I'm So Over The Biggest Loser

That's right, I said it. I'm over it. I can't totally pinpoint when the season went wrong for me, but it has gone very very wrong. Some thoughts...

Enough with the product placements. Did we really need a five minute ad for Jennie-O Turkey? I really don't mind showing the packages as they're making dinner or having snacks (nice shot of them all eating sugar-free Jell-o last night, by the way). But the commercials? Come on. Who talks like that in real life?

The contestants this season are far more interested in "playing the game" then in the life changes that have been so prevalent in the previous seasons. Have you noticed that we don't have the emotional diary room footage about how the show has given them hope and change their lives? That's because they're there to win the money, not to change their lives. And Bob can't be but so upset with Erik for his game play, since both him and Kim have encouraged it earlier in the game. I don't know if it has to do with poor casting or more "game-savvy" players, but it makes for a very different show.

I'm also not a fan of the trainers this season. Bob's tone has become totally different, and Kim is certainly no Jillian. I wonder if she left because of the direction the show was going in. I'm also not a fan of the fact that the "teams" are still in place - what happened to combining teams and training together? It's all so absurd.

So they voted off whiny Adrian, simply because she's the "new girl." Turns out to not be such a good idea, since she actually gained weight once she went home. I hope that this whole players-at-home-rejoining-the-game thing doesn't happen again next season (or if it does, add a few in and make two new teams - old vs. new). I'm glad we only have two weeks till a winner.

The Final Rose on The Bachelor

Another season of The Bachelor, another season where I am rooting for the wrong girl. Someone out there could make money betting against me, I’m sure.

Last night’s finale of The Bachelor was better than most, even though it hasn’t been one of the best seasons ever. Turns out that being a princess doesn’t mean you’re not crazy. Yes, I know that a lot of the show has to do with editing, and I’m sure that Lorenzo’s mom was coached to bring out the crazier side of her personality. But palm reading? Really? And having both sets of parents and both girls to brunch at the same time? Even if this was really the producers’ idea, his mom was certainly on board. And the look on Lorenzo’s face as the brunch progressed was fabulous. No one likes brunch with the in-laws (both sets of parents in a room is always a recipe for disaster), and two sets of potential in-laws is really rough.

Speaking of editing, how much footage do you think they had of Jen’s parents that didn’t make them seem crazy? They were clearly trying to make it seem like there was no way he could pick her because of her parents. (either that, or they really are that crazy, and he likes it) And ABC did a really poor job of editing the rose ceremony scenes before the actual rose ceremony. They showed Lorenzo slipping the ring on a girl’s finger about a million times; then in the show we can see that Jen’s manicure matches that shot. Come on I know I’m a freak about these things, but I can’t be the only one who noticed. How hard would it have been to shoot him putting the ring on a staffer’s finger (with a drastically different manicure) just to throw us all off? As soon as I saw the shot of Jen’s fingers, I knew she was the one he picked.

And while I liked Jen, I was surprised that he didn’t choose Sadie. It seemed like they had more of a connection, though I know that the producers only show us what they want us to see. Watching how he kissed each of the girls, I was convinced that he would choose Sadie. Then again, if he honestly hadn’t made up his mind until the day before, maybe he really did have a connection with Sadie as well.

And Sadie. What a trooper. I really liked how she handled herself after Lorenzo told her that he would rather be with Jen (and what was up with that? There are much nicer ways he could have let her down. It was almost as if he looked at her and all of a sudden wasn’t so sure of his decision) She would be a great candidate to do a season of The Bachelorette. And I hope that she doesn’t have much personal backlash from being portrayed on television as “the virgin.”

So another season over, and another couple together (though with a promise ring, not engaged). I may have guessed wrong as to who Lorenzo would pick, but smart money would have them broken up by the premiere of the next season in the spring. (by the way, how do the previous bachelors feel when they announce that the next season features "the hottest bachelor yet"? Somewhere, Andrew Firestone just swore at the tv) I hope not – another “Trista & Ryan”-type wedding would be fun. Can’t wait to find out.

Blondes Hang in on the Amazing Race

I know this isn't a popular view, but I love the blondes. And I'm not even sure why. But I do, and I loved them even more on tonight's episode.

The leg started with the great airport equalizer - even with different flights to Morocco, all the teams ended up on the same last flight. And somehow, 'Bama ended up first to the clue. Maybe they weren't relying on the Chos as much as I thought they were. Even so, they talked the entire way to the next stop about who they were going to yield. Over and over they talked about yielding the blondes...at one point they commented that it wasn't a matter of "if" they were going to yield someone, but "who" they were going to yield. So when the teams all bunched up waiting for Atlas Studios open, it wasn't too much of a surprise that the blondes turned the table and yielded 'Bama. And sadly, it wasn't too much of a surprise how they reacted. Once again, I don't know how they are explaining their behavior to their kids. How do you explain to children why it was ok for you to yield someone, but when they yielded you, you needed to give them the finger? And what about calling it a move made by a team with no character? I guess if you had done it it would have been classy.

Anyways, it turned out in the end that the yield didn't have much of an impact at all; the roadblock was actually considerably faster to do alone. And with Rob & Kimberly's flat tire and Dustin & Kandice getting lost on their way to the detour, they pulled back into second place rather easily. Thank goodness for a non-elimination leg. However, what is up with the non-elimination legs after a yield? That seems to be the way it is on the past few seasons. Even though I'm glad that the blondes are still in it, I'm not a fan of that set-up.

So the blondes are "marked for elimination," and it seems to be a good leg for that - the teams are not very far apart from each other, and if there are any airports involved they can pull right back into the lead.

More on Amazing Race All Stars

Yes, it's true - there will be an All Stars season of The Amazing Race. They are filming it right now, and it looks like it will be the next season to air (probably in the spring...they usually do two seasons a year anyways). I am positive that Chip and Reichen aren't a team...on the official cbs.com website for the show, Chip has been blogging about the speculations, and answering questions that people email him. Bottom line? He ran into teams leaving on the first leg of the race while flying home for Thanksgiving. Not sure if they will actually show him in the opening episode (they condense so much footage down to 41 minutes anyways), but we know that it is being filmed right now. There's some speculation (and Chip seems to confirm without really confirming) that there are no previous winners on the all-star season (although I think that Rob & Brennan, the first ever winners, may be on the race after all), and most people think that Colin & Christie, Mirna & Charla, Rob & Amber, and Dave & Mary (from this season) are racing. I've often felt that I am the only one not related to Rob & Amber who loves Rob & Amber, but I do. I'll be rooting for them to win again. (it's got to be the Red Sox thing) For lots really cool info about The Amazing Race and speculation on the all stars season, be sure to read the official blog for the show:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/shows/ep10/fans/rotr/
Check out Chip's post from 11/25 (5:29 pm) - he actually mentions my name!! Woo Hoo! :)

A Very Survivor Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. What's not to like? It has the best food of any holiday (mmmm...turkey & pie...), no religious implications, not overly commercialized, and is just a wonderful time to just reconnect with family and friends. In my family, it also means overly competitive charades. It's my first year in awhile being on a losing team (and I do mean teams...there were 20 of us this year), so I'm sure you understand why my Survivor blog is a bit late. I'm ok now. I think. But what better to take my mind off of the crushing Thanksgiving charades defeat then the best episode of Survivor: Cook Islands of the season?

It really was the best episode of the season. Some thoughts...After last week's surprise double vote, there wasn't any surprise that the tribes merged tonight. But this might be the first merge where the survivors ate and drank so much that they actually got sick. Well, at least some did. How stupid do you have to be? You actually have a chance to put some real food in you and instead you focus on getting drunk? And did you notice the actual good move by many from the former Aitu tribe? It seemed like all four of them were drinking orange juice instead of alcohol. WAY smarter move (and probably one of the best drinks they could have on the island).

All of a sudden, I love Jonathan. Early on in the episode he had the best quote of the night - "I'm not going to lose because you kids can't get your asses out of bed." Hee hee! He was pretty stupid to mutiny, but has figured out that you need to align with the person who has the hidden idol in order to win. I'm sure that he played out each scenario in his head, and the only good game play move was to go back to the 4 members of Aitu. The look on Raro's faces when Nate was voted out was AMAZING. I actually shrieked. And it looks like next week he's finally fed up with feeding people who do nothing. So much for all the whites to the end.

Adam & Candice kissing? Ugh. They are both SO dirty...they haven't washed in weeks, and there they are kissing and sucking each others dirty fingers. Gross gross gross. Stick to the game.

I still am in love with Ozzy and Yul. They're both so cute, and such amazing game players. I loved the bit during the immunity challenge where the guys are complaining about having bigger feet (and making the challenge harder) and Yul explains why it really is harder. Then, adds "I'm never going to get another date again." Oh Yul, Parvati is right - smart IS sexy.

In the end, I loved that Nate finally got what was coming to him. And I think it's pretty safe to say that we'll see two Aitu members in the final two (didn't I choose Becky to win before the season even started? Go back and check the archives...it's a post in August...).

Amazing Race All Stars?

Ok, so rumor has it that there is going to be an All Star season of Amazing Race. There is even some speculation that it may be being filmed as we speak. How would people know? Well, on the official Amazing Race website they have a blog from former racers. It is usually full of comments...all of a sudden, it's down to just a couple of bloggers. Chip (of Chip and Reichen, winners of AR4) has put out there that many of the bloggers aren't blogging because they are racing...and it seems like those who are left agree. Who do I think is a part of the all star season? Well, I know who I would cast...
AR1 - Rob & Brennan, Kevin & Drew, Nancy & Emily, Joe & Bill
AR2 - Blake & Paige, Tara & Wil, Chris & Alex
AR3 - Flo & Zach, Ken & Gerard
AR4 - Jon & Al, Chip & Reichen, Kelly & Jon
AR5 - Chip & Kim, Colin & Christie, Linda & Karen, Charla & Mirna
AR6 - Gus & Hera, Jonathan & Victoria, Kris & Jon
AR7 - Uchenna & Joyce, Rob & Amber, Lynn & Alex
AR8 - 2 of the Linz siblings
AR9 - Eric & Jeremy, BJ & Tyler, Joseph & Monica
AR10 - not sure if anyone would be on...Dustin & Kandice, Cho brothers, Tyler & James, Dave & Mary
That's way more teams than you would put on one race, but at least these are the teams that should be chosen from. It's a shame that Chip & Reichen clearly aren't a part of the all-stars, and word is that Chip & Kim (winners of AR5) were very upset to not be included. Hmmm...

The other interesting part of the "are the filming AR All Stars right now?" discussion is that Chip has started answering questions on the blog. It's really interesting, behind the scenes stuff about the race. Like, did you know that everyone they ask directions for, they have to get a waiver signed from? Wow. If you're interested in reading, the blog is here:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/shows/ep10/fans/rotr/
Most of the Q&A are in the blog from episode 9. Thanks Chip - it's really nice of you to answer so many questions and give so much insight!

Cho Boys Go out the Right Way

I am bummed. The Cho brothers are out, and 'Bama is in. Ugh.

After last week's surprise "keep racing" clue, the teams all equaled out at the airport again. Well, at least they would have if the flights all arrived on time. I was really glad to see the flight that the blondes and the models were on get in first - it's really rough to be leading for the whole leg, then get equalized after all that sucks. And is it wrong that I was hoping that at least one team would fly to Moscow instead of Kiev? Oh, that would have been good...

So this part of the leg was good - that may have been the first time that the location on the clue was given in a different language. Almost all of the teams figured out that their best bet was to hire a cab and follow them. Well, not the 'Bama girls...they just figured they would follow the Chos. No, not just follow the Chos. Follow the Chos and complain the entire way about how they were stopping and asking for directions. Then, with no recognition whatsoever of the irony, spouted off about how the Chos need to think for themselves and make decisions on their own. The bottom line is that the Chos are why the 'Bama girls got as far as they did.

This brings me to my question of the night. How did the 'Bama girls explain these episodes to their children? In the past few episodes, we keep seeing the Cho brothers and Dave & Mary (before they were eliminated) waiting for the teams in their alliance, helping them out, and pulling them through. At the same time, we keep seeing Lyn & Karilyn leave the others behind when they have the chance, and talk each episode about only being in the alliance as long as it benefits them. I just don't know how you explain that kind of poor sportsmanship to your children.

That being said, I think that we'll see the end of the 'Bama girls at the next elimination. Even with the yield coming up, they're way behind the other three teams. And without the Cho brothers to help them out, they're going to have to run the race on their own for the first time, and I don't think it will go well for them.

Big Twists on Survivor

Even though we had to wait till almost the end of the episode, it was well worth it. What a twist in the game!

First, though, we got to see the continued dominance of Aitu. They are working as a team, and working well. You could really see it at the reward challenge - the contrast between their teamwork and the arguing at Raro was stark. I also have to wonder about the strategy play of Raro. Aside from not working well together, they don't seem to know how the game works. We all know you can't sit the same people in back to back challenges. We also know that while it's nice to win rewards, it's immunity that counts. So why did they sit Rebecca during a non-swimming reward challenge? It made no sense, and really set her up for failure. Oh well. I was glad to see Aitu win, and glad to see Yul cut loose at the reward. Too funny.

What I didn't like seeing was Candice & Adam getting all snuggly. Did he really put her fingers in his mouth? Did you see how dirty her fingers were? And the previews for next week show them kissing. Ugh. I loved Rob and Amber, but this is just gross.

The immunity challenge was great again. And again, Raro had some pretty poor strategy. They could have one person who competed in the reward challenge compete in the immunity challenge. Why would you choose Jonathan? It seems like Adam would have been a better choice. And poor Nate - swimming against Ozzy just can't go well for you.

Finally, at the end of tribal council, we find out about the twist. After Rebecca has already been voted out, they learn that they have to vote out a second member. Aside from the impact that would have had on Aitu if they had lost (they would have been down to 2, and the hidden immunity idol most certainly would have come into play), getting blindsided like that was huge. Jenny had no time to scramble, and sadly she went home. I know that everyone has been talking about why they've kept Jonathan, but that one seems easy to me. He's feeding them. And once they merge, it will be pretty easy to convince Aitu to vote him out. He's also not much of a threat at an individual immunity challenge. And the fact that Candice is still around just shows that Adam is really in charge at Raro, for better or worse.

With Jenny & Rebecca both joining the jury, there has to be some sort of twist involving the jury down the road. Otherwise there will be a 10 member jury. Some are speculating that the final three will go before the jury, but that won't work either - you could still potentially have a 3-3-3 tie. So we either have to get an extra jury member or lose one. Somehow the earlier voted out people could be involved, or the current castaways could end up voting off a member of the jury. (while that's one of the most unfair twists possible, could you imagine the repercussions if a jurt member gets a vote or two but stays on the jury?) I'm sure Mark Burnett has something interesting planned - I just wish I knew what it was!

More Drama on The Biggest Loser

Another week with lots of drama on The Biggest Loser. Last week's drama was all about the new contestants; this week it seems that at least one of those contestants was determined to cause some drama.

Now, I need to say upfront that I am rooting for Adrian and Jaron to win. Yes, I know that Adrian is whiny beyond belief. But I also know that what they've done is far more impressive than the weight loss of those on the ranch. We all could lose 30% of our weight if all we had to do all day was exercise. But I can barely manage to maintain my weight, let alone drop 5 pounds a week, while I'm at home with all the responsibilities that entails. Good for them. Jaron especially. Not only did he drop a huge amount of weight at home, he's had a fantastic attitude since arriving on the ranch (where he continues to pull huge numbers...just what is this boy doing?!?).

Adrian? Well, she's a different story. She's still dropping huge amounts of weight. But she is whining the whole time. And I understand where she's coming from. I really do. But she has to remember that she's on national television, and very few people can get behind the whining. I wish that she had approached the challenge in a different way. I agree with her 100% - the last two challenges have been unfair to Adrian and Jaron. They are clearly designed that way. But to whine about it was the wrong way to handle it. If she had asked for a moment, stepped aside, and spoke her mind to a producer, she would have gotten a lot further. I don't think the challenge would have changed. But how she was perceived would be. What's that great Reagan saying? "Disagree without being disagreeable." There's no doubt the challenge was unfair. But her temper tantrum only made matters worse.

I'm still wondering why the trainers are continuing to train their "teams." Is it because Bob and Kim don't want to? (or don't get along?) I'm kind of disappointed that we haven't seen any big group workouts with both trainers. Strange.

So at the weigh-in it wasn't too shocking that Marty and Wylie were below the yellow line (still the lamest catch-phrase ever). The editing of the show sucks. What was a surprise was that Marty was voted off. It makes no sense. Look at Wylie - he looks like a different man. And the girls were right - with no loss this week, he is going to pull a huge number next time. Strategy-wise, voting off Wylie would have been a better choice. And it was really surprising that Erik cast the deciding vote against Marty (although, not THAT surprising considering the comment during the challenge about the whole blue team thing). Marty looked great today (albeit a little creepy with his students) - he's got to be a contender to win the consolation prize at the finale for sure.

We're down to 2 on The Bachelor!

Well, it's that time again - fantasy dates! And true to Bachelor form, there was enough drama to go around.

Now, last week when he kept Lisa, I was wondering if he did it so he could get rid of her the next time somewhat easily. I think that sometimes that's the strategy for the bachelors when they find that they really have a connection with one or two girls - they keep a girl who he doesn't feel much for so it's easier to not get caught up with her and makes the rose ceremony elimination easier. I think that's what Lorenzo did with Lisa. It seemed pretty clear that he was freaked out by her "plan" and all the wedding magazines and the dress. He did a good job of grilling her last night about her love of the show. The other girls had mentioned that before - that she has seen every episode of the show, and knows what to say to get further along. It finally caught up to her last night. I'm not sure if she was on the show to be on tv or for a quick way to find a husband, but it wasn't to fall in love with Lorenzo. Good riddance.

I really like both Jen and Sadie. They seem like down-to-earth girls who are really there for Lorenzo. And both of their dates seemed more like "real" dates than some of the typical fantasy dates from other seasons. Spending a day at an amusement park, or teaching Sadie how to scuba dive are things Lorenzo might do outside of the show. Usually when a girl goes on a more "real" fantasy date, it's a good sign for her future on the show. Remember Jenn and Andrew's fantasy date? Didn't they go bowling? Anyways, you just got the impression that Lorenzo just wanted to spend time with the two of them. I was also really impressed with his reaction to Sadie's moral dilemma. (of course, we did joke last night that he didn't need to pressure Sadie to have sex since he had already gotten some that week from Jen and Lisa!)

The rose ceremony was good - I was so glad to see Lisa finally go. This might be the first season where my two favorite girls are left in the end. I don't know who to root for! I think I'm hoping he chooses Sadie, but Jen would be a good choice too. And it looks like after next week's "women tell all" episode, the final episode involves both sets of parents instead of just Lorenzo's. I feel for Lorenzo - it looks like from the previews that he truly is concerned about hurting both one girl and her parents. Should be good!

Keep Racing!

It was the best leg of the season, and it's still going on. Fantastic.

After the great airport equalizer, the teams headed to Finland. And while I hated the product placement with the AOL email, it was great that they got to see a quick video of their families. There have been a few seasons where racers have gotten a taste of home, and I think it's a great element borrowed from Survivor. This is also where I felt for the moms - it must be really hard to leave your kids at home. Of course, this was the ONLY time that I felt for them. I've been annoyed all season with the fact that they're only into their alliance when it benefits them. And last night you saw it in full force - they pushed their way right in front of the Cho boys and an entire line of waiting people to get a taxi. And they were complaining that they were at a disadvantage because the blondes always get more help because of their looks. Boo hoo. You don't get less help because you're not pretty; you get less help because you're rude.

The mud detour was great, but not as great as the mine roadblock. Somewhere Dave and Mary were kicking themselves. It was a tough roadblock, and you could see how physical strength really helped Rob & Kimberly catch up. There were also lots of opportunities for teams to get lost. Navigating foreign countries is such an important part of the race, and I like when there are opportunities for those who are good at it to excel. I would be so good at this part of the race, especially if I could race with my brother-in-law Jonathan. He and I both have an amazing sense of direction. Alas, my fear of flying, trains, boats, and all other forms of transportation makes me probably the world's worst candidate for the show. Sigh...

Finally, the teams get to where they think is the pit stop. Aside from the element of having to repel down the tower face first, I love that look when they find that they have to keep going. Can't wait till next week.

I LOVE Survivor!

Even though Survivor is battling it out in my mind for the spot as my favorite show on tv (with The Office, which is unquestionably the funniest, smartest, best written show on tv), it showed last night why it continues to be so good 6 years in (can you believe it's been 6 years!).

With the previews from last week, and all the talk of solidifying their alliance at the beginning of the episode, you knew that the twist was going to involve the opportunity to switch tribes. I was convinced that Brad would switch...I actually thought a few of the Raro members would flip. So I was shocked when Candice stepped off the mat, followed quickly by Jonathan. It was a bold move. A risky move, but bold nonetheless. She must feel really strongly that her original alliance will hold, because she now is on the bottom of the heap at Raro, and completely on the outs at Aitu. Very very interesting. And for the first time this season, I actually found myself yelling at the screen, cheering on Aitu during the challenge. Karma is tough kids. Nearly as tough as being rolled through a challenge in a barrel (yikes!). I also found myself tearing up a bit as Aitu read their letters from home. What a great moment.

I was a little surprised at Aitu's decision to send Candice to Exile Island. It would have made far more sense to send Jonathan. They needed to send one of the two of the traitors; they just should have sent the one that they knew would have to participate in the next challenge (since everyone knows you can't sit out the same members in back to back challenges). In the end it didn't matter...Yul again showed just how smart he is, figured out the cannon ball drop, and won the challenge. Fantastic. I also loved how Jeff made some sort of comment to Probst about his running commentary. Have you never seen Survivor? That's Probst's job - make annoying running commentary. Get in the lead and you won't have to worry about it.

Tribal council wasn't too much of a shocker...after Brad said he didn't trust his tribe, you knew he was going home. But it was a shocker how he left...as the first member of the jury. Maybe he wouldn't have been blindsided like that if they knew they would need his vote. And unless the final two is Jonathan and Candice (ugh), I can't see how either of them could win at this point with the expanded jury. I also wonder if Probst will tell Aitu that the jury has started, or if they will have to wait till they go to tribal council to find out. Hmmm...

The Biggest Loser takes a nasty turn...

It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that I take my reality shows really seriously. So I was so disappointed in last night's episode of The Biggest Loser. So disappointed that I needed to take a day to calm down. Really.

The first order of business on last night's episode was that 6 of the "at-home" contestants came back to the ranch. And they looked good. For whatever reason, the "ranch" contestants were mad. And not mad at the twist in the game, but mad at the newbies themselves. I just don't get it. I understand being upset with the game. But you sure didn't see any of them upset when they were chosen to stay at the ranch over the 36 others. So many of them have said that they couldn't do it without being on the ranch - be happy that you're there. And the move by Kai & Heather to try to move the bed so they wouldn't have to share a room with them was just pathetic.

Next was the weigh-in, where it turns out that the at-home contestants have lost more weight than the contestants at the ranch. I am positive that I'm not the only one who at this point wondered whether or not I should sign up for the Biggest Loser diet club! Isn't that what they're all on? Remember how many people complained that all these poor at-home folks were given was access to the online club and a gym? Could you imagine losing that kind of weight with just an online club and gym access? Holy cow. And then the questions start...why did they lose so much more then the contestants who have been at the ranch? What are they doing that was so different? And how did they do it while working full time?

So Adrian and Jaron earned their way back, much to the chagrin of both the contestants AND the trainers. This was the moment I lost faith in the show. Bob and Kim each chose a newbie (and why is it that they are still working out their red/blue teams rather than pairs? are the pairs working out together at all?), and proceeded to be really horrible to them. Yes, I know that Bob and Kim were probably miffed that Adrian and Jaron lost so much weight without their help. But come on. Kim grilled Adrian about how she lost the weight, then explained away her giant weight loss (she quit drinking, she's young, blah, blah, blah). And when Adrian mentioned that the workout didn't seem tough enough, Kim took it personally instead of upping Adrian's workout. Bob was almost worse. He just kept berating Jaron's fitness level, to the point that he ended up switching trainers. And did Bob actually shout out about his three guys being the only ones who DESERVED to be there? I've always loved Bob in the past, but not so much anymore.

So then there was the challenge, which was purposefully designed to be unfair. Sure, there was a chance that Adrian and Jaron would have won the calorie part of the challenge. But everyone knew that unless they did they would be moving a ton of bricks. And there's just no comparison between moving a ton of bricks and a ton of water jugs. And I think I would have been ok with the challenge if it weren't for how it ended. Bob's attitude about them not finishing was despicable. Are we really to believe that if any of the other teams had received the brick pile that they would have finished it? And where was the support from the other teams? Maybe they would have been motivated to finish it if the other teams were cheering them on.

I guess I thought that the trainers were supposed to be setting an example for the contestants. Instead, we saw scene after scene of Adrian's workouts being picked apart, Jaron's diet being criticized, and Adrian hitting a breaking point. It was disgusting. (side note - speaking of disgusting, what is the deal with the product placement "ads" this season? who would actually eat that Jello concoction? I hope they're getting paid to say "well, Bob, there's always room for Jello...) I was so pleased to see Adrian and Jaron do well at the weigh-in. I am really rooting for the two of them to win.

One more bit of frustration with last night's episode. This isn't the first season where we have seen contestants "playing the game" when it comes to the weigh-in. Last season Matt indulged in bacon the week he had won immunity to insure a big loss the next week when he wasn't safe. But this season it seems like so many more of them are there to "play the game" rather than change their lives. First Eric gained weight to force Kai to use the free pass. Then this week Heather purposefully gained to knock-out Bobby. I guess I'm more annoyed with the fact that the trainers seem to support this, rather than the game-play itself. This is also why I think that the weight-loss percentages each week need to be cumulative rather than week-to-week. (wasn't that how it was during the individual part of the competition in season 1?)

Anyways, I was sad to see Bobby go since he seems like a really nice guy. And hopefully next week Adrian and Jaron can continue to kick some butt.

where the heck did the blog go?

Ok, so I know that there have been almost no new posts in the past month. I am such a slacker. I have written a bunch, but was having internet problems, so I didn't get them uploaded. Then, in what can only be described as a most brilliant move, I deleted them. Ugh. So I am just going to start fresh. Sorry for all the lost time. And I really do appreciate the emails I've gotten asking where the blog went and what I thought about various episodes. I do have a lot of thoughts about my favorite shows...Survivor, Amazing Race, The Bachelor, and The Biggest Loser. But I am also fully aware that there is no way I can recreate all the posts I lost. Sigh... So a few thoughts to get us caught up (sort of)...

Survivor:Cook Islands: This has been and will always be my favorite show (reality or otherwise). And I've heard people talk about how they don't like this season as much. I was worried at first that the whole race thing was the sign that the show had jumped the shark. But I really like this season. The nay-sayers talk about the lack of villains, and that many of the characters are sort of just there. I agree that there aren't many people on this season to hate, especially now that Cao Boi is gone (thank goodness!). But there are enough people making stupid mistakes that there's always someone to root against at Tribal Council. And the lack of villains makes Tribal more interesting...they seem genuinely upset to vote off their friends. And other than that one early challenge that was a repeat from Palau, the challenges have been amazing. They are doing a great job of making each one a mix of physical and mental, and they are tough. Knowing the challenges are going to be that tough can totally change your strategy and outlook back at camp. I love Yul. He is such a nice guy, and with the hidden idol, he has to be a favorite to win. (who could beat him in the final two?) I also love Ozzy. I hated his early move to throw a challenge, but he may be the first castaway who can actually survive out there. He is amazing. I think his tribe may actually be gaining weight (ok, not really, but look at the difference between the weight loss of the two tribes). My ideal final four? Ozzy, Becky, Yul, & Candice. (yes, that Candice).

The Amazing Race: Watching this season, there is little question of why The Amazing Race continues to win the Emmy year after year. The locations have been amazing. I always feel like I'm smarter for watching the show (I don't travel, so I'm actually getting to see the world through the show), and they're going to some really unique places. This may also be the first time where an alliance has held up like this. The "six pack" is playing a different game - one where alliances can help you through. But this isn't a game where people get voted off. So sticking with a 3 team alliance makes you only as fast as your slowest team. It has really showed the character of the Cho brothers - they are one of the finest examples of people with good character I've ever seen on tv. At first I thought that they were sticking with the alliance because they know they can beat the other two teams in the end. But now I think that they are just truly nice guys. And that's way better than a million dollars, right? The only team I've been sad to see go were Dave & Mary - I was just rooting for them to win. Now I'm rooting for the Cho brothers and the beauty queens. I'd be happy with either couple winning. One other note - do Rob & Kimberly remind anyone else of the "two assholes" skit from SNL? (we have to find the clue babe...)

The Bachelor: Ok, I am fully aware that The Bachelor is rather demeaning to women. And it's really not a very good show. But I can't miss it. I love watching the dates. I love the rose ceremonies. And I love the teary rides home in the limo. This season's bachelor, while technically an Italian prince, seems like a down to earth guy. And there have been some real characters among the women. Yes, I'm talking about Erica, the first contestant who lists her occupation as "socialite," and was practically in tears over sharing a bedroom and not having a maid. I really like Sadie. She seems to be most compatible with Lorenzo, and is there for the right reasons. (did you see his face when Lisa came out in a wedding dress, and her friend explained her plan?)

The Biggest Loser: I admit that I was first drawn to the show because there is nothing quite as captivating as fat people getting on a scale. But over the past few seasons I've gotten hooked on the show itself. There is something really inspiring about watching people take charge of their lives and change for the better. But this season isn't as good as the past few. I'm not totally sure why. I think that part of it is the new trainer. She's just not as good as Jillian. The show needs a "tough" trainer to balance out Bob. And I can't connect with a skinny girl like her tearing up about how she has body image issues. I'm also not really connected to the contestants this season as I was before. They all seem like really nice people, and there's almost no conflict between them. Great for them, not so great for tv. I do like the twist this season of "at home" contestants who have been working to get "back to the ranch." What I don't understand is why it seems like the "at home" folks have been working for longer than those at the ranch. Even if it's not the case, it really seems that way since the at home contestants have lost similar amounts to those at the ranch. I don't know how that's possible with the same amount of time, simply because those at the ranch are only dieting and exercising; the ones at home have to go to work, take care of family, etc. And while I understand that the contestants at the ranch are miffed that there are new contestants, I would be impressed that they have lost all that weight on their own (if they can lose that much on their own, imagine what they can lose with a trainer...I sure would want them on my team!).

One final show...did anyone catch the "Reality TV Awards" on the Fox Reality network. If you like to see drunk reality stars, be sure to catch this show (it's repeated every couple of days). The whole thing is cheesy and low rent (it took place at Mike Boogie's bar), but it gets sloppier and sloppier as the night goes on and the "stars" get drunker and drunker.

Ok, so I think we're caught up. I'll be watching election returns tonight (I'm a political junkie too!), then it's back to reality tv. Thank goodness!