The Biggest Loser--Couples: Down Under
Without being overly optimistic about the future of this show, last night's episode was much more like what we remember fondly from seasons past--a focus on exercise and weight loss, genuine teamwork and interesting challenges. We think the contestants liked it better too--they seemed proud and engaged and determined. What a nice change!
The remaining five contestants spent a week in Australia with their trainers. Turns out Jillian and Bob are the trainers for the show in Australia so they were very familiar with the territory. Many of our fine now-slender friends had never left their home states, let alone traveled to the other side of the world. There was great excitement and anticipation and for once, it was not met with disappointment. They all had a great time. The stunning beauty of Sydney figured prominently in their experience and they learned very handy survival techniques for staying on a healthy course while traveling. Going to local farmer's markets to find fresh, healthy and inexpensive food to keep in their rooms; eating fish and vegetables when dining out; even dancing to burn a few extra calories. All of these options were presented in a very welcoming way and the show, as a result, was one of the most successful of the season.
The challenge was a modified triathlon, which all of the contestants completed. This made them feel like the champions they are, and we were impressed with their performances. But perhaps the most impressive moment last night came when Mark, who along with Ali is the most competitive and successful contestant, was just about to win the challenge. He has made it up that final flight of stairs, with only a few steps to go to reach the finish. In what can only be termed "uncharacteristic", he waited for Ali, who was very close behind, so they could cross the finish line together. In fact, Ali carried Mark piggy back over the line! It was miraculous--a real change of personality for Mark. And he talked about the difference in himself. The whole experience had more meaning for him because he finished with Ali. Is this the Mark who conspired to eliminate the "girls", one by one each week? The Mark whose only alliance was with the "guys" on Bob's blue team? You know, "1, 2, 3, PRIDE!"
Well, whatever caused this change in Mark, it was a welcome relief and it really did elevate the experience for Mark, for Ali, and for the audience as well. In sharing the glory, Mark also shared the prize--a sunrise seaplane ride, a brunch by the beach, and a call home.
Side note: Mark cried, of course, when he called his wife. You remember, he's the big crier. Maybe even The Biggest Crier. We were amused when his wife said, "Are you crying again? You've got to toughen up. Snap out of it!" We agree.
In the end, Jay, Mark's younger brother, and Mark both fell below the yellow line, each of them having gained a pound. In another embarrassingly tearful scene, Jay fell on the sword for his brother and went home, leaving four strong, competitive contestants to go on.
Next week the contestants will work without their trainers. Should actually be interesting. Two weeks in a row that are interesting? Fingers crossed.
(c) NBC Universal
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: Biggest Loser, weight, diet, exercise, fitness, healthy living
The remaining five contestants spent a week in Australia with their trainers. Turns out Jillian and Bob are the trainers for the show in Australia so they were very familiar with the territory. Many of our fine now-slender friends had never left their home states, let alone traveled to the other side of the world. There was great excitement and anticipation and for once, it was not met with disappointment. They all had a great time. The stunning beauty of Sydney figured prominently in their experience and they learned very handy survival techniques for staying on a healthy course while traveling. Going to local farmer's markets to find fresh, healthy and inexpensive food to keep in their rooms; eating fish and vegetables when dining out; even dancing to burn a few extra calories. All of these options were presented in a very welcoming way and the show, as a result, was one of the most successful of the season.
The challenge was a modified triathlon, which all of the contestants completed. This made them feel like the champions they are, and we were impressed with their performances. But perhaps the most impressive moment last night came when Mark, who along with Ali is the most competitive and successful contestant, was just about to win the challenge. He has made it up that final flight of stairs, with only a few steps to go to reach the finish. In what can only be termed "uncharacteristic", he waited for Ali, who was very close behind, so they could cross the finish line together. In fact, Ali carried Mark piggy back over the line! It was miraculous--a real change of personality for Mark. And he talked about the difference in himself. The whole experience had more meaning for him because he finished with Ali. Is this the Mark who conspired to eliminate the "girls", one by one each week? The Mark whose only alliance was with the "guys" on Bob's blue team? You know, "1, 2, 3, PRIDE!"
Well, whatever caused this change in Mark, it was a welcome relief and it really did elevate the experience for Mark, for Ali, and for the audience as well. In sharing the glory, Mark also shared the prize--a sunrise seaplane ride, a brunch by the beach, and a call home.Side note: Mark cried, of course, when he called his wife. You remember, he's the big crier. Maybe even The Biggest Crier. We were amused when his wife said, "Are you crying again? You've got to toughen up. Snap out of it!" We agree.
In the end, Jay, Mark's younger brother, and Mark both fell below the yellow line, each of them having gained a pound. In another embarrassingly tearful scene, Jay fell on the sword for his brother and went home, leaving four strong, competitive contestants to go on.
Next week the contestants will work without their trainers. Should actually be interesting. Two weeks in a row that are interesting? Fingers crossed.
(c) NBC Universal
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: Biggest Loser, weight, diet, exercise, fitness, healthy living
1 Comments:
Well, this show has certainly had its ups and downs (speaking of downs, one of my least favorite parts of this season was when two previously-eliminated contestants were brought back to the show; and isn't it interesting that those two are Ali and Mark, comprising half of the remaining contestants?), so it was particularly nice to see this episode, which qualifies as an "up".
It was a wonderful idea to get the contestants away from the set and into a whole new country, and it's no surprise that the gorgeous change of scenery inspired the contestants to work hard and do well and feel good about themselves and act entirely out of character, in a good way (go Mark!).
Working without trainers this week should be interesting indeed...
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