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

Time at home is almost over, only one day left. The guys are looking really good and Rasha thinks Edwin’s muscles are hot. The ladies are much smaller than they were and look about five years younger in the face. Sarah in particular has developed a decent shape to her, though both are not yet done. Sorry, I gotta call it as I see it. So let’s go to the final weigh-in and see how it all plays out.

On stage with series host Caroline Rhea, all four look pretty good. They are live in front of a Hollywood studio audience. Initially they stand on opposite sides of a dividing mirror. Then, the mirror is lifted and the teams see each other. Both teams compliment each other.

Upon being prompted by Caroline, Rasha says she feels their relationship has been strengthened, and Edwin is impressed with Rasha’s drive and determination. On the other side, Sarah’s dream wedding involves getting married in a castle.

The trainers are brought out to observe the weigh-ins, and Edwin and Rasha are up first. Their initial weight was 477 pounds. Edwin gets up there first, and he’s gone from 240 pounds to 177, a loss of 67 pounds! Rasha has done pretty nicely as well, going from 237 to 167 pounds, an amazing loss of 70 pounds. Their total loss is 133 pounds, or 27.88%. Rasha’s own loss reflects a percentage loss of 29.54%.

To beat them, Caroline informs Steve and Sarah that they must lose more than 159 pounds. That seems like a lot, but they are big people (Sarah is 5’11” and Steve is even taller). One thing you learn on this show is that anything is possible.

Steve is up first. He started at 274 pounds, and his current weight is 181, a loss of 93 pounds. Wow, that’s a hair under a 34% loss!! He looks like a completely different man. Sarah needs to have lost “only” 66 pounds for them to win. She stared at 297 pounds, and is now 220, a nice loss of 77 pounds herself. They win again!

In fact, Caroline points out that they won every prize. Sarah will be able to get married in a castle, just like she wanted to.

I note that Steve and Sarah’s actual percentage is 29.77% and that together, the foursome lost over 300 pounds! Very impressive numbers. folks!

Among hugs and many tears from family and friends, both teams congratulate each other on what they’ve accomplished. Caroline correctly reminds us that there are no losers in this competition.

We’re getting near the end, so it’s time to catch up with our couples as they are today. Sarah has lost another ten pounds and has dropped five dress sizes. Steve is looking to run a marathon. They plan to marry in January, 2007.

Edwin and Rasha are getting married in nine days. She’s dropped another 15 pounds, and she and Edwin proudly model the dress and tux for us. Rasha says, “I finally feel like the beautiful, sexy bride that I always wanted to be.”

Next week – it’s week one of “The "Little Italy Family" vs. The 1950s "Diner" Family,” when a couple of restaurant families take each other on. We’ll see if Bob can finally beat Jillian!

Again, a very watchable show with engaging participants (pun intended). Even though it looked like there might be a slacker or two in this group, they really put it all on the line when it mattered. This is one inspirational show!

One complaint: this show has really turned into one of those shows where they feel the need to be constantly previewing and repeating the same clips over and over and over and over. Not only is it annoying and boring, it’s a real insult to our intelligence and THEY NEED TO STOP IT!!

Well, that’s it. Join me here each Thursday for a recap of all the action, sprinkled with my own reactions and opinions. Let me know what you think at the email address below!

Brian lives in Toronto where he can be reached at uncle_bto@rogers.com. He’d like to hear your opinions and promises to respond to all serious email.

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