|
|
 |
The Best...Apprentice |
|
|
|
I don't understand schedulers. You have a hit with a business reality show, which after two series proves so popular that it escapes the ghetto of BBC2 for the bright lights and ratings goldmine of BBC1. What's more, you also have the rights to the original American version.
So why put the American version of The Apprentice, which to my mind is the better of the two, on at close to midnight twice a week? It's no wonder I'm turning up to work like a bleary-eyed zombie on Thursday and Friday mornings.
"Hang on a minute," I hear you cry, "How can the Yanks have a better show than one with a figurehead who is none other than that well-known salesman for National Savings Bonds, Sir Alan Sugar of the East End?"
Well, to put it quite simply, in the matter of most things American, it is bigger, bolder, and is headed by that well-known salesman for Donald Trump, er, Donald Trump. Alan Sugar may be rich and successful, but Donald Trump is richer and more successful.
The Apprentice USA lays its cards on the table the minute the opening credits start. The soundtrack is the O'Jays' For the Love of Money, and over a montage of fabulous-looking locations and private jets, the series credo flashes up: "What if…you could have it all?"
Right from the get-go you know that every single contestant has in their mind that one day they too could have a ridiculous haircut that no-one dare criticise. Hell, it's the American Dream writ large. And you just know that they will do whatever it takes to make that dream a reality.
You may think that the British version had personality clashes and antagonistic contestants. But until one person has had their team-mates round on them and practically suggest they should be carted off to the nearest institution for the criminally insane, as one poor woman did in series two of The Apprentice USA, then I'm afraid it just doesn't cut the mustard.
Alan Sugar may have made the British version of The Apprentice with his constantly irascible demeanour, but Donald Trump shows that the super-rich can have a softer side too - he even has dinner with some of the contestants when they win tasks.
Trump's sidekicks are also more enjoyable to watch than their UK counterparts: they weigh in with their opinions in the boardroom and laugh at the idiocy of the contestants during tasks.
The American contestants live up more to the traditional image of an apprentice too - ie they're all relatively young. There are no middle-aged middle managers here. They're all either fresh out of college or young executives hungry for a new challenge - not depressed sales reps having midlife crises.
The Apprentice USA is a business reality show that is purely about business. It's a lean, mean, entertaining machine. No other version comes close, especially not Martha Stewart's lame attempt - would you take business advice from an ex-con? Nope, it has to be Trump all the way.
David Crawford
**
Why not take a look at our Apprentice finalists gallery?
|
|
|
|
|
|
| EMAIL A FRIEND |
|
| Want to share this page with a friend? It's quick and easy! |
| Email a friend |
|
|
|
|
|
