‘The Apprentice’ went out with an accelerated whimper instead of a bang
and I think Kendra won, but I can’t be sure. It all happened so fast, I
might have misunderstood.
As things kick off, I think I’m safely speaking for the nation with, “Oh
boy, oh boy, I hope that COO grabs the mike and tries to redeem himself
for last season's train wreck.” If not for Ashley Simpson’s impromptu
jamboree (it still gives me goose bumps, I almost woke up the wife), it
would have been the most memorable moment of the year.
Immediately, a repeat of one of the most powerful businessmen in the
country swallowing his tongue while trying to say the word “Kelly” seems
unlikely. If Trump didn’t have his own private jet, I would’ve thought
he had a plane to catch.
NBC learned from their past mistakes with the debacle that was the three
hour finale. They pared things down to an hour counting a 15 minute
recap. The end result was a break neck pace. I think they were told that
cutting into the E.R. season finale was grounds for a stoning. When it
was your turn to speak, you’d better be ready. If you started hemming
and hawing, you were gonged back into obscurity.
Right out of the gates, Tana gets grilled for referring to her team as
the three stooges. She did an ok job defending herself, but Kendra did
much better with an obviously planned response when Trump challenged
that her tears undermine her authority, “I’ve seen 300 lb. linebackers
cry as they raise a Super Bowl trophy in victory.”
Check please. It was a done deal as the crowd erupted.
It’s hard to believe that a one million person job interview came down
to Kendra and Tana. Neither one of them was stellar, but Kendra was the
clear choice. Considering that on her watch, Danny started the
presentation to all the sponsors with an a capella jingle, she had a lot
to overcome. Those same sponsors were thrilled at days end.
Tana's obstacles proved almost insurmountable as she did her best while
her team failed to even find a parking space. The margin notes getting
typed into the programs probably didn’t help either. Although, that did
create one of the best reality moments of the season.
The winner was apparent when their job responsibilities were unveiled.
The remodeling of a mansion in Kendra’s home county was the meatball
pitch that Rancic got with the Chicago project.
"Kendra, you’re hired."
All-in-all, I’m glad it’s over. It was just a case of too much, too fast
this time around. And let's be honest, the other networks brought some
noise this year. ‘House’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Lost’ were all for real.
I’ve said it before in jest but all jokes aside; Desperate Housewives is
good, crazy good. ‘The Apprentice’ was "been there, done that" with all
the original ideas surfacing.
NBC isn’t exactly curtailing some of the over-exposure ‘The Apprentice’
experienced this time around. They decided to not only have one series
next fall but a Wednesday installment featuring Martha Stewart as well.
At least they’re giving us a few months off to ponder the meaning of
life from the articulation and insight of Kevin Federline. (Thank you
God! Talk about a meatball pitch.)
Going forward, the really bad news is that ‘The Contender’ has not been
picked up for a second season. Frankly, it’s a bit nauseating. It ranks
up there with a ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ remake. Why
don’t you add a splash of color to the Mona Lisa while you’re at it?
What’s amazing is that it’s not even the most shocking revelation of the
week. That distinction goes to Dave Chapelle complaining that he doesn’t
have enough creative freedom. Is there a human being alive with more
artistic carte blanche than Chapelle? Snuff film directors couldn’t get
away with some of his stuff.
Thanks for another interesting season Donald. It wasn’t your best but it
had its moments. Go take the vacation you deserve and need and we’ll see
you in the fall. Don’t worry about us, Britney’s sex-capades will tide
us over until then.
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