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The Apprentice: Week Nine

The Apprentice: Week Nine
  • Posted at 12:11pm
  • 21 May 2009
  • by PaulJones-RT
  • 4 comments

We found out this week that James has experienced childbirth (though not first-hand, of course) and knows all about the mechanics of popping one out. Not only did he give a demonstration in a home birthing pool, complete with moans and grunts (his wife will be thanking him for his sensitive depiction of her on national television), he also went into extensive anatomical detail.

Personally, I could have done without all the talk of pelvic bones opening up and babies "jumping out" (and by the look on his face, so could Nick), but I can see that if you were an expectant mum about to expel something the size of a watermelon, these would be the kind of reassurances you'd want to hear. So you have to give James credit for a good sales pitch.

It wasn't enough to win Empire the task, though. It had effectively been lost by Debra when she set her Terminator sights on a £1,700 item to sell alongside the nappies at a baby products convention. Given the tantrum Debra threw in order to get her mitts on the tulip-wood rocking horse, she should probably have been sat in a buggy being pushed round the baby show rather than working on one of the stalls.

But Sir Alan clearly sees something in Debra he likes. As he told her in the boardroom, with grudging respect, "you're still here through sheer belligerence". Well, if sheer belligerence has saved her so far then she'll go on to win the competition because she doesn't look like changing any time soon.

Debra just cannot grasp the concept of teamwork. But her "belligerence" extends way past an inability to listen to other points of view, into a realm of Philip-like disregard for basic business principles (such as research, planning, er, thought) and an arrogant belief that whatever conclusion she's plucked out of the air is right.

Meanwhile, Sir Alan continues to suggest James is a "cuddly-cuddly, kissy-kissy guy". But James isn't soft - he's just not the obnoxious, arrogant type that The Apprentice would have us believe is the main inhabitant of the business world. I don't believe for a second that's how the majority of business professionals conduct themselves. As James said, "Half the battle [in business] is getting on with people."

Still, at least James is still in it, while Ben hit the road. Of course, Ben still thinks he's better than his former rivals and will continue to fight the good fight. After all, he was offered a place at Sandhurst military academy, you know…

**

What did you think of this week's episode? Post a comment below and let us know.

And don't forget to check out the rest of our great Apprentice content.

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Comments

  • Posted on 27 May 2009
  • at 9:53pm
  • by Deba

I'm one with ca here, the after-show is more entertaining than the tasks. It's all a bit yawnable!

  • Posted on 27 May 2009
  • at 10:19am
  • by ca

I have stopped watching the main programme and I watch the "you been fired" 30 min show. It's funnier and got most the best bits.

  • Posted on 25 May 2009
  • at 5:23pm
  • by Babyface

You have captured the essence of the programme well in your blog. Why on earth, Sir Alan has not long since, shown Debra the door, I do not know. Surely she cannot go on to win!!!??? I was surprised that Ben was fired last week as he did seem to be improving in his behaviour, but clearly, Sir Alan had had enough of his antics and constant referral to that epitome of good soldiering, Sandhurst, just finally flipped Sir Alan. My money is on Kate to come up trumps in the end. But sneakily I feel that this series has been a bit boring and find my mind wandering off on something else, or I go and pour a gin and tonic and haven't really missed much when I settle back down to watch. Anyone else feel like this?

  • Posted on 25 May 2009
  • at 4:43pm
  • by cio

I was watching 'A Close Shave', thinking of how the plasticine pair have had lots of different businesses over the years, when the resemblances struck me...

I present 'A Close Shave: You're Fired!' starring :

James as Wallace

Nick Hewer as Gromit

Kate as Wendolene

Suralan as Preston

and Adrian Chiles as Shaun the Sheep !

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