'Biggest Loser': New season focuses on second chances -- and tears
Has a season of The Biggest Loser ever started without waterfalls worth of tears? I don't think so, but last night's season premiere brought new depths of the seas of tears drawn out of viewers.
The new contestants took on a grueling one-mile run after they learned that the season's theme of second chances meant that Dan, who last season was the largest contestant in the show's history, would be returning "to finish what I started." The competition was so intense for the folks that two of them ended up in the hospital.
Later, the rest of the contestants gathered to begin sharing their stories and get to know one another. One young woman, Rebecca, began bawling when discussing how she had been called fat her entire life and how people always said she had a pretty face, closing with, "I'm more than just a pretty face," as she collapsed in tears. I'm sure she felt pretty silly and awful when Abby (pictured above) shared her story: Nearly three years ago, her husband, and her children, ages 5 and 2.5 weeks, were killed in a car accident. I can't even type about it now without starting to tear up, because I just cannot imagine the horror and the grief of that situation. But Abby's attitude is amazing -- she seems to have a very clear idea of what she wants to accomplish and yet is taking everything in her life one day at a time.
The contestants paired into teams of two based on the order they finished the race. The first finisher, Dan, chose Shay, who at the first weigh-in became the newest "largest person in the history of the show" at 476 pounds. The two contestants at the hospital became a team by default.
Another change this season is that all the contestants will be working out with both Bob and Jillian. That should be interesting, since their approaches are so different.
In the end, the teams weighed in together, and a member of the black team -- Alexandra and Julio -- had to be voted out since they were below the yellow line. It seemed like they might be getting rid of Julio since, as one of the larger contestants, he's a bigger threat in the long run. But Alexandra got sent home, where she seemed to do pretty well, losing 60 pounds between eviction and her catch-up footage.
What did you think about the premiere? I feel like this season's contestants have a lot more severe psychological baggage overall than previous seasons. I hope they're being given the tools to start dealing with it. Also, I felt like many of the contestants were spouting lots of sound bites and platitudes about how their lives were changing, almost like they were preparing now for their post-show careers giving motivational speeches or something.
One last thing: Did anyone else notice that when the pink team was shown stepping onto the scales, the big screen between them already showed their joint weight-loss of 24 pounds? I rewound to make sure, and sure enough, there it was. Technical difficulties!
(Photo of Abby courtesy of NBC)







Comments
My husband and I may not watch more of the season if the barrage of foul language and bleepings continue. It is very unprofessional of Jillian and Bob to insult the contestants with that type of language. The show is usually inspirational and I would hope they will clean it up again. Thanks!
Posted by: Tree | September 16, 2009 5:26 PM
I was glad to see that Alexandra was sent home. When she commented that she would have hoped Julio would have stepped up and lost more I just about lost it. She should have accepted the fact that both could have done better rather than throwing her partner under the bus.
SKK: Michael, I agree. She wasn't very gracious about ... well, about anything!
Posted by: Michael | September 16, 2009 5:32 PM
I could have done without all the puking. How many times did they show one of the contestants puking? Five?! The workouts are tough we get it! I also agree with the previous comment about all the swearing, overweight or not nobody deserves to be talked to like that.
SKK: I think the producers enjoyed all the attention the show got last season when Bob lost it and yelled at the contestant he felt wasn't trying hard enough. (I can't believe I already can't remember her name.) I don't think it was positive attention, though. Also, I completely meant to post about the puking. When did it become that OK to show throwing up on television? My guess is some time around the Fear Factor and initial gross-food challenges on Survivor. Ick.
Posted by: Mary | September 16, 2009 5:56 PM
I did not like all the cussing and the puking. I was glad Alexandra went home she had a bad attitude.
Posted by: Sandy | September 16, 2009 6:25 PM
Jillian and Bob's behavior was so demeaning. The yelling and foul language was so uncalled for. Bob has been my hero and if he starts acting like Jillian I 'll stop watching.And Jillian reached a new low when she told that guy that you're my little "B".
Posted by: lane | September 16, 2009 6:54 PM
I would just like to say that I applaud Abby for what she is trying to do especially after sharing such a devastating loss. I too lost a daughter at the age of 16 due to an error in judgement in a car accident in 07 and there are days that I can hardly breathe but Abby has given me more strength and determination that despite the tragedy we can survive and live life. Much love and respect to you Abby. As for Jillian it was refreshing to see that she has a sole. :)
Posted by: marisa irizarry | September 16, 2009 7:58 PM
Really? You guys will quit watching because of the language? Big deal. It's bleeped. These people are the fattest of the fat and that his how you motivate people. If the contestant doesn't quit you shouldn't either. Just my 2 cents.
Anyway, this is gonna be a great season to see who loses the most. The smaller people are going to have it rough cause their loss will slow down quicker.
Posted by: James | September 16, 2009 8:11 PM
Please stop with the foul language. I love to watch, WITH MY FAMILY. There is enough TRASH on TV. Love Bob, knew him as a child.
Posted by: LIsy | September 16, 2009 8:41 PM
I have watched the show each season and enjoyed it, and was inspired. I will not be watching this year after watching it last night. I thought that the foul language and the puking was over the top. I thought the reason for the show was to help and inspire people. Last nights show just turned my stomach.
Posted by: DB | September 16, 2009 9:22 PM
I have watched every season. If the language continues, I'm done, All of these people have issues or they wouldn't be there. Find a way to motivate without the barrage of abuse.
Posted by: Linda | September 16, 2009 9:46 PM
I have eagerly awaited the 8th Season of The Biggest Loser because this program has been motivational in my own weight loss & exercise efforts as it had been for so many others I know as well. Last night I turned the show off when the contestants who entered the fitness room were verbally abused I was disgusted with Jillian & Bob's disrespectful language not only to the contestants who participated but to all those viewers. I wish all the participants both on & off the Biggest Loser Set the very best this season with their healthy new lifestyle. I do realize that hhis may be called The Battle of the Bulge but are such basal levels of verbal communication really necessary Jillian & Bob? Season 7 will have been my last viewing year. Thanks for the memories.
Posted by: Della | September 16, 2009 10:18 PM
Jillian and Bob were so rude and disrespectful, It was embarrassing. It appears that they have lost their compassion for overweight people. I think it is time for some new coaches! When you start yelling that someone is going to be your "little bitch", you have crossed the line. The contestants were cursed at, grabbed by the shirt collar, and ridiculed continuously. This was all shameful and not a bit exciting to watch. My daughter and I always look forward to this show and really feel inspired. We both went away feeling angry about how desensitized Jillian and Bob were and the filth that came out of their mouths.
Posted by: suzette | September 16, 2009 10:57 PM
I love this show, but I do agree the language is getting out of hand. We expect that from Jillian, but not so much Bob. I understand they want to get the player's attention no matter what it takes but last nights bleeping was a little excessive. My teen loves to watch the show, but they need to tone it down a little.
With that being said, I cried while listening to most of the contestants. What sad stories they had. And I'm glad they booted Alexandra. She would have really got on my nerves this season if she stayed. Probably more than Tara did last season :)
Posted by: Michelle | September 16, 2009 11:54 PM
I love this show. It encouraged me to lose over 50 lbs. But, I agree with everyone else. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon, I just came to this site to see if there was a place I could leave a message about how much I hate the screaming and foul language. I'm real close to not watching anymore. Instead of the screaming, why not let us know what their workout is, so that perhaps we can incorporate it in our workouts. Love Jillian and Bob, but the over the top behavior has got to go!
Posted by: Pattie | September 16, 2009 11:56 PM
Was looking forward to the show. However, was extremely disgusted with Jullian and Bob's behavior. I can't believe this would be motivating! Who treats anyone that way?!
Posted by: lisa btar | September 17, 2009 7:04 AM
If you guys think that all the swearing and cussing wasn't going on before, I'd be willing to bet you're wrong. I'm sure they just didn't show as much of it. I don't know why, just my guess.
Posted by: Chris in KS | September 17, 2009 9:08 AM
I am glad that everyone is on the same page as me as I say the new season is AWFUL!! I can't get over how Bob pulls a Jillian and drops F-bombs in the contestants faces! That is discouraging and meaning, no wonder that girl walked out! I would too! There is no reason for that crap! The trainers behaviors are inexcusable and unprofessional. I hope the two of them gets canned because of it.
Posted by: Susan | September 17, 2009 11:04 AM
My husband and I looked forward to the new season with high hopes; I personally MUST AGREE with the other comments regarding the verbal abuse from Bob and Jillian. We have watched the show for years and feel that the "so called over the top motivation" abuse needs to STOP! I do not believe that this would personally motivate me in a possitive way. These contestants are at the ranch to work and change their lives! They all have baggage; as we all do. They deserve better! Afterall, they have lived a life of abuse in one way or another and there is no need to treat them with disrespect. Surely, there is another approach Bob and Jillian could use. Time will tell if this is the end to us tuning in...
Posted by: Mary | September 17, 2009 11:34 AM
i love watching the show because it motivates me to keep trying and doing what i have to do to lose the weight that i need to lose..but like the other person before..i watch that show with my kids. and i dont like the fact that Jillian has a very foul dirty mouth. Theirs other ways to come at someone without using foul language. The yelling and screaming is fine enough. They have other issues to worry about then to have someone curse at them like that on national t.v at that its very uncall for and i think it should stop. You guys(Jillian and Bob) are not in their shoes so dont hurt their feelings more then it already is..Have some respect....
Posted by: mayra | September 17, 2009 11:37 AM
The rude and disrespectful attitude that Bob and Jillian displayed toward these contestants was unacceptable. These people are already ashamed and embarrassed for their situation. Cut out the foul language it's uncalled for!
Posted by: Dee | September 17, 2009 11:50 AM
I was really looking forward to the season. I find the show very inspiring. I do not have alot of weight to lose, but to see what these contestants overcome mentally and physically is a great motivator. I to am put off about the yelling and cursing in the faces of these contestants. I believe they can be firm without being mean! Enough already! Hope they change their tune or they will ruin a great thing for lots of people!
Posted by: stephanie | September 17, 2009 12:02 PM
I love this show!
But i agree the belittling is a bit much. I am from Canada, and I do have wuite a bit of weight to lose, not as much as these contestants but i get so angry when they are treated like that. I feel like kicking Bob and Gillians A**.
The language is also a bit much, come-on I really felt Gillian crossed the line when she called the Pastor guy a "DEAD DAD" because he could not do 1 more push-up....I understand the "LAST CHANCE" workout concept but these are BIG people, they cant keep going as much as someone the size of Bob or Gillian can...That one girl did not want to quit, she just needed a breather.....they have to remember that bigger people cant work as hard or fast as others.
Posted by: Glen | September 17, 2009 3:35 PM
Abby was a teacher at my high school , she is an amazing woman, may god bless her.
Posted by: Ashley | September 17, 2009 3:39 PM
I, too, was very put off by the language and verbal abuse. However, commenters must recognized that this was taped months ago. We know this because of the post show "see them now" clips. Sadly, our comments as fans, will not be of any use or help to the current team on The Biggest Loser/
Posted by: Libby | September 17, 2009 6:13 PM
Get a life you wimps! Those people are in a battle for their lives and being pitied and babied is how they got there. Just like a football coach at the first week's training, it is time to be tough and get tough. Losing 200 pounds is not a candy-butt game, but a war. Besides, the game is for the biggest loser and all but 3 will be dropped out sooner or later.
But I do think it would be great to keep all of them there for the whole 18 weeks to see how they do with the constant in your face trainers they need. Bout time Bob toughen up. What did you expect the trainers to do, give them a cupcake!
Posted by: Richard | September 17, 2009 6:16 PM
Hi,
How soon will you update your blog? I'm interested in reading some more information on this issue.
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