Ariel weighs in on this week's Loser

Take a seat, it's recap time

The competition is getting fierce, and the contestants say they aren't playing the game, but it'd be stupid for them not to. They know they can lose the weight, so edging out the competition will only benefit them in the end.

Rule #1 on Reality TV shows.... trust no one. Always just make sure you're looking out for yourself.

Rule #2 Don't be a hypocrit.... this is TV, everyone will realize and be able to see through you.

Rule #3 There are some unwritten rules of engagement, and people might think you're slime if you break them... but, you'll be the one $250K richer in the end.

If they didn't want you to play a game, then all 18 team members would still be on the ranch losing weight together.

Anyway... Nicole, Ryan, and B win the challenge which gives them each an individual vote at elimination, which in effect gives the three of them the power to vote of whoever they way - if they all vote for the same person. But, they have to make sure they do not fall below the yellow line, which would render that prize void.

(Product placement this week was Milk, brough to you by the National Dairy Council probably... and the Ziplock Seal and Steam microwave bags... I wonder how much S.C. Johnson spent on that one... I mean can they make those any MORE obvious?)

The weigh in: Neil drops 33 pounds... which is not surprising considering he gained 17 in water weight last week to throw the weigh in. Because Isabeau knew Neil would drop so much, she worked to not lose any weight, so that she'd throw up a bigger number next week and hopefully keep herself and Neil (who is usually capable of double digits) out of elimination.

See, this is all strategy... this is all game-playing. Are you here to lose weight? Yes. But are you also here to be the biggest loser? YES! Then you have to play your cards right in order to ensure you stay on the show. That is the bottom line.

Hollie, David, and Kae lose the weigh-in.... but Kae is seriously a machine... she lost another 6 pounds, and looks amazing. Poor David only lost 3 pounds, and has a hell of a lot of weight to lose, so to me he is the obvious target. Though, I though Kae might be an easy person to pick off because she could win the whole thing.

At elimination, Julie, Amy, and Bill vote for David.... which surprised me because Amy was throwing a bitch-fit about getting rid of Kae because they had the opportunity to do so, and if they missed it, she could win. Neil and Isabeau voted for David as well, since neither of them were members of the original Red team. B voted for Kae which didn't surprise me.... but then Nicole's vote for David tipped the scales to send him home.

It's getting more interesting each week. I think B is the dark horse... he flys below the radar, puts up decent numbers, and will have Kim's undivided attention now that he is the only one left training with her.

-posted by Ariel