The Apprentice: Weekly Performance Review, Episode 3 – What are the Odds?

I have to admit, I wasn’t crazy about this week’s episode of The Apprentice, mostly because the show is stuck in a sort of tunnel-vision. It’s a problem with early episodes of reality shows, when they’re still at the point where there are too many contestants left, and the tension that comes with the final few weeks is not yet in view. What happens is that these shows will take hold of a certain theme – in this case, Sam’s behavior – and focus on it until we’re all sick of it. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it, exactly, but it’s something I always feel like I’m wading through.

In any case, I’ve got a quick comment on RNO’s interview with Episode 2’s fired employee, Jason. It’s pretty obvious that Jason still has no clue why he was fired, since he continued pointing fingers at Sam. He doesn’t realize that Sam’s failures reflected badly on him, since good managers don’t just toss a “troublemaker” aside. Plus, I still feel his rationale for not meeting with the client makes no sense.

This week, with Jason gone and Sam still around, would the men be able to finally win one? Would anyone get along with Omarosa? Neither option looks promising.

Along with my normal performance reviews, I found that a gambling web site, BetWWTS.com, is offering odds and wagering on The Apprentice. Now, I think betting on reality shows is a whole new kind of stupid unless you actually HAVE inside information, but it’s fun to discuss the odds of the different contestants. So with each person I will note the odds that they are given.

Protégé Corporation:

Jessie (6-1): Like Amy before you, one of your first acts as Project Manager was to try to alleviate the arguments between Omarosa and Ereka. Unfortunately, you only succeeded in making things worse, bringing Katrina into the fray. Not really your fault, though. Your idea to split up into two teams was a good one, even if Sam’s idea of having a “research team” was better. Results count in this case.

Ereka (5-1): You helped your cause by being willing to work with Omarosa during the meeting. As I said last week, let her dig her own hole, since she’s quite good at it.

Amy (10-1): You are steadily proving yourself, last week as Project Manager and this week as, for lack of a better word, Assistant Manager. You were instrumental in getting the huge deal on the golf club and did it without whining and begging like some of the others. You also worked well with Omarosa, which, as we’ve seen, is a task in itself.

Heidi (12-1): Speaking of whining and crying, I find that I’m getting more irritated with you as the show goes on. Honestly, do you have a method of doing business that has nothing to do with flirting or crying? I doubt it impresses Carolyn and I HIGHLY doubt it impresses Trump.

Kristi (12-1): You didn’t do a whole lot this episode again, except for showing off your body – again. I never thought I’d say it, but that’s getting tiresome. Like Heidi, at some point you will have to demonstrate some actual skill. Unlike Heidi, I think you’ll do fine when the time comes.

Katrina (3-1): Well, at least you did something this week. Next week, do something productive other than whining.

Tammy (20-1): Omarosa has eclipsed you (by a WIDE margin) as my least favorite, but I’m still unconvinced that you have what it takes to win this or even come close.

Omarosa (15-1): I don’t have much to add to what I said last week, but there are a couple things I have to point out. First, simply working in the White House means absolutely nothing. Monica Lewinsky, who you may have worked with, is direct proof of that. Is she successful, Omarosa? [Editor’s Note: Well, Monica came in a close second in the Reality TV Hall of Shame Awards for the category of “Worst Host.”] In business, you are always judged by your last failure. You could have been the most successful businesswoman in the world before, but none of that means jack crap on this show. If you’re a bitch who is hard to work with, as you have been so far, then you’re a bitch who is hard to work with. Nothing else matters.

Secondly, and much, MUCH more importantly: you made fun of Katrina for wanting to make friends instead of winning. You’re overlooking the fact that you are part of a team right now, and as such you must work TOGETHER, with others, loath as that may be to Queen Omarosa. Get over yourself, quickly.

15-1 odds are too good for you. I’d say more like 1500-1.