Thanks so much for the link Suzie!! (I'd caution against signing up for the howtowatchnbc.info link given on the other apprentice thread btw. I did, paid my money, and 24 hours later am still waiting for details on how to watch the programme) I let the free one buffer away yesterday afternoon, and then watched the programme last night. I'm not sure what added value the Trump offspring bring to the proceedings (but then I'm used to Margaret and Nick in the UK, with their acute observations and pithy comment, who stay with their teams throughout the proceedings), and was surprised to see little evidence of them observing during the two day task, just popping in a couple of times.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching Meat's participation in the task and his wholehearted effort as he threw himself into whatever task he was doing. In the boardroom he was shrewd, only commenting on what went on when asked, and was clear and non emotive when asked to comment on Richard Hatch's leadership style, and when asked to say who he would fire. Playing a cautious and quiet game in the boardroom is wise .. also he seemed to me to be distancing himself from the strife Trump encourages perhaps because imo his style is more to deal with issues at the time, get past them and refocus on the job, rather than carp behind the scenes and then bicker in the boardroom.
I'd never heard of Hatch .. actually wouldn't have recognised quite a few if they'd knocked on my door
And it took me a while to realise that the face like a Siamese cat in a windtunnel belonged to David Cassidy! I think Hatch, like many, construes "leadership" as controlling, and whilst I know the programme is edited, I saw no shred of motivating in his style which I thought overbearing and rather bullying, setting himself apart from his team, and barking orders. Despite editing I think you can tell a lot from what individuals include in their talk to camera! He was quick to blame those who hadn't managed to call in support, but how much effort and encouragement did he give to them I wonder? We didn't see much of the preparations before they went to the pizza parlours (I hope we see more of the "before" in future programmes, because that tells you more than their work on the day) but can't help feel that if he had shown more true leadership skill at that stage he'd have been quick to point it out!
The success of the women's team was largely down to their calling in bigger and better favours. Star was the winning leader because of her team rather than down to her skill imo. She brought in the huge $40K donation, but was blinded by that to such an extent she missed out on the one that got away, and predictably shuffled off accountability to Lisa. Do the rules prevent any flexibility in achieving the task? There were team members standing in a closed pizza parlour while a delivery truck was stuck in traffic, unable to get to both destinations. Someone could have
walked the distance quicker .. but the team leader was too focused on her $40K. I liked both Lisa and Marlee (the latter being one I recognised
) .. two to watch.
If ever there was a case for firing the leader of the losing team this was it imo .. but I guess Trump thinks Hatch will be good TV, and Cassidy didn't make a hugely impressive showing, particularly in the boardroom, where Trump obviously likes to see people robustly defending themselves. (Meat may keep out of the general boardroom brawling, but I think we can rely on a robust defence if he's attacked
). Jose is like an active volcano imo .. big, rumbling beneath the surface, and ready to erupt. Meat was focused, hardworking, and his presence was a real pull in the parlour during the task, and his strategy impeccable in the boardroom. I'm really looking forward to seeing him lead hs team next week
Caryl