The Biggest Loser 2: A Preview

Returning this fall is one of the breakout hits of last season, The Biggest Loser 2. No, it’s not a series about Omarosa and Jonathan Baker, but instead focuses on two teams of overweight contestants and their competitive struggles to lose weight and, in the process, regain control of their lives.

The show features entertaining challenges, team dynamics and many inspirational and heartwarming moments as they struggle toward the title of “The Biggest Loser.” The winner of The Biggest Loser 2 will survive frequent temptations and weekly eliminations as they are put through a supervised crash program of weight loss to win a $250,000 prize. However, it’s safe to say that every contestant is a winner if they can take the lessons learned to heart and remain motivated outside the confines of the game to keep that darn weight off!

The series will again be hosted by comedienne Carolyn Rhea, who by the end of last season was starting to get a little more comfortable in the not-as-easy-as-it-seems role of hosting a reality TV show. We can only hope she continues to mature in this role.

Also back are our two trainers, Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels. Last year we learned that they had very different styles, yet both achieved remarkable results with their teams. The show will retain a familiar look because it was again be filmed at the same luxurious ranch.

One change for this year is that instead of dividing the participants into teams based on the sum of their weight, teams are being formed solely by gender. Yes, it’s the “men versus women” thing once again – a format I personally think has been done TO DEATH on reality TV in the past few years! I enjoyed the mixed teams of Season 1, and the gender-based sub-alliances that developed anyway. Was it really that hard to tell which team was which, with those gaudy red or blue jumpsuits they wore?

Here’s a quick look at this year’s fourteen contestants – though we’ll get to know them better in the weeks to come.

THE WOMEN (Blue Team):

Andrea Overstreet, 28, Placentia, California

Andrea was thin most of her life until she had two kids and gave up sports. She now sees herself as “the soccer mom.” As a hairdresser, she spends much of her day in front of a mirror – not great for her self-esteem.

Jen Kersey, 24, Des Moines, Iowa

Jen is the youngest of the woman this year. A med student, wife, and mother of two youngsters, Jen never has any “me time” to focus on herself. Currently, her food selections are haphazard and often obtained from a vending machine, instead of more healthy choices.

Kathryn Murphy, 28, Bloomington, Minnesota

As she describes herself as “arrogant,” I expect that Kathryn will get into a few arguments. Because she is an attorney, I expect her to use her intelligence and debating skills win most of them. Unless she can form an early alliance, I further expect her to be resented and have a short stay in the game.

Ryan Kelly, 26, Jefferson City, Tennessee

Preacher’s daughter Ryan is a legal assistant and both she and her police officer husband are active in their church. She’s undertaking this process for her kids, but admits she wants to look and feel better for herself as well. Ryan is very likeable, and if she can post consistent weight-loss numbers, I think she might last a long time in this game.

Shannon Mullen, 29, Revere, Massachusetts

Shannon is described as “the diva.” She says, “I know I’m cute, everyone tells me ‘You are gorgeous’!” She says she’s sick of hearing, “You don’t need to lose weight – you’re beautiful!” because she knows she does indeed need to lose some weight. Um, your friends are not helping you here Shannon, and I’m glad to see you recognize that. So maybe you’re just a mini-diva. Unfortunately, she also admits to being stubborn. As much as we all love an entertaining diva on our reality TV shows, to a bunch of underfed cranky people, she just might be an early eviction target. Although all the women brought clothing as motivational “goal items,” Shannon’s is a bikini!

Suzanne Mendonca, 26, Franklin Square, New York

Suzanne is “the bride to be,” and wants to lose a hundred pounds for her wedding. Although I don’t know the timeframe, that seems unrealistic. An NYPD cop, Suzanne diets often, but unsuccessfully. Chocolate is her weakness.

Suzy Preston, 28, Des Moines, Washington

We have a ”Suzy” as well as a “Suzanne,” are they kidding me? This is a recapper’s nightmare! At any rate, Suzy is another hairdresser and is described as “selfless” and “demure.” She wants to get into shape and find “the man of her dreams.” Suzy thinks she got “the fat genes” in the family, as her mother and sister are skinny – I bet it won’t be long before Bob sets her straight on that theory! But, if she can last long enough, it’s very possible that likeable Suzy can become a big fan favorite.

THE MEN (Red Team):

Jeff Levine, 42, Hillsborough, New Jersey

Doctor Jeff is one of the larger guys. He says he’s “lost credibility with my patients,” and needs to lose weight for when he needs to recommend necessary lifestyle changes to overweight patients. Leading such a busy life at work and at home with his wife and four pretty daughters, Jeff has not been putting sufficient focus into his own life. He has reached the stage where he is suffering physical ailments due to his size, a partial list of which includes degenerative ankle joint pain, phlebitis if he travels by airplane, and he wears a sleep apnea mask every night. This has led him to recognize that he wants to do more than just be a spectator in his family’s lives.

Mark Yesitis, 36, Campbell, California

Mark is with the SFPD, and he is tired of the “fat jokes.” He joined the police to be inspirational to others, so I expect he could prove to be a very positive and likeable guy. A cancer survivor, his motivational “goal item” is a bulletproof vest that no longer provides sufficient protection for his frame.

Matt Hoover, 28, Marion, Iowa

Matt was once an athlete, a wrestler with Olympic potential at the 177 and 190 pound weight levels. Foiled by an injury, he has greatly increased his weight in the last four years, and he may be one of the bigger guys. Matt has championship spirit and may inspire both teammates and viewers.

Nick Gaza, 39, Glendale, California

Stand-up comic Nick hides behind comedy to mask his weight issues. One Nick quote is, “I’d rather have chip dip than sex.” It’s a lifestyle not conducive to a strict diet regimen, and he admits to being previously unmotivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle. He says his body is the result of what 40 years of living “just for fun” will produce. Nick ought to be good television, but he needs to gain the necessary motivation in order to stick around long enough for us to enjoy the laughs.

Pete Thomas, 36, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Jovial Pete learned bad eating habits at a young age from some of his foster parents, where to cut costs, dinner was often defined by the availability of 2-for-1 burger coupons. I suspect Pete could become a fan favorite, too. His inspiration is one heck of a snazzy white suit!

Ruben Hernandez, 37, Culver City, California

Outgoing Ruben sees himself as a skinny guy in a fat body, and wants that skinny body back again. He might be somewhat of “an instigator.” Some of his size he attributes to once working for a French pastry chef, and over-sampling the wares. Compared to some of the others, Ruben seems a little more energetic and less out of shape, which may help in competitions. He is worried about going home first, and says, “I’m fighting, not only to stay on the show, but I’m fighting for my life.”

Seth Word, 24, Sacramento, California

Youngest of the men, new dad Seth’s objective is to live long enough to see his son grow up. A Mormon, he’s also motivated by his love for his wife. Seth is another who has added significant weight in recent time. Working in sales, I expect Seth will be able to motivate himself to succeed.

So, those are our fourteen contestants. Male trainer Bob will direct the efforts of the women on the Blue Team, while the Red Team of men will toil under trainer Jillian’s control.

Most every person’s motivational “goal item” was an item of clothing, so except for the unusual ones, I didn’t mention them. I’m sure you’ll get to see them all during the show. My one general comment from looking at the videos is that in total, this group might outweigh last year’s group. I think Bob and Jillian have their work cut out for them!

NBC has set up a good website for the show that you might want to check it out. One feature will be a weekly commentary from Season 1 contestant Gary. Another is a page on each of the Season 1 contestants, including a recent picture. Most all have continued to lose weight. Gary, Ryan and yummy Dana are looking particularly spiffy!

The Biggest Loser 2 is on Tuesdays at 8PM ET/PT on NBC, with the first episode airing on Tuesday, September 13th. This first episode is 90 minutes long, the rest are the standard 60 minutes. Join me here each Wednesday for a recap of all the action, sprinkled with my own reactions and opinions!

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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