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Biggest Loser: Does Gameplaying Belong On The Biggest Loser?
Commentary by RTVC Senior Staff Writer Jacob D.
January 27, 2009
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Hello, RTVC readers! I'm Jacob D. and you may know me as RTVC's recapper of American Idol and America's Next Top Model. As you can imagine, I watch a bunch of other reality shows, one of them being NBC's, "The Biggest Loser." It is one of a number of competitive reality shows where a cash prize is offered to the last man or woman standing and is thus prone to gameplaying and gameplayers. In the past, we've had Neil from season four, Vicky from season six, and, though I didn't start watching until the second season and don't know him personally, season one winner Ryan.
However, Biggest Loser is not like every other reality show because the premise is that people who've let their health slip are getting a second chance through intensive exercise and dieting routines. These people are struggling to take their lives back and represent every man and woman who faces the same issues of health and obesity. These people are vulnerable, earnest, hard-working, and ready to do right by themselves and their families. Yet, oftentimes these people, and people on any reality competition, get tossed aside by gameplayers such as the ones mentioned above. It doesn't seem very fair, but there it is.
Recently, fellow RTVC recapper Donna Emery, the woman who has covered Biggest Loser for the site the last couple seasons commented about the sad state of affairs that led Jillian's team, as seemingly spear-headed by Black Team member Blaine, to force a tie at elimination and thus send the lovable, motivational Damien packing in favor of sullen, divisive Joelle. I didn't have a problem with the thought process behind the vote and I was hoping Joelle would stay because I like Carla and want her to return, provided she learns when enough is enough and when to close her mouth. However, even I recognize that Joelle clearly hasn't been as motivated as Damien and hasn't been taking advantage of this golden opportunity given to her like Damien. Overall, it didn't seem terribly fair.
This begs the question, "Does gameplaying belong on the Biggest Loser?" On other shows like Survivor and Big Brother, the point of the game is to eliminate your competition and be part of the final two or three. Then, you have to point out that you played the game well enough in an effort to get the others to vote for you as the winner. On Biggest Loser, the main point is to work hard, get in shape, and learn how to take your life back. Gameplaying sems counter-intuitive to what the show is really about.
Therefore, it would seem that my answer to the question is, "No." Actually, I think there is room for gameplaying on Biggest Loser, but to a point. I say, working to keep your alliance intact and making sure you have the numbers is fine, provided you don't go overboard. If you're going to go so far as to gain 17 lbs. of weight in one week due to water-loading, like Neil did in season four, then I don't agree with you. If you're a nasty, mean-spirited, manipulative bitch like Vicky in season six, then I'm not going to support you. Gameplaying can make for interesting scenarios and heated competition because it keeps everyone on their toes and keeps the competition from becoming predictable. It also means more opportunities to lose weight and learn lessons for the people who manage to stay. That's one other reason I didn't mind the vote to send Damien home. Damien has the drive to succeed, but Joelle needs this kick in the butt. She may not be popular, but she arguably does need it more. It's like on VH1's Charm School series when nice girls like Rock Of Love Charm School's Jessica and Rodeo were sent home instead of, say, Lacey because Lacey clearly needed it more.
There's also something else a person must consider when it comes to executing strategy and that is timing. As I mentioned, Damien and Joelle from Bob's team were up for elimination last week and Joelle seemed destined to go because she was not putting in as much effort as the other contestants and everyone noticed. There was a lot of talk about Joelle being an easy target if she fell under the yellow line and she did. As predicted, Bob's team was all too eager to get rid of her and keep the more positive and uplifting Damien.
This also presented an opportunity for Jillian's team......
Jacob D. is a twenty-something native of Austin Tx who spends his time
listening to music, posting on Austin based messageboards, playing
video games, and watching TV. Jacob also enjoys reading Shonen Jump,
Garfield and Calvin & Hobbes strips, playing Texas Hold 'em, drawing
cartoon chickens, and tending to his neopets. Though shy in real
life, he loves to sound off on his favorite shows and enjoys
interacting with other fans.
You can contact Jacob at Jacob@RealityTVCalendar.com
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