The Apprentice, Episode 13: The Firing Squad

Tom suggests that Bill has gotten by on his instincts rather than his education, prompting Bill to defend his education. Amy tells Norma that she would gladly hire another woman. We are finally treated to a montage of tough questions from Trump’s staff. This is an interesting challenge, and a good way for Trump to choose the two best candidates from the final four. His advisors are smart, successful people who know him well. They can ask tough questions, be critical, and see how well the candidates can handle it. It is fascinating, and I would have loved to have seen more of it.

Bill says that the questions were tough, and it could have been a catastrophe to someone who was unprepared. Speaking of unprepared, Amy says that midway through a question, she realized, “I’m not making any sense, so hopefully it’s the quality of how I delivered it and not what I said.” I seriously doubt that; these are sharp people who can see beyond a polished answer to know if there’s any substance. In an interview, Amy says that for the first time after a task, she’s not sure if she’ll make the cut. It depends on what Trump is looking for.

In the boardroom, Trump’s executives give him their reports. Norma says that she really liked Bill and though he was solid. Charlie agrees and says that Bill has the capability to hit the ground running. Allen tells Trump that Kwame doesn’t project his energy outward, and shares that it could be a problem. Trump says it might not be – they have lots of energetic people in their organization, but sometimes the energy is wasted. Tom says that Kwame is a very likeable person, which could translate to his getting more face time in front of a potential client.

Back in the suite, the candidates are nervous. Kwame says that Tom asked him how he could vouch for him after his losing record. Nick says that Kwame and Bill seem less confident than they did before.

As for Nick, Charlie says that he liked him as a person, but that he’s not impressed with Nick’s intellect. Allen says that Nick is a great salesperson, but there’s nothing else there. Tom is harsher. He tells Trump frankly, “I can’t see him running one of your companies, Mr. Trump.” He goes on to say that Nick is “a little bit too slick for his own good.”

Norma thinks Amy would get on her nerves after a while. She thinks that Amy would overplay her role as the energetic young go-getter. Tom adds, “Honestly, Mr. Trump, she irritated the hell out of me.” He thinks she’s driven, but wonders about her motivation. Charlie compares her to a Stepford wife and says that their conversation was boring. Trump is surprised to hear all of this about Amy, but says that he trusts their judgment. He sends for the candidates.

Can you imagine how horrible it would be for Nick or Amy to watch that segment on TV? Yikes.

Trump asks Nick if Kwame is good. Nick doesn’t answer the question directly, and George tries to interject, and Trump tells him to be quiet. Indeed, the only flaw with this episode is that we didn’t hear much at all from George and Carolyn. Trump asks Nick if Kwame is a good leader, and Nick says that is an “area of opportunity” for Kwame. In other words, no.

Kwame says that he would not be comfortable working for Nick. Nick is good, but not great. Trump asks Bill who he would fire. This time Bill doesn’t hedge and says he’d choose Nick. Nick is a great salesperson, but he doesn’t have the depth of experience that the others have, since he has only worked in sales. Nick protests being known as just a salesperson. Amy agrees that she would fire Nick. Nick looks upset, but not as upset as he did when she called Bill her toughest competition. Trump says, “That’s the end of that marriage.” He calls Amy a cold-hearted person, but Nick says it’s okay. Nick says that Donald Trump has a presence, and that presence inspires the people who work for him. Nick thinks he has those same qualities. Man, if Nick gets fired, will they be able to call a second cab for his enormous ego? Trump tells Nick that he’s an excellent sales person, but not a leader. He didn’t earn the respect of Trump’s advisors or of his peers. He’s fired.

Nick’s exit interview is gracious. He says that he’s only 27, so he has less work experience than the others. He’s grateful for the opportunity and has no regrets.

Back to the boardroom. Trump asks Amy if Bill is as smart as Kwame. Amy gives a wordy answer that boils down to no, based on Kwame’s degree. Bill disagrees. He graduated cum laude from Loyola and could have gone to business school or law school, but he followed a different path. Just because he did that does not make him less intelligent. Kwame agrees. I bet Loyola University will put Bill on the cover of their alumni magazine soon, because he is talking them up. Trump asks if Amy has more energy than the two of them. Bill says no, that she just has a different style.