My Toronto Sun Column: Week 7

Amazing Race: Embarrassment of riches
From Norway to Poland, the eight remaining 'Amazing Race' teams posed and polka danced their way through this week's episode. Leaving off from last week's cliff-hanger, each team reached the pit stop to find out that they would continue racing and no one was eliminated, which came as a huge relief to Nicky and Kim, who arrived last. Starting from scratch, the teams travelled together by boat and plane to Poland, where they faced one of the most humiliating Detours yet. Each pair had to choose between posing as the famous Statue of Neptune in a black spandex onesie to collect money or dress in traditional Polish clothing and learn the polka. The majority of the teams chose the latter, but some soon found out that involved not only an embarrassing jig, but also choosing to cross-dress, as the costumes provided were for a male and female couple. Country-boy Danny sure looked pretty in that dress. When the race continued, the teams were given an opportunity to U-turn a pair. Danny and Tim, obviously bitter about the cross-dressing incident, decide to U-turn Leo and Jamal, who then chose to U-turn the bearded-duo, Brandon and Adam, forcing them both to head back to the square and pose for money as the Statue of Neptune. Going from first to last, the pair must have wished they had accepted the Express pass offer from Marie and Tim last week. Unfortunately, the U-turn caused them to fall far behind the remaining teams and Brandon and Adam were eliminated.
The Biggest Loser: Run of the treadmill
You don't need fancy equipment to lose weight, 'The Biggest Loser' competitors proved. In the first-ever 'Biggest Loser' auction, teams were given a budget of 500 BL (Big Loser) bucks to purchase the equipment they would use to lose the weight they needed to keep them safe. The white team, as a collective, chose the treadmills, as the blue team used their bucks on skipping ropes, rowing machines and weights. The red team were stuck with bags of sugar and flour, after they lost their boxing equipment to the white team when a trading voucher was thrown into the mix. When work-out time came, Tonya wasn't giving it her all, so her trainer, Dolvett sat down to talk with her about why she was holding back. Tonya broke down, speaking about her mother's drug addiction, the abuse she endured growing up and how she continued the cycle with her own children through neglect. Later, each of the competitors were given the opportunity to video chat with their families and the five minutes of footage was non-stop tears from each of them. At the weigh in, the team with the lowest combined weight loss would eliminate the player who lost the least amount. Tonya was the last player to be weighed. She broke down on the scale and announced she's forgiven her mother and had also forgiven herself. But after the speech, the scale revealed she hadn't lost any weight at all and she would be sent home. Dolvett came through for her, once again and used his trainer save on her. Looks like Tonya has a third chance at life.
Survivor: Hello ladies
Last week on Survivor, Kat's disloyalty to her alliance sealed her fate as the newest castaway on Redemption Island and this week, she completely lost it. She sobbed uncontrollably, unsure of her position in the game, as well as her position with her boyfriend Hayden. Kat's head just wasn't in the game. She lost the Redemption Island duel and was sent home for good. In the immunity and reward challenge, the tribes were tied together to complete the task, and no surprise, Tadhana came out on top, winning themselves a picnic of all-you-can-eat fried chicken. Back at the Galang camp, Laura B thought it would be in her best interest to let Vytas know he would be the one going home, as he was not part of the female alliance. But her big mouth seemed to irritate the rest of the ladies. Did she not learn anything from Kat's demise? Seeing a chance to save himself, Vytas smooth-talked the remaining women into voting off Laura B.
Dancing with the Stars: Snooki's last dance
So long Snooki. The reality-TV star and her partner Sasha Farber hung up their dancing shoes on 'Dancing With the Stars' after a Halloween special featuring make-up, costumes and thrilling dances. Visibly upset, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, who last week was told she had improved the most, was shocked. How did Bill Engvall and Emma Slater beat out the meatball? Amber Riley and Derek Hough seem to be untouchable, as they continue to dominate the season.

My Toronto Sun Column: Week 6

Heart smart
Emotions ran high on The Biggest Loser as the reasons why some of the contestants are here were underscored.
After trainer Jillian saved Craig from elimination last week, she sat down to talk to him about his inspiration for changing his life: His children and the fact that his father had passed away at age 32. Then the Velvet Teddy-Bear, Ruben, visited the doctor and was told that he has diabetes. He responded with three words: "I am afraid." Also, Hap met his newborn son for the first time over FaceTime. How's that for motivation?
At the first team challenge of the season, the blue, red and white teams were shocked as host Alison Sweeney announced at this week's weigh-in: Only one person's weight would count for each team and they wouldn't know who it is until the weigh-in itself. With a roll of the dice at this week's weigh-in, Hap was chosen for the blue team, Tanya was chosen for the red team and Fernanda was chosen for the white team to represent the rest of the competitors with their weight. Hap, who had pushed hard after meeting his son, lost 13 pounds, Tanya lost four pounds and Fernanda became the first competitor eliminated this week after she had only lost two pounds.
Shifting tides
The game just changed again on Survivor.
Laura M. dominated on Redemption Island at this week's duel, sending Brad Culpepper home. Then Survivor host Jeff Probst announced another shocker. After 14 days of playing against their loved ones, they were going to switch things up by drawing for new tribes. Tyson, Gervase and Aras moved to Tadhana and Vytas and Katie moved over to Galang. Katie is now playing alongside her mother Tina, and Vytas is now the only male on the team, while Ciera is the only female. The re-shuffled tribes got to know one another, but it was obvious that alliances and dynamics were in flux. Case in point: Tyson and Gervas seemed to be turning on Aras.
At the immunity/reward challenge, attention to detail was not a strength. Galang's Tina and Laura B. forgot a large part of the immunity challenge, swimming back to shore without their fishing net. That ensured they would be facing tribal council. Ultimately Kat showed she couldn't be trusted when she suggested voting out "over-strategizer" Monica, despite their alliance. That disloyalty spooked her tribe members, who in turn, voted her off the island.
Cold comfort
From Portugal to Norway, the eight remaining Amazing Race teams were forced to take the same flight to the Arctic Circle.
In a nasty detour, the teams had the choice to hang fish heads or make fish jerky before jumping off a bridge into the Arctic water during this week's road block. At least they got the chance to wash off the smell. Teams like the bearded gang, Brandon and Adam, had little trouble with the challenges, while baseball wives Nicky and Kim struggled to keep up with the rest of the pack.
In the last part of the challenge, teams had to use a Ford pick-up to move a giant boulder in order to grab coins and the whereabouts of the pit-stop. But by rushing her ex, Marie left the clue and they headed out with no idea where they were going. They ran into married ER doctors Travis and Nicole on the way, who offered to help them out if the team agreed to hand over their express pass. But the pair of exes declined. Stubbornness is not a good quality to have in this game. The bearded team was the first to reach Viking Longhouse, winning them a head start and $5,000 each. The fate of the remaining teams were left to be shown next week when the race continues.
Glitches and missteps
Technical difficulties proved good news for the weaker performers on this week's Dancing with the Stars, as voting glitches meant no teams were eliminated.
Among those struggling: Bill Engvall and Emma Slater, whose "redneck tango" earned them the lowest score. Most teams fared better. Highlights included Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Val Chmerkovskiy's empowering cha-cha, which was given the first perfect score of the season.
In a new twist, improvised dances were introduced, meaning the performers were able to show what they had learned. Lastly, Ariana Grande and Mika joined the cast this week to perform their hit song, Popular.

My Toronto Sun Column: Week 5

Cher finds her Voice: With the blind auditions over, The Voice's fifth season battle has begun. Cher, Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder and Miguel joined the four coaches as vocal mentors as Team Blake, Team Cee Lo, Team Christina and Team Adam were placed in pairs in order to perform dueling duets; only one of the two singers would be saved. If eliminated, however, they still had the opportunity to be stolen by another coach. This week, it looked like not only were some of the singers fighting against their competition, but also their mentors. Cher especially seemed to take her advisor role to the next level. The pop superstar gave quite the scolding to some of the contestants she was mentoring, including single dad Ray Boudreaux and stubborn singer, Monika Leigh. The diva stole the show without even taking the stage.
Wedded bliss? The honeymoon was over for Survivor's married couple Candice and John, who were separated after their arch-enemy Brad wound up on Redemption Island. In an intense puzzle challenge, Brad beat out Candice in order to stay alive in the game. Tadhana became a whole new tribe without their fallen leader. Along with injuries, bug bites and missing toenails, a shift in power began to take place with Caleb at the top, which had a major impact at the immunity and reward challenge, when the tribe won for this first time all season. Galang faced tribal council for the first time and rather than taking an easy vote with Rupert's wife, Laura B, they voted out a great competitor, Laura M in order to make Redemption Island a little more interesting. This season has been nothing but surprises.
Weight and see: It was not apparent in this week's ratings, but The Biggest Loser is back with it biggest season yet as 15 new contestants, including American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, take advantage of their "second chance at life." Trainers Bob, Jillian and Dolvett all helped in hand-picking the contestants, who started off the season weighing in on their past and jumped right into the game with a lot of sweat and tears. When it came time to check to contestants' progress, Dolvett's team weighed in with the Biggest Loser male and female as Rachel had lost 21 lbs. and David losing 38 lbs. That is a lot of extra baggage. Craig, who had lost the least amount of weight was told that he would be the first contestant eliminated, but not before Jillian jumped in and saved him as she didn't yet believe that it was his time to go.
Blades runners: Scratch Oksana Kazakova and Vladimir Malakhov, who were iced from the competition this week. The two, who were the second pair eliminated this season, blamed the judges, including Kurt Browning, PJ Stock and Jamie Sale. Way to be good sports about it. Unfortunately, the ones missing out are iOrphan Canada, the duo's charity, who lost out on a $25,000 prize.
The finished line: From first place to eliminated, former NFL teammates Chester and Ephraim ran into trouble after trouble on this week's Amazing Race. The football friends, the third team eliminated this season, seemed cursed by the airlines, as each flight they attempted to take in order to reach the remaining teams in Portugal from Chile was delayed. There was nothing they could do but accept their fate in the game. Married ER doctors, Travis and Nicole were the first team to reach the pit stop, winning them a trip to Costa Rica. Eight teams remain.
REALITY WRAP:
Biggest Winner:
Dom Streater was named the Season 12 winner of Project Runway.
Biggest Shocker:
Mike Fortunato from this season's Catfish died from a pulmonary embolism.
What the heck moment:
Tadhana's tribe is falling apart with Ciera's bugbites and Katie's missing toenails. We could have done without the close-up.
Quote of the week:
"People think this is a TV show, but it's not. It's a life-or-death intervention. You're checking into rehab." - The Biggest Loser coach Jillian Michaels

My Toronto Sun Column: Week 4

Spousal support?
On Survivor, it was husband vs. wife on Redemption Island as John faced his wife Candice as well as Marissa to stay alive in the game after Tadhana voted him of the island last week. Brad was to blame and the two were not scared to vocalize what they thought of him at the Redemption Island challenge. Luckily, in the puzzle challenge, both husband and wife made it through the task the quickest, sending Marissa home for good. The two spent time fishing and relaxing on the beach, where it looked more like honeymoon island, rather than a game of Survivor. In the immunity and reward challenge, Tadhana and Galang were head to head competing for tea and biscuits and the opportunity to remain safe in the game, but Galang pulled through in the end, winning immunity and remaining undefeated. At the tribal council meeting, Caleb, who had felt a target on his back, announced that he was voting for Brad, the team leader responsible for each player being sent off the island. The other players looked shocked, but in the end, they followed suit and Brad went to join the happy couple on Redemption Island in one of the most surprising tribal councils to date.
Gracious exit
Two-time Dancing with the Stars winner Julianne Hough took a seat on the judging panel as a guest and dished out tough critiques. Valerie Harper and Tristan MacManus waltzed out of the competition this week, as they were the third couple eliminated from the show. The 74-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, left graciously. Three couples earned high scores of 27, which included Corbin Bleu, Amber Riley and Elizabeth Berkley proving that the dancers are only getting better as the competition heats up.
Almost out of Runway
In the first part of Project Runway's Season 12 finale, Heidi and Tim announced the designers must complete at 10-look collection for Spring in only six weeks. The five remaining competitors were sent to their hometowns and given the time to complete each look. From LA to Philadelphia, Tim did his rounds to check on how each of them were doing and to add his two cents, of course. Back in NY, after completing their garments, the designers were surprised with the announcement that in addition to their collections, they must make an additional piece that can be washed, inspired by Tide detergent's new "Washable Fashions." This show is always thinking about pleasing their sponsors. In the end, Helen's collecting did not have the 'wow' factor necessary to make it to fashion week and he was eliminated. Next week the winner of season 12 is revealed.
Wow. Just wow.
If you met someone online and they told you they were the famous rapper Bow Wow, would you believe them? Likely not. But what if they sent you $10,000? Nineteen-year-old Keyonnah could only call Nev and Max of Catfish to help her figure out the mystery on this week's episode of Catfish. Although it seemed too good to be true, many signs showed the person on the other end of the line speaking to Keyonnah for the past few months may just be Bow Wow, especially the fact that they had send her $10,000. After driving to Atlanta and showing up at his door, the 'he' became a 'she' as a young woman by the name of Dee walked out, claiming her love for Keyonnah. In shock, Keyonnah was unable to forgive Dee for her lies and embarrassment and the two went their separate ways. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
SIDE:
Quote Of The Week: "It was an opportunity for me to carry a message to folks, not just with cancer, but with whatever challenge, like our song tonight -- carry on, carry on," Valerie said following her DWTS elimination.
Fearless Prediction: With such strong, innovated pieces the entire season, we are sure the new Project Runway winner will be Dom.
Biggest Surprise: NBC changed the premiere date of The Biggest Loser to a week later and it will now air Oct. 15.
What the heck moment: In one of the most surprising tribal councils to date, Tadhana turned on their leader and sent Brad to Redemption Island.

The Toronto Sun Column: Week 3

Gotta dance: It was Hollywood Night on DWTS, which came as nothing new to the contestants. The routines themselves, however, were another matter. Bill Nye, who suffered from a torn ligament last week, was eliminated in what was the worst jazz routine that the competition may have ever seen. And after a horrible week for Pretty Little Liars star Brant Daugherty, who suffered from an injury, lost cellphone and being robbed at gunpoint, he and partner Peta Murgatroyd, wowed the judges with their quickstep to Crazy In Love, earning them this week's highest score. Talk about a turnaround.
Finding a Voice: No one deserves to win more than the person that fails and doesn't give up and James Irwin got his karma this week. The 31-year old from St. Louis, who tried out last year and didn't make the cut, prompted all four judges on The Voice to push their button to choose the talented young man this time around. After praise from the others coaches and constructive criticism from Adam Levine, Irwin chose to join Levine's team. Smart move if we do say so. After the second last blind audition episode of the season, Cee Lo Green has three spots left on his team of 12, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton have two each, and Christina Aguilera has just one heading into next week, which wrap up the blind auditions.
Tribal counseling: No one likes a quitter, not even Survivor Blood vs. Water host Jeff Probst, who lost his cool on Galang's Colton Cumbie, after he quit the show last Friday night when he decided he didn't want to be there. And Probst, who is usually calm and collected, wasn't afraid to let the drama queen know how selfish he was being. Two reality TV no-nos - being a crybaby and a quitter, and Colton took the title of both.
Keeping up: After returning from their three-week TV hiatus, the Kardashians returned in time to showcase the lavish KimYe baby shower on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. While Kourtney and Khloe planned the details, which included all white decorations and a copy of Yeezus as a party favor, Kim was not set on the idea of having a shower due to all the negative attention she had been getting over her pregnancy. In an attempt to change her mind, Kris showed her a video of her own shower, which of course brought the tears with footage from the late Robert Kardashian. In the end, it worked and the reality queen caved on the idea. In the garden-themed shower, celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne and Kanye's family arrived, before Yeezus himself made his appearance.
Not so nice: The theory nice guys finish last proved true once again on Catfish as the MTV matchmakers Nev and Max travelled to Detroit to help a veteran named Derek. He'd been cheated on by both mothers of his children while he was serving in the military. Ouch! Derek was sure he had found love with Kristen who had added him on Facebook, but his happy ever after fell short when the three travelled to her home to find out that Kristen was really a mother of two named Chastity who had only created the Facebook account to spy on the father of her children. Talk about drama. Unfortunately for Derek, third time wasn't a charm and his search for love continues.
Extra from this week in reality:
Quote of the Week: "To say that all of this scrutiny doesn't get to you, I would be lying," admitted Kim. "But listening to my family, really does make me realize that I want to have this special moment for my daughter." - Kim Kardashian on her baby shower
Fearless Prediction: With drama queen Colton gone from Survivor Blood vs. Water, we have no doubt that the Galang tribe will run a lot smoother without him.
Biggest Surprise: After 31-year-old singer James Irwin was criticized by Adam Levine for his rendition of Losing My Religion, the singer chose Levine over the other coaches to join his team.
What the heck moment: Bill Nye would have been better off to drop out the competition than subject us to the sight of that horrible jazz number.

The Toronto Sun Column: Week 2

PITCH-PERFECT:
Original Voice coaches Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Lavine kicked off the fifth season of the newly-minted Emmy winner. Besides Christina's immense weight loss and Cee Lo's new head tattoo, there was actual talent to talk about. But first the four coaches started things off with their rendition of the classic I Love Rock and Roll to remind everyone, in case they forgot, who the show's real stars are. The first round of blind auditions did not disappoint, as a former rockstar, background singer, sandwich-maker and pageant coach -- just to name a few -- rocked the stage. In the end, Adam welcomed three contestants to his team, Christina and Cee Lo each chose two, and three-time winner of the singing competition, Blake, chose one.
OH NYE:
Dancing With The Stars fans must have been grateful to Bill Nye for making middle school a lot more entertaining, as the Science Guy found himself safe this week, even with the worst score of season. Former football player, Keyshawn Johnson was the first to shuffle off the competition instead. But votes couldn't save Bill from injury, as the 57-year-old competitor was rushed to the hospital after hurting his knee during his paso doble dance. After posting a photo of himself and partner Tyne Stecklein with a wrapped knee and a tweet that confirmed the torn ligament, Bill Nye's fate in the competition is unknown, but he hasn't stepped down as of yet. This week's winners included High School Musical's Corbin Bleu and his partner Karina, who won over the judges with their Jive.
THICKER THAN ...:
The second episode of Blood vs. Water (which seems to be Survivor's most intricate season yet) began with a look at Redemption Island, as Candice, Rupert and Marissa -- the three castaways who left the island last week -- battled it out for a chance to stay in the game. In an intricate challenge involving balancing spools through a maze, the three gave it their all as the remaining castaways, including their loved ones, cheered on. After completing the challenge in third place, fan-favourite Rupert Boneham was sent home for good. But his wife still has a shot. In the Immunity Challenge, Jarvis took the win for Galang, and earned them fishing gear. Tadhana, on the other hand, headed to Tribal Council, where Rachel was voted out to join the inhabitants of Redemption Island.
SOMETHING FISHY:
MTV cupids Nev and Max were back at it this week, to help two love-struck teens meet for the first time on Catfish. Nick and Melissa, who live in completely different states met when they were 12-years-old on a Tila Tequila fan page, of all places. That just spells romance. For six years, they talked, got to know each other, and eventually fell in love. Nick decided it was time for the two to meet and contacted Nev and Max to help make it all possible. But many things stood in the way, including Melissa's live-in boyfriend, Olin. After the two hosts scooped up Nick and flew him to meet Melissa, he was not expecting to find out that, not only was she still in love with her boyfriend, but she had also manipulated her photo angles and lighting to make her look a lot less heavy. She blamed it on her low self-esteem, but for someone with low self-esteem, she does have two men who both love her. In the end, she had to choose between them and she decided to continue to live with her boyfriend, but remains close friends with Nick.
Quote Of The Week:
"This is a great game. I love Survivor, but I love my wife more." - Rupert Boheman, the first castaway off the show after taking his wife's spot on Redemption Island.
Fearless Prediction:
An injury added to his lack of skill is just putting salt on the wound for Bill Nye the Science Guy. Even if he doesn't step down from the competition, we can't see how far he'll make it. Crutches don't make the best dance partner.
Biggest Surprise:
It was quite the shock on The Voice when none of the four coaches turned around to choose 15-year-old Matthew Brea, who nailed the Jackson 5's I Want You Back, which he dedicated to his late brother.
What the heck moment:
Season 5's first episode wasn't the only premiere on The Voice this week as Cee Lo Green took the opportunity to debut his new head tattoo. We hope that it's just henna.

My Toronto Sun Column: Week 1

Survivor: Blood vs Water
It was twist after twist Wednesday night as the 90-minute premiere of Survivor brought many new elements to its 27th season. Centered in the Philippians, Survivor: Blood vs Water isn't the same game that catapulted the reality genre 13 years ago. The show is technically a teenager now, and with teens, you never know what's going to happen next.
This go-around is the third consecutive season to bring back previous players, and this time they were accompanied by a loved one. Fan favourite Rupert Boneham brought along his wife Laura while Season 2 winner Tina Wesson brought along her daughter, Katie. It was soon announced however, that rather than playing the game together, each family and friend would face the previous castaways in a separate tribe.
Blood vs Water, Tadhana vs Galang. After spending the first night in the jungle, and separating into their new tribes, the two teams had to vote out a member immediately. Tadhana voted out Rupert's wife Laura B, while Galang booted Candice.
Then Jeff announced Redemption Island was back this season, where players could return to the game. But for the first time, loved ones could switch places with their eliminated family member. With that being said, Rupert stepped forward to take his wife's place. How romantic. Who said chivalry is dead?
Dancing With The Stars
Season 17 of DWTS premiered with much Cha Cha-ing, high scores and some surprising skill from the stars you'd least expect. Glee's Amber Riley and her partner Derek Hough, Cha Cha Cha-ed all over the stage, which earned them a score of 27, a tie as highest debuting performance score in the show's history. I guess that's what happens when your life is a musical.
A slimmed-down Snooki threw in a fist pump to her dance and earned herself and her partner Sasha Farber a score of 23. Receiving a standing ovation before even beginning to dance, Valerie Harper, who is currently battling terminal cancer, scored 21 for her foxtrot.
On the other end of the spectrum, contestants footballer Keyshawn Johnson and Bill Nye earned the lowest scores. Elimination happen next week.
The X Factor
The X Factor this year is more about the story than the talent. As of yet during auditions, no one has broken out based on their performance. Instead it's their stories of struggle and underdog status that make them so memorable.
Wednesday's episode tugged at our heart-stings as 16-year-old Carlos Guevara from South Carolina sung a rendition of John Mayer's Gravity after sharing in his pre-audition interview that he had been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome; the illness had seriously affected his life to the point where he had to leave school.
But that all changed with four positive responses from the judges. Considering the winner of The Amazing Race Canada as well as Valerie Harper on DWTS, is this the year of the reality-TV underdog?
Project Runway
It was all about the fans this week as eight self-proclaimed "superfans" got the ultimate Project Runway experience, including makeovers to become the client for the designer challenge this week. But drama seemed to overshadow things.
After the first work day, Ken, the tiny little man with the big anger management issues hit an all-time pinnacle diva moment by screaming at Alexander while wearing a face-mask.
The man has issues, but at least he'll have soft skin. On the runway, Helen won the challenge with the show-stopping red carpet dress she made for her client and on the bottom, it came down to Alexander and Ken for elimination.
In the end, the diva was out. Anger management wouldn't hurt, Ken.
Quote Of The Week: "It's good to be alive and it's better to be dancing!" - Valerie Harper, who is battling terminal cancer.
Fearless Prediction: It's early goings on DWTS but Christina Milian is sure to dominate. How can we forget the Dip It Low video? And there's little Bill Nye's low scores will bring an end his dancing experiment at next week's elimination.
Proud Canadian Moment: From west to east to the prairies and central Canada, Canadian landmarks and attractions were the real stars of The Amazing Race Canada this season.
What The Heck Moment: With Keeping Up With The Kardashians on a hiatus until the end of the month, Kris Jenner had to look for attention elsewhere and did so by posting a bikini shot of herself on Instagram. There should be an age limit to such things.