Celebrity Apprentice, Episode 7: Missing – Horse Sense and Common Decency

It’s time for Trump to announce the winner. George reports that Empresario generated $29,673. Ivanka is reluctant to report that Hydra made $35,184. Hydra wins, for the sixth time in seven weeks! Trump changed the players, but not the result.

Trump announces that the whole $65,000 will go to Piers’ charity. Piers explains that his charity is the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which helps the families of soldiers who have fallen in battle. He adds that his brother just returned from active duty in Iraq. Even Omarosa knows not to make a stupid comment at this point.

Trump moves Omarosa back to Empresario. Piers does not react. As they leave, Lennox says it seems like a hollow victory, because he can’t get excited about it.

Back in the suite, Piers is very subdued. He describes it as “a foul victory.” Clueless Omarosa toasts with no one and has a small laugh alone.

Trump now turns to Empresario. He tells them this is probably the hardest firing to date. Trump makes Trace identify who worked least hard. He can’t name anyone.

In turn, Trump asks Baldwin, Marilu, and Tito the same question, and none can identify anyone as “worst.” Even George cannot come up with a name and says he’s glad Trump is the one who has to make the decision.

Trump asks if any of them want to resign. They laugh, but he’s serious. No takers! Trump then asks Trace if, as PM, he would like to resign. Trace says if he were only representing himself, he might consider it, but he’s here fighting for somebody else, so the answer is still “no.” That’s the right answer!

Trump says this is “the single hardest firing I’ve ever had.” Trace says the next time he has to raise money, he’s calling Trump, and all laugh. Trump jokes that if he’d given them $7,000, his current task would be much easier.

Donald continues, “The other team was a total disaster. I wish I could have fired one of the members of the (other) team, and we know exactly who I’m talking about.” So since this team knows this is all about charity and he’s feeling charitable, he’s firing… no one! He tells us it’s the first time that’s even happened. Did the season just get a week longer, or will there be a double execution in the near future?

Trump’s parting shot is to say that Marilu will be moved to Hydra (to keep the numbers even). That sucks for her.

The closing shot is of the driver of the empty limo, waiting to escort the fired player away. No limo ride this week! At least it’s not raining on him.

Next week: a return to the selling mecca known as the Home Shopping Network. And someone on Hydra (either Marilu or Carol) is stricken with verbal diarrhea. Based on the new team alignments, I note Baldwin and Marilu have gone the longest without being PM, so perhaps their turns come up.

Website Note: For those who are unaware, Vincent Pastore has now been officially accorded a Reality TV Hall Of Shame Moment for his hapless reincarnation of his glory days. To relive the sad details, click here to read his article.

My Comments: Although he’s doing pretty well here, I am not a huge fan of Piers Morgan and his tabloid journalism. However, after this episode I personally could not have less respect for Omarosa. There’s just no excuse to sink that low on a TV show where celebrities are helping charities. I don’t think there’s a place for such behavior in the business world, either.

Well, I guess my opinion is clear. The question of the week for you readers is: Do you feel Omarosa should be inducted into the Hall Of Shame… again? Even before I got this article completed, a couple of you requested she go in – but what do the rest of you think? I’m interested in hearing from both sides, not just those who agree with me.

Readers are invited to share their opinions at the eAddress below. And next week, join me here for a recap of all the new action, sprinkled with my own reactions and opinions.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent Apprentice articles:

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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