by Gina Scarpa

 

We have reached the point in The Biggest Loser season where I can't make it through even half of an episode without crying. There's something about the big reveal to friends and family, the speeches that they make, the progress that they've made, that always has me reaching for Kleenex - even 12 seasons later!

 

Becky is the only final four contestant that returns to her job full-time. She has to balance her career, family, and workouts, which is what real life will be like anyway once the cameras stop rolling. On the other extreme is John, who lets Dolvett know during a home visit, that his wife is cooking for him and doing his laundry so that he can solely focus on winning the grand prize. Hmm, seems he may need to reprioritize.

 

In Antone's hometown, he finds himself much more able to be active with his children, even bench-pressing his 155lb. son. Vinny's trip home may have been the most life changing as not only did he get engaged to his longtime girlfriend Lori, but he finally confronted his mother for allowing his stepfather to beat him and his siblings when they were young.

 

When they return to the competition, the final four are joined by all of the previously eliminated contestants for highly anticipated marathon. Alison announces that Walgreen's is adding a little incentive, offering money to the top five finishers. Oh, now everybody has their game face on! Well, with the exception of Bonnie, who unfortunately can't run because she's about to undergo knee surgery.

 

Right from the word "go,", Courtney (who looks fabulous, by the way) takes off and leads the pack. Lovebirds Ramon and Jess are right behind her but she cramps up, has to slow down, and he eventually takes off without her. Dr. H is on hand and has to pull Vinny and Joe very close to the end. Both of their exits broke my heart, as you could see how badly they wanted to cross that finish line, whether they were first or not.

 

Jennifer cries what seems like the entire 26.2 miles especially whenever Bob shows up to give her words of encouragement along the way. Becky, Antone, and Sunny keep a pace together while Johnny and Deb keep one another company at the back of the pack.

 

It doesn't seem Courtney paced herself that well because Ramon was able to pass her, finish first, make it to the final three, and take home $25,000! He is like the poster child for The Biggest Loser - positive, motivated, and uplifting. Courtney comes in next, followed by John, Jess, and Patrick. Amazingly, everyone (with the exception of Vinny and Joe for medical reasons) finishes the marathon; even Johnny and Debbie, 10 hours later.

 

At what is perhaps the season's most important weigh-ins, the final four weigh in to find out which two will face off against Ramon in the finale. I'd be lying if I said I didn't kind of miss America having a say in who made it there. The numbers on the scale go like this:

 

Becky: -10 (5.81%)
Vinny: -28 (8.92%)
John: -29 (9.80%) 
Antone: -30 (9.29%)

 

It'll be John and Antone who weigh in for the $250,000 grand prize. John continues to be amazed and impressed with himself, while Antone says what many viewers are probably thinking: he's sick of John and it's "game on". With that, Vinny and Becky are sent home just short of making it to the end but I'm putting money on Big Vin (or Not So Big Vin) to take the at home prize. Fingers crossed!

 

Don't miss The Biggest Loser's live finale, Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

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