The Biggest Loser 2, Episode 7: The Twist

All four teams are mentally rallying before the weigh-in. For me, just seeing exempt Suzy pass comment without whining or crying is a welcome change. She and Seth are giddy, knowing they are safe this week.

Let’s get to the weigh-in. Similar to last year, there’s a yellow line that will divide the winners from the not-winners. OK, I can call them the losers. This week, there’s room for the names of two teams over the line and one team below it.

As they weigh in this week, we get a split-screen of initial/current body shots. Every single person is overwhelmingly slimmer that before, and we’re only half-way done! I am seriously impressed by the efforts of this year’s cast.

At any rate, here’s how it went:

• Suzy is up first. She’s at 182, a loss of 4
• Partner Seth follows, he has not lost any weight.

Good thing they won exemption! Seth tells us he does over twenty hours of exercise a week. However, he feels healthier and recognizes that’s still a win in life. So true!

• Pete is up next. He’s now 318 pounds, a loss of 7 pounds
• Dr. Jeff is 294, a loss of 11

Dr. Jeff has cracked the 300-pound barrier! Yay! As a duo, they have lost 159 pounds. That’s a whole person! Between them this week, they lost 18 pounds, or 2.86% of their weight this week. Good numbers! Next team…

• Andrea, now 185, a loss of 6 pounds
• Mark is at 273, a loss of 14 (85 overall!)

This was one of Andrea’s better weeks. Caroline tells Mark he has lost an amazing 85 ponds to date. Together this week, they have lost 20 pounds, or 4.18%! They’re leaders in the clubhouse, and guaranteed safe for next week. Next team… Shannon and Matt.

• Shannon is now 211, a loss of 6.

Shannon says likes Matt as a partner. Caroline The Human Calculator informs Matt he needs to have lost more than 8 pounds to assure they are safe. Matt tells us he was humbled last week by not losing any weight.

• Matt, 262 pounds, an amazing loss of 17 pounds!

Matt says very nice words about the importance of taking charge of your life... truly inspirational.

Their loss was 23 pounds, or 4.63%. Wow! Top dogs! So Jeff and Pete are shuttled down to the position below the yellow line. How will the others choose which nice guy to send home?

The players discuss how the voting should go. Dr. Jeff feels that Pete deserves to stay more than he does, because he reached his real goal of cracking the “300” barrier. Pete asks Matt to vote for him. These guys are way too noble!

Shannon and Matt raise the flag that signifies their win. It actually two flags, one red and one blue, with their names on the appropriate flag. It’s old hand to Matt, but it’s a nice moment for Shannon.

On Elimination Day, Andrea walks with Mark and is surprised to find he’s crying. It’s going to be a hard vote between two friends for him. Andrea gives him a hug of support.

On a private walk, Dr. Jeff gives heartfelt thanks to Jillian for her efforts on his behalf. Big hugs, and Jillian is not actually visible for a few seconds as he completely envelops her. Jillian then talks to Pete, encouraging him to use the opportunity Jeff has given him as motivation.

Everyone files into the Elimination Room. The two elimination candidates sit on the right. On the left side, the three teams sit with the men sitting and the women standing behind them. Caroline polls the room for bad thoughts, but tonight, it’s love, baby, love. Everyone likes their new buddy for oh-so many reasons! Andrea likes Mark’s inner sensitivity, matt likes Shannon’s work ethic and Seth calls Suzy “genuine.”

All the voters give nice speeches tonight, there’s no animosity here. Matt is first to cast a vote, and calls both players, “Winners.” They voted for Pete. Mark dabs an eye. Seth and Suzy vote Jeff.

Mark is barely able to get out his words. He didn’t want to have to deliver the final blow, but having a slight clue about game play, they have voted for Pete.

As Pete goes, there are big, big hugs from every player. They run Pete’s funeral video, and he has especially nice things to say about Jillian.

The scene shifts to twenty-four hours later. At home, Pete sneaks up on his wife who initially thinks she’s talking to him on the phone. So darn cute! Many hugs, again! I note he’s wearing the white suit that was his motivation from episode one. Pete figures that since they’ve conquered some significant heath issues, it’s time to think about having a family. Who don’t love Pete!!

Numerically, the story is that Pete started out at 401 pounds and tells us he just hit 264! A loss of 137? Wow!

We see him playing a little Naismith-ball and he moves well. He’s looking forward to making the lifestyle changes that will matter. Further, his wife Pam has been inspired to drop 50 pounds of her own and feels they are now in control of their lives.

Next Week: Makeovers for all; a race on silly bicycles for visits from home; and, a favorite goes home. At this point, who’s not a favorite?

My Own Thoughts:

We’ve reached the midpoint in the series, in that half the contestants have eliminated so far. The chafe has been cut long ago and the really serious contestants remain.

I assume the teams of two will be scrapped now. Too bad, it was interesting, and at the end all had newfound respect for each other.

On the men’s side, who doesn’t like the dedication of Matt or see the leadership of Mark? Distaff-wise, can Andrea surge, or will Suzy continue to represent?

Boy, do I ever look forward to this show! Join me here each Wednesday for a recap of all the action, sprinkled with my own reactions and opinions. And let me know what you think, at the eAddress 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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