Apprentice 3 Update #14
It was a Rock Star vs. The Stones on the April 28 APPRENTICE episode, as Mr. Trump’s final four tried to “clothes” in on the Big Job.
As the tense installment kicked off, Tana said to the returning Alex, “I told you to pack light,” but Alex’s mind apparently wasn’t light, as he looked glum and spent. But the strong attorney was only acting weak to put his opponents in underestimation mode. Clever, sneaky…but did it turn out to be effective?
Corporate restructuring reared its helpful and harmful head again, as Tana jumped back to Net Worth (Alex’s choice was a compliment to her), leaving one Street Smart and Book Smart candidate on each team: one go-getter duo and one conflicted-from-the-get-go pair.
Magna and Net Worth soon had T-shirts and quick cash on their competitive minds. No, this wasn’t a wild spring break bar contest; their task was to create their own shirt design with a famous artist and sell as many limited-edition shirts sporting the design as they could at a hip NYC store, Scoop. (As the nation watched, it was mad props to Scoop!)
A & T started designing right away; it helped that Project Manager Tana owned a clothing store. Rock Star Couture’s first product, in large part courtesy of amazingly fast-moving artist Burton Morris, was a design with a snappy-looking star and wings.
Kendra grabbed the PM reins from Craig in an effort to take control. Oh, did we mention they apparently can’t stand working with each other? Magna went with a colorful heart, Kendra’s choice (although Craig pushed for a star). Romero Britto was their ultratalented artist-for-“hire.”
Alex’s dedicated partner was all about rhinestones: Tana immediately went into a search for Bedazzler and couldn’t find one (in this decade), until she finally tracked down the rhinestones and assorted beads…at the Staten Island Mall. A long trip, but hey, there’s a Friendly’s. On the way (Hello, Verrazano!), reluctant passenger Alex was marketing-minded, but Tana didn’t see the big picture; she just wanted those stones.
Carolyn watched Kendra and Craig clash, nearly to the breaking point. Their shirts also had a limit: just 288, at prices ranging from $25 to $35. Craig offered sudden discounts until Kendra politely said that was a financial no-no. But their marketing made up for this monetary gaffe; they had mass-contacted art lovers, specifically Britto enthusiasts.
Net Worth’s Tana was the “master studder,” as Scoop customers waited for her to add the stones. The price points were slightly higher than Magna’s: Men’s shirts went for $42.99; women’s (with the stones and beads!), $54.99.
George called it a classic battle of price — and (after Trump asked the candidates how they believe they did, a sign of respect) the money tally was: $1,147.95 for Net Worth, while Magna trounced them at $2,705.
As their reward, Kendra and Craig got to take on each other in fighter planes; they were thrilled and even a little happier with each other. Kendra noted that the task was a catfight, and now they were engaging in a dogfight. (Ah, reality works out again….) Craig claimed he could take her in combat without a plane, but Kendra fired the right “shot” and won. Foreshadowing, possibly?
Before the boardroom, former teammates bonded: Alex confided with Kendra about Tana’s problems, while Tana was clearly ready for a battle, but asked Craig for advice.
Sitting across from the Net Worthers, Mr. Trump noted their marketing was severely lacking, and Alex was honest enough to reply that there was no marketer. Tana stuck up for herself, but in case viewers wondered what she whispered as Mr. Trump began his private conference with George and Carolyn, it was, “My beads…they didn’t like my beads…”
The beads were the hot subject in the final boardroom, as the three executives agreed the team’s SI trip took too much time. But The Donald said so long to Alex, who proved himself enough to get this far but dirtied his shirt — er, image by forgetting (or fibbing about, as Mr. Trump believed) his win/loss record. He left inspired, his mind blissfully heavy with several project ideas.
With the teams dissolved, it’s now down to the final three (our “Matrix trio” — see update No. 12): Tana, Craig and the last remaining Book Smart candidate, Kendra.
Check this space next Friday, May 6, for the latest scoop on NBC’s hit reality show.
APPRENTICE 3 Candidate Update
The Final Three:
•Craig, 37, Conley, Ga., shoeshine business owner
•Kendra, 26, Boynton Beach, Fla., real estate broker
•Tana, 37, Des Moines, Iowa, sales executive
And the rest:
NET WORTH
•Alex, 29, Seattle, prosecutor FIRED IN EPISODE 14
•Angie, 41, Lake Balboa, Calif., gym franchise owner FIRED IN EPISODE 11
•Audrey, 22, Salt Lake City, real estate agent FIRED IN EPISODE 7
•Bren, 32, Memphis, Tenn., prosecutor FIRED IN EPISODE 13
•Brian, 29, Wildwood, N.J., real estate broker FIRED IN EPISODE 2
•Chris, 22, Las Vegas, real estate investor FIRED IN EPISODE 12
•Erin, 26, Philadelphia, attorney FIRED IN EPISODE 9
•John, 32, Tampa, Fla., technology firm owner FIRED IN EPISODE 8
•Kristen, 31, Los Angeles, real estate financier FIRED IN EPISODE 4
•Stephanie, 29, San Diego, supply chain consultant FIRED IN EPISODE 10
•Tara, 28, New York City, senior government manager FIRED IN EPISODE 6
MAGNA CORP.
•Danny, 39, Boston, marketing technology firm owner FIRED IN EPISODE 3
•Michael, 25, Boston, real estate developer FIRED IN EPISODE 5
•Todd, 34, Carlsbad, Calif., sales manager FIRED IN EPISODE 1
•Verna, 31, Seattle, business manager QUIT IN EPISODE 3
SOAP OPERA WEEKLY’s Predictions for the Final Four (two made it, and Kendra’s still in):
Alex: His theology and Latin degrees alone reveal his impressive mind, and his solid speaking — and lobbying — skills will please Mr. Trump.
Brian: He’s got the creativity and business acumen, having made a million from selling glow-in-the-dark necklaces.
Kendra: This entrepreneur and talk radio show host may prove to be one of the most resourceful and dedicated players.
Tara: Watch this one — her NYC know-how and heavy management experience should keep her on the successful side.
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