The Apprentice 2, Episode 1: Toy Story

Raj tries to tell them that he didn’t have any toys as a child, and that he just enjoyed his imagination. He then adds, “I had a truck, I think.” George thinks it’s crazy that none of these guys had any idea what kind of toy a little boy would like. Shouldn’t they know that boys that age like motion?

Kevin says that they had no plan or direction. Wes thinks that Rob was underused and was not assertive enough. Rob agrees that he was underused, but thinks it’s because Pamela was a bad leader. And he manages to interrupt Carolyn in answering that question. Laws, you people had better learn to respect Carolyn! She has the job that you chumps want! Rob adds that Pamela was a bad leader. She has charisma, but didn’t delegate well. Chris says that Rob didn’t do enough, but that it wasn’t his fault. Andy says that it’s okay for a leader to fail, but not to be surprised, and that due to her lack of direction, Pamela was constantly surprised. Kelly adds that Rob was the team member who contributed the least. John thinks that Rob’s excuse that he was underutilized is flimsy, and that he should have worked harder. Pamela tells Rob that she considered his ideas, but didn’t use them.

Trump tells Pamela that she can bring either two or three people with her into the boardroom. Pamela asks what the advantage would be of bringing three instead of two. Trump can’t believe he has to explain to her that by bringing three people, she’d have a one in four chance of being fired compared to a one in three chance. Trump shows impressive restraint by not firing her on the spot for not figuring that one out. She says she’s going to bring two people with her – Rob and Andy.

Trump and the viceroys deliberate. Carolyn says that Pamela was strong and stepped up as the first leader. George says that Rob should have been used more. The three candidates return to the boardroom. Trump notices that neither of them pulled out Pamela’s chair for her, and Pamela says, rightly, that there was no need. She says that she is a better candidate than Andy due to his lack of work experience. He’ll get there eventually, but he’s not there yet. Rob is great at sales, but has no depth. Rob says that he was underused, causing Trump to wonder aloud why he wasn’t used more. Andy says that he’ll work hard and will earn the job of apprentice. He adds that the only reason he’s in the boardroom is that he’s young. Rob says that all Andy contributed was the name of the toy, and that doesn’t matter because they lost. Andy seems to be thinking that it’s more than Rob contributed, so he just lets Rob talk.

Trump tells Pamela that she has a very hard edge, and he doubts that will ever change. Rob didn’t contribute much to the task and shouldn’t have waited to be asked. He admits that he sees new college graduate Andy as a bit of a project, and he’s not sure if he’s experienced enough for the job. But for now, Rob is fired.

It is, without a doubt, the right choice. Pamela and Andy might not ultimately be the right people for the job. Pamela is indeed a bit harsh, which might make it hard for her to relate well to customers or to people working under her. And making those disrespectful remarks about the kids in earshot of the other executives was a huge mistake. Make fun of that kid’s hair on your own time, sister. But she did volunteer to be the very first leader, and that shows real initiative. Andy is probably not going to go straight from college to running one of Donald Trump’s companies, but it’s not his time to go just yet when there’s a much better choice. Rob opted to sit back and let other people do the work and take the risks. He didn’t fight for any ideas or offer to work on any projects. Donald Trump is looking for someone who is a good leader, and Rob didn’t even prove himself to be an especially good follower.

As Rob takes the elevator ride of shame, he looks very sad. Back in the boardroom, Trump says, “That was a bit tough.” George and Carolyn remind him that it’ll get tougher.

Next week, on The Apprentice, Stacie continues to lose her ever-lovin’ mind. The candidates are charged with creating a new ice cream flavor. One of the guys offers customers a free kiss from one of the women with any ice cream purchase, an idea that does not seem too popular with the women. And we’re promised a boardroom we’ll all be talking about the next day. Awesome!

In his final cab ride, Rob tells us that he accepts Trump’s decision, though he’s disappointed to be the first to go. He says that all of the candidates are very strong, smart, and cocky.

The bad geniouses at NBC are re-running this episode of The Apprentice on Saturday at 9/8:00 Central. And to really suck us in, they’re adding an extra 20 minutes of boardroom action to the show. I cannot resist it, so I will be watching and promise to give you the highlights here.