillian starts us out tonight, telling us that during the six months at home and outside of the controlled environment of the ranch, it’s very hard to maintain the level of commitment. Well, those of us already living “out here” sure know about that already!

As Sarah and Steve come home, their families have laid out a big spread of food for them. Casseroles, sticky buns, sausages, sauces… gosh, thanks, folks, but in fact, they can eat almost none of it!

As Edwin and Rasha arrive in Portland, we are told by their trainer Bob that Edwin will have to step up and drive Rasha if they’re going to win. He needs to give her what she needs, not what she wants. As they enter their house, the couple is really impressed that they now have a gym instead of a living room. It’s actually a pretty impressive setup - the producers are to be commended for the quality and quantity of first-rate machines. The fridge is also stocked with only the right foods. Edwin thinks they have everything they need to succeed. In case they didn’t, Bob has left them an inspirational video as well.

Steve and Sarah’s families have a surprise for them, and they’re going to take them to it blindfolded. The family has rented them an apartment! This location has their gym and food. They also have an inspirational/threatening DVD message from their trainer Jillian.

Sarah says she never thought they’d be living together until they saved a lot more money. Silly me, I expected her to finish that sentence with, “until we got married.” But since last week we saw them sharing the same bed… I guess I’m kidding myself.

The next presentations are several clips from their video diaries. All admit to some early difficulties with either sticking to the diet or finding time to work out.

Four weeks after leaving the ranch, Edwin and Rasha eat in a restaurant for the first time. They do eat properly, but smelling all that good food floating by tempts Rasha. For me, this would be really tough, and I commend her for holding firm and not yielding to temptation.

Seven weeks after leaving the ranch, Sarah thinks Steve is being too bossy and critical of her workouts. From what I can tell, he’s mostly right, but he doesn’t seem to be sensing that his “helpful hints” are not being well received. The tension is abated somewhat by the arrival of Chef Karin (in the last episode they won the use of a chef for a week). Their first meal looks great, and at only 390 calories including dessert, ideal. Sarah hopes this is giving them a leg up on what Rasha is preparing, but from the brief clip shown, may only have leveled the playing field.

In Portland, ten weeks after leaving the ranch Edwin buys himself a new bike. He used to be a rider, but gave it up when he got too big. Rasha weepily resents being left alone at home when he goes on his long rides. It seems like both couples’ relationships are to be taking a few hits out here in the real world.

Three month after the ranch, Steve and Sarah are visiting the country club where their reception will be. To their surprise, trainer Jillian comes out instead of an anticipated wedding planner. Jillian is glad to see they’re looking good but she wants a chance to put them through their paces. For additional inspiration, Jillian brings out Kelly Minner from Season 1. After many hugs and tears, Kelly gives them a pep talk and a workout. It soon becomes evident that Steve and Sarah are not supportive enough of each other, and both Kelly and Jillian call them on it. I think Sarah especially benefited from Kelly’s visit.

In Portland, it’s time for Edwin and Rasha to taste their wedding cake. Both are quite reluctant to do so, this is the biggest stray from the diet they’ve done so far. Well, as far as Edwin knows, that is. And while they are both guiltily stuffing their faces, in comes their trainer Bob on a surprise visit of his own. Bob tells them that it’s OK to sample your wedding cake and has some himself, but they will have to work it off. No surprise visitors here, just a good, tough workout. What it does show is that at this stage they are more supportive of each other than their opposition.

Jillian must go now, but she leaves another DVD for Steve and Sarah. It shows them at their worst, and they find it sobering yet invigorating. I note that Steve is much thinner in the face already.

Edwin and Rasha have a similar video from Bob. They decide they need to step up their game because they don’t want to lose this competition. On this team, I’m thinking Rasha has the more noticeable facial change.

With seven weeks to go, both teams come home to find they have a “Biggest Loser-gram.” It contains current pictures of the other team. Both teams had hoped the other team had slacked off and are now concerned that the other team is looking very slim. Sarah puts the picture on top of the TV so that when they see it, they know they have to get up and work out.