The Biggest Loser 3, Episode 2: Beach Party!

This week there are several short features of the 36 home contestants, called our “At Home Contestants.” First up is Adrian of North Dakota. In a video entry taped after three weeks, she’s weepy, feeling alone, and sure she cannot make it. Luckily, further video shows that she has pushed far past that point. Although still a little damp-eyed, she’s down to her high-school size and is aggressively jogging along the beach. Good for you, Adrian!

The nest morning Bob takes his team through a series of yoga exercises. Bob decides his body does not bend that way, but Melinda does. Everyone does their best, though.

Stealing a page from Bob’s book, Kim decides the Red Team also ought to do some yoga. Nelson is not a Yoga fan, and he’s not alone. Kim warns them that their giggling will last until they weigh in.

Finally, she decides she’s had enough and it’s time to get tough. She hollers at them to start some aggressive cardio work. Kai admits she doesn’t respond to yelling. Me either, that style just doesn’t work with me. But when you sign on to do this show, you have to expect to get yelled at. I think perhaps it’s Kai but I’m not sure, who says during one exercise, “Do you think she’s noticed we’re fat?” Ha!

Kim says, “My team complains so much because it’s habit, it’s what they’re used to, it’s what they’ve done for years, and that’s why they look like they look.” In an aside, Wylie yearns for Bob’s softer approach at this point. Kim tells them, “If you guys want to lose the weight, you can. If not, you can go sit up there and watch Blue Team lose it.”

I like Kim!

It’s time for the next “At Home Contestant.” Ken is in North Carolina. He feels that because he was sent home he hasn’t completed his purpose. Ken is very focused, and he has a bright green shirt as his item of inspiration. Already he can wear it, but I bet he’s going to go much further than he has already. Good for you, Ken!

Over forty minutes into the show, series host Caroline Rhea makes her first appearance. It’s time for a challenge, and Caroline promises it’s the toughest yet. Fourteen feet above them is their team flag, and they need to build a sand hill tall enough so they can grab it. The motivation will be a care package from home of mementos and other personal items. Oh boy, that did it, she has everyone’s full attention now! Additionally, the winning team will decide which member of the Blue Team will not count towards the team’s total in the weigh-in.

The Blue Team picks Ryan to sit out, because he has a bad knee.

The teams start to pile up sand for their challenge. The sand is really loose and doesn’t seem at all cohesive. In fact, it takes twenty minutes before anyone can stand on a two-foot file without it collapsing.

After thirty minutes, they decide they should jump off their pile to get the flag… but it’s not even close. In fact, the attempt falls a couple of feet short and is so hopeless, it’s counter-productive. Equally lame (or foolishly optimistic, depending on your point of view) attempts continue until we’ve reached the hour mark. The Red Team has cleverly decided to reinforce their sand pile by lying against the sides of it.

About that point, Heather says, “I don’t care if you jump on me, Nelson,” after one of Nelson’s unsuccessful attempts he lands on Wylie. Caroline calls a halt to the proceedings to ensure he’s OK. Now, I watched this in slo-mo and although it had to hurt somewhat, Wylie seems to be looking for a lawyer or an ambulance and overreacts big-time. Sorry, bud, gotta call what I see. Although they enjoyed the rest period, I think the Blue Team got hosed here.

But back to the challenge. At six minutes after the hour, both teams try again and miss oh-so-closely. Before the jumpers even stop rolling, some unidentified female (not Pam) screeches three times, “Get back up there!” Nice.

But all good things come to and end, and after that last jump, you know it’s imminent. Both teams pile up a bit more sand and the tall boys remount the piles for what will prove to be the final jump. Both squads exhibit excellent teamwork, sacrificing their bodies as ladders and using those bodies to keep the sandpile as high as possible. However, Blue Team never pulls the trigger, and Red Team wins!

Significantly, the Red Team celebrates in two gender-defined groups. Blue Team members are devastated, but several are gracious in defeat and congratulate the winners.

The Red Team sits on the beach and enjoys their mail from home. Everyone cries tears of joy. One of the items is a teddy bear Wylie gets from his mom. He’s concerned he doesn’t tell her she’s his hero often enough. Nelson got a great letter from his son, and Kai gets a loved toy from an autistic nephew. Tears abound and, needless to say, everyone is very grateful for the packages from home. Pam thinks the experience made their team stronger.

Now, news of another “At Home Contestant.” In the last three months, John from Arizona has gone from 356 pounds to 276. He found it initially hard to be his own trainer. He gets the news from his doctor that his diabetes (diagnosed at the ranch) is now a “diet-controlled diabetic” and does not need to take medications.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (I love typing that phrase!), Wylie says the best part of the beach was “leaving it.” A nicely-coiffed Kim is happy to see her team return all smiles. Meanwhile, Bob tells Blue Team he is sorry they lost, but advises they move on and win the weigh-in. Following footage indicates they have decided to dig deeper and do just that. Bob tells them that working out releases endorphins, and that improves one’s mood.

In the housing areas, both teams find their “goal clothes.” The Red Team’s women have all selected jeans and tee shirts. Another reason to bond! Kai also desires to wear stiletto heels. Saucy! The Blue Team’s findings include Brian’s wedding ring. Melinda has lingerie from her sister’s boutique, which she’s never been able to shop at.

If there’s a God in Heaven, keep Melinda in this game!

In the kitchen, Bob comes up on his team and announces he’s proud that they are eating correctly. He suggests the use of multi-vitamins to keep their energy up and fill in for possible dietetic shortcomings. OK, that WAS a commercial, but the advice is still rock solid.

The most frenetic, intense workout of the week is always the “Last Chance Workout” that precedes the final weigh-in. Blue is very dedicated, yet Red is hustling double-time. It is truly impressive how hard and effective both teams are!