The Apprentice, Episode 11: Eye of the Tiger

Troy says that Protégé is looking for ways to attract attention. He says that on the way to Atlantic City, he spoke to one of the employees and asked him what has worked in the past. The man directs him to a giant spinning wheel used in a past promotion. Troy is thrilled. He says the wheel is just what he wanted, and he thinks it’s great that they don’t have to spend any time or money putting one together.

Versacorp goes to a Chrysler dealership to secure the car rental. Katrina says that she pre-negotiated the deal, but when they arrive, she mainly giggles and flirts with the dealer. Amy looks on, visibly annoyed. In an interview, Amy says, “I think Katrina has a tendency to use sexuality as her prime negotiating tactic. And when it wasn’t working for her to secure our deal, her strategy was to just flirt a little more.” Amy’s statement is so awesome that I have almost nothing to add, except perhaps one thing… which Amy kindly says for me. “You know what? Turn off the sexual bull***t and let’s talk business.” Well said, Amy.

Katrina’s flirting is getting nowhere, and the dealer asks what’s in it for him. Katrina starts to answer, but Amy interrupts her. She tells him that she wants the dealership to co-sponsor the event, and in return they’ll get 12 hours of free marketing. He says yes. In an interview, Katrina says that Amy always has to be the star. Katrina sounds pretty jealous to me.

Protégé meets with Fitz, the ten-year-old executive producer for the Fercos Brothers Circus. Troy negotiates a cross promotion with him, and Fitz loves the idea. He’s willing to loan Protégé one of his tigers and suggests using dancers from the show to help as well. Troy tells him that it’s a great deal that will benefit both of them. Fitz interrupts to give Troy some advice: Don’t sell when it’s already sold. That’s good advice, actually. I think Fitz would have done a pretty good job on this show. Fitz says that he’ll help, provided someone goes to his show. Troy says he will, and Kwame says he’ll join him. Bill is not pleased – it doesn’t take two people to choose a tiger. In an interview, Kwame admits that he knew as much, but wanted to see the show.

Nick and Amy make eyes at each other by the elevators. Amy says in an interview that it’s obvious that Nick has a crush on her, and that she thinks he’s handsome and enjoys spending time with him. In their hotel suite, Katrina asks Nick and Amy if they want to sleep in the same bed while she crashes in the other room. Isn’t that a bit presumptuous? It gets worse – Katrina asks, “Nick, where are you sleeping?” Nick turns red and stammers. Amy says that their mothers would not approve of them sleeping together. As the lights go out, Amy says that she doesn’t know what’s going on with their relationship, but maybe she should find out.

It’s time for the Trump Lesson of the Week: “It’s Easier to Think Big.” Trump says that he’s had more success with big projects, and that it’s easier to secure support and financing. He shows us a 500-acre golf course he’s building in New Jersey. It’s windy outside, and Trump’s helmet hair blows in the breeze. Trump says that’s proof that it’s real. I guess that answers that question!

The next day, the challenge is on. Protégé sets up their wheel, which gives customers a chance to win an array of prizes, including a raffle ticket for a chance to win $1,000 cash. Troy is excited to see a line out the door at only 10:00 in the morning. Versacorp plans to raffle off chances to win a luxury car rental, valued at $300. They have hired models to help them work the crowd. Versacorp members explain the prize to passersby, and no one seems excited at a chance to win a car rental, rather than a car. Protégé sees what Versacorp is doing and does not look worried.

I was in Atlantic City a few weeks ago, and I can tell you, a $300 prize isn’t going to impress anybody. One casino was giving away $1,000 cash every fifteen minutes. And a rental car in Atlantic City also wouldn’t be very useful. Most of the casinos are in one central location, and you’d have an easier time walking on the boardwalk from one to the other than driving. In short, I’m not impressed by Versacorp’s plan.

Bill introduces himself to two men checking into the hotel in the VIP area. He invites them to enter Protégé’s contest and has a showgirl escort them to the sign-up area. In an interview, he explains that he negotiated the exclusive rights to sign people up at the VIP check-in. Wow, that’s a great idea.

Versacorp notices what Bill is doing, so Amy sends one of their models over to compete with Bill. Bill is irritated, and says that it’s like a used car lot, with someone jumping all over a customer as soon as he sets foot in the area. He tells the model to stay 50 feet away from him at all times, because having so many people swarm on the customers is not professional.