Its nearly the halfway point of the season, so the contestants celebrate the occasion with a challenge involving the total of their weight lost to date. Plus, they receive an inspirational visit from their doctor to assess their health advances. There's also a surprise guest trainer Jillian Michaels' mom, a psychotherapist, who helps the contestants begin to understand the issues in their past that have contributed to their weight gain. Then another elimination round leads to a heartbreaking farewell as one more player is sent home.

For the first time in the history of NBC's hit series "The Biggest Loser," the last nine contestants all get a trip home to see their loved ones in the middle of the season. It's a week filled with heartwarming reunions, real world temptations and tearful goodbyes when contestants must return to the ranch.

The competition heats up as only eight players remain. One team is surprised with a special trip to Las Vegas, but will they maintain their diets and workouts in Sin City, or give in to temptation? Then, in a very emotional elimination, one unsuspecting player makes the ultimate sacrifice for their team.