Biggest Loser Families: The “Softer Side” of Vicky?
Episode 11 Recap by Donna Emery
December 6, 2008
This week on the Biggest Loser, the competitors showed us lots of changes: some on the outside, and some on the inside.
The episode began after last week’s elimination of Amy, and with hostess Allison Sweeney telling the contestants to “pack your bags” because they were going to New York City for the “Makeover of a Lifetime.”
All of them were thrilled to be part of the final five and to be headed for the Big Apple. They arrived in a limo and were taken to a salon for haircuts and hair coloring. The stylists greeted them and suggested, “everyone wants color, right?” No one objected.
Vicky should have. Well, perhaps she could have used some highlights, but the bright red color they gave her came straight from the Carrot Top collection.
The others had subtle variations of the colors they came with, plus Michelle had a nice, shorter cut and Ed’s hair looked really nice.
After their hair was done, they went to Macy’s and met Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. All of them were thrilled to see him. Heba picked him up in a bear hug. He greeted the contestants with compliments and questions about how much weight they’d lost. He then told them to go into the store and pick out some outfits.
None of their outfits met with Christian’s approval, though they did give him a basis for constructive suggestions. I didn’t like the green print outfit he selected for Renee; it was far too “busy” for her. And, if the black dress Heba got into is really a size 14, I am going to have to shop at Macy’s from now on, because she and I are about the same weight now, and I can’t even get my left arm into a 14. But she did look great.
After the contestants had selected their outfits, they were further thrilled to learn they’d be strutting their madeover selves on the Tyra Banks show! All of them were excited and a little scared to do that.
Tyra had her “glam squad” with her and told the audience they’d be witnessing some “really big” makeovers. She then introduced the contestants. All of them looked wonderful – except Vicky, whose hair and makeup seemed really wrong. All of them talked to Tyra about their weight loss journeys.
Michelle talked about how special it had been to do the show with her Mom, but said she missed her dad. So, of course, Tyra had Dad waiting to hug her and tell her how great she looks. Renee said she’d also been blessed by doing the show with Michelle, but she really missed her husband. When Tyra asked what Renee missed most, she said she missed his hugs and kisses. Well, that’s what she got, because husband Roderick was waiting to supply both.
Heba looked wonderful. Her makeover was the best one of the episode, in my opinion. She told Tyra she most missed her brother. She revealed that he’d promised to buy her a trip anywhere she’d like to go; if she was able to lose 60 pounds. She smiled and said he didn’t realize she’s now lost 70 pounds. But Tyra smiled, too, because Heba’s brother was waiting to surprise her. They hugged, and she taunted him by saying he’d now have to make good on his promise to buy her a trip. He didn’t seem to mind.
Ed looked nice, too and opened his jacket to show off his slimmer torso. He said he really misses his dad, and how much he admires him. Of course, it was Dad who was waiting to congratulate Ed and tell Ed how proud he is.
Vicky was the last to emerge. She said she misses Brady and the kids, but mostly misses her sister. She told Tyra her sister is her “best friend, and the only one who really ‘gets me.’” Her sister was waiting to hug her and tell Vicky how great she looks. The dress was a really nice one, and she looks so much slimmer, but the hair and makeup were a disaster.
After the show, Christian gave each contestant a $1,000 gift card from Macy’s. Ed suggested that, since they were in New York, they should “blow it out” and see the town that night.
While they were walking down Broadway, they came to Times’ Square and saw the neon billboard with two familiar faces: Bob and Jillian. They popped up on the screen to remind the gang that even though they were on vacation, they had a date with the scale, back at the Ranch. The trainers suggested they partake of the 24 Hour Fitness gym, or walk around Central Park or across the Brooklyn Bridge.
All of the contestants got up early and went to the gym with their family members. Then, Michelle joined her dad in Central Park, while Renee and her husband walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. Renee’s husband was amazed by the changes in her stamina and fitness, while Michelle’s dad was relieved that Michelle had repaired her relationship with her mother.
The trip to New York was soon over, and everyone was headed back to the Ranch. The pink ladies showed off their makeover outfits to Jillian, who loved the way her ladies looked. She encouraged them to get back to work, and to be sure they both stayed in the competition. Jillian knew the odds still were against her girls.
Ed and Heba decided they wanted to do something nice for Bob. They are both grateful for the help he has given them and wanted to make him dinner. Ed remembered a recipe for Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and figured he could make it using Jenny O turkey. Well, of course the episode wouldn’t be complete without a commercial, so the happy couple got out the Jenny O turkey, and put it in the Jenny O frying pan. They wrapped it in Jenny O Lettuce, put it on a Jenny O plate and served it to Jenny O Bob. He looked grateful and touched, and I really like the way the recipe looked and intend to try it. I’ll let you know how it tasted in next week’s recap.
Are you as un-surprised as I was; that Vicky wasn’t shown doing anything nice for anyone?
The challenge brought the contestants to a pool, with glass cages suspended over it. Allison told them that they’d have to wedge themselves into the cubicles and hang over the pool for as long as possible. The winner would get a 2 week stay at a fitness spa.
Vicky said she really wanted to win that trip to the spa. She revealed that she’d promised herself that if the challenge prize was to go to a fitness spa, she’d definitely be up for winning the prize. That’s understandable, Vicky. Because everyone knows that a stay at the spa is more valuable than seeing your kids on a webcam – the prize she sneered at, a few challenges ago.
Apparently being up in the cubicle changed her mind about the value of that spa trip, because she barely got into it when she asked if she could be disqualified. Allison granted her wish, and Vicky got out – only to sit listlessly and fearfully on the edge, in front of the cubicle while the other contestants vied for the prize.
Heba and Ed tried to encourage her to jump down into the water, and Allison reminded her “there’s only one way down.” But Vicky had suddenly developed a terror of heights, or jumping – or something. Forget all the other challenges where Vicky had climbed higher or jumped into or over water –she was suddenly trying to convince everyone that she is vulnerable.
Sorry, but I’m unconvinced. In my opinion, Vicky is about as vulnerable as Godzilla.
The competition kept going.....
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com.
Send Press Releases, Tips, News, Gossip:Click Here
All articles are the intellectual property of and copyrighted by the individual authors.
By submitting an article to Reality TV Calendar you are granting Reality TV Calendar
permission to display the article in perpetuity.
