TWoP Forums > 4-11: "To Lead Or Not To Lead" 2005.12.01

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TWoP Forums > Current TWoP Shows > The Apprentice > The Apprentice General Gabbery

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johnnywang57

Dec 2, 2005 @ 11:31 pm

Jab2005, word! I know and am glad Randal's gonna win, but I totally love Rebecca and even if Alla might have deserved the top 2 spot more, I'm glad it went to Rebecca.

This is my favorite final 2 ever, and R&R are my favorite two contestants from this season (hell, maybe even from all of TA!)

Kaylee529533

Dec 2, 2005 @ 11:32 pm

I thought that he stepped aside and waved her through the gateway first--am I wrong?

DeepInTheHeart

Dec 2, 2005 @ 11:42 pm

I don't think [Alla] had that lazer-beam like intensity to win probably thinking (after hearing that Carolyn thought Felisha was the "weakest player")[/quote]But she may not have known of that comment, Alla had already been sent upstairs when Carolyn levelled that assessment on Felisha, and it didn't look like Felisha was real eager to talk about what had happened in the boardroom.

Upon re-watching the episode, I was struck by the contrast between the teams right at the beginning. Alla was trying to bully her way to being PM again and Felisha had to force the issue (as if that really mattered to Alla -- Alla later interprets Felisha's efforts to regain control as just an effort to outshine her; she says -- "I need to shoot, edit, and bring this to a close." -- just a little bit of a control issue???)

Meanwhile, Rebecca opts to be PM, and Randal is nothing but supportive, "Let's get you a win. You deserve a win." I wouldn't want to go up against the two of them when they're working together.

In fact R&R may be one of the stronger 2 person combos we've seen -- they look very strong among: Bill & Kwame; Amy & Nick; Sandy & Jen; Kelly & ??; Kendra & Craig (cringe), Tana & Alex.

Nadias O Face

Dec 3, 2005 @ 12:11 am

I really don't foresee that many more seasons of The Apprentice.[/quote]

It's interesting you mention that because when Trump called in to Larry King, it felt as if all three of them (Larry King, Trump and Alla) were stumbling all over themselves to point out how amazingly great the show was doing in the ratings (yooge!), even after all these decades it's been on the air. So I think you may be on to something.

On the other hand, I am quite sure that both Trump and NBC will milk the show for all it's worth despite the fact that the spinoff/franchise idea basically imploded on them. It's easy money. I have to admit though that, in my humble opinion, this was by far the least memorable season yet which is a bit strange considering all the "get a dozen firings for the price of one" tricks Trump and Burnett pulled out of their respective hats. I really can't honestly say that I care about any of the contestants on either of the Apprentice shows (okay, maybe with the exception of Marcella).

growsonwalls

Dec 3, 2005 @ 12:13 am

I'm almost sad to see a R/R finale, because I dont want to see these two buddies working against each other. They are so cute together, the way they both seem to work hard AND have a good time. Rebecca seems like a somewhat reserved person, but with Randal she blossoms. I loved their giggling in the cab when they snagged all the megaphones, and I loved how in last night's show all Randal had to do was give Rebecca a little look, and Rebecca knew what Randal meant: the actor had to go.
I loved the extra boardroom footage. I couldnt believe that both Trump and Carolyn, who are both very "women in business don't cry" types, seemed genuinely moved and sympathetic towards Felisha.

Summa

Dec 3, 2005 @ 1:08 am

Trump's ego is just . . . wow. Just wow. "You're so lucky to be married to me." Anyone else think he cries out his own name during sex? No? Just me? Okey dokey.[/quote]

Not just you, AlmondEyes. Jacob got it so right when he said that Melania is just someone for Trump to masterbate with. (Okay, probably not an exact quote, but I think it's paraphrased well.)

gastrolyor

Dec 3, 2005 @ 2:05 am

I figured those were Alla's bags they used in the "shoot" because they matched. I'm sure they bring WAY more stuff than can fit in one bag. [/quote]

Candidates don't actually pack for the boardroom -- they throw in a few things, and if they're fired, staff comes back to clean out the rest of their things and take them to the hotel where fired candidates are sequestered. And, even more amusingly, the boardroom is actually not on a separate floor from the suite. All the elevator shots are fake.

As far as Rebecca being in the final two is concerned, I think she deserves it as much as anyone else. Kwame is universally loved with the same PM record (he was 1-2, correct?) and was considered a serious contender, despite losing twice. Jenn. M. PM'd once, had one win, and did very little to contribute to any of the times her team won, but she was considered solid. Rebecca's at least attempted leadership more than Jenn. M., seems to have made improvements to her leadership style, has won once, is extremely skilled in the boardroom, and seems to be a real team player, and, when her team has won, has contributed to the win, and when her team has lost, has been singled out twice (that I can recall) for making a contribution to trying to snatch victory from defeat (Dick's Sporting Goods, Star Wars). To me, that makes her a far sight better than Jenn. M., as she's made actual efforts. Her record may not be stellar, but then neither was Kwame's.

gapkid

Dec 3, 2005 @ 3:39 am

In fact R&R may be one of the stronger 2 person combos we've seen -- they look very strong among: Bill & Kwame; Amy & Nick; Sandy & Jen; Kelly & ??; Kendra & Craig (cringe), Tana & Alex.[/quote]
Delete "Kelly & ??"; insert "Bren & Alex".

I think Trump used this soft, qualitative task (with the winner based on what somebody thinks of their presentation) for the explicit reason that he could ensure that Felicia and Alla would be in the boardroom (unless something REALLY obvious happened, ala the Tide To Go task from Martha). [/quote]
I think the last task wasn't a street task because (1) they don't want spoilers to come out like in Season 2 and (2) they just had a street task the task prior to this and they try not to have 2 consecutive street tasks.

The best way to rig a task is to make it a quantitative one actually, but one involving huge deals or just one or a few sales only. For example, auction tasks and the 2 real estate tasks in S1.

Pinkears

Dec 3, 2005 @ 4:37 am

I assume they'll bring back the fired folks as "helpers" in the final task, but, jeez, I am SO tired of that. It's too predictable.

I am predicting that Alla will be the new Omarosa -- that she'll be the fired Apprentice who just won't go away, and will pop up everywhere hoping to capitalize on her fifteen minutes.

Per Rebecca,

Alla is strong and great leader, but has no warmth or empathy. Rebecca seems to have more skills--though has been noted, we haven't had any real test of entrepreneurial skills.[/quote]

Agreed. To me, Rebecca speaks to success more than Alla. Alla strips, opens spas, buys a lot of bling; Rebecca uses her brains to succeed and raises three-quarters of a million to help children. I would take Rebecca as a success model any day. And Rebecca just didn't make the mistakes that Alla did during the season.

Per Rebecca and her boyfriend, it didn't bother me that she didn't go haywire at seeing him. She doesn't strike me as the kind of person who needs their significant other to get them through a period of stress; she seems to have more inner strength. I think that was evident when she supported Toral, Trumpbedamned.

Per Alla,

All is a multi-millionaire business woman. Why the heck would she want to have a boss when she's the boss now? It doesn't make sense. [/quote]

I figured that, since she just launched a skin care line, the more exposure she gets -- as an Apprentice candidate, or if she had won -- the more likely that she could expand it into something much bigger. Clothing, accessories, perfumes? It seemed to me why she was doing the show to begin with, to make her name bigger.

blocked writer

Dec 3, 2005 @ 4:42 am

I was curious about Alla and Felisha's taxi ride. I thought I read once that all the walks to the taxi were taped at one time to avoid press leaks. But in the case of this year's multiple firings, I wonder, were they all taped just before the finale? How else could they show the duos and groups together? It also seems like they are really reacting in the cabs to what just happened, so I have to wonder just how this whole process works.

I was astounded at Trump's comments to Melania in the limo. The man really is clueless, isn't he? He seems to hate criticism, yet he sets himself up for some real zingers with crap like that. Melania appears to have some class, but maybe she's just as tacky as him, with a better veneer. Because that conversation was mortifyingly tacky. If there was an Olympic cometition for tastelessness and tackiness, Trump could take all comers.

I assume they'll bring back the fired folks as "helpers" in the final task, but, jeez, I am SO tired of that. It's too predictable.[/quote]

I wholeheartedly agree! Trump has done a few things differently this season, so I hope this will be one of them. Especially with people like Clay and Markus, I saw enough of them during the season. It would be so refreshing to see the final two work with existing Trump employees. Not only more realistic, but there would be no question of someone coming back with a revenge agenda, or someone who just doesn't care one way or the other. I'm tired of that.

I also hated most of those final interviews, thought they were pretty pointless. Most of the people shows the same traits that they shows during the season, so I'm glad to be spared that this season.

Pinkears

Dec 3, 2005 @ 4:53 am

I was curious about Alla and Felisha's taxi ride. I thought I read once that all the walks to the taxi were taped at one time to avoid press leaks. But in the case of this year's multiple firings, I wonder, were they all taped just before the finale? How else could they show the duos and groups together? It also seems like they are really reacting in the cabs to what just happened, so I have to wonder just how this whole process works.[/quote]

I'm curious about that, too. I have always heard that the cab walks are taped ahead of time. (Someone once posted here, denying that, pointing out that they wouldn't be dressed the same. Yet they often ARE dressed differently, and/or wearing a coat.) Therefore, the double firings really are puzzling. I assume that they did tape the single ones, but tape the new ones when the multiple firings occur.

The multiple firings this season, as I understand it, have occurred because the season unexpectedly had to be shortened, so I suppose a lot of the usual stuff has gone by the wayside. I read that that is why they eliminated the four-candidate Interview segment, too.

highlander

Dec 3, 2005 @ 8:41 am

All the elevator shots are fake. [/quote]

The elevator taking the candidate down after he/she is fired is not fake. That elevator is the service elevator and it takes you to the garage. That elevator also has an elevator man in there. The candidate is filmed leaving through the front door to get to the taxi but first they are taken to the garage. I had to take the service elevator a couple of months ago on my way to a presentation and in the elevator with me was a cameraman for the apprentice and a girl with him. She either was a candidate or one of the producers. The elevator man let them off on the fourth floor where I looked out and saw the waiting room where Robin sits. As I was continuing to the floor I needed, the elevator guy told me that is the real elevator that candidates use after thay are fired and he takes them down. Everything takes place on the fourth floor.

cristobal

Dec 3, 2005 @ 9:16 am

I was surprised at the firing of Alla, though am thrilled. I liked her up until this last ep. She was just viscious, and for no apparent reason. Mean to be mean. If she'd chilled a little on the evilbitch thing she might have stayed. And yeah, I do think Trump admires that sort of thing, but not from one of his own employees.

I both want and don't want Randall to win. I want him to win because he's great, but I just think he could do SO much better than working for Trump. Maybe the hiring of them both speculation will happen. Then he can win, and turn it down, with Rebecca still there to take the job. I honestly think that she'd be much better for Trump Corp. She's smart, poised, handles herself extraordinarily well when need be, but her working for Trump wouldn't effectively extinguish a supernova the way it would with Randall.

Trump's ego is just . . . wow. Just wow. "You're so lucky to be married to me." Anyone else think he cries out his own name during sex? No? Just me? Okey dokey. [/quote]

And the look on his face when he said it. He's just so, ewww. I honestly think that whole little phone call episode was to remind us that he is, in fact, having sex with this woman. You know, just in case we forgot.

LadyKenobi

Dec 3, 2005 @ 9:39 am

Everything takes place on the fourth floor.[/quote]

So... all the TrumpFnuring about "back up to the suite" and "enjoy the spectacular view from the top of my penis" is refering to... the fourth floor?

Volumes. That. Speaks. Volumes.

highlander

Dec 3, 2005 @ 10:00 am

I left out something that may be of interest to you. The elevator man told me that because no one sees him all these seasons when he brings the fired candidates down, he stuck out his head for a second when Jenn. W. of this season was fired. I don't have the tape, but if you do, you will see a second of the head of the elevator guy.

On topic, my husband still can't get over that Trump told his wife she is so lucky to have him because he is bringing her dinner (spaghetti). Sometimes, Trump should just keep his mouth closed.

AlmondEyes

Dec 3, 2005 @ 11:42 am

I thought I read once that all the walks to the taxi were taped at one time to avoid press leaks.[/quote]
I seem to remember reading or hearing that this was done at one point. This season it's been looking as if the Apprenti are wearing the same clothing in the BR as they do in the walk to their taxi ride 'o shame.

TrumpFnuring[/quote]
Hee! I love that the fnur concept is gaining legs; it's already spread to the Survivor thread.

Nutjob

Dec 3, 2005 @ 12:32 pm

I seem to remember reading or hearing that this was done at one point. This season it's been looking as if the Apprenti are wearing the same clothing in the BR as they do in the walk to their taxi ride 'o shame.[/quote]

IIRC, the taxi rides were only pretaped during S1. When MB realized that it looked cheesy to have the firees wearing different clothes to the cab than they were actually wearing *in* the cab, that stopped.

Wallyhorse

Dec 3, 2005 @ 1:54 pm

IIRC, the taxi rides were only pretaped during S1. When MB realized that it looked cheesy to have the firees wearing different clothes to the cab than they were actually wearing *in* the cab, that stopped.[/quote]

That also happened in seasons two and three. This season, for some reason they were done as the candidates were "fired" OR they had all the candidates doing so after filming of the season had already concluded, and had them wear the same outfits they were wearing when "fired" after they were.

As for the double "firing" and why both that happened and there were no interviews in my opinion:

It was well noted elsewhere that Alla's stripper past was revealed in an earlier boardroom that didn't make the air. With that in mind, once Alla made the final four, it's quite possible the interviews were cancelled out of concern that if she were in them, her stripper past would have been mentioned and the entire season would have potentially been "spoiled" even before the Apprentice 3 finale ever aired (as the interviews would have been likely at the most 1-2 days before the "A3" finale).

Rowr17

Dec 3, 2005 @ 2:01 pm

I'm almost sad to see a R/R finale, because I dont want to see these two buddies working against each other. They are so cute together, the way they both seem to work hard AND have a good time.[/quote]

It is a little sad that R&R are going to be working against each other, but I think the two of them will be classy about it. They work well as a team, but this task and Rebecca’s previous PM experience exposed her as needing a bit more seasoning (IMO). The clip of Randle saying that Rebecca is going to be PM so that he can basically give her their win for her record- very telling. I believe that Randal will outshine Rebecca on the final task, but I don't think we are going to see Rebecca doing anything like, say, peeking out from behind a door to make sure that her fired-apprenti-helper-employees have gone before scurrying into her limo with a bowl of bitches... er, pretzels- you know, like a "real executive."

If Trump hires both, they won't have to attack each other to get the position. If his position is to hire both, he will not have them "fight for their life." There won't be any Jenn M. of S2 scene in the boardroom because he will make it easier on Randal and Rebecca in the boardroom. [/quote]

You have a valid point in that if he is going to hire both, they don't have to attack each other for the position, but they wouldn't know that going into the task. The finale is live, so there is no way they would know Trump's decision (to hire one or both) 5-6 months ago (or whenever this was being filmed). I suppose Trumpie could have left the BR and told them that he was going to hire both, but then they would have no reason or motivation to have the final task.

highlander

Dec 3, 2005 @ 2:56 pm

ideefixe

Dec 3, 2005 @ 3:39 pm

Considering Microsoft has some of the most lackluster, boring advertising around, I'm amazed that R 'n R's ad wasn't actually used in the commercial break. The Orange Twins ad looked more like the sort of stuff Microserfs actually produce.

But I don't want Rebecca to win. She's just a little too perky.

FuManchu

Dec 3, 2005 @ 3:54 pm

Well, I certainly didn't see all that coming. Much as I was glad that Alla went, I do think that if they're genuinely scripting this season then it would have made much more sense to have her make it through.

A Good vs Evil battle royale between the Archangel Randal and Alla, Greater Daemon of the Pit, would have made for riveting viewing. As it is, we'll get two fairly nice people being polite to each other for an episode.

runlikeagirl

Dec 3, 2005 @ 4:21 pm

If I had ponied up the $5-8MM Microsoft paid for this placement, I would have required that Trump do the firing via LiveMeeting.

anwen

Dec 3, 2005 @ 6:19 pm

I thought Rebecca's less-than-effusive response to her boyfriend might be because she's someone who completely compartmentalizes her life, and actually having the boyfriend sector suddenly intersect with the Apprentice sector threw her (especially since I assume with the demands of the Apprentice schedule and the limits on what you can reveal that commincation feels kind of stifled or strained during that time). And I can also see Rebecca thinking that demonstrating a lot of emotion on camera would make her look weak--not that I'm saying it would, but I can see her over-analyzing that. I wouldn't imagine Rebecca's a big PDA kinda girl, you know? I was sort of curious that she described her boyfriend as "the one" who didn't care whether or not she was the Apprentice, but I could be over-thinking that. I do wonder, if she didn't have a boyfriend, if the producers would have scrapped that reward, or if they would have brought on a sibling/best friend/someone else?

(Of course, I cut people a lot of slack for reality show surprises like that, because I over-identify. I mean, when Zahara and Randal were kissing, I was like, "Aw, cute--wow. . .that's a close-up!" If my husband were on some kind of reality show (the kind that features admittedly geeky UCC ministers?) and they brought me on as a surprise reward, the viewers would totally think I was both frigid and dumb, because I'd be all, "Hi, honey. . ." with my eyes darting back and forth as I try not to look at the camera people. Maybe, just maybe I could function on a reality show where I had a series of tasks to focus on, but I would be completely stiff and self-conscious if all of a sudden I was supposed to be doing the family/romance thing).

On that note, I felt actual empathy for her (as opposed to bewilderment or awe at her laser beam eyes) when she was freaking out about Carolyn's "how long did that take you?" comment, because I am exactly that neurotic.

LoneHaranguer

Dec 3, 2005 @ 7:34 pm

Trump is upset when candidates cannot lead. Yesterday he was upset because he thought Alla cannot be lead. Make up your mind, man![/quote]
He wants both. Kelly's military service was repeatedly brought up at the end as an indicator that he could both lead and follow.

I don't think video footage is available until after the boardroom. You often see two+ angles with each group. That is a lot of footage to go through... Besides, I think the big brother concept would stifle some of them if they knew Trump had early access....[/quote]
Trump has occasionally demonstrated knowledge of events that happened while teams were split up and neither viceroy was present. He also distinguishes in the boardroom between things he clearly knows about, and those that he "heard" about. The camera operators are probably supposed to note anything of unusual significance, and Trump gets a highlight reel, which he may or may not have time to fully watch.

And, even more amusingly, the boardroom is actually not on a separate floor from the suite. All the elevator shots are fake.[/quote]
Well, that explains how Trump managed to say he was going "back" to tell R & R the good news, when he usually tells candidates to go "up" to the suite. Candidates often also say "back", but they're living there. For Trump it was a slip.

I really don't foresee that many more seasons of The Apprentice[/quote]
They started taking applicants for S6 a few days ago.

Irma in Green

Dec 3, 2005 @ 7:43 pm

TrumpFnuring

Hee! I love that the fnur concept is gaining legs; it's already spread to the Survivor thread.[/quote]OK, I'll bite...what is the fnur concept?

Lambchop

Dec 3, 2005 @ 8:18 pm

she just launched a skin care line[/quote]

Oh, I can't wait to see that! I wonder what her slogan will be? Something like, "Alla's skin care products will keep you from breaking out while you're plotting to destroy your competition."

Eech! Maybe Felisha should buy some.

P.S. Sit, Alla! Good girl!

Summa

Dec 3, 2005 @ 8:20 pm

I do wonder, if she didn't have a boyfriend, if the producers would have scrapped that reward, or if they would have brought on a sibling/best friend/someone else? [/quote]

They would probably bring another relative. If I recall correctly, in TA1, they brought back Amy's sister and Nick's father for the reward.

Lily Bart

Dec 3, 2005 @ 8:41 pm

Songdog

Dec 3, 2005 @ 9:35 pm

On gang colors- this works when there are five or more people in a team, but looks twee when there are just two. And it wasn't just the presentation, Felicia and Alla were Bobsey Twinning it all through the episode, generally with Alla better dressed, not so much skin. I can believe that Alla set Felicia up in the presentation, because aside from the bright matching colors, Alla's outfit was more acceptable than F's, which was way bad.

The exception is classic black, thought I thought Rebecca and Randal looked like a pair of vampires in their black duds- just so immaculately classy.

Check the Yahoo extended cab ride, sounds like F&A intend to stay buddies.

AlmondEyes

Dec 3, 2005 @ 11:15 pm

Irma in Green, I also had to ask what the hell fnur meant after the epi where Markus was fired. That was when I started seeing it here. It represents when idiots (Trump, Markus, Judd from Survivor) talk while making no sense whatsoever. They just blather on and on and don't really have a logical point to make. So, they might as well be saying fnurfnur cuz they're certainly not saying anything intelligible, rational, smart, etc.

Does that make sense? If not, perhaps someone can explain it better than I could.

Carrabuda

Dec 3, 2005 @ 11:24 pm

Re fnurfnur: If you've seen the movie Office Space (which I certainly hope you have, because it's great) and remember the character Milton -- he of the red stapler -- you know what fnurfnuring is. It's that kind of obsequious yet relentless talking on and on about boring stuff. I think Miss Alli called it the verbal equivalent of shuffling your feet.

ajesquire

Dec 3, 2005 @ 11:56 pm

About the much-debated question of Rebecca's lack of discernable emotion towards her boyfriend[/quote]

In watching the CNBC rerun, I thought it was interesting that in Rebecca's interview during the reward cruise (and it seemed to be taped while they were still on the boat or at the dock) she talked about how it was nice to have her "boyfriend" here because he loved her so much. She didn't actually say anything about how she felt about him.

Lisetta

Dec 4, 2005 @ 1:57 am

To me, that makes her a far sight better than Jenn. M., as she's made actual efforts. Her record may not be stellar, but then neither was Kwame's.[/quote]
You make a good point. I liked Jenn M. and Kwame both much more than Rebecca, but she does seem to have contributed more than Jenn or Kwame. I haven't seen anyone I considered particularly talented or creative on these tasks, but I don't think Trump cares about that anyway.

I don't like her much, but Rebecca is as deserving of final two as Jenn M--and as deserving of winning as Kelly.

Randal's probably too good for Trump., but on the "positive" side, he seems robotic enough already that it won't be as shocking to see him a year later as it is to see Kelly, or what's left of Bill.

And am I the most naive person on the planet? Because I really bought into Trump's "these are the GREATEST, most BEAUTIFUL, most TALENTED candidates EVER!!!" Now, with his mass firings and obvious disappointment/disgust with the vast majority of them (and, I think, boredom with the whole TA competition this season), it appears that he lied to us! He knew they all s*cked all along!

How stupid am I to be so surprised that it was. All. Just. Hype. After all..(/end rhetorical question).

Dispatcherbert

Dec 4, 2005 @ 6:19 am

For everyone knocking Rebecca and her lack of PDA with the boyfriend, I’ve been with Mr. ‘bert for seven years and would’ve acted pretty much the same way at one day or seven years. Some people just are not comfortable with PDAs—I’m not going to hold it against Rebecca. That said, Randal was absurdly cute with the reaction to seeing his wife. They’re still within the first year of marriage and are clearly still in the honeymoon phase. And Rebecca’s boyfriend? Love child of Tate Donovan and David from TA: Martha.

When Felisha was filming her scenes with the cab, why didn’t she unload her suitcase? It was obvious that she was getting tired of slinging it around and even complained of its being heavy. Unload it and act!

In the something-I-didn’t-know department: A local news station here in the Twin Cities had a bite at the end of their 6 o’clock news this past Thursday saying how Rebecca was in the Final 4. Apparently, she used to intern for the station. It was neat trivia to me.

And I’m firmly in the both-will-be-hired camp. About the only thing interesting left to see is what train wrecks we get as their helpers will be. Other than Toral! Toral! Toral!, Markus, and probably Kristi, I’ve no idea who’ll be there (Clay? Melissa?). And I think it’ll be funnier than hell if Rebecca disses T!T!T! and doesn’t select her for her team (I sure as hell wouldn’t!).

I wonder if Randall and Rebecca will be in their jammies eating ice cream when the Donald comes into the suite.[/quote]

I doubt it. When Trump walks in, you can see the both of them in the background doing the ACWDW. They definitely weren’t ready for bed.

Randal is not exactly some run of the mill black guy from off the street, his credentials and his performance display why he should win.[/quote]

Word! And at least he’s putting his education to good use unlike some past Apprenti who seem to collect degrees but then never actually do anything with them.

And I have to admit, this was an interview round I was kind of looking forward to:

"So, Alla, prior to your spa business, you were....a stripper?"[/quote]

Well an article in TV Guide weeks ago said this was pretty much what was going to happen and many of us thought it was a stretch. I was kind of bummed that it didn’t come to pass. I suppose the editors tried doing boardroom voiceovers six ways from Sunday with The Hair but just couldn’t make it work. Too bad.

Key question: Don't these people know that there cameras recording their every move? Are these cameras hidden somehow?[/quote]

I’m betting by this stage of the game that a camera (even if it’s virtually in your face) is pretty unnoticeable at this juncture. I’m guessing it’s like the characters on Rome having sex in front of their slaves. The camera has basically become a chair in their minds. I’m just sayin’…

gastrolyor

Dec 4, 2005 @ 6:43 am

Re-watching the ads, I noticed something that may have helped contribute to Felisha and Alla's loss. In R&R's video, they show a man typing "Let's check the #'s" into the LiveMeeting chat client, showing an example of how LiveMeeting is actually used. Felisha and Alla, on the other hand, showed giant text in an e-mail saying "Let's Have a Meeting!" like a "Let's Have a Party!" invite (seriously, I was wondering if the subject line for that was going to mention "girth enhancement"). Besides the too-fast text, lack of storyline, etc., their video just didn't seem to be very professional. It looked childish.

And as far as R&R's video goes, I think Rebecca was far superior in terms of acting ability. Makes sense, since, IIRC, she used to do some business news spots on TV.

blocked writer

Dec 4, 2005 @ 6:44 am

And am I the most naive person on the planet? Because I really bought into Trump's "these are the GREATEST, most BEAUTIFUL, most TALENTED candidates EVER!!!" Now, with his mass firings and obvious disappointment/disgust with the vast majority of them (and, I think, boredom with the whole TA competition this season), it appears that he lied to us! He knew they all s*cked all along![/quote]

I was surprised myself, mainly because by the point he did some of these interviews, hadn't he already taped all of part of the episodes? I don't think they all sucked, I just think they were a typical cast - some good or even great in some respects, some average, and others complete jokes. Overall, they were good-looking, but the most beautiful ever? No, not IMO, not that I think that is that important. But after Trump makes such a point about it, you expect to see it. There were a couple of beauties, and handsome guys, but there usually are.

The mass firings, although partly done as ratings stunts, I suspect, were also an indication of the quality of this cast. Overall, they were no better or worse than the other casts, for the most part IMO. The problem is the quality if the tasks, and the judging, IMO, but Trump would never admit that.

Trump doesn't seem to think about the fallout from his statements. He says whatever is expedient, or he feels like saying at any given time, yet he seems to think people either forget what he has recently said, or it doesn't matter. But it does matter. Bit by bit, Trump has done more than anything else to destroy the credibility of this show.

Randal's probably too good for Trump., but on the "positive" side, he seems robotic enough already that it won't be as shocking to see him a year later as it is to see Kelly, or what's left of Bill.[/quote]

Do you really think Randal seems robotic after seeing his reaction to his wife? I must respectfully and totally disagree with this, but to each their own. I never found him robotic, just rather quiet and reserved at first, and I don't even think that so much anymore. His reactions in the boardroom, his enthusiasm for certain things, his intensity when he was down and battling back, all have convinced me that he's quite an interesting man.

Raging Demons

Dec 4, 2005 @ 8:03 am

Kinda sad that Alla had to go. Honestly I was hoping that she would go all the way. Oh I didn't like her. Here's my reason.

Alla's a former stripper turned sucessful busineswoman. I actually know a good friend who's getting out of the stripping game and she's going to become an interior decorator. I did send her the story about Alla enterting "The Apprentice". WAs hoping that Alla could be an inspiration to her.

AlmondEyes

Dec 4, 2005 @ 11:19 am

Do you really think Randal seems robotic after seeing his reaction to his wife? I must respectfully and totally disagree with this.[/quote][/quote]
I'm with blocked writer on this one. Randal has personality in spades. Bill always struck me as stiff, so it's no surprise that he's become BillBot. As for Kelly, he never registered IMO as having much of a pulse anyway. I can't envision Randal turning into a Kelly or a Bill. That would just be tragic.

I hope Trump doesn't do a double hiring. Unless Randal has a Tana level meltdown, this thing is his to lose. While I do agree that he's too good for Trump, this is a game and there should only be one winner. I can so see Randal as a Not!George! in a few seasons, and I'm certain he'd have more substantive criticism than the candidate didn't "step up to the plate" to "hit one out of the park" and "had no fire in the belly", clearly the only phrases that Bill's allowed to speak.

highlander

Dec 4, 2005 @ 11:27 am

Clearly the only phrases that Bill KNOWS how to speak. Randal has everything. Great personality, smart as a whip, ambition, and he truly does shine. The reason I think Trump might not want him in the boardroom to replace Bill is that Randal won't be as tough on the candidates as George, Carolyn and Bill. I don't think it is in his nature.

adso

Dec 4, 2005 @ 12:45 pm

As a Mac geek, I was thrilled to see Microsoft promos being edited in Final Cut Pro on a G5. Yes, I went went through in slo-mo to check. Drives Mrs Adso nuts.

While I'm in nit mode, Felisha and Alla's cab also blew a red light, no brake lights or nuttin'. You may get the cobra, but they'll close the street down for your exit.

heebiejeebie

Dec 4, 2005 @ 1:13 pm

I'm with blocked writer on this one. Randal has personality in spades. Bill always struck me as stiff, so it's no surprise that he's become BillBot. As for Kelly, he never registered IMO as having much of a pulse anyway. I can't envision Randal turning into a Kelly or a Bill. That would just be tragic.[/quote]

But was Randal's reaction to his wife that unique? That rare? Compared to Rebecca's "who the hell are you but I'm happy for you that you were able to come since you love me so much"? Yes. It was sweet. But Randal's reaction was pretty much the generic reaction I expect of someone who is happily married. I'm just getting way too much of a Chris Rock vibe here. Randal's reaction was exactly how a married man is suppoed to act. Not all do. Not even when on camera. But I have seen more than enough to not be knocked over in awe that Randal was glad to see his wife. She's his wife. He's supposed to be happy to see her. Wasn't anything that was going to win him the Nick Lachey Husband of the Year Award.

highlander

Dec 4, 2005 @ 1:22 pm

But was Randal's reaction to his wife that unique? That rare? Compared to Rebecca's "who the hell are you but I'm happy for you that you were able to come since you love me so much"? Yes. It was sweet. But Randal's reaction was pretty much the generic reaction I expect of someone who is happily married[/quote]

BWAH! to the Rebecca quote. Yes, I agree with you about married men especially newlyweds being happy to see their wife. I guess after how Trump acted telling his wife she is lucky to have him that we LOVED Randal's behavior. What a contrast. But I would expect my husband to act like Randal did, newlywed or not. And I would have been like Randal's wife. The boyfriend of Rebecca should be thinking right now that if she is hired by Trump, he just might be replaced.

Lisetta

Dec 4, 2005 @ 1:35 pm

Do you really think Randal seems robotic after seeing his reaction to his wife? I must respectfully and totally disagree with this, but to each their own. I never found him robotic, just rather quiet and reserved at first, and I don't even think that so much anymore. His reactions in the boardroom, his enthusiasm for certain things, his intensity when he was down and battling back, all have convinced me that he's quite an interesting man.[/quote]
I like Randal a lot, too, blockedwriter,but I have to agree with heebiejeebie about his reaction to his wife. I admit my attention often wandered during the last episode, but what I remember his reaction being was pretty low-key on seeing her. I even wondered for a moment if he was just surprised--or maybe he was embarrassed to mix homelife and television.

I agree that he seems like a happily married man, and a nice guy, but, no, I didn't get a sense of great dynamism from him at their reunion either.

I'm with blocked writer on this one. Randal has personality in spades. Bill always struck me as stiff, so it's no surprise that he's become BillBot. As for Kelly, he never registered IMO as having much of a pulse anyway. I can't envision Randal turning into a Kelly or a Bill. That would just be tragic.[/quote]
I thought Bill had some personality, just was insecure (and Trump's made that worse). Kelly always seemed robotic to me, so his cameo on TA was even more shocking because he now seems...worse.

I like Randal and think he's a quiet, nice, probably very brilliant guy, who could blossom beyond what he is showing now in the right work environment. Unfortunately, I think Trump will (1) not use his skills, (2) trot him out as a token black for PR purposes ("Despite the criticisms, look what an equal opportunity guy I am!"--even though, imo, Randal's got it all over Trump in many, many ways--class, being #1) and (3) inhibit him as a businessman, not encourage his growth.

I'm with the "he'll hire both of them" group, and I feel bad that Randal will be "winning". I picture him making an appearance next year, looking even more insecure and nervous around Trump than Bill does now. It makes me sad, because he deserves better.

blocked writer

Dec 4, 2005 @ 2:41 pm

I like Randal a lot, too, blockedwriter,but I have to agree with heebiejeebie about his reaction to his wife. I admit my attention often wandered during the last episode, but what I remember his reaction being was pretty low-key on seeing her. I even wondered for a moment if he was just surprised--or maybe he was embarrassed to mix homelife and television.[/quote]

We'll have to agree to disagree. IIRC, he hugged her and seemed excited to see her. His reaction in the interview was so cute to me. It was just a sharp contrast to seeing him being so serious during the tasks, that's all.

But was Randal's reaction to his wife that unique? That rare? [/quote]

No it wasn't all that unique or rare in real life. It's just that there has been so much backstabbing, conniving, etc. that it is unique to me to see genuine (positive) emotion on this show. No, I don't think he deserves a cookie or anything. I just loved seeing Randal's reaction to his wife. YMMV.

I guess after how Trump acted telling his wife she is lucky to have him that we LOVED Randal's behavior.[/quote]

So true. I can't imagine Randal ever saying something that tactless to Zahara in private, and I'm certain he's never be as graceless as to stage or say something like that on camera.

ETA:

I like Randal and think he's a quiet, nice, probably very brilliant guy, who could blossom beyond what he is showing now in the right work environment. [/quote]

I think he still will. He has his book project, and I do believe he will write it. I also saw how Randal stared down Trump when he told him his stock had plummeted, or whatever bullshit DT said at the beginning of the show. Even if Randal wins, with the overlap of these shows, the next season may well already be finished taping. I don't think Randal will be on next season, filling in for George. And if there is a TA6, and Randal does fill in, I don't think he'll be nervous around Trump, any more than Carolyn or George are. I do think he has been nervous sometimes in the boardroom, mainly because he is competitive and is really playing to win.

Randal didn't crack under Trump's baiting, and he didn't let Carolyn's off-hand remark about how long the video took throw him the way it did Rebecca. I think Randal will make the most of his year opportunity if he gets it, and he'll continue with his career with a considerably higher profile. He'll do the same if he doesn't win. JMHO.

Jacob

Dec 4, 2005 @ 3:41 pm

Please let it go -- it's completely subjective and at this point so wildly abstract that it's treading on off-topic. Take it to email next time and reserve this thread for the show.

JenL1625

Dec 4, 2005 @ 4:40 pm

He plays dirty and he likes to see others play the same way. The show is called an interview. In the deleted boardroom scene, he calls it a competion. No wonder we see the behavior we do.[/quote] But interviews are competitive, aren't they? You usually don't have the literally "I'm going to hire one of you - duke it out" interaction of The Apprentice, but you are competing against the other interviewees for a position.

I couldnt believe that both Trump and Carolyn, who are both very "women in business don't cry" types, seemed genuinely moved and sympathetic towards Felisha.[/quote] I wonder if at that point they'd stopped seeing her as "potential Apprentice" and were seeing her purely as "victim of Alla."

peterredtail

Dec 4, 2005 @ 8:54 pm

Alla made the classic mistake that has been mentioned numerous times before - she didn't stay silent.

were seeing her purely as "victim of Alla."[/quote] By coming across as an angry harpy IMO - she lost her chance to make the final 3. her perceived bullying of Felishia worked against Alla.

She just couldn't fly under the radar for once - having said that...I am hoping the final 2 won't be boring - an Alla/Randal finale would have been entertaining.

BTW I heard that Trump handpicked all these contestents - looks like he made some serious errors in judgement...IMHO!

edited for a grammatical error

Dumbpants

Dec 4, 2005 @ 9:57 pm

Trump might not want him in the boardroom to replace Bill is that Randal won't be as tough on the candidates as George, Carolyn and Bill. I don't think it is in his nature. [/quote]

You are correct. But the thing that Randal would want to do is give constructive criticism. For crying out loud... that is my problem with supervisors. Don't tell me that I suck or that my idea was stupid. Tell me WHY it wouldn't work or WHY I shouldn't have done something a certain way so that I can bloody learn. That is where I think Randal can really shine.

tubesteak

Dec 5, 2005 @ 10:28 am

Why can't I get the videos on NBC.com to work? I've tried every browser on both mac and PC and nothing works. So annoying! I wanna see Felisha's extra moments.

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