by David McAlpine
 


Last time on The Biggest Loser: Couples, it came down to Filipe and Ron. Tara and Helen felt no allegiance to either of the two, and both decided to send Filipe home, leaving four in the competition.

This week, the first of many inspirational montages kicks off the show, where each contestant is featured on the first day, then 17 weeks later. Before their final weigh-in on campus, Allison informs them that they will all be spending 30 days at home.

Tara, Ron, Mike and Helen all return home to welcoming crowds, and each have inspirational words to share with everyone. As they start on their 30-day challenge, everyone starts to struggle, not anticipating how hard it is to implement their food and exercise plans in the real world. Mike reflects on his past life and his addiction to fast food. Helen cleans out her closet, not believing how big she was.

Mike begins to struggle with the amount of food he's eating at home, noting that he feels hungry all the time. Considering he's an 18 year-old guy, I really don't blame him. Ron talks about how he's always thinking about how and when he's going to get his next meal.

This week's product placement is a little jazzed up when we get to see the results of Tara's kitchen makeover prize. She gave it to her mom so, thanks to Jennie-O turkey and The Biggest Loser, she has all new appliances and a refrigerator conveniently stocked with every Jennie-O product imaginable.

For their last challenge, which comes as a surprise to everyone, each contestant has to train for and run a marathon, or 26.2 miles (remind anyone of a certain scandal earlier in the season?). Mike and Ron are flipping out, and Helen doesn't think she can do it. To keep them on track, Jillian decides she's going to visit Mike, Helen and Tara. First, she talks with Mike and tries to sort out his issues related to his brother. He breaks down, and they share a personal moment.

Jillian surprises Tara next and talks to her about her fear of going off track of her food routine. Jillian stresses to Tara that it's ok to enjoy a drink and dessert every once in a while, especially if it's for a special occasion. Meanwhile, Bob goes to visit Ron and takes him and Max, Ron's other son, to the gym. Bob works them both out super hard and Max looks like he's going to pass out.

Jillian visits Helen last, who also expresses concern about being at home. Helen is worried she can never take a break from her plan and is glad to see Jillian because she gives her that comfort of the Biggest Loser ranch.

As the marathon day approaches, Mike starts to feel pain in his hip, hindering him from training much harder. Everyone else seems to be well on their way, but no one is confident that they can finish all 26.2 miles. 30 days after they left the ranch, all four are at the marathon start line in Malibu, California, where Alison informs them that each contestant who finishes the marathon will earn $10,000 for a charity of their choice. Before the marathon begins, Mike is told by the show's doctors that he can't run, so he decides to walk with his dad. Tara and Helen start of running together and make it all the way to mile four, where they're joined by their loved ones.

As Mike and Ron pass mile four, Max and Ron's friend meet them and join their marathon journey. After a while, Tara and Helen keep going on the course alone, well on their way to finishing. Ron, on the other hand, starts to experience knee pain and has to stop to get checked out by the doctors. Past "Biggest Loser"s Ali, Michelle and Bernie join Tara, Helen and Mike at different points in the race, giving them the support they need to finish the race. Jillian joins Tara and Helen when they each reach the last mile. Tara finishes the marathon in 4:55:11, while Helen takes 5:49:09. Mike crosses the line with Jillian at 8:58:03, upset that he couldn't run.

Ron starts to struggle more and, by mile 16, has to completely stop to get checked out by the doctors. The medics decide to take him to the hospital, but Dr. Huizenga allows Ron to finish the course. Several previous Biggest Loser contestants join Ron shortly thereafter, followed by Bob at mile 21 and Max, Alison, Tara and Helen at mile 22. Mike is waiting for his dad at the end, where Ron finishes in 13:15:20.

Now for the moment of truth: the final weigh-in before the finale. Everyone is nervous, because, obviously, everyone wants to secure their spot in the finals. The results are as follows:

Tara: -10 (-5.92%)
Helen: -7 (-4.55%)
Mike: -10 (-4.46%)
Ron: -10 (-3.46%)

No one is ecstatic about their success over a month at home, but Tara and Helen are overjoyed to be in the finale. Believe me, I couldn't be happier because, finally, one of Mike and Ron is guaranteed to go home. Since this is the week before the finale, it's up to the viewers to decide who will be the third person competing for the $250,000 prize.

To vote for Ron to be in the finale, call 1-866-613-0001.
To vote for Mike to be in the finale, call 1-866-613-0002.

Ron tells America to vote for Mike, while Mike is grateful for the opportunity. Don't get me wrong here, I love Mike, but I think the way he and his father have gotten to the end of this competition sucks. I feel like they steamrolled over everyone strategically and took advantage of emotional moments to further themselves in the game, especially Ron. And as much as I think it would be a joke if Ron were in the finale, I don't want Mike to win. So please, vote for Ron.

The live, two-hour season finale of The Biggest Loser: Couples airs next Tuesday on NBC at 8/7c.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

For more The Biggest Loser Links visit Sirlinksalot.net