'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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-- Rene Lynch
Twitter / renelynch

Photo: Season 12 cast. Credit: NBC

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.)

'Biggest Loser' revisit: How Ken Andrews' life has changed

Pastor Ken Andrews of Pasadena joined "The Biggest Loser" last season because the wanted to lose weight.

Instead, he found God.

When he took off his shirt and stepped on the show's giant scales earlier this year it read 377 pounds. That was a number he was sharing publicly for the first time with friends, relatives, millions of Americans and parishioners at his small Pasadena church. One family abandoned the parish because they felt it unseemly that their religious leader would strip down in public.

Andrews, 49, wasn't crazy about doing it either. But he knew he had to do something about the weight. He had struggled with obesity or most of his life, and joined the show along with his son, Austin, because he thought that he could tackle it once and for all if he just got away from the pressures of day-to-day life. If he just focused on eating right and exercise, all his problems would be gone.

In fact, Andrews said, the most important help he received at the ranch had nothing to do with cardio or calories. All contestants on the NBC weight-loss show undergo psychological counseling as part of their transformation, and Andrews credits that intervention with helping him to confront a horrific childhood trauma that triggered overeating -- a trauma that was never actually revealed on the show.

When he was a little boy of about 4, a man broke into his home and raped his mother, beat him, and threatened to kill all of them -- including Ken's baby brother -- if they told anyone. Ken's father was stationed overseas in the military at the time, and his mother swore him to secrecy. The rest of her years were shrouded in depression, Andrews said.

Andrews buried the trauma in the recesses of his mind, never acknowledging it for decades. But now he realizes that it was there all along, triggering his excessive eating. Confronting it ultimately helped him redefine his relationship with God, and gave new meaning to his ministry. “Losing the weight almost became secondary,” he said.

PHOTOS: Pastor Ken Andrews at work

Today, Andrews said he realizes he has an obligation to God to live a healthy, happy, and spiritually enriched life -- and that being miserable about his weight was abusing the gift of life that God has bestowed upon him. He said he also realized that he no longer needed to eat to try to smooth over his problems. He could bring them to God, and it's a message that he has begun encouraging other pastors to share with their congregation.

'The Biggest Loser' finale recap: Purple is the new pink; a new trainer; saying goodbye and more

This post has been corrected. See the note at the bottom for details.

"The Biggest Loser" Season 11 finale busted all records. Trainer Jillian Michaels made her last appearance. Rulon was a no-show, becoming the first contestant to skip the finale. And also for the first time, a new trainer was announced at the finale: Tennis beauty Anna Kournikova. What do you think about that choice?

Photo gallery: Before-and-after pictures of the Season 11 contestants

But all that pales in comparision to the gutsy determination of four women who simply would not give in or give up. Remarkably, they did it without falling back on the now trite "women can do anything!" platform, trading it in instead for the far more empowering and inspiring "I can do anything!" message. So let's get to it, starting with the purple machine, sisters Olivia Ward, 35, who came in first place, and Hannah Curlee, 32, who came in second and proved that pink isn't the only lucky color for the ladies.

"No. 1 and No. 2, what else can you ask for?" Hannah said. A jubilant Olivia offered up this tip for success: "Do not be afraid to ask for help. In the past we were afraid to ask for help. But we decided that we needed the help, we didn't know what we were doing, and we asked for help and this is where it got us." No surprise, they also attribute their partnership to keeping them afloat. Stay tuned for more from these two, including a new blog, and a public speaking tour. (Aside: Was Olivia's black-and-white number the single best finale dress ever in "Biggest Loser" history? I told you there were lots of "firsts" in this finale. Hannah's wasn't too shabby, either. Both were from the BCBG line.) Olivia started the competition at 261 pounds and lost 129 pounds, or 49.43% of her body weight. Hannah started at 248 pounds and lost 120 pounds, or 48.39% of her body weight.

'Biggest Loser' recap: Is purple the new pink?

Attention "Biggest Loser" producers: Where's my marathon?

We're one week from the finale, and I've come to expect what had been a rite of passage for finalists in recent seasons: The world's most exclusive marathon, ending at the Pacific Ocean. It's become a symbolic run from an obese past to a sunny, fit future, and undeniable evidence of what can be achieved in mere weeks with enough guts, courage and determination. (And, with Bob and Jillian threatening to beat you with your own limbs if you don't get busy in the gym).

So I was incredibly disappointed to find that Season 11 will finish without such a fitting conclusion. Do you agree with me? Did you miss the marathon? Let's hope it returns in Season 12.

We had two other rites of passage this week, the beloved take-it-off challenge (very clever staging on a golf course) and the final weigh-in on campus. Sisters Hannah and Olivia go down in the record books for making it, intact, to the final two in a blaze of purple. That left Jay and Irene below the yellow line, even though Irene is the reigning in-house "Biggest Loser" champion for losing the largest percentage of body weight while on campus.

But the biggest news of the night? Jillian's bowing down before Hannah, in recognition of Hannah's indomitable spirit and spunk. That one goes in the record books, too.

So, America, now you get to vote. Who should land that No. 3 spot in next week's finale for a shot at $250,000 and the Season 11 title? Should it be Jay, a cat with nine lives, who has struggled at middle age to redefine himself in a world where youth is king? Or Irene, who is truly our Cinderella as unveiled by Fairy Godfather Tim Gunn? She arguably has had the toughest go at the ranch -- she lost her partner, and mother, in Week 1 -- and never looked back. (Even Jay had his daughter around for support for longer than that.) 

Bottom line: Who do you think will win?

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-- Rene Lynch
twitter.com / renelynch

'The Biggest Loser' recap: Your Final Four and Rulon-Gate continues

So much to get to! America, meet your Final Four, plus stick around for Rulon-Gate: A rehash of Rulon versus Tara, and let me know whether we -- you -- deserve more answers. Let's begin.

Luckily, I am not a betting woman. Because I would have bet that our hometown kid -- Austin Andrews, 21, of Pasadena -- was all but guaranteed a spot in the Final Four thanks to monster workouts and the one-pound advantage that he won at the earlier challenge. I even shouted, "Take the money!" when he was offered $10,000 in exchange for that one-pound advantage because I was sure he'd still manage to lose enough weight to keep him safe.

Too bad Austin didn't listen to me. At least he would have had $10,000 in his pocket when he stepped on the scale this week to find out that he'd lost only one pound, not enough to keep him from plummeting below the yellow line and off the ranch.

But Austin has the heart of a lion (that lush, curly mane doesn't hurt) and certainly doesn't leave the ranch empty-handed. "The Biggest Loser" was a rite of passage for Austin, who said he entered the house a boy and leaves a self-assured young man. He lost 161 pounds, made it to the final five, and did so with dignity and grace, and that makes him a winner. Here's wishing Austin gobs of success in all that he does. And that just might be a career in mixed martial arts, thanks to Cara and Brett.

Speaking of that bronzed-and-chiseled duo: Austin's departure leaves them without a dog in the fight at the finale -- all their team members have been eliminated. Do you see this as a commentary on their abilities as trainers?

Congrats to Olivia, Hannah, Jay and Irene for making it to the Final Four. It is particularly amazing that the purple machine -- sisters Hannah and Olivia -- managed to stay together through it all. Way to go, girls!

Who do you think will walk away with it all? Could it be Jay, given how much more weight he still has to lose? The rest of those girls are, to quote Jillian, pencils! We'll find out soon who makes the final three.

Now, let's cue the controversy, both involving Rulon.

'The Biggest Loser' recap: Fairy godfather Tim Gunn makes everyone's dreams come true

The only thing better than makeover week on "The Biggest Loser"? Makeover week with fashion fairy godfather Tim Gunn at the helm.

There was a fairy tale princess theme to makeover week, and I think the guys got a little shortchanged here. I wonder how they felt about driving around in a carriage and being greeted by Gunn. But who cares? This week was all about the ladies getting to show off their slim, trim figures in gorgeous gowns. Irene was stunning. And the purple team sure cleaned up good. Olivia's new haircut was fetching. And I'm sure the boys didn't mind that they weren't in the spotlight. (Austin, for his part, was too busy "commanding" his tux and bringing the swagger. Did he look jaw-droppingly handsome, or what? Love those curly locks.) Also pure perfection: Ali's princess up-do.

Maybe it was just me, but the makover segment seemed a bit too abrupt. I wish we could have gotten a little more from Gunn, maybe offering helpful commentary as the contestants tried on a few different outfits and looked for the shapes that flatter their new physiques. Don't get me wrong -- love makeover week -- but it felt a touch rote, even with the fab Tim Gunn running the show. I'm not sure that's anyone's fault. We've come to expect the shocking transformations, the surprise meeting with friends, lovers and relatives. Thankfully, the pretty castle setting brought something new and different to the mix.

Rulon Gardner says 'Biggest Loser' sparks a possible return to competitive wrestling

Two-time Olympian and wrestling legend Rulon Gardner released a statement Wednesday morning regarding his abrupt decision to quit "The Biggest Loser" even though some considered him the frontrunner to win the Season 11 title and the $250,000 pay day.

It doesn't answer all the questions. But it does reveal that the 39-year-old may return to competitive wrestling, a development he attributes to the show. A return to competitive wrestling could be a fitting next step for the athlete whose life story -- both on and off the wrestling mat -- reads like an over-the-top Hollywood script. (More on that below). Here is the statement:

“Participating on ‘The Biggest Loser’ was a fantastic experience. I went on the show to get my life and my health back and I have accomplished that goal. I want to thank the trainers and all those connected with the show who helped me in that endeavor. Once I reached my goal and started feeling like my old self, I felt compelled to return home and support my wife, Kamie, in the ongoing management of our personal and professional affairs. The real prize for me in participating on the show was regaining my life back and thanks to the show I have accomplished that. Another exciting outcome is that I am strongly considering a return to competitive wrestling.”

A story at wrestling outlet the Mat also chronicles Rulon's desire to embrace his inner athlete. A return to wrestling would no doubt make for yet another chapter in a thrilling life story. Gardner was raised on a farm in Wyoming where hard work and farm chores helped build the strength that would serve him later in life and help him survive an almost unbelievable string of near-death experiences as well as larger-than-life victories:

'The Biggest Loser' shocker: Rulon abruptly quits, and it's anyone's game

Whoa! I didn't see that "Biggest Loser" twist coming. Did you? Rulon Gardner just up and quit.

The two-time Olympic medalist who was seen by many as the frontrunner in the bid to become the Season 11 winner of "The Biggest Loser" and take home the $250,000 pay day just abruptly said he was going home and provided very little explanation for his actions. (Maybe he was peeved that Tara beat him in the pulling-a-car challenge?)

This week's weigh-in was just about to begin when host Ali Sweeney noted that Rulon had something to say. He did a light jog up the stairs, took his place on the giant scale and announced: "This is my last time on the scale. I'm asking to leave 'The Biggest Loser' for a personal reason. That's it." He then jogged back down, hugged and kissed the trainers  good-bye and headed out the door.

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Interlude: I'm interviewing Ali and Jillian Michaels at the L.A. Times Festival of Books this weekend. Join us! Do you have any questions for Ali and Jillian? Leave them in the comments section below.

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Rulon later added this much in a camera aside but still left many questions unanswered:

'Biggest Loser's' Ken Andrews of Pasadena dishes on Rulon and more

It's everyone versus Rulon.

Rulon Gardner has been seen as a contender for the Season 11 win -- and how could he not be, considering his Olympic background. And this week, we got the sharpest sense yet that everyone is just waiting for Rulon to slip up so they can send him on his way. Clearly, the big man hasn't been making any friends. Olivia was dead set on beating him in the board challenge, and she did. Irene had an "anyone but Rulon" attitude as well. And even affable Ken Andrews, the pastor from Pasadena, said that he wished he'd been on the chopping block Tuesday night with Rulon -- because he knew the rest of the players would have sent Rulon home.

Does this mean Season 11 -- which appeared so close knit up to now -- has its villain?

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INTERLUDE: Do you want to hang out with Bob Harper Saturday night? He's helping to host a Hollywood Hills soiree to launch Farm Sanctuary's 25th anniversary gala. Details here. Do you have a question for Jillian Michaels? I'm interviewing her April 30 at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. Join us! And email any questions for Jillian to me at rene.lynch@latimes.com

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Andrews said in a media conference call that he and his son Austin had a falling out a while ago with Rulon over Rulon's treatment of others. Ken declined to elaborate except to say, "It had to do with [Rulon's] attitude and the way he treated others, and it wasn't something that we wanted to support or be a part of." Ken said that he and Austin formally told Rulon that they would no longer be part of an alliance with Rulon, and that if given the chance they would vote him off the island. I mean the ranch. He said Rulon became "angry, very angry."

What do you think about Rulon?

Ken said he had no ill will toward Hannah, even though he was eliminated over her (and even though she is closer to her goal weight than he is.)

Did you notice when Austin remarked that he was grateful to "The Biggest Loser" for helping his dad deal with certain "memories" and other issues, and putting him on track to better health? Well, Ken explained a heartbreaking incident that took place when he was just a young child, about 4. It was an incident that Ken had all but forced himself to forget. And he ate to cover it up. The deep psychological work that the contestants do at the ranch helped him unearth the painful memory.

"I witnessed my mother being raped, and it was a brutal attack," Ken said. Ken, who was also beaten by the assailant, said the attack took place on a military base, when his father was stationed overseas. The assailant remarked that the father was not there -- which makes Ken think that the attacker was a military man. Ken said the attack sent his mother into a deep depression, and she never spoken of the incident again. Ken added that he is no longer willing to keep such things secret. When something is bothering him, or he is troubled by a memory, he is going to talk about.

One thing he will not talk about: Rumors that Austin may have found romance on the ranch. Hmmm. Who could it be? Kaylee? Irene? Hannah? Well, we'll have to continue speculating because Ken was as quiet as a clam.

He did say he is grateful to the show for many things, but especially for helping him create a stronger bond with his son, one that did not involve enabling each other with food or other unhealthy behaviors.

Ken, thanks for shedding a light on how such traumas can haunt people for years and encouraging them to confront those issues head-on. We're looking forward to seeing (less of) you at the finale.

So glad to see Brett's return, so he gets quote of the week: "Front line, it's varsity time, I'm back."

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--Rene Lynch
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Photo: Ken Andrews: NBC