My Big, Fat, Obnoxious Boss Finale: The Real Boss Is...

Here it is! The moment we've all been waiting for! Who is the Real Boss?

The episode starts with the two finalists heading back to the penthouse. Annette, as always, is rhapsodizing on the wonder that is Annette. “From the beginning, people have underestimated me.” She’s out to prove that “this Jersey girl has business being the next executive at IOCOR.” Given that it’s a hoax job, I couldn’t agree more. At the penthouse, they receive a congratulatory letter on making the final two and telling them that six IOCOR executives will be arriving at the penthouse to get to know them better.

The group arrives at the penthouse and includes the obnoxious boss himself, N.Paul Todd (NPT) and his son, Kent Todd (KT); as well as his wife, Lynn; “David,” NPT‘s George Ross; his daughter (I forget the character‘s name); and “Jamie,” the boss‘ Carolyn Kepcher. William August (WA), the actor who has been so brilliant at playing the obnoxious boss, N.Paul Todd (NPT), smiles as he relates to us the real reason behind the get-together: to “shatter everything they thought they knew about the way this game is played.”

NPT takes what looks like an important call at one point in the evening, a call that seems to bother him and is meant to plant the seed that “something wasn’t right” at IOCOR. He gathers the group around him for a quick announcement of something that will “dramatically change the outcome” of the competition. Aside from himself, there are a group of general partners who help run IOCOR; they will be making the final decision between Annette and GG. Tomorrow, the final two will meet with two of the general partners, and NPT’s recommendation will count only as one vote of three. Beyond that, NPT has no influence over the final decision.

GG is sweating profusely and starts chewing his nails. NPT tells them both not to hold back tomorrow, to be frank and candid, “no holds barred.” GG asks if it bothers NPT that he doesn’t have a bigger role in the decision, but NPT won’t explain his feelings or the situation. “It’s a long story. We‘ll just leave it at that.” NPT and his group beat a hasty retreat, leaving GG and Annette to ponder what might be happening. GG is ticked. This is about merit. Annette believes that the executives are in no position to choose between “Michael and myself” as to who will be the best executive. (I can - it’s the one who knows that the correct use of English in that sentence is “Michael and me.”)

Great use of military drumbeat-type music, as we are told this is Day 29, the day of the “Board Inquisition.” GG is worried, but not Annette. She knows Mr. Todd’s one vote will go in her direction; she can win this game. “If they see me for who I am, they’ll definitely want me working for them.” GG is a little less positive; he believes that, at the very least, he can walk away knowing that he “fought the battle I came here to fight.”

WA explains that, before the mystery boss rendered his final decision, there would be one final test. “In business, possibly the greatest test of all.” The two board members were, obviously, actors. I’m typing as I watch, so I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that the “greatest test in business” would be if they’d be willing to go against NPT or not. What else could it be? Board members Michael Keenan (actor’s name) and John Gilbert (ditto) face Annette and GG in the boardroom. WA admits that the entire “inquisition” was a test of loyalty to N. Paul Todd. I am so good! I should write for these things…

John Gilbert introduces himself as John Benjamin, and introduces Michael Keenan as Michael Delaney. John explains that he and Michael represent the majority of the IOCOR board. “Perhaps you thought that Paul (NPT) had autonomy in the selection process; let me assure you that is not true.” John admits that the board didn’t believe in the competition, “TV, especially a reality show.” Annette smiles a weirdly knowing smile. GG looks like he might have soiled his pants again.

Michael begins here. NPT has a “particular vision” of the business world and designed the game to reflect that. However, the board doesn’t always approve of his means. John explains that it’s now time for the final two to defend themselves. Annette is first, so GG is excused to the lobby. WA gloats (rightfully) that they have set the perfect trap, as the contestants believe that the board could outvote NPT and give either of them the game. They had made it clear the board did not agree with NPT‘s approach to business.

“With $250,000 on the line, what would these contestants say to win?”