Celebrity Apprentice, Episode 2: It’s All Going To The Dogs!

Marilu explains to us that initially, they wanted to tell the stories of three dogs and then have her appear to talk about adopting dogs. But the tones of the two different segments didn’t match up, so they decide to do it as a voiceover instead. Sure enough, just when the team is discouraged over this realization, up strolls Trump’s eyes for the task, Terry. Never at a loss for buzzwords, Nely is right on the ball and rhymes off the three customer requirements that he wants to hear. Nice save!

The scene again shifts back to Team Hydra. After hearing a couple of Trace’s solid voiceovers, Stephen says, “I have been given a gift.”

At this point, the obviously-underutilized members of Hydra feel very vulnerable and concerned about a perceived lack of input; led by Tito, they storm into the recording studio. The wisdom of doing this at the eleventh hour fails most all of us, resulting in a predictable level of blind panic. Finally, Baldwin and Gene convince the nervous foursome to leave. It’s safe to say that none of the men are real happy at this time.

It’s time for the presentations, and Empresario is first. Nely plays the role as presenter Things stars well, though maybe she’s a bit on the wordy side. They apparently created material for other media, including the web and the radio, but Trump finally says, “ I want to see the commercial!”

As we see about five seconds of their work, Nely voices over, “We worked like dogs.” We have to wait to see more.

The men are next. Gene alludes to “The Art Of War,” suddenly popularized by the last season of Survivor. He says, “The battlefield is where the war is. It’s not in the war room.” Trump tries to bring up a point that the client is miffed over not being consulted, but Gene responds simply and clearly that they want to be judged on their product, and in Omarosian fashion, that’s where attention is diverted. Their video plays, and, well, it’s great!

Trump turns to the sponsor-dude, who quickly admits that although both presentations were good, one was fantastic. We have to wait to hear the official decision, but even in the small bits of the clips we saw, Hydra had the better product.

As the teams await the news, Marilu surmises that the only way they lost was by not using celebrity. Over at Hydra, Gene feels comfortable with the decision to bypass “shaking hands” with the client.

In the next scene, the teams are assembled in the Boardroom to hear the results. Ivanka mentions that she felt slighted by Gene being dismissive of her. Trump tries to ramp it up, and even brings Omarosa into the discussion, but Gene apologizes well to Ivanka and all is fine in Hydra-land. Zzzzzz. Crisis averted… promo belittled.

Trump has both ads played in full. The women try to laugh off the men’s ad, but I’m guessing they know what’s coming. Sure enough, Hydra wins again.

Trump again asks why Empresario didn’t use star power. There’s discussion about who is recognizable by voice and not identified by face alone, with the suggestion being made that both Lennox’s face and Marilu’s voice are not identifiable.

It’s time for results. Bottom line, the sponsors loved Hydra’s ad. Nely tries to argue otherwise, but Trump says he agrees with the decision.

The men file back to their war room, where there is a mixture of relief and cocky comments. I say that the more time that passes before you have to face the Boardroom, the better for the team. But… it’s coming.

Back in the Boardroom, the point is brought out that the team may not have had time to bring out their vision. Donald reiterates that he didn’t recognize Marilu’s voice.

I disagree here, I think her voice can be recognized. Also, there’s nothing wrong with starting the spot by saying, “Hi, I’m Marilu Henner…” either.

Donald continues to explain that the time they spent developing radio and other versions of the ad were a waste. He also knocks Nely’s rambling presentation.

Trump then asks about Jenny’s contributions, which satisfy him, but she delays way too long when he asks who should be fired. What, is this the first time Trump has ever asked that question? I say that marks her for deletion as the show runs its course.

When asked, Carol says Nadia should go. Nadia replies in a rather iffy manner – I think she’s toast.

Prompted by Trump, Nely identifies Nadia and Carol as the two she’s bringing back to the final Boardroom.

I’m not going to drag this out, because little of significance follows. Trump makes it clear there is no reason for Carol to be there, so she’s safe. Although Trump questions Nely for not bringing back Marilu, everyone agrees that Nadia can’t lead a team and as much as Trump loves Olympians and likes to call people who don’t have many gold medals “losers,” Nadia is gone.

In her cab ride to the airport, Nadia doesn’t say anything to convince us she should have lasted longer.

My Opinion: I can’t defend any alternatives, Nely wasn’t great as a leader, but Nadia was the one to go. She just didn’t seem to be part of the process in either week.

Let me know what you think about it all at the eAddress below! And next week, join me here for a recap of all the action, sprinkled with my own reactions and opinions.

Brian lives in Toronto. He spent a couple of decades working in middle management at The Prudential, primarily hiding behind the coffee machines in generally unsuccessful attempts to avoid his pointy-haired bosses. He can be reached at uncle_bto@rogers.com. He’d like to hear your opinions and promises to respond to all serious email.

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