Celebrity Apprentice 2: It’s Not Personal…Is It?
Commentary and Rankings by RTVC Staff Writer Donna Emery
April 27, 2009
This week on the Celebrity Apprentice, Melissa felt like she was in high school –and her mother acted like a two year old, throwing a tantrum.
When Donald Trump put Melissa and Joan on separate teams, he uncovered Joan’s protective side, and it’s exposed just how personally Joan is taking Melissa’s performance on this show. A few weeks ago, Joan began her feud with Annie Duke, and she first threatened to walk off the show, if Melissa were unjustly fired. This makes very little sense, for a woman whose apparent aim is to promote her daughter as an independent who is worthy of winning this game.
Donald Trump doesn’t want someone who needs to be defended by her mother – just because that person is her mother. Certainly, if Joan was pointing out Melissa’s business acumen (and, to give her credit, there are some things she appears to know, pretty well) to Trump, that might hold water. But to protest because two other women out-manipulated her precious Melissa – to the point that she packed her bags and flounced out, shows that not only does Joan not deserve the title of Apprentice, but, that in the end, neither did Melissa.
I had read spoilers that Melissa was in the Final Two, so I was surprised when I began to see which way this Boardroom was going. I didn’t necessarily think she deserved to be in the finale, but I figured that’s the way the game would play out. But, unless there is some future Trumpian twist that restores Melissa to the game, I guess that spoiler was wrong. After this week’s episode, I guess we can expect anything to happen.
Certainly, it looks as though we can expect more cursing. Joan, Melissa, Jesse, even Annie… who’s next? Will sweet-talking Brande or lucky man Clint be the next to join the Expletive Parade? I doubt Annie would lose her cool that far, but you never know.
Why is the cursing so prevalent? I think it’s because most of the celebs have lost sight of the fact that this is not supposed to be personal. Whether they are here to show Trump their business skills (and, with this season, we’ve seen that most of them really don’t have that many to offer) or their ability to raise funds (which some of them have done, very well) none of it is supposed to be about who they are, as a person.
But, with celebrities, I don’t see how Trump could have really expected them to remember that it’s not personal. Being a celebrity means each of them have had to concentrate the latter part of their lives (which, in Joan’s case, is for more than all of them) on “branding” themselves. None of them are really there because of whatever “business” skills they bring to the table. And, none of them are really there because they can raise funds – although, if last year’s finale is to be the benchmark, that’s what will ultimately win the game.
But, to win, they have to outlast, outstay and outplay all the others. And the only one doing that to perfection is Annie Duke.
I am not a poker player, or a fan, but Annie has shown she’s up there with the big boys on how to play this game. She’s sweet when she has to be and tough when that’s called for. I’ve thought all along she will win, and I still do.
Joan Rivers was right about one thing: Annie’s “friendship” with Brande is nothing more than a poker chip to Annie. I think we’ll see Annie begin to turn on Brande, just a bit, so that she can set her up for firing if Athena tanks the next task.
Jesse really amazes me. At face value, he seems about as affective in this game as Shaggy seems, in Scooby Doo. Yet, his creativity and the force of his anger at Clint shows he’s got lots buried within. No matter how much Trump and his cronies point a stick at him, he doesn’t flinch. He is who he is, and I think so far we’ve only seen some of his many layers.
Everything his team has said, about Clint Black seems to be true. He’s got the tenacity of a pit bull, once he has an idea. He also doesn’t want to hear anyone else’s opinion when his mind is made up. That doesn’t make him a bad guy, he just seems difficult to work with.
Brande really surprises me. There’s definitely a brain under all that blonde hair. But if she can’t see that Joan was right, about Annie playing her in the last two tasks, she deserves the comeuppance she’ll get, when Annie inevitably turns on her.
As we go into the final stretch, it will be interesting to see who emerges to take on Annie in the finale, because I remain convinced that she’ll be there.
Again, the rankings are my own opinion, and are not meant to predict the actual outcome.
Here is how I think they rank:
Annie
Current Ranking: 1 Previous Ranking: 1
She really is a poker player – and that includes the way she’s playing this game. I don’t like her methods or her duplicity, but she knows what to do to stay in this game and emerge as the winner. I don’t think any of them can match her at fundraising, or in manipulation. Like her or not, if Piers Morgan is the standard of what the Donald wants, then she’ll take the prize.
Annie Duke is one of the best known poker players in the world, having won many competitions across the world. Currently, she is a consultant for UltimateBet.com, overseeing the website's game rules conform those of the actual card game.
Brande
Current Ranking: 2 Previous Ranking: 3
In this final four (or five?) it’s hard to find anyone else to stand up to Annie. But she showed Trump that she has the moxie to bring the fire, and, though I doubt she can bring in as much money as she thinks she can, and she’ll be the next one on the chopping block if Athena loses, next week, for now she’s shown everyone that the beauty has a bite.
The Donald noticed her once again, as she “starred” in the ladies’
presentation, and he continued to flirt with her during the Boardroom. She won a lot of money last week, and he’s sure to remember that.
Jesse
Current Ranking: 3 Previous Ranking: 2
Once again, he’s shown he’s smarter than he looks, and that his brooding personality hides some fire and spirit. He seems to know how to produce good work, but, if Annie and Brande are right, and this is all about making money, Jesse is sunk unless he starts doing just that.
Jesse James is best known for his appearances in Monster Garage, which challenged him to modify a vehicle to a “monster machine”. First making his name as a motorcycle builder, he has since been known for his clothing line and restaurant, and is currently working on another television series for Spike TV.
Clint
Current Ranking: 4 Previous Ranking: 5
Boy, did he get lucky. I don’t know why his team’s ad won, since I agree with Jesse’s assessment of it, but now he looks good to Trump. But if he is too stubborn to listen to the “experts” on his team, he isn’t going to be able to beat out Annie – or anyone else – in the final task, if he makes it that far.
Clint Black is a prolific musician and songwriter, having written and released over a hundred songs. The multi-instrumentalist—he can play the drums, harmonica, bass guitar and lots more—also established his own record label, Equity Music Group, in 2003.
Joan
Current Ranking: 5 Previous Ranking: 6
She phoned in her “performance” on this last task, and then, once again, made the Boardroom personal, despite it being about the other team. If Melissa can’t do this without your defense, and if you take her firing – which, unfortunately, was logical after this task – so seriously, I’d like to use your own words and tell you: “Oh, grow up!”
Joan Rivers has been famous since 1968, beginning with a guest bit on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. From there, she's done daytime talk shows, been nominated for a Tony, designed jewelry for QVC, and hosted many red carpet specials for E!, and later, the TV Guide Channel.
Melissa You're Fired!
I am sure she was right about the Dynamic Duo closing her out, and I’m not sure what else she could do about it. But her reactionary personality – which we saw more clearly after the firing – led her to make the Boardroom more about her than the task. Her attack on the others in her team led Trump to examine her own performance as a fund raiser, and that’s what got her fired.
Melissa Rivers followed her mother, Joan Rivers, to the entertainment industry, having co-hosted many successful red carpet specials for E! and the TV Guide Channel. The Ivy League graduate also stocked up on experience behind the scenes, having produced a number of high-rated specials and television series.
Herschel You're Fired!
What a shame he had to take the fall for the Schwann’s task. He did his best to remain above the fray, but he made two dumb decisions and he left before the weaker players (Joan and Clint). I’ll miss his quiet humor.
Herschel Walker was the Heisman Trophy awardee in 1980, and has since been named the second greatest player in college football history. He, also set numerous records during his 15-year stint in the NFL. Currently he runs a food business selling a line of frozen appetizers.
Natalie You're Fired!
You only did one thing wrong – unless you count your misguided efforts to line up one of Annie’s “rivals” to bid against her. Jewelry selection shouldn’t have mattered, but, in this task, it may have been the thing that mattered most. I’ll miss her sweet disposition, but she was probably too nice for this game.
Natalie Gulbis has made a name for herself in the world of golf. She broke out of the LPGA scene in 2005, and moved on to win her first tour, the Evian Masters, in 2007. She also featured in her own line of fashion calendars, as well as a reality series on The Golf Channel.
Brian You're Fired!
He was so laid-back he may as well have napped through the task. He didn’t lead; he pushed through the task and came up with a lackluster project. In every task, he promoted only himself – and, in the end, it wasn’t enough to win.
Brian McKnight has been an internationally-renowned singer and songwriter since 1991. Since he released his eponymous debut, his brand of soul and R&B has made an impact across the world. He's also dabbled in broadcasting, currently doing a syndicated radio show from Los Angeles.
Tionne You're Fired!
I definitely did NOT see her firing coming. She impressed the Donald last week, and he made a point of showing respect for her in the Boardroom. He thought she “pulled a Bradford” (gave up a proffered immunity) but I disagree. I was more impressed by her than I had thought I’d be, and I’m glad she earned money for her charity before she left.
Tionne Watkins is best known as T-Boz, one of the three girls that formed successful music group TLC. Beyond that, she's established herself as an actress and producer, through her production company Shee Entertainment. She's also worked as a book author, philanthropist and children's clothes designer.
Khloe You're Fired!
Even though I saw her as a minimal contributor to most of the tasks, it definitely wasn’t fair for Trump to fire her for something that had nothing to do with the task or even with the way she conducted herself on the show. I’m glad he donated more money to her charity, but he shouldn’t have fired her.
Khloe Kardashian is best known as the sister of socialite.. Apart from co-managing their high-end women's boutique DASH, she is also busy with product endorsements and reporting from the red carpet for website Celebuzz.
Dennis You're Fired!
He started out strong, and more than once I thought the team might have overcome his implosion and won the task. But, he should have been fired two weeks ago and I’m relieved that he’s gone. I wish him well and hope he gets the help he needs.
Dennis Rodman is a colorful personality on and off the basketball court. Known for his defensive prowess, he has played for many NBA basketball teams. He's also made a name for himself in film, television and professional wrestling.
Claudia You're Fired!
“Moosh” or no “moosh”, she didn’t really organize or lead this task very well, and she probably did deserve to be fired. When she said they couldn’t lose against a team with one member missing, I knew they were doomed.
Claudia Jordan is one of the girls in NBC's , “Deal or No Deal”. Previous to that, she represented Rhode Island in both the Miss Teen USA and the Miss USA pageant. From there, she has appeared in several television shows, and is even trying her luck in films.
Tom You're Fired!
He was unfocused, unmotivated and once again, his bragging did nothing to impress his team. He definitely needed to be fired, but his bar buddy Dennis should have gone with him.
Tom Green is best known for his brand of comedy, having showcased it in so both television (The Tom Green Show) and films (Freddy Got Fingered, Road Trip). The testicular cancer survivor also penned an autobiography, Hollywood Causes Cancer: The Tom Green Story, in 2005.
Scott You're Fired!
Current Ranking: 15 Previous Ranking: None
He tried his best, but Tom Green got his goat. If he hadn’t selected that awful name, I think he’d still be here, but he was too nice to play with this bunch of sharks for long.
Scott Hamilton first made a splash 25 years ago, with his figure skating performances at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, where he won the gold for the United States. Since then, he has worked as a professional ice skater, performing for 15 years in the Stars on Ice show that he co-founded.
Dice You're Fired!
He totally deserved to be fired first. All he wanted to do is promote his dubious talent, and he made himself look like a real loser. Guess what? He was.
Andrew Dice Clay has received considerable attention, both positive and negative, for his risqué, hardcore style of comedy. A star both in films, comedy albums and stand-up, he last appeared on the VH1 reality series Dice: Undisputed.
Who do you think will emerge as the winner? Who are you looking forward to watching, in coming weeks? Who would you most like to see fired? Write to me at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com. and let me know. -->
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com.
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