Biggest Loser

The biggest loser has been one of my favorite reality shows since there really aren't villains.  Last night episode I was so disappointed in how everyone has ganged up on Tara.  Tara strikes me as goal oriented, she's been kicking butt without being mean or spiteful.  I was so happy when she made it across that finished line first with the extra weight.

I don't love Helen, but I think criticizing her for "only talking about what she's accomplished" is unfair on multiple levels. We don't know what she talks about other than what BL shows us, and that's everything that's been edited for TV. We see her in interviews where she's supposed to talk to the camera about her experiences. Of course she's talking about her accomplishments. Better that than her failures.

I thought it was funny how they made a big deal of Ali and Michelle and a couple of the others, but utterly glossed Heba and barely mentioned or showed her.

I totally fell for the emotional manipulation, btw. When Mike was waiting for Ron at the finish line with tears streaming down his face, I cried.

I want to see Max at the finale. I think that Mike will probably get the vote, since most people hate Ron it seems, and I think he'll win.

Original Post by susiecue:

Original Post by amy_blue:

I CANNOT STAND Helen for this exact reason. Prior to last night I didn't really like ron either but I really respect him, especially after he pushed so hard to finish the marathon. The reason he did that was mainly to inspire his son Max. Which is AMAZING - and what he should do, it was the right thing.

Then you have Helen who is so selfish she didn't even ask them to keep her own kid there. I just can't imagine. And I am so sick of her whining and her pretending to be sincere.

 

Her own kid was all grown up and didn't particularly care about being there.  I appreciate that you never stop wanting what's best for your kids, but Shanon just wasn't at a place in her life yet where she was ready to make big changes.  Helen was.  I don't hold it against her at all, and I don't think it was a selfish decision.  I strongly suspect that the *only* reason Shanon went on the show was because Helen wanted to and needed a partner.  Under those circumstances, it would have been unfair for Shanon to stay and Helen to leave.  With Helen being in the right place mentally to benefit from the Biggest Loser experience, it makes most sense for her to absorb as much as she can then take it home to share with Shanon when Shanon is ready.  That way, everyone wins. 

Helen's not my #1 favourite, but I do like her.  And I certainly like her a lot more than I like Ron!  I will be very happy to see Tara or Helen win.  I would have been happy to see Mike win but, if he does, I bet his dad takes credit for it and that would suck because Mike has progressed in spite of his dad not because of his dad.

 This is so right on.  Shannon is going to be big for quite awhile.  I too get the feeling that the only reason she was on was because Helen needed a partner.  What, was Helen going to leave her in there *just* because she's her daughter and watch her go home when she fell below the yellow line the next week? 

That said, I am not a huge fan of Helen's.  I am amazed by her accomplishment at her age.  But, she does seem a little fake to me.  She never seems to actually cry but instead make the "cry face" and whine.

I'm sick of Ron and his "one leg and one arm".  Dude, let's face it: you did this to yourself.  Then you did it to your kids.  And now you're on TV and all repentant and we're supposed to feel bad for you?  Please.  People coddle Ron too much.  Did you see his face when Mike only pulled 10 lbs??  The Godfather was ANGRY.  His little game didn't work out so well after all that manipulating, did it?

Team Tara.

I never voted before, but for this season finale, I did.  I want Mike to stay and I'm sure he will. The line was busy almost every time I tried to call!

I want Tara to win, but I think Mike at least deserves the chance to try.

I tried to vote but for Mike but for hours the line was busy and when I went to vote online the site wouldn't load....I'm so bummed, I hope Mike makes it

Original Post by tciherr:

I know Ron is not a big favorite but I really do admire his devotion to his children.  He realized he made a huge mistake and is trying to correct it.  Aren't we all?  I hope he doesn't win, but I like him a little better than I have in the past.

 His devotion to his children is great in front of millions of tv viewers, but what about the past 18 years?  Young kids eat what is given to them and then later eat what they have been taught to eat.  Mike and Max did not get extremely obese on their own.  Parents play a major role.

Original Post by madamq:

Of everyone on the show I should relate to Helen the most.  She is closest in age to me.  But there is something insincere about her.  She looks like a tough cookie and acts like a tough cookie but she seems to play an act of "What?  Little old me?".  I don't buy it a bit. 

 EXACTLY!!! She would be the person I would most relate to -- if I could stand to listen to her, that is. I can't really put my finger on it, but she's just awful. I can't tolerate her.

Original Post by deb70:

 His devotion to his children is great in front of millions of tv viewers, but what about the past 18 years?  Young kids eat what is given to them and then later eat what they have been taught to eat.  Mike and Max did not get extremely obese on their own.  Parents play a major role.

I agree with this completely. I hope that Ron's really made a change and that it's not just for the cameras....

And although I think Mike left off Ron easy, I was glad that Mike at least confronted his dad about this a couple of weeks ago. That's why I think it was the least Ron could do to finish walking that marathon and serve as a good example for Max. After years and years of irresponsibility as a parent.

Wow, we all make mistakes in our life.  I agree, Ron and his wife were primarily responsible for the terrible condition that Mike and Max were in, but at least he is trying to make amends now.  Some parents go through life in complete denial about what they have done to their children and never admit mistakes.

I'm just saying that I'm willing to give him a little slack.  Lord knows that I have made some terrible choices in my own life, hence the reason I was so fat!

I don't want Ron to win, but I do admire his reason for being there.

Original Post by tciherr:

Wow, we all make mistakes in our life.  I agree, Ron and his wife were primarily responsible for the terrible condition that Mike and Max were in, but at least he is trying to make amends now.  Some parents go through life in complete denial about what they have done to their children and never admit mistakes.

I'm just saying that I'm willing to give him a little slack.  Lord knows that I have made some terrible choices in my own life, hence the reason I was so fat!

I don't want Ron to win, but I do admire his reason for being there.

 My anger is not at alll aimed at you.  I know everyone makes mistakes, as I have made plenty in my life.  To me, though, a mistake is one poor decision.  Yes, in many times it leads to a series of other events, however, in order for Mike and Max to become so huge many,many mistakes were made every day for years and years.  That is why I cannot stand Ron.  That and his lying and his need to control everything! 

Original Post by tciherr:

Wow, we all make mistakes in our life.  I agree, Ron and his wife were primarily responsible for the terrible condition that Mike and Max were in, but at least he is trying to make amends now.  Some parents go through life in complete denial about what they have done to their children and never admit mistakes.

I'm just saying that I'm willing to give him a little slack.  Lord knows that I have made some terrible choices in my own life, hence the reason I was so fat!

I don't want Ron to win, but I do admire his reason for being there.

 I agree. I'm not saying otherwise... I'm glad he's doing what he can now to fix his health, and help his sons to do the same.