The Biggest Loser Season 8 Episode 11

The final week at the ranch, episode 11, The Biggest Loser's touch on their fears, joys, and hopes for their future at home.  Season 8 of The Biggest Loser has been an incredibly emotionally journey for the contestants and the viewers.  Each season has been emotional, however, this particular season 8 has been exceptionally poignant and moving.

The final five on episode 11 exposed their true feelings and anxieties about where they are in their journey.  This is the last week they have to use trainers Bob and Jillian, to have The Biggest Loser Ranch amenities--kitchen, gym, all the time in the world--the contestants want to make sure that those people who helped them through the most know how they feel.

Amanda pulled Bob outside. I have to say, I absolutely love their relationship.  I think it is genuine, loving, and compassionate.  Out of all the contestants on The Biggest Loser, Amanda is the one person who Bob wants to see succeed the most.  She got their on episode 11, she announced to the rest of the players that she was finally in a good place.  She has never been happier, she still has some ways to go but now she knows she is never going back to that "fat girl."

Danny and Liz had a heart-to-heart.  They are the only "team" left standing.  They express that they could not have gotten to where they are without each other.  Again, very touching to see how these strangers came into The Biggest Loser and now that are leaving closer than friends, as support systems.  It just shows you that you do have people out there just like you, who will help you get through the tough times.

The first and only challenge the contestants had was Football Knockout.  Where the contestants carry their weight down a foot ball field, and at each yard they drop off a football that weighs as much as the amount of weight they lost the first week, second week, third, etc.  The challenge was a nice metaphor and very symbolic of the journey they are on and where they are now.  After they put their week 10 football down they ran 100 yards to a lifesize photo of themselves that they were to "knockout."  Symbolizing that they were pushing that old person down and never letting it get back up.

The coolest part of the challenge was when Rod Woodson, former Steeler Hall-of-Famer #26, showed up. YAYYYY!! I am from Pittsburgh, Steeler fan since birth, and admirer of Rod Woodson, it was incredible that he was on The Biggest Loser to show his support for the well-being of people and children.  The winner of the challenge was given two Pro-Bowl tickets and $5,000 from NFL Play 60 and The Biggest Loser to their choice of school for new sports equipment.  To make sure that children are no longer statistics in obesity.  He also gave the contestants some words of encouragement for when they go home after episode 11.  Woodson told them that they have morphed their bodies and now they have to morph their minds; at home no one is there pushing you, you must push yourself.  I thought it was very touching, Danny, Allen, and Rudy were so elated to meet Rod Woodson--I would be too!  Allen came out on top during the challenge, beating Rudy--finally, and showing how far he has come, he is so strong now, mentally ready for the world, there is no way he is going back to being an out-of-shape firefighter.  Hopefully he has inspired other firefighters, police officers, EMT's who are overweight to get themselves healthy.  They signed up to serve and protect--which will not be possible if they are out of shape.

Fashion side-note: I LOVED Ali's shirt during this challenge! I thought she looked adorable.

Before the final weigh in Danny sang a song for the rest of the cast, which I would title "Hopeless to Hopeful" because that was the meaning.  They started at The Biggest Loser Ranch hopeless, that life was over and they would always remain that way, now 11 weeks later they are hopeful, they know that they never want to go back and are all determined to get to their goal weight.  Amanda said she is no longer a "prisoner of [her] own body." and Allen said this is the "positive change"  in the right direction.

Amanda is "America's Sweetheart" we are all pushing for her to do well.  She knows that this week, episode 11, she must stay above the yellow line because she has no more allies on the Ranch.  She proves herself, she says to Bob, "if anyone beats me, it will be because they worked their [butts] off.  Because I am not stopping."  She did work her tail off and she did secure herself above the yellow line, keeping her safe from elimination.  Allen and Liz were not so lucky.  Allen is already close to his goal weight--did you see his leg muscles when he was pulling Jillian?  He would have to lose muscle to lose more weight. Now he just has to tone and maintain--which is why the rest of The Biggest Loser contestants voted for Allen to go home. Liz still needs some work, but Allen has it down--he is a fighter and will stay that way, hopefully, for the rest of his life.

Amanda was the deciding vote and surprisingly voted for Liz to stay, even though Liz is more of a threat.  It was very admirable of Amanda who said that if she was going to get through this she wanted someone here to push her and make her work for it.  I'm glad Amanda did that, at first I was like, come on send Liz home, but I am glad Amanda took the high road.  Next week don't forget to vote for who you think should stay on to continue their journey as The Biggest Loser.

Side Note: During the Holidays try to MAINTAIN NOT GAIN!  Happy Holidays!