I think when it comes down to the interviews, anyone without minimum education requirements gets the boot. Last year Troy was sent away while Kwame stayed. I would have rather seen Troy square off against Bill, though I think Bill would have won.
I think the Sandy-Jen battle was unprofessional sitting there taking pot shots against each other and I suppose it "made good television". The correct manner would have been for both to address Trump while debating why they were a better suit for the position instead of openly attacking each other.
Like I said before, they have edited Jen as being the "fly under the radar", not doing the work, etc, so they have depicted her as the "evil one" knowing she will fail in the end. Even Trump once said she "flies under the radar". I think perhaps Burnett said "Keep the blonde villain, we need her to make the ratings!"
I liked Kevin also, but it is true compared to Kelly that Kevin has been a professional student. Kelly is not my favorite, but he is highly competant. However, I feel he should have motivated his people somehow other than feeling "they have nothing to lose" and letting them do foot races across the lawn. I would have at least said "Look, you didn't get to be the apprentice, but if you give a successful show on this final task, prospective employers will see you and it will affect your career in the long run". It is sad to see Raj with such a sour attitude. Elizabeth is loyal and dedicated, and John seems very loyal and ethical, but Raj is the poison pill that will tempt the team to goof off.
On the other side, my only hope is that Pam does not win the task for Jen. I still feel she is highly capable but hopefully she won't account for Jen's mistakes.
Chas
· 5 years ago
I feel like the whole show has been ruined by the earlier reports about the winner leak. A month or so ago it was reported in the news that bookies have stopeed taking bets on season 2 apprentice. It was leaked out that Jen and Kelly were the final two, and the winner was Kelly.
Kelly Is A Girls Name
· 5 years ago
Well it was a good show, but i think sandy should have stayed. as was already said it was totally unprofessional the way they sat there and yelled at each other in front of The Donald. i agree that they should have addressed him with their arguments and not had a screaming match. kelly didn't look too excited about them going at it either. if i was him i would have moved over a seat or two. even though sandy may not have defended herself like he wanted her to, i think she could do a much better job. already from last night we see that jen has screwed up too much already. it will be interesting to see if they decide (yes, decide, since we all know it's rigged) to let Chris Weber still show up....and if rain wasn't an act of God then i would be saying that the rain was planned too. either way both teams (people) had a big change in plans. wait, let me check my spreadsheet.......yep, both had big plans. also, i disagree that raj is trouble. what he said was "i'm not doing this for kelly, i could care less about him, i'm doing this to win." or something like that. he never said he's not going to help, he just doesn't care who he's helping. it could have been half pint or omarosa, he would help out...at least that's what i got out of it.
i was a little disappointed that no one dropped their skirt last night. well, maybe next week...during the live part.
Chas
· 5 years ago
I was interrupted and couldn't finish my first post...anyhow,
Now that Jenn and Kelly are the final two, it looks like the bookie reports are on the money, and knowing this ruins the outcome for me.
I remember Raj and Kelly going at it during the fashion show; I'm not surprised at Raj's attitude.
I thought the cat fight at the board room was just hilarious. Jenn is a very crafty strategist, and as much as I dislike her tactics, one must admit that she is a very effective strategist. She knows all the right moves, all the right phrases and these serve her well for covering up her incompetence. It's obvius that she is a classic "copy cat". I doubt she could do anything creative. She walks through life according to an instruction manual, a robot...a fembot....
Dave
· 5 years ago
I understand that Jen wows the NBA crowd with her machine gun ta-tas in the finale and is hired as the official Trump Fem-Bot.
Did you know I moved all the way across the country to get this law firm job? I had to hire movers, pack my clothes, and when I arrived after my two martini lunch I had to unpack! It was a true struggle!
Actually, it seems like Kelly is a bit robotic also. Perhaps this is a case of machines beat humans, sort of a Terminator type takeover. We know Kevin was human because all the sweating during his presentation, that gave him away.
Ever seen Jen or Kelly sweat? Ever seen them show human emotion? Sure, sometimes Kelly's circuits look a little overloaded, but that is about it.
Kal
· 5 years ago
I don't think Jen ever flew under the radar. She was there in the board room and was not picked by the losing project manager because she did a good job than the rest of the team. It's not DUMB LUCK. And of course she has to defend herself if someone says that by getting degrees one does not face challenges and risk. Any professional business person knows when it comes down to final showdown they have to give everything and that includes defending one self. By not defending one does not in.
Where as Kelly goes, he disgraced himself by talking about Jen behind her back. He should have been a man and said something right to her face if it was bothering him (Jen said the same thing too). Jen is totally opposite. She confronted Kevin when she found out he and Ivana were planning against him and in the last episode she confronted Kelly and Jen. That is a sign of a person who has courage. In the interview he said, he see Jen as distant 4th place and he was proven wrong like every time. I can bet, if he was in the board room as many times as Jen, he would have been fired a long time ago. He won as project manager not on his leadership skills but because of his skilled teammates. Like Raj mentioned in the interview, Kelly is a good organizer but not a good leader. The only people he gets along very well is with Kevin and Ivana because they don't like Jen and that is why they respect each other and see each other as strong candidates (Though I totally agree Kevin is a strong candidate). Jen did not take cheap pot shots like these three did at her.
Though I don't want to sound as if I prefer Jen over Kelly. By all standards Jen is a better leader and professional business person than Kelly. And I hope the best one will win.
KS
· 5 years ago
I wonder why Donald even allows those without a prestigeous degree to be on the show. Both Troy and Sandy were fired during the later rounds without a strong indication that they couldn't measure up.
During the interview, I kept thinking here is a perfect example of how interviews don't always yield optimal results. Kelly won hands down. But how many of you would enjoy working with or for him, day in and day out? I would much sooner work with or for Kevin. I think Kelly will do well in short bursts, but in a long haul program, I doubt it. He is too negative towards others and I have yet to see him praise or thank others. Yet, he is my odds on favorite to win.
I find it odd how The Donald enjoys the dust-ups in the board room. Whenever someone comes at me with a full head of steam (rare occurance), I just sit back and let them talk themselves out. After the individual has screamed and shouted, I then ask, so what is the issue you want me to fix and how do you want me to fix it? I then work from there. If I were in the boardroom, I would be tempted to let the other person exhaust themselves, and then say, "you're incorrect and here are the facts: blah blah blah." I suspect that in The Donald's eyes, I wouldn't measure up. I just don't see much point in yelling when you can use the other person's energy against him or her.
I am hoping for Jenn. I think she might have been the smartest of the bunch in NOT getting involved in the catcalling. There will be other opportunities for those who demonstrate strong skills and a solid personality. I suspect Andy will do well. I think Jenn will too, regardless of whether she is hired by The Donald.
This is long rambling message. To sum it up:
1) Why does The Donald even bother to allow those without a prestigeous pedigree to appear on the show?
2) Kelly demonstrated the inadequacy of interviews
3) I would much sooner work with or for Kevin than Kelly because Kelly appears to be a sourpuss.
4) I think Jenn played the game strategically and I hope Jenn wins.
SouthernLady
· 5 years ago
Another Question:
Why did the Donald allow the catfight to go on for so long? If he wanted to, he could have stopped it. He almost seemed to enjoy it. Same with the time Andy was sitting between Jen and Sandy...
None
· 5 years ago
Anyone think maybe Kevin was fired cuz he was a guy? So that it wasn't booting two women off the show in one episode? And who do you think was told, "Well, maybe you have something Trump needs. I can't really see that, but maybe." or whatever. I think it was one of the gals.
sterling
· 5 years ago
After watching Kevin and Sandy on CNBC I learned that Trump sent them into the hall to wait on three sperate occassions because Jen defended herself so well. Did anyone notice that the VIPs next to Trump had nothing to say. That was pretty odd given the fact that they always have made comments.
Monica
· 5 years ago
Well, it seems to me that it has now come down to Barbie vs. G.I. Joe. But that's no insult when you think about it since the toys had (still have) major following. The fact is Kevin would have been a great pick but CEOs like the ones who interviewed him want to see that you have always aspired to be like them and you're always working toward that goal. They said he didn't seem like he knew where he was going and they wouldn't be sure if he'd stick with it. I say that shouldn't matter but then again I'm not a corporate cloan. Still, when you need to disqualify people, stuff like this works against you. We all know Kevin WILL land on his feet, just like Kwame did.
Now, if Jenn did strategize that flying under the radar was the thing to do, then it was a wise thing to do. After all, Kwame was accused of the same thing and he made it to the top 2 as well. When Jenn "hesitated" - as one of her competitors said - to take the PM role in the M&Ms gig, I thought, "Smart!" After all, if they lost, the PM had the best chance of being fired and she could secure her place in the top 4. I say if this seems to be the strategy that helps you survive then play it!
That being said, I'm conflicted. I want Jenn to win simply because she's a woman and I just about always root for the home team. But she hasn't proven anything to me this whole season except that she knows how to argue effectively (good quality). But she also steals credit and even if it's the corporate thing to do, I'm not for it. She also hasn't got a creative bone in her body - who couldn't understand that wheel concept Ivana was trying to explain? Puh-leeze! I suppose being able to delegate is a good thing, but Jenn just seemed to act like she was a little clueless to me while doing the tasks. But boy did she show her strengths when it came to showing off for the corporate folk. In the end, she knows how to play this big business game, or so it seems, so that works in her favor.
And Kelly? Well, did you take a look at his face while the ladies were going at it? I saw "duh" written all over it and I've seen it many times before. There really is no clear cut winner when you look at those types of things but Kelly was the favorite among the CEOs and that may be enough to get him top honors. Again, it's not like Jenn losing the apprenticeship means much. She'll go head up some other corp instead. As far as I'm concerned, they all (the competitors) are winners and will get what they want out of life just because they beat out a million other people and made it onto the show. Good for them!
Conan the Grammarian
· 5 years ago
Gotta disagree with you Kal. While I'm not a big Kelly fan, JenM got into the finals based upon her boardroom skills alone. She showed a lack of professionalism by berating Wes when he tried to give advice to Elizabeth. She showed a lack of professionalism when she slacked off during the NYPD ad campaign. She showed a lack of professionalism when she tried to gang up on Sandy (with Andy).
I have issues with Kelly's professionalism, but not in regard to his dealing with JenM. He has been up front with JenM about his dislike of her. He twice told Trump in front of everyone that he did not think she was a strong candidate.
JenM has not shown leadership. She is an attorney and is skilled at argument and debate (although I'm sure she didn't learn her screeching harpy argument style at HLS).
She took charge only once. And that was because her name was drawn out of a hat.
She volunteered to lead only once. And that was only to prevent Ivana from getting the exemption that would guarantee a final four spot (and/or to get it for herself).
JenM won the dog-washing task only because Raj convinced her to open a second location.
Both Kelly and JenM made it this far by not sticking their necks out. They made safe choices and did just enough on tasks to prevent anyone from saying they did nothing. Remember last year when Kwame defended himself to Trump by saying, "I took a risk?" Neither Kelly nor JenM could say that this year.
In this final task, both Kelly and JenM are working with people who don't like them. MSNBC had an article saying none of the fired Apprenti had anything nice to say about Kelly. From the show, we know that no one seems to like or respect JenM. Their lack of relationship-building may come back to haunt both of them.
I wasn't initially disappointed by the final four, but the last episode soured me on the final two (especially since the oddsmakers have already leaked who wins). I'm really just watching the finale to see the inevitable train wreck.
Trump should fire both Kelly and JenM and hire the Pamazon! Even if she doesn't know who Chris Webber is.
Harry Hammond
· 5 years ago
I love watching Apprentice. As a male, I was initially attracted by JenM's looks and her ability to remain aloof in the first few weeks of catfighting. I agree with the consensus view that she really hasn't shown much creativity. In fact-can we all agree, that in spite of his claim to have assembled the best of the best from 80 bezillion applicants, these candidates seem like pretty ordinary people. JenM boasted twice in the same argument that she proved her courage and initiative by moving across the country. O-o-o-h! I was impressed by the willingness of individuals like Troy and Sandy to go head to head with Ivy League heavy-hitters, and I think they effectively proved that education is just one of many tools we bring to the workplace. Critical thinking, consensus building, adaptability, and hey-how about ethics-these are all part of the arsenal. Trump seems conflicted by appearances. He is attracted to the individual with "credentials", and he is more forgiving of their shortfalls-to a point. He also knows the value of initiative, self-promotion, energy and creativity. That's why, last year, Bill beat Kwame. Which leads to this years dilemma. Kelly is-yes- a bit stiff. A good guy, but not extraordinary. JenM is a lightweight in every arena except appearance and communication. There is a place for her, but she's not his next CEO.
A leader must make decisions, sometimes tough ones. Donald-fire them both and hire Troy.
Ram
· 5 years ago
Hi,
First off.. Pamela obviously knew who Chris Webber was, she was just kidding with an over-excited Chris. Did you not see how well she was familiar with the process of picking an MVP and the rules of the NBA?
I think Trump is looking for a chicken as his Apprentice-2. It was clear way-back-when in episode 2 when he fired Bradford. I thought that guy was brilliant! People here are saying Kevin was this.. Kevin was that... I beg to disagree. Kevin was lucky to survive this far... When John got fired, Kevin was lucky to survive his stupid pricing decision. Again, Bradford, upon his return, exposed the chicken that Kevin was, when he did not voluntarily accept responsibility for picking the contractor for the housing task in which Raj got fired. When he sold a candy bar for a buck, he was once again lucky to survive thanks to his romantic interest, Ivana, who was much too eager to show off her butt to him! So, Kevin deserved to go much earlier in my opinion!!
As for Jenn M, it was ridiculous to see her take credit for Ivana's creativity in the Levis task. She also came through as really vengeful by saying all those bad things about Elizabeth. Moreoever, she has repeatedly aligned and hypnotized her project manager to letting her off the hook by finger pointing others. She has stepped up to this task very well.. Trump, beware.. you may even fire George or Carolyn someday, if you align with Jenn. She is not a professional, as she proved very well in front of everyone in the last boardroom.. Trump could have very well become a national hero by saying, "Jenn.. I am looking for someone who is going to run one of my companies and not for a loudspeaker.. so Jennifer, you are fired!"
Kelly is not my favorite either... he has towered by standing on top of giants. Sandy clearly helped him win one of the tasks, he won the ice cream task mainly due to the stupid mistakes by Apex, and the other task was a combination of creative genius by Ivana and some immature mistakes by Andy. Also, I don't believe he's got the guts to be a risk taker.
Sandy was a sad story.. lack of corporate experience did her in. Also, she was the innocent one among these other manipulators. So, her education and as Trump calls it, lack of being ready to handle complex issues.. made her the penultimate candidate to be fired.
I believe a lot of stupid decisions by Trump like in the case of Bradford, Pamela, and even Raj, is going to cost Trump dearly. I would definately not like to work with either of these two finalists.
It was so elegant in Apprentice 1. The final 6 were real champs.. their attitude was tremendous. The comaraderie was there for the world to see. Even the final two, had great respect for each other and competed so nicely that everyone would love to watch over and over again! This time.. it is so mannequinal! (if there is such a word)
I wish there were a way where neither Kelly nor Jen would win and instead someone who works really sincerely and brilliantly in the final task, would win.
Ron H
· 5 years ago
Jen M didn't "step up to the plate" more because the Project Manager names were drawn out of a hat. She can hardly be faulted for not trying harder for the PM position; in fact, we were even shown her trying to get it... and being faulted (by Ivana) for THAT.
It's a lose/lose situation for Jen: when she doesn't go for the PM position, it's "because she's trying to avoid it", yet when she tries for it, her reason is "just to spite Ivana". Riiight.
Rosemary44
· 5 years ago
The real reason for Kevin being called a little too aggressive was because he pinned a fellow to the wall during the Crest task way back when.
Why they didn't show it probably has more to do with a lawsuit then for any other reason. A fellow was taking too many toothpastes and Kevin got into it with him. Yes, I would say that Kevin is a bit too aggressive. This info was on thefishbowl.com at the end of John's interview.
As for Kelly taking the prize, no surprise there. He's 37 with credentials and experience. Where have we heard this story before? Probably in every corporate office the world over for the past 100 years or more.
Are they really looking for an ideal apprentice or just another guy from a good university? Why bother doing the 15 week interview, just read his resume' and hire him.
Of course someone 37 with experience should finish first against 2 recent grads, a slugger, a stripper, Raj?, a motor-mouth, a good tax-payer, and need I go on?
None
· 5 years ago
The complex issues that Trump is talking about is filling chapter 11 for his many now default businesses. I would not want to work for that guy not one bit. Especially if it means agreeing with him on evrything he says, like his two side kicks (sheTrump and grandpaTrump). He is a man that has borrowed to much and when you do that to run your biz, you are now back to just being an employee and the banks are the employers.Trump will do this show for 10 years if they let him. This show is keeping him a float (UPS, QVC, P&G etc) I bet all those companies paid Trump. With all that being said I still think he is a pretty smart guy I just disagree with his leadership style. I don't understand why you would want an entire company of yes men and women. On 2nd thought maybe I would like to work for him, you can learn a lot from people failures.
Dennis
· 5 years ago
Kevin was the man - best for the job and donald couldn't see it. In the world of 1% ers - the rich also showed their true colors or their hate of colors. Donald - one of the biggest companies in the world is run by a black man - UPS -UNITED PARSEL SERVICE. deal with it !!!!
DENNIS oryan720@optonline.net
Aimbot
· 5 years ago
lol dennis one post is enough
Dave
· 5 years ago
"Are they really looking for an ideal apprentice or just another guy from a good university? Why bother doing the 15 week interview, just read his resume' and hire him."
Why do the interview? Because he makes millions of bucks putting the interview on TV! I am impressed by the Trump-Burnett team's ability to make money at every turn. I think it is more Burnett since Survivor uses (very successfully) the same tactics. In an age where movie placements of Pepsi and such are so annoying, Burnett gets the Survivors to compete for that prize of Pepsi and hotdogs which looks so so tasty after weeks on an island, and poses the commercial success of the Trump name and Pepsi names through a nice monologue by Trump and people competing to best sell that quality name. Ever hear an Apprentice candidate say "This product sucks"? No, it is all like celebrity endorsements, but it is so believable to hear Kelly say "Pepsi is the greatest product in the world" or Ivana say "This ice cream is the best in the country".
Dennis, give it a rest, it isn't always race. I think they would have gotten better ratings and support if they had chosen Kevin, but no executive likes someone that looks like they have no career goals and are just wandering. No clear goals seems to be a major flaw that tells executives and managers that you will never achieve anything. Interviewers always ask What are your goals.
I think Kevin is highly skilled and competant, but being a "professional student" is not up to par with his competition unfortunately. He had no reason to go to law school means he is drifting and perhaps couldn't be counted on to stick to it. Jen according the the show displayed solid reasons why she wanted to join the business world.
It does always make you wonder how much the show is scripted as to the winners and how much it is free form. Burnett has always maintained that he lets the show go free because only then can it be the most interesting. The world may never know....
Kerry
· 5 years ago
My only comment is about Jen. The reason she avoided being picked by the PM to go to the boardroom was because after each losing challenge, she aligned herself with the PM, and started blaming everyone else for the loss, basically asking "who do we want to get fired this week". Maybe it was smart of her to get her to the final two, but it does not mean she is CEO material, and Trump, being the "astute" businessman that he is, should have seen through her facade a long time ago.
Ralphie
· 5 years ago
I don't know how it is possible to ignore Kevin's THREE task-losing mistakes:
1) Picking the wrong contractor 2) Selling the chocolate bars at a low price 3) Pricing the clothes too low at the fashion show
He's lucky he has made it this far. End of story.
None
· 5 years ago
NO, ralphie... not end of story... pricing the clothing too high was another mistake...seems you and Kevin are prone to mistakes...
OK, now end of story
None
· 5 years ago
The world don't move to the beat of just one drum, want might be right for you, may not be right for some.
Dave
· 5 years ago
At this point I am more interested to see what next season's candidates look like.
No offense, but at the beginning of this one I said "Man, it's just a bunch of lawyers!"
I would like to see more Raj and Sandys, which I also think most of America can better relate to. As a great social experiment, I think the last two Apprentice ratings suggest(sweeping generalization) that Americans relate to entrepeneurs better than "the elite" lawyers and executives just as we always root for the underdog in movies. Who is always vilified in our movies and TV shows?
Noir Dame
· 5 years ago
I agree. As a serial entrepreneur, I'd rather watch a business owner's challenges - especially when they take a tumble. I've learned the most from my boo-boos - what about the rest of you?
The initial appeal of "The Apprentice" last season was what we felt we could learn, and use in our own business... not to mention the higher entertainment level and humor of last year's cast. This year, my partner and I are getting a lot more out of Discovery Channel's "Wingnuts" and "American Casino," which offer more zingers and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jenn is very smart but an introverted person... Law firms are NOT like other workplaces, it's routine for people to confront each other, and earn each other's respect for doing so. The social skills that probably worked well for her in that realm won't work among the others - consider Chris and Pamela, aggressive, foul-mouthed financial industry folks, and how *they* fit in. IMHO she has been unfairly pegged as an "Ice Queen", with Kelly as "The Martinet".
But moreover, I was particularly unimpressed by the dismissal last week of Sandy - and interviewers' suggestions that her entrepreneurial experience interfered with her ability to work in the corporate sphere. For instance, Dawn (the Pepsi executive) told Sandy that being an entrepreneur was safer than a corporate job, essentially "you don't worry about being fired when you're self-employed." This is true - except when you're self-employed, if you don't do well, you don't eat. I'm sure a lot of us have been laid off or fired once in our lives, but going hungry isn't on anyone's to-do list.
Sandy, Elizabeth and Pamela are all flawed, but along with Sam from last season, their gumption and creativity were ignored in favor of entertainment value. In some ways it's easier to take a risk and start a business in your twenties, before you've gotten established in the rest of your life; in other ways, it's much harder to establish a reputation. You might not have a lot contacts earned over a lifetime, like an experienced professional who's left the corporate world.
Apprentice 3 would be much more interesting if the two teams had to build a full-fledged business or major project, with a new task every week. Each week a different person would be cut, but the business would still need to be run. This would more effectively demonstrate the hard work and overtime necessary to start a successful small business.
Search Engines
· 5 years ago
I would like to see more Raj and Sandys, which I also think most of America can better relate to. As a great social experiment, I think the last two Apprentice ratings suggest(sweeping generalization) that Americans relate to entrepeneurs better than "the elite" lawyers and executives just as we always root for the underdog in movies. Who is always vilified in our movies and TV shows?
Poor Raj. Anna Korn-i-kor-vuh married that Iglesias dude. well, at least Raj still has a chance with Robin.
Rajfan
· 5 years ago
I thought the interviews were interesting on this episode. They had some great questions and taught me that I should sniff out vague answers a bit more.
I think both Kelly and Jen did a poor job of motivating their associates up front and it will come back to hurt them.
It may be that the footage never makes it out of the editing room, but most of the project managers seem to just plow into tasks and spend little time up front setting the tone and establishing basic expectations.
Pamela is the only PM I recall doing this. It didn't work out so well because she was a bit too harsh, but I think she had the right idea.
bob
· 5 years ago
Does raj realize that his present and future employers will all watch a tape of this, after watching his lack of loyalty, poisoning attitude I would never hire him and if he was presently on my staff, he would be fired immediatly. Kelly should sit his crew down and point out to them that even though the are not going to be the apprentice, many other employers are watching their performance here.
Cliff
· 5 years ago
RajFan - agree, the interviews were the best thus far. Good decision to go with execs from successful, major corporations for "outside" opinions. I'm curious to see how GenWorth(?) explains and sells itself to America in the final. Also, I would like to know if The Donald recognized and is taking advantage of yet another revenue stream by-product of the show through the formation of "Trump Talent" agency... Obviously, the interview process is giving not only the Trump Org, but also the rest of corporate America a look at 18 talented individuals. Inserting a clause into the Apprentice Application that binds potential contestants to 12 or 18 months of Trump Talent representation (headhunter organization) would probably create some serious additional revenue. Just curious if anyone that posts on the board has applied to be on the show...made it past the first cut...and would care to paint the picture for the rest of us? Happy Holidays.
The final interviews are March 2006. Hopefully, this means they're taking a little extra time in assessing contestants.
Cliff
· 5 years ago
27 minutes into the final....I am quickly losing respect for Raj and the other guy on Kelly's team.
Dv
· 5 years ago
Kelly won. Good for him. I'm no fan of Kelly, but Jenn is just way too abrasive to land this position.
Jack W.Zerby,Sr.
· 5 years ago
How can I obtain a video,cd, or script of the Apprentice program that delt with the participants having to redesign a bottle? I would appreciate any info.,pics or site I could access.I have had an idea for some time that will revolutionize the soda industry. I have attempted to compete Pepsi against Coke, through a ryhming idea of incremental disclosure, but neither would accept anything from the public site unseen. I am at a stalemate point on this idea and would appreciate any help from any source. Thanks,Jack
Gry Java Oxe
· 4 years ago
I'm a big fan of Kelly and I'm glad he won :) Thats the way I like it.
All Comments
I think the Sandy-Jen battle was unprofessional sitting there taking pot shots against each other and I suppose it "made good television". The correct manner would have been for both to address Trump while debating why they were a better suit for the position instead of openly attacking each other.
Like I said before, they have edited Jen as being the "fly under the radar", not doing the work, etc, so they have depicted her as the "evil one" knowing she will fail in the end. Even Trump once said she "flies under the radar". I think perhaps Burnett said "Keep the blonde villain, we need her to make the ratings!"
I liked Kevin also, but it is true compared to Kelly that Kevin has been a professional student. Kelly is not my favorite, but he is highly competant. However, I feel he should have motivated his people somehow other than feeling "they have nothing to lose" and letting them do foot races across the lawn. I would have at least said "Look, you didn't get to be the apprentice, but if you give a successful show on this final task, prospective employers will see you and it will affect your career in the long run". It is sad to see Raj with such a sour attitude. Elizabeth is loyal and dedicated, and John seems very loyal and ethical, but Raj is the poison pill that will tempt the team to goof off.
On the other side, my only hope is that Pam does not win the task for Jen. I still feel she is highly capable but hopefully she won't account for Jen's mistakes.
also, i disagree that raj is trouble. what he said was "i'm not doing this for kelly, i could care less about him, i'm doing this to win." or something like that. he never said he's not going to help, he just doesn't care who he's helping. it could have been half pint or omarosa, he would help out...at least that's what i got out of it.
i was a little disappointed that no one dropped their skirt last night. well, maybe next week...during the live part.
Now that Jenn and Kelly are the final two, it looks like the bookie reports are on the money, and knowing this ruins the outcome for me.
I remember Raj and Kelly going at it during the fashion show; I'm not surprised at Raj's attitude.
I thought the cat fight at the board room was just hilarious. Jenn is a very crafty strategist, and as much as I dislike her tactics, one must admit that she is a very effective strategist. She knows all the right moves, all the right phrases and these serve her well for covering up her incompetence. It's obvius that she is a classic "copy cat". I doubt she could do anything creative. She walks through life according to an instruction manual, a robot...a fembot....
Did you know I moved all the way across the country to get this law firm job? I had to hire movers, pack my clothes, and when I arrived after my two martini lunch I had to unpack! It was a true struggle!
Actually, it seems like Kelly is a bit robotic also. Perhaps this is a case of machines beat humans, sort of a Terminator type takeover. We know Kevin was human because all the sweating during his presentation, that gave him away.
Ever seen Jen or Kelly sweat? Ever seen them show human emotion? Sure, sometimes Kelly's circuits look a little overloaded, but that is about it.
Where as Kelly goes, he disgraced himself by talking about Jen behind her back. He should have been a man and said something right to her face if it was bothering him (Jen said the same thing too). Jen is totally opposite. She confronted Kevin when she found out he and Ivana were planning against him and in the last episode she confronted Kelly and Jen. That is a sign of a person who has courage. In the interview he said, he see Jen as distant 4th place and he was proven wrong like every time. I can bet, if he was in the board room as many times as Jen, he would have been fired a long time ago. He won as project manager not on his leadership skills but because of his skilled teammates. Like Raj mentioned in the interview, Kelly is a good organizer but not a good leader. The only people he gets along very well is with Kevin and Ivana because they don't like Jen and that is why they respect each other and see each other as strong candidates (Though I totally agree Kevin is a strong candidate). Jen did not take cheap pot shots like these three did at her.
Though I don't want to sound as if I prefer Jen over Kelly. By all standards Jen is a better leader and professional business person than Kelly. And I hope the best one will win.
During the interview, I kept thinking here is a perfect example of how interviews don't always yield optimal results. Kelly won hands down. But how many of you would enjoy working with or for him, day in and day out? I would much sooner work with or for Kevin. I think Kelly will do well in short bursts, but in a long haul program, I doubt it. He is too negative towards others and I have yet to see him praise or thank others. Yet, he is my odds on favorite to win.
I find it odd how The Donald enjoys the dust-ups in the board room. Whenever someone comes at me with a full head of steam (rare occurance), I just sit back and let them talk themselves out. After the individual has screamed and shouted, I then ask, so what is the issue you want me to fix and how do you want me to fix it? I then work from there. If I were in the boardroom, I would be tempted to let the other person exhaust themselves, and then say, "you're incorrect and here are the facts: blah blah blah." I suspect that in The Donald's eyes, I wouldn't measure up. I just don't see much point in yelling when you can use the other person's energy against him or her.
I am hoping for Jenn. I think she might have been the smartest of the bunch in NOT getting involved in the catcalling. There will be other opportunities for those who demonstrate strong skills and a solid personality. I suspect Andy will do well. I think Jenn will too, regardless of whether she is hired by The Donald.
This is long rambling message. To sum it up:
1) Why does The Donald even bother to allow those without a prestigeous pedigree to appear on the show?
2) Kelly demonstrated the inadequacy of interviews
3) I would much sooner work with or for Kevin than Kelly because Kelly appears to be a sourpuss.
4) I think Jenn played the game strategically and I hope Jenn wins.
Why did the Donald allow the catfight to go on for so long? If he wanted to, he could have stopped it. He almost seemed to enjoy it. Same with the time Andy was sitting between Jen and Sandy...
Now, if Jenn did strategize that flying under the radar was the thing to do, then it was a wise thing to do. After all, Kwame was accused of the same thing and he made it to the top 2 as well. When Jenn "hesitated" - as one of her competitors said - to take the PM role in the M&Ms gig, I thought, "Smart!" After all, if they lost, the PM had the best chance of being fired and she could secure her place in the top 4. I say if this seems to be the strategy that helps you survive then play it!
That being said, I'm conflicted. I want Jenn to win simply because she's a woman and I just about always root for the home team. But she hasn't proven anything to me this whole season except that she knows how to argue effectively (good quality). But she also steals credit and even if it's the corporate thing to do, I'm not for it. She also hasn't got a creative bone in her body - who couldn't understand that wheel concept Ivana was trying to explain? Puh-leeze! I suppose being able to delegate is a good thing, but Jenn just seemed to act like she was a little clueless to me while doing the tasks. But boy did she show her strengths when it came to showing off for the corporate folk. In the end, she knows how to play this big business game, or so it seems, so that works in her favor.
And Kelly? Well, did you take a look at his face while the ladies were going at it? I saw "duh" written all over it and I've seen it many times before. There really is no clear cut winner when you look at those types of things but Kelly was the favorite among the CEOs and that may be enough to get him top honors. Again, it's not like Jenn losing the apprenticeship means much. She'll go head up some other corp instead. As far as I'm concerned, they all (the competitors) are winners and will get what they want out of life just because they beat out a million other people and made it onto the show. Good for them!
Gotta disagree with you Kal. While I'm not a big Kelly fan, JenM got into the finals based upon her boardroom skills alone. She showed a lack of professionalism by berating Wes when he tried to give advice to Elizabeth. She showed a lack of professionalism when she slacked off during the NYPD ad campaign. She showed a lack of professionalism when she tried to gang up on Sandy (with Andy).
I have issues with Kelly's professionalism, but not in regard to his dealing with JenM. He has been up front with JenM about his dislike of her. He twice told Trump in front of everyone that he did not think she was a strong candidate.
JenM has not shown leadership. She is an attorney and is skilled at argument and debate (although I'm sure she didn't learn her screeching harpy argument style at HLS).
She took charge only once. And that was because her name was drawn out of a hat.
She volunteered to lead only once. And that was only to prevent Ivana from getting the exemption that would guarantee a final four spot (and/or to get it for herself).
JenM won the dog-washing task only because Raj convinced her to open a second location.
Both Kelly and JenM made it this far by not sticking their necks out. They made safe choices and did just enough on tasks to prevent anyone from saying they did nothing. Remember last year when Kwame defended himself to Trump by saying, "I took a risk?" Neither Kelly nor JenM could say that this year.
In this final task, both Kelly and JenM are working with people who don't like them. MSNBC had an article saying none of the fired Apprenti had anything nice to say about Kelly. From the show, we know that no one seems to like or respect JenM. Their lack of relationship-building may come back to haunt both of them.
I wasn't initially disappointed by the final four, but the last episode soured me on the final two (especially since the oddsmakers have already leaked who wins). I'm really just watching the finale to see the inevitable train wreck.
Trump should fire both Kelly and JenM and hire the Pamazon! Even if she doesn't know who Chris Webber is.
A leader must make decisions, sometimes tough ones. Donald-fire them both and hire Troy.
First off.. Pamela obviously knew who Chris Webber was, she was just kidding with an over-excited Chris. Did you not see how well she was familiar with the process of picking an MVP and the rules of the NBA?
I think Trump is looking for a chicken as his Apprentice-2. It was clear way-back-when in episode 2 when he fired Bradford. I thought that guy was brilliant! People here are saying Kevin was this.. Kevin was that... I beg to disagree. Kevin was lucky to survive this far... When John got fired, Kevin was lucky to survive his stupid pricing decision. Again, Bradford, upon his return, exposed the chicken that Kevin was, when he did not voluntarily accept responsibility for picking the contractor for the housing task in which Raj got fired. When he sold a candy bar for a buck, he was once again lucky to survive thanks to his romantic interest, Ivana, who was much too eager to show off her butt to him! So, Kevin deserved to go much earlier in my opinion!!
As for Jenn M, it was ridiculous to see her take credit for Ivana's creativity in the Levis task. She also came through as really vengeful by saying all those bad things about Elizabeth. Moreoever, she has repeatedly aligned and hypnotized her project manager to letting her off the hook by finger pointing others. She has stepped up to this task very well.. Trump, beware.. you may even fire George or Carolyn someday, if you align with Jenn. She is not a professional, as she proved very well in front of everyone in the last boardroom.. Trump could have very well become a national hero by saying, "Jenn.. I am looking for someone who is going to run one of my companies and not for a loudspeaker.. so Jennifer, you are fired!"
Kelly is not my favorite either... he has towered by standing on top of giants. Sandy clearly helped him win one of the tasks, he won the ice cream task mainly due to the stupid mistakes by Apex, and the other task was a combination of creative genius by Ivana and some immature mistakes by Andy. Also, I don't believe he's got the guts to be a risk taker.
Sandy was a sad story.. lack of corporate experience did her in. Also, she was the innocent one among these other manipulators. So, her education and as Trump calls it, lack of being ready to handle complex issues.. made her the penultimate candidate to be fired.
I believe a lot of stupid decisions by Trump like in the case of Bradford, Pamela, and even Raj, is going to cost Trump dearly. I would definately not like to work with either of these two finalists.
It was so elegant in Apprentice 1. The final 6 were real champs.. their attitude was tremendous. The comaraderie was there for the world to see. Even the final two, had great respect for each other and competed so nicely that everyone would love to watch over and over again! This time.. it is so mannequinal! (if there is such a word)
I wish there were a way where neither Kelly nor Jen would win and instead someone who works really sincerely and brilliantly in the final task, would win.
It's a lose/lose situation for Jen: when she doesn't go for the PM position, it's "because she's trying to avoid it", yet when she tries for it, her reason is "just to spite Ivana". Riiight.
Why they didn't show it probably has more to do with a lawsuit then for any other reason. A fellow was taking too many toothpastes and Kevin got into it with him. Yes, I would say that Kevin is a bit too aggressive. This info was on thefishbowl.com at the end of John's interview.
As for Kelly taking the prize, no surprise there. He's 37 with credentials and experience. Where have we heard this story before? Probably in every corporate office the world over for the past 100 years or more.
Are they really looking for an ideal apprentice or just another guy from a good university? Why bother doing the 15 week interview, just read his resume' and hire him.
Of course someone 37 with experience should finish first against 2 recent grads, a slugger, a stripper, Raj?, a motor-mouth, a good tax-payer, and need I go on?
DENNIS
oryan720@optonline.net
Why do the interview? Because he makes millions of bucks putting the interview on TV! I am impressed by the Trump-Burnett team's ability to make money at every turn. I think it is more Burnett since Survivor uses (very successfully) the same tactics. In an age where movie placements of Pepsi and such are so annoying, Burnett gets the Survivors to compete for that prize of Pepsi and hotdogs which looks so so tasty after weeks on an island, and poses the commercial success of the Trump name and Pepsi names through a nice monologue by Trump and people competing to best sell that quality name. Ever hear an Apprentice candidate say "This product sucks"? No, it is all like celebrity endorsements, but it is so believable to hear Kelly say "Pepsi is the greatest product in the world" or Ivana say "This ice cream is the best in the country".
Dennis, give it a rest, it isn't always race. I think they would have gotten better ratings and support if they had chosen Kevin, but no executive likes someone that looks like they have no career goals and are just wandering. No clear goals seems to be a major flaw that tells executives and managers that you will never achieve anything. Interviewers always ask What are your goals.
I think Kevin is highly skilled and competant, but being a "professional student" is not up to par with his competition unfortunately. He had no reason to go to law school means he is drifting and perhaps couldn't be counted on to stick to it. Jen according the the show displayed solid reasons why she wanted to join the business world.
It does always make you wonder how much the show is scripted as to the winners and how much it is free form. Burnett has always maintained that he lets the show go free because only then can it be the most interesting. The world may never know....
I don't know how it is possible to ignore Kevin's THREE task-losing mistakes:
1) Picking the wrong contractor
2) Selling the chocolate bars at a low price
3) Pricing the clothes too low at the fashion show
He's lucky he has made it this far. End of story.
OK, now end of story
No offense, but at the beginning of this one I said "Man, it's just a bunch of lawyers!"
I would like to see more Raj and Sandys, which I also think most of America can better relate to. As a great social experiment, I think the last two Apprentice ratings suggest(sweeping generalization) that Americans relate to entrepeneurs better than "the elite" lawyers and executives just as we always root for the underdog in movies. Who is always vilified in our movies and TV shows?
The initial appeal of "The Apprentice" last season was what we felt we could learn, and use in our own business... not to mention the higher entertainment level and humor of last year's cast. This year, my partner and I are getting a lot more out of Discovery Channel's "Wingnuts" and "American Casino," which offer more zingers and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jenn is very smart but an introverted person... Law firms are NOT like other workplaces, it's routine for people to confront each other, and earn each other's respect for doing so. The social skills that probably worked well for her in that realm won't work among the others - consider Chris and Pamela, aggressive, foul-mouthed financial industry folks, and how *they* fit in. IMHO she has been unfairly pegged as an "Ice Queen", with Kelly as "The Martinet".
But moreover, I was particularly unimpressed by the dismissal last week of Sandy - and interviewers' suggestions that her entrepreneurial experience interfered with her ability to work in the corporate sphere. For instance, Dawn (the Pepsi executive) told Sandy that being an entrepreneur was safer than a corporate job, essentially "you don't worry about being fired when you're self-employed." This is true - except when you're self-employed, if you don't do well, you don't eat. I'm sure a lot of us have been laid off or fired once in our lives, but going hungry isn't on anyone's to-do list.
Sandy, Elizabeth and Pamela are all flawed, but along with Sam from last season, their gumption and creativity were ignored in favor of entertainment value. In some ways it's easier to take a risk and start a business in your twenties, before you've gotten established in the rest of your life; in other ways, it's much harder to establish a reputation. You might not have a lot contacts earned over a lifetime, like an experienced professional who's left the corporate world.
Apprentice 3 would be much more interesting if the two teams had to build a full-fledged business or major project, with a new task every week. Each week a different person would be cut, but the business would still need to be run. This would more effectively demonstrate the hard work and overtime necessary to start a successful small business.
danny
http://www.work-at-home-profits.com
I think both Kelly and Jen did a poor job of motivating their associates up front and it will come back to hurt them.
It may be that the footage never makes it out of the editing room, but most of the project managers seem to just plow into tasks and spend little time up front setting the tone and establishing basic expectations.
Pamela is the only PM I recall doing this. It didn't work out so well because she was a bit too harsh, but I think she had the right idea.
Kelly should sit his crew down and point out to them that even though the are not going to be the apprentice, many other employers are watching their performance here.
I'm curious to see how GenWorth(?) explains and sells itself to America in the final.
Also, I would like to know if The Donald recognized and is taking advantage of yet another revenue stream by-product of the show through the formation of "Trump Talent" agency...
Obviously, the interview process is giving not only the Trump Org, but also the rest of corporate America a look at 18 talented individuals.
Inserting a clause into the Apprentice Application that binds potential contestants to 12 or 18 months of Trump Talent representation (headhunter organization) would probably create some serious additional revenue.
Just curious if anyone that posts on the board has applied to be on the show...made it past the first cut...and would care to paint the picture for the rest of us?
Happy Holidays.
For anyone interested in applying:
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/The_Apprentice_2/application.pdf
The final interviews are March 2006. Hopefully, this means they're taking a little extra time in assessing contestants.