Biggest Loser 5: Couples, Episode 15 – Another Sign of the Upcoming Apocalypse

Wearing the fat suits, they must run to the other end of the beach, shed their suits, and then carry a flag with their name on it up a very big hill and plant it at the summit. The flag is mounted on about a twelve-foot pole and will be unwieldy to lug up the hill.

The winner will win a brand new The Biggest Loser Meal Plan. They will receive food prepared by professional chefs and approved by The Biggest Loser’s doctors and nutritionists, and have it delivered to their home every day until the finale. They also win $10,000.

The challenge begins. Everyone is struggling to run along the beach in the fat suits, and Mark waddles to an early lead. Kelly gets the bright idea to walk closer to the water where the sand is more compacted. However, Mark is first to cross the beach and shed his suit, followed by Roger with Alison close behind. Alas, poor Kelly is lagging in her traditional position.

Ali says she felt like a superhero running up a mountain carrying a flag with her name on it. But as usual, Mark wins the challenge. Roger is next, followed by Ali and a determined Kelly. Each sprints up the hill to the finish line. You know, Kelly may finish last rather often, but she finishes, and that’s good on her. They celebrate with a group hug… and a “Pride!” chant that also includes hostess Alison.

Mark tells us the money represents a nice vacation for his family in the near future. He also realizes that knowing his exact caloric intake in the months ahead will be a big advantage, as is the time saved by not having to prepare his meals.

Back in the house, almost a week has passed and the trainers are back. Bob tells us it’s been killing him not knowing what’s going on. Roger tells Bob that he’s had “little Bob” sitting on his shoulder and urging him on all week. No, not that “little Bob” – this is an imaginary little urchin that never lets him slack off. Roger also informs Bob he’s chasing Neil’s record of losing 143 pounds while in the house. He predicts a 15-pound loss for himself this week, which is exactly how much he needs.

Outside, the women are walking along a road and suddenly Jillian skips up to surprise them. She thinks they are looking a little tired and stressed. They are very happy to see her, though.

Mark needs to talk to Bob. He feels beat down, being without his brother. Mark begins crying that he can’t handle the stress and he seems to be having quite a meltdown. Eventually, Bob calms him down. Of the 103 pounds Mark has lost so far, I’m sure six of it has to be tears!

Indoors, Alison meets with the foursome plus the two trainers once again. She has a surprise for them that she thinks will motivate them for tomorrow.

Accompanied by their trainer, each sees their transformation on video, starting pre-show and ending up at fairly current times. As I’ve written about these events already, I’m moving on. Suffice to say, everyone ought to be inspired to strive for that last step and the big prize.

After their videos end, each has a comment. Roger jokes, “There was a fat guy on a video. I’ve no idea who he was!” Kelly says she feels a sense of accomplishment. Mark says, “I’m a totally different man, all for the better.” Ali reveals she had forgotten how fat she used to be.

It’s last-chance workout time. Trainer Bob starts talking how this has been “the season of one pound,” so I’m expecting a close result at the weigh-in. Myself, I think it argues strongly for weights to be measured in smaller increments!

We’ve reached the point in the show when Alison meets the teams in front a big faux scale to announce the weigh-in results. No one is overly confident. This week, trainers are on hand to witness the proceedings.

Note that because he gained weight last week, Mark’s starting weight is actually the lower value from the week before. Here’s how the big board read after all results were posted.

Roger has now lost more weight than anyone ever has on campus – 144 pounds. Alison has now set the bar at 99 pounds for women at the ranch. Those are going to be tough numbers to match in upcoming seasons!

As the weigh-in completes, Alison notes that the men are below the yellow line and up for elimination. Overall, those are some stunning loss numbers! Mark would have been exempt, except he had to make up the pound he gained last week!

Kelly, Ali, and Jillian can’t believe how three times, they’ve survived elimination. This time, Roger is their target. He knows this and is sure his journey is over.