Biggest Loser Families: The Ghosts of Weight Loss Past
Episode 12 Recap by Donna Emery
December 12, 2008
This week on the Biggest Loser, the contestants “regained” all the weight they’d lost, but they promptly shed it again and went on to relive all their days on the Ranch.
This show had as much “filler” as a Dagwood sandwich.
The episode began with the walk back to their rooms, in the dark, which was an appropriate setting for Michelle. She sat alone in her room and wondered how she’d make it through the week without her Mom, Renee. She cried a bit and realized she was now alone.
The Blue Team was definitely not crying. They were literally jumping, for joy, on Ed and Heba’s bed. They held hands and leapt for glee; the Black team had been pared down to one member.
Everyone realized they were now the final four and that the finale was in sight. Vicky said she had wanted to be around for this episode from the beginning, and would do “whatever it takes” to be in the finale.
No surprise there.
Michelle walked outside alone to find her faithful trainer, Jillian. Jillian was sad but shrugged off the inevitable; “it’s time for Michelle to stand on her own feet,” she realized. She then assured Michelle she’s not alone. “Your Mom is here with you in spirit.” She also reminded her that she is in her corner, all the way.
“Michelle has to carry herself, now. It’s not me who will do this for her. Michelle needs to do this for herself.”
Bob was happy to see all three members of his team still at the Ranch. He told them that, up until this week; they might have all been “playing the game. But now, it’s my game.” He told them he’d seen previous contestants who played the game right up until the end, but lost sight of the long-term prize and went back to their fat ways. He cited the example of Season One’s Ryan. “Ryan won the game. He was the puppet master. He was the Biggest Loser and won the prize, but today that man is just as fat as he was on day one. I don’t want that to happen to you.”
He was especially concerned for Vicky. He didn’t think she had gained any insight into keeping her weight off; since she’s been so intent on playing the game to win. He wondered if she’s absorbed the lessons about nutrition, and if she’d learned anything about herself and why she’d gotten so overweight.
Vicky admitted that she hadn’t really gained any insight. She said she’d learned how to take off the weight, but didn’t know how she was going to incorporate the information into her daily life. She said her kids didn’t eat vegetables, and didn’t seem to have any idea how she’d get them to do so. She also said she found any reasons why she had become overweight “I just liked to eat.”
Bob was worried. “That’s a big red flag, for me. She hasn’t learned anything.” He asked her what will keep her from gaining back the weight, and what would help her resist temptation, back in Louisiana.
The Gameplayer had no idea. She was focused completely on the prize.
In the gym, Jillian focused all her attention on Michelle. “I am going to hit her with everything,” she vowed. She took Michelle on a hike up the same hill she’d climbed on day one. She wanted to show Michelle how far she has come. “I want her to be empowered,” she explained. Michelle felt great and realized she has become truly strong.
”I hope I am on top of the group. I have my eyes wide open. Now, I will live every day for me.”
Jillian agreed. “Save your own life,” she urged Michelle. “Step up, and be a hero.”
Bob reminded each of his team members how far they had come, in the gym. He pointed out each of their progress in exercises. All of them had memories of the beginning. Vicky said that, on the first day she hadn’t thought she could do it. Heba was frightened when she began. Ed remembers that he was a “chubby fellow with pre-diabetes and a fatty liver.” He figures he left “that portly gentleman” on the gym floor.
Bob decided to talk to them some more about living outside the Ranch. He said he wanted to cook for them and show them how he eats. He talked about concentrating on fresh veggies, fruits and fish.
Vicky repeated that her kids are.....
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.
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