by Gina Scarpa

 

You know something's afoot on The Biggest Loser when Alison shows up unexpectedly at the ranch. She announces that the game is going to singles, and it's about to get really interesting to see where allegiances lie. At least Danni no longer has to feel like she's solely responsible for her success - it's about time the other contestants felt the pressure as well!

 

First up for the newly single contestants is a Valentine's Day themed temptation challenge. With cakes and candies laid out before them, they have to decide how many calories they're willing to consume. Whoever eats the most calories will gain a 2 pound advantage on the scale this week. But wait, the winner can also give an advantage to another player as well. Those sweets just started looking ten times better, didn't it?

 

Only three chose to eat (Jeff, Francelina, and Alex) but Jeff wasn't even close with 270 calories. With over 1,000 calories consumed, Francelina wins the advantage. She chooses to share the reward with Alex, since she took a risk eating those snacks.

 

In their first workouts as singles, it doesn't take long for personalities to clash. Michael gives up too easily for Dolvett's liking and requires a pep talk to get back on the treadmill. Jeff and Jillian have a similar run-in, but it just entails a lot more yelling and stomping around. They end up talking things out, and he reveals the pain he's felt over his dad dying. Even though it must have been hard for him to talk about, he's gotta heal that emotional side before the physical side will truly start to change for the long haul.

 

This week's challenge comes with a big prize, because the winner gets to bring a family member to the ranch for 24 hours. All they'll need to do is race to a spotlight in a giant arena. The last one to arrive each one is out. Gina goes out first, followed by Jackson, Michael, Jeff, and Alex. It comes down to Joe, Danni, and Francelina for the final round and the person who reaches the light first is the winner. Once again, Danni wins the challenge - is there any beating her in a footrace? She's able to share her prize, and chooses Gina, who has been missing her husband so desperately. Since Danni won letters from home last week, she chooses to give her own visit away to Michael, so he can see his wife.

 

At the last chance workout, Alex gets testy with Bob because there was no jumprope for her to work out with. Gina can barely get her through her workout with Dolvett without walking away. Don't get me wrong, I didn't like the attitudes being thrown around last season but there aren't many fighters on the ranch this season. Am I wrong?

 

Here's how things went at the weigh-in...

 

Francelina: -4 + -2 lb advantage = -6 (2.76%)

Alex: -6 + -2 lb advantage = -8 (3.92%)

Danni: -6 (2.90%)

Joe: -12 (4.12%)

Jeff: -11 (3.41%)

Gina: -9 (4.66%)

Jackson: -13 (4.66%)

Michael: -10 (2.75%)

 

For the first time this season, there is a yellow line, which Francelina and Michael fall below.  The same people who said they wouldn't write Michael's name down suddenly had a change of heart when the finale started to feel within reach.  It's tough to say goodbye to Michael, a bright spot on the ranch, but he seems to be doing quite well at home, having already lost over 120 pounds!  Contender for the at home prize?  I think so.

 

The Biggest Loser airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa