'The Biggest Loser': How do you feel about an all-male finale?

The finale of "The Biggest Loser" and its $250,000 payday is still a week away. But this much is already known: The winner will be a guy.

For the first time ever, the finale of the NBC weight-loss show will not include a woman. Instead, Antone, John and Ramone will duke it out for the title. Ramone, and his million-dollar smile, earned that berth after winning this season's brutal marathon race through the Southern California desert.

Vinny and Becky failed to lose enough weight to make it into the finale. Becky lost just 10 pounds during her time away from the ranch, a situation she attributed in part to her decision to go back to her teaching job in the final weeks of the competition. Becky said in Wednesday's media conference call with the eliminated players that she has no regrets. She is, after all, a working mom, and she said she needed to find a way to balance work and health. She said she wanted to get on the scale at the finale next Tuesday and "[wants] to be able to say I am a real working mom... Although it was difficult, it was doable."

Vinny, meanwhile, lost 28 pounds and yet that also wasn't enough. (Blame Ramone!) Vinny was disappointed, but he's focused on wedding bells: He got down on one knee and asked his girlfriend to marry him. He said he's also determined to win the at-home prize and its $100,000 payday.

He says he also has a long to-do list, including coming up with a No. 1 hit song; getting married before friends, relatives, and Biggest Loser ranchmates; and having kids: "a boy to teach football to, and a girl to make sure no one will ever harm her."

His return from the ranch included a difficult conversation with his mother. Vinny says that she married an abusive man and stood by and did nothing while his stepfather brutalized him and his siblings. Vinny says his mother took the confrontation "hard" but said that it has ultimately helped the two of them improve their relationship as it moves forward.

Care to wager on a winner? Will it be Antone? John? Or Ramone? And do you think that John regrets granting last week's pass to Antone? Because Antone is repaying that favor by putting a bull's eye on John's back, predicting a Battle Royale: "I'm really sick of John, to be honest with you, and I'm ready to go after John right now...now it's time to go battle."

And wait! There's one more question: What did you make of John having his maid -- I mean his wife -- doing all the cooking, cleaning and laundry while John works out in the gym. Wouldn't a better course of action be to figure out a way to balance the workload so his maid -- I mean his wife -- could also get a break and put in some gym time and weight-loss of her own? Dolvett called him out on it, and also predicted (like Bob did) that if John keeps focused on winning instead of transforming he is at risk for gaining all the weight back.

What do you think? I find it more than coincidental that two of the trainers have even suggested such a shocking turn of events. Where there's smoke, there's fire, no? Do you think we'll see John, weight regained, on a "Where are they now episode?" Gotta give John this much: He was looking quite slim and trim at the start line of that marathon. Here's hoping that John finds a way to keep all the weight off -- and starts treating his maid -- I mean his wife -- with some of the same support that she tirelessly gives him.

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Photo: "Biggest Loser" finalists John, left, Antone and Ramone. Credit: NBC

'Biggest Loser': Sunny won't take the bait, cheers on John

Was that the dumbest move ever? Or a brilliant maneuver by John to keep the pressure on? It seemed all but certain that John would take the opportunity to send Antone packing, when instead he voted to keep him around. But there's one person who wasn't surprised by the maneuver.

Sunny.

Her elimination Tuesday night, when she was soooooo close to the final four, came at the hands of one of her closest friends at the ranch, Becky, as well as her nemesis: John.

John has had it in for Sunny almost since Day 1, when he questioned her smarts (she's a teacher!) and she called him out on it. Since then, he has seemingly taken every possible chance to smack her in the teeth in a bid to eliminate her. Speaking during Wednesday's media conference call with the eliminated player, Sunny said she has no idea why he felt so strongly toward her.

"From that day forward," she said, referring to the confrontation in which she stood up for herself and put John in his place, "he was not very happy with me .... I don't know exactly where the animosity came from."

We couldn't resist asking Sunny whether she was gleeful about Bob's prediction, that John could end up gaining all the weight back because he has been so focused on winning instead of transforming.

'Biggest Loser': Will Bob's prediction come to pass?

The knives are out on "This Biggest Loser." And they're not just for the Thanksgiving turkey.

This week started out like it was all about the holidays, with the trainers and players gathered around the holiday table enjoying a healthful Turkey Day dinner. (There's still time to make it happen, folks! And then you and yours can rewatch "The Biggest Loser" reunion-esque special airing Wednesday night on NBC.)

But back to this week: For the first time ever, we got a glimpse into Bob's personal life. Specifically, his sister's long-standing struggle with her weight, and the toll that it takes on Bob that he hasn't been able to help her. Vinny also shared about his challenging childhood, and it all seemed to strike a kumbaya chord.

Anna Kournikova leaving 'Biggest Loser' after just one season

One season and she's out: Tennis champ Anna Kournikova won't be returning to "The Biggest Loser."

Kournikova was one of two trainers brought aboard to join Bob Harper after Jillian Michaels left the show last season. Known for her glamazon good looks, she struck some as a curious choice. But Kournikova said she had plenty in common with the obese contestants on NBC's reality weight-loss show: Years in the media spotlight left her struggling with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity about her looks.

However, her tenure got off to a rocky start. This season's theme is "Battle for the Ages," pitting youth against oldsters. Kournikova ended up with the senior set, and they have struggled, losing several weigh-ins and challenges. Moreover, she created conflict with several of the players -- and made no friends with viewers -- with a less-than-sympathetic demeanor. (Good-natured Joe, for example, bristled when Kournikova essentially told him to man up and get over some of his issues.)

Each week, during media conference calls with the eliminated players, contestants sang Kournikova's praises (including Joe, who was eliminated last week but said he credited Kournikova as being key to his weight-loss success.) But the Hollywood Reporter, which broke the news about Kournikova's departure, hinted that Kournikova was clashing with folks on and off camera.

Representatives for the show and for Kournikova were unavailable for comment. The Hollywood Reporter said Kournikova gave no reason for the departure beyond wishing everyone well: "I enjoyed my time on the Biggest Loser ranch. Although I will not be returning as a full time trainer on season 13, I will always be a part of The Biggest Loser family and my commitment to bettering lives through health and fitness will continue."

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Photo: Anna Kournikova. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

'The Biggest Loser' recap: Joe holds no grudge

Did you watch Ramone Tuesday night and think -- "Dude. Leaders don't act like babies." Or was that just me?

Ramone seemed to think that he was the only person in the house who has formed an alliance and couldn't understand why the rest of the players wouldn't line up to help him save Jessica, his newfound lady love. Like, say, Joe, who ended up casting the deciding vote to send Jessica home last week because he had his own support system that he was trying desperately to keep intact.

Ramone was furious, but Joe is taking it all in stride. It was Joe's turn to be sent packing this week (no doubt Ramone enjoyed this bit of revenge). But he said in a media conference call today that he has no hard feelings against either Ramone or Vinny, who both voted against him.

"Unfortunately, part of it is a game, and we sign up for it," Joe said during Wednesday morning's media conference call. "I consider Vinny a dear friend of mine. It's just part of the process. I don't hold any grudges. I was a threat and I understand that."

Joe said the transition to his home life has been easier than expected.

'The Biggest Loser': Jennifer says she's misunderstood

Jennifer has been portrayed by her teammates as a petulant child. In one of the best lines of the season so far, Antone said she needed a doctor, but then quipped that Dr. Phil, Dr. Laura, Dr. Oz and Dr. Dre combined might not be able to fix her. Her teammates blasted her for staying to herself, not participating in the teammwork, and then complaining about being left alone.

So it was no surprise that she was eliminated this week, becoming the first member of Bob's stalwart team to crumble. In fact, it was those fellow teammates who helped send her packing. "You have become a major distraction for everyone here," Antone said as he voted against her.

But in today's media call, Jennifer, who has lost more than 100 pounds so far, said she has been misunderstood. She said her leg injury early on limited her to pool workouts, and even though she pleaded with her teammates to join her on occasion, they turned her down. 

She said she has an upbeat, sunny personality and sees the best in people, and was saddened that her teammates never got to see that side of her. She said she also regretted not doing a better job of trying to fit in.

"I was isolated in that pool for weeks because of that injury," she said. And that's what she was referring to when she told Bob — or snitched to Bob, depending on your prespective — that she felt alone. By the time she was cleared to do other workouts, "alliances had already been formed," and she often ended up being the odd person out.

Moreover, "I was becoming a threat" on the scale, she said.

'Biggest Loser' recap: Don't mess with Texas. Or Bonnie!

No way Bob Harper was going to put up with upstarts like Anna and Dolvett eating his lunch.

He had his eyes set on another black team victory. Take that, newbies!

This week included a brilliantly diabolical challenge. Sunny won it: Immunity, and a week at home with her trainer. But like all things "Biggest Loser," it came with a weighty catch. Her number on the scale would represent the entire black team. In other words, if she screwed up, someone else was going home. And if that wasn't enough pressure, a loss could destroy Bob's perfect record.

Because let's face it, this week was probably more about Bob than it was about Sunny, or Dolvett or Anna. And in the end, Sunny was going to win at the weigh-in even if Bob had to beat the weight off her.

And did he ever.

"You don't look like you're laughing anymore, do you?" he asked Sunny.

No, no sir.

My only complaint is that we couldn't hear what those cowboys were saying to each other as they watched Bob rocking the cowboy hat as he gave her a Texas-style beat down, making her push a pickup, toss bales of hay and lug bags of feed up and down stairs in temperatures that topped 110 degrees. (I also want to know what they said to the guy operating the mechanical bull: Make it go reaaaal slow. If anything happens to Bob, you're Texas toast!)

'Biggest Loser's' Coach Mike: He talks about Anna, age and the ax

Yawn. The black team won the weigh in. Again. And the blue team sent someone home. Again.

But there were a few surprises this week:

We learned that Dolvett Vader has a heart, helping Courtney find her love of sports and encouraging his wards to find solace in doing their best -- no matter what the scale says. We learned that Ramone is an animal, carrying those 50-pound bags up the mountain all by his lonesome. We learned that past competitors such as Marci, and Hannah and Adam Hurtado of Santa Ana are as buff as ever, showing off their stuff on a visit back to the ranch in which they encouraged the competitors to do their best.

And we learned that Bob Harper practically walks on water. Or, at least, the mere sound of his voice can teach a grown man to swim.

But the biggest surprise of all? The axing of Coach Mike. Stone faced, he left the room without so much as a hug. Didn't see that one coming, but neither could we guess that it would be Bonnie -- Bonnie! -- who had all the power and was safe from elimination this week when the blue team fell below the dreaded yellow line.

'Biggest Loser' recap: Age is nothing but a number? Really?

 
As Season 12 gets underway with two new trainers backing up the inimitable Bob Harper -- that would be the sparkly Anna Kournikova and the yoked up Dolvett Quince -- we find ourselves with a front-row seat to the Battle of the Ages.

In this corner, we have the young guns, like Ramon -- who will no doubt provide this season's comedic one-liners and flowing locks. In the other corner, we have the old-timers, like 65-year-old Boston Johnny, who just might use that accent to backhand the younguns nipping at his heels. And then we have the middle-of-the-roadsters, the 40- and 50-somethings like former NFL player Antone, who isn't quite ready to hang up his cleats just yet.

Based upon the first challenge -- running a mile in the desert -- the middle-aged folks seem to have an edge. Granted, that edge is named Bob Harper. But it seems like this pack has relative youth on its side, combined with the wisdom that comes with having a few miles on the tires. (They were smart enough to pace themselves and get to the finish line first.)

Anyone want to wager a guess as to who will be among the last contestants standing? We can say this much with authority: There will be a wild card finalist. This season will grant one of those coveted berths to the winner of the Biggest Loser Marathon, which will be run at the end of the season. So glad to see the return of what is arguably the world's most exclusive marathon, as well a provocative twist. Way to keep it fresh!

Will the first eliminee, Debbie, be on that starting line? Too soon to tell. But here's one suggestion for Debbie: Watch Tuesday night's episode once more, and then ordered up a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence People." What a ham-handed attempt at self-survival while also shooting herself in the foot.

It was a Tivo-worthy moment because I never saw her actually reach behind the couch for the two-by-four that she then used to clobber poor Bonnie. (Another great accent.)

It was also like an episode of "Tom and Jerry" meets Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

When she started out, I assumed she was going to sacrifice herself when it became clear that one of the blue team members would be going home....

"I'm not saying that I want to go home, but what I am saying is that since I am in this position, I do have a support system. I have people who can help me. I have a membership at the gym already."

And then it seemed like she was heaping the praise on Bonnie and explaining why Bonnie should stay.

"To be perfectly honest, Bonnie, you are like everybody's mother here and everybody cares about you..."

And then WHAM!! over the head with that two-by-four:

"I'm not saying you turn your tears on like water 'cause I know you can't help it. But I gotta say that I do find it kind of annoying sometimes."

And then came the second swing:

"Every time you turn around, I think it's a sympathy play."

And then one final blow even as Bonnie tried to assume a defensive posture: "Hey, Bonnie, guess what -- we've all been through hell," Debbie snarled.

Do you think Bonnie has been playing up the "I-lost-everything-to-Hurricane-Katrina-and-then-I-lost-my-husband-to-illness" card? Even so, it would have been much more effective had Debbie argued that she deserved to stay because she was stronger, had lost more weight, and was injury-free so she was in a better position to help the rest of the team team win challenges.

You know, something -- or anything -- that would make the remaining teammates want to keep her.

Instead, she broadcast to her teammates: I will cut you if it serves my purpose.

Goodbye, Debbie.

And here's hoping that the blue team doesn't get picked off one by one.

Some other random thoughts:

When did Bob give up the color blue? It's confusing me.

Who knew that Anna was such a mother hen? She is doling out the hugs, but can she also keep them on task. (I love how she consoled Bonnie after she only lost four pounds. "We're going to find a more effective way, and those numbers are going to be better. We're just going to have to go longer.")

Is it me, or is Sunny the spittin' image of Tracey from Season 8?

Quote of the week goes to Quince: “Don’t hang on my treadmill!”

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'Hell's Kitchen' recap: A winner, with a little help from above

Paul Niedermann, who got his start in the restaurant business flipping burgers at Burger King, has a new job: He'll be chef at Manhattan's BLT Steak after winning "Hell's Kitchen's" Season 9 competition.

And while the good-natured sous-chef from Davie, Fla., beat out Will Lustberg of Jersey City, N.J., for the gig, it could be argued that the second-place victory went to the smack-talking Elise Wims.

Her scorched-earth approach didn't win her any friends. In fact, pretty much everyone hated her. But it won her begrudging admirers, among them Will and Paul, who considered her fierce competition, and "Hell's Kitchen" overlord, chef Gordon Ramsay.

Ramsay let her keep that most cherished of mementos, her chef's jacket, when he eliminated her. "You're Teflon. Well done," he told her, even as she was on the verge of tears. "Keep your jacket. You deserve it."

Thankfully, the cameras also caught him later telling Elise what everyone wanted to tell the woman who is clearly a talented cook, but also her own worst enemy, "Just stop being such a bitch!"
 
By contrast, Paul and Will were sweethearts, and from that vantage point it was hard to choose between the two. Will, however, may have served victory to Paul on a silver platter. He turned the final dinner service into one last piece of gamesmanship, manipulating the team-making so that Elise and Carrie would clash and create problems for Paul. The move left him with Krupa, who proved herself yet again to be a disaster in the kitchen, and turned Elise into the night's MVP because she was determined to shine.

Paul also gave stirring marching orders to his troops and kept them focused on the prize: The last dinner service was intended to honor Paul's late mother. And did it ever. "We didn't do it for me, we did it for my mom," he said as he toasted the former rivals who helped him to victory.

Ramsay said his admiration for Paul went beyond the plate: "He won tonight because he is probably the most passionate, determined chef to ever enter 'Hell's kitchen,'" he said, adding that Paul's "enthusiasm is contagious" and will serve him well on the job.

What did you think? Did Paul deserve to win? And do you think Elise will ever change?

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Photo: "Hell's Kitchen" Season 9 winner Paul Niedermann. Photo credit: Fox.

Jillian Michaels is an explosive addition to 'The Doctors'

Within her first few episodes as a new co-host on daytime TV's "The Doctors," Jillian Michaels drops the F-bomb, confronts the mother of a pregnant teen by asking, "Where were you when she's having sex at 13 years old?" and says that women who dress provocatively are  "inviting danger."

And she draws gasps from a studio audience when she throws down this challenge to a man whose addiction is slowly killing himself: "Why don't you be a man and blow your brains out!"

If you thought Michaels was outspoken and in-your-face on NBC's "The Biggest Loser," then she's downright explosive in her new role on the syndicated show that airs locally on CBS. The new season of "The Doctors," which starts Tuesday, should come with a tag-line: "It's Jillian, Unleashed."

Michaels said she left the hit NBC weight-loss reality show because "I couldn't have been more miserable," she said. "I just stopped growing and became complacent and I thought 'That job is done.'"

While she stresses that she is grateful for the platform that allowed her to skyrocket to fame and tackle America's obesity problem, she felt limited by the prime-time format. She praised the show's ability to inspire the masses to get up and move. But she said that the emphasis is on achieving jaw-dropping weight-loss figures week after week -- which she said is unrealistic for most viewers -- and diabolical challenges and temptations don't allow room to delve into the "how to" of weight loss.

She said "The Doctors" will allow her to do that as well as play the role of life coach -- not just fitness guru -- and help people grab hold of the tools necessary to transform their lives.

"Prime time is just not geared to inform the viewer," she said during a break in shooting last week. On "The Doctors," "we really dig in there and help people with the 'how to' of life transformation."

As part of her new gig, she's unveiling a multi-part special within the show called "The Doctors' Wake-Up Call with Jillian!" It launches on Friday, and will then air on consecutive Thursdays and feature Michaels working with three troubled couples who are struggling with destructive habits. One man lives on a fast-food and soda diet that leaves him so fat and lethargic he can't fully help his wife with their special-needs son. Another man survived leukemia only to binge drink and smoke. He's so addicted that he wakes up hourly throughout the night to light up. And a third man is addicted to chewing tobacco, and his wife is so repulsed she's on the verge of leaving him. (Don't be fooled into thinking that it's just the male counterparts in this relationship who are "the problem," either. Michaels soon turns the spotlight on the wives as well.)

'Hell's Kitchen' recap: Has Ramsay met his match?

"Hell's Kitchen" hath no fury like Elise.

She curses like a trooper. Doesn't give a hoot what anyone else thinks. Her dishes impress. She's got confidence to spare. She's ultra-competitive. And she is never, ever wrong. If chef Gordon Ramsay is looking for a protege, Elise just might be it.

Of course, she also makes everyone in her sphere of influence want to strangle her, but if anyone can beat that out of her, it's Ramsay.

Personally, I was relieved when Ramsay pulled a fast one this week and announced that no one was going home (after he stirred the pot by forcing them to choose two people for the chopping block.)