Loved the Biggest Loser challenge last night.  Love to see those contestants deal with carrying their weight and then shedding it after reaching each hurdle.  Metaphoric, therapeutic, a great boost for the soul, a great lesson in remembering from where they came and a fabulous physical challenge.  Those are the kind of challenges I totally enjoy on this show, void of danger and a true testament to how far they have come.  Rita, I kept thinking of you each time Daris threw down more weight and stayed ahead of the others.  He is now like a well greased and polished machine, just pumping out the work and shining!  Watching his before and after (as well as the rest) was truly unbelievable.   I remain in awe of the human body and the human spirit.

Daris gave no thought to grabbing the one pound advantage in place of the $10,000.00 - I wonder if he was kicking himself after the weigh in!  Oh well, can't go back, only look ahead.  He, along with Koli, Ashely and Michael have made it to the final four.  It was hard to watch Michael's somewhat violent breakdown last night.  Bob handled it really well.  I think I would have had to call security!  With no yellow line, and instead a red one, it was Sunshine who fell below and was sent packing.  She looked gorgeous (she IS gorgeous) when she went home and she still has a chance at the $100,000 second place prize.

I am really happy Daris and Ashley made it to the final four.  Ashely has managed to stay in this thing, sort of quietly pushing through some really tough challenges.  Her face is so beautiful and she really deserves to be in the finals.  Daris goes without saying.  Nice kid, such a sweet smile and disposition.  He has turned that old clown self into a handsome, humble young man and his body is looking great, too!  As for Michael, after last night's melt-down and rather aggressive outburst, I would have thrown him off the ranch.  Too much poor poor me.  I get it, don't think I am cold, just enough self-pity.  I am not big on self-pity.  Suck it up, you lost 200 pounds in a few months!!!  We all know how hard it is to lose 10 pounds, right Carol?  Sunshine also cries a little too much for my tolerance level.  Transforming herself into a gorgeous young woman, she really has nothing to cry about.  She did handle falling below the red line rather well though, I must admit.

As for Koli, who was once one of my favorites, I silently wished it was he who fell below the red line.  He has gotten more and more aggressive over the past few weeks.  Last night he clearly had a chip on his shoulder.  He gives the impression that he is better than the others and I have NO use for that!  I was really glad Daris beat him in the challenge.  Though he stands a good chance of  winning season 9, I certainly hope he doesn't.  I am wondering if part of his aggression is a bit of jealousy that Sam fell in love with Stephanie, moved away and started a new life.  I realize the cousins came on the show very, very close.

Well just a couple more weeks and season 9 come to an end with a new winner.  I can't wait to see all the other contestants return...except Melissa...haven't missed her at all!