Clearly, the teams of two are diving into the strategy of Biggest Loser early on. Jackie and Dan selected ‘Gameplay’ as their reward for being Biggest Loser Team of the Week with barely any hesitation. And then they asked me if I would reveal what their prize had been. I said it is their prize to share, or keep to themselves if they wish. But that, the other teams would definitely find out what they’d won at the next elimination. So, they must have re-thought their story, because I was working out in the 24 hour gym on campus when Dan and Jackie rejoined the group. And they announced that there were three envelopes, they explained what they’d won, but they chose to mislead everyone and claim that the envelopes were not marked. That it was a blind choice. It was definitely an interesting maneuver on their part. But I love how they work out as they scheme!
The challenge led to some interesting discussions and certainly was revealing of all the early alliances that have crept up. I was surprised by the reaction of the other teams to the interaction between Mark and Jay. I must admit, I was standing 15 feet from them and I didn’t find their argument to be so out of line. I guess I have brothers, and I’m extremely competitive as you can clearly see Mark is. So I guess it seemed like a moment of frustration to me, and it caught me off guard the way that it was interpreted by Brittany and some of the others. I did catch the by-play between Jackie and Jay. Again, I just think that challenge brought out a lot of strategy and emotion that people weren’t quite ready to admit to? And in the end Gray won. Who would have guessed that? They seem like such an obvious ‘threat’ to me in this game. While the black team is more in the ‘limelight’ the Gray team has a tremendous amount of weight to lose, and the numbers they’ve been putting up are impressive. I was surprised that no one thought of them as a threat to take out early if possible. How long they will succeed in staying below the radar.
I loved how Jillian dealt with Ali and Bette-Sue. It was so amazing to see the breakthrough in their relationship. And to see how honestly Ali faced her emotional struggles with her weight. And I love Bette-Sue for acknowledging her weaknesses, and wanting to change, and loving her daughter SO MUCH. They are such great, strong women. I really admire both of them and am so proud of the huge changes they have made, in such a short period of time.
What can I say about Neill and Amanda. I love how Jillian reached out to him. She has an amazing way of getting through to people, and figuring out what is mentally and emotionally behind the weight is just as important as the nutrition and exercise. But I have been in the gym when she punishes everyone because he was walking or holding on to the treadmill. And it’s understandable how infuriated everyone was by his behavior. Amanda never gave up. While I was in the gym with everyone this week I never once heard Amanda complain, or saw her slow down. She committed 100% to this competition and I was not surprised at all to see how well she’s succeeded at home.
The twist for the next week? You’ll have to wait and see!!! :)
