[Jules]

I didn't get to see the show on air, but luckily they let you watch it afterwards on the NBC site -very glad of that. Anyhow, I was struck by the same thoughts as Adam at first, but I was so glad they didn't send them home empty-handed. Sure, they're not on the TV show every episode, but they were taught about nutrition, exercise, given gym membersips, given the book and Dvd, and importantly they're still under scrutiny. Their progress was to be published online, from weigh-ins to journals.

I didn't look at the book and DVD as you did exactly Adam, I see them as extra help. Firstly, I have those materials myself (Thanks to Aaron!) and they are great. But also it gives people no excuse. Can't get out to the gym? Use the Dvd at home. Can't remember the diet? Open the book and look. They didn't all get to compete but in a way they got much more than people on the show who get voted off in the first week or two recieve. Not everyone can stay at the ranch for the whole show; atleast they still have a chance. And hopefully all those people who threw them parties and wished the well will give them loads of help and support as they do this not at the ranch. The people at the ranch don't get their family's help or contact with them at all.

Before anyone judges the show, I'd say go online and look at a few of the at home contestants. Many are doing quite well and kicking the pants off of some of the people at the ranch. And importantly they are learning that they can do this -they don't have to go away to a special ranch to do it. I think it will stick with them and change their lives even more in some ways. The only wierd thing to me is the online journals. Interesting to read, but not helpful when people leave encouragement since it's all over already anyhow. It was extrememly gratifying to see the weight loss for the person voted off. Even though she went home week one, she got the prize that matters. That's encouraging too.

Cheers! Jules