The Apprentice: Martha Stewart
Hosing Down the Competition's Hot Air
Episode 9 Commentary by Donna Emery
November 10, 2005
I didn't think I would ever say this, but: compared to some of his
remaining competitors, Jim is beginning to look competent.
Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to be trapped on a deserted
island with him; and Dawna is right about the immaturity of his actions.
But he has always displayed the value of his creativity, and the last
two episodes have shown him to be both competent and professional.
This week's episode began with Jim, who was telling the members of
Matchstick about the reprieve he had gotten from Sarah, in last week's
boardroom. They were as surprised as I was; to hear that Sarah had
acknowledged that Jim was the strongest player on their team, for the Tide
fiasco. Considering the disaster that Primarius created, that wasn't
much of a compliment, but it kept Jim in the game for another week.
Speculation about who else would survive was soon resolved, as Howie
and Bethenny came back to the loft.
Bethenny told about Sarah's desperate twisting of the truth, and
confirmed that both Sarah and Carrie had been sent home.
The next morning, the teams met with Martha, and found out about their
new task. But first, she had to even out the teams. She asked
Matchstick who had the best record, as a project manager. Dawna was the only
one who had two wins, so she raised her hand. Martha asked her to go
to Matchstick, and Dawna pretended that she was thrilled. The task was
about outdoor products. Each team would select and market an outdoor
product, on the QVC channel. They would both have 10 minutes' live air
time, to sell their product. Whichever team got the most money would
win. Martha reminded Bethenny that she was the only one who had not yet
been Project Manager.
Back at the loft, Dawna revealed the truth about her feelings for her
new team: she was very unhappy with their childishness. Dawna was a
serious person, and Jim and Bethenny were loudly kidding around, and the
atmosphere was anything but professional. She cringed at Jim's crude
language. Bethenny, who had taken the challenge and was acting as
Project Manager, said that she was able to control Jim. She said she knew
when to let him talk; and when to reel him in. Dawna looked doubtful,
and looked as though she were really missing the calm, quiet ways of
her former team.
Ryan was the Project Manager for Matchstick, though Amanda suddenly
acted as though she was. She talked nonstop about the importance of an
attractive set. It seemed almost as if Amanda had become the Project
Manager; and had taken accountability for all the other tasks as well. No
one, including hapless Ryan, could get a word in edgewise.
Despite Amanda's desire to concentrate on the set, Ryan knew that they
had to first decide on the product. In the QVC studio, the team was
awestruck by the volume of products. They considered a hammock, but kept
on looking. When Ryan spotted a hose re-winder, he knew he had found a
winner. He believed that it had widespread appeal, and that he could
charge a hefty price for it. The ladies on the team looked dubious, but
Ryan made the decision to choose that product.
The Primarius gang also considered the hammock, but wanted to try to
construct it before they chose. Howie and Jim were clueless about its
construction, and dissolved in mirth as the hammock collapsed - with
Howie in it. They finally settled on an air compressor, and then tried to
decide who would be the on air presenters. Bethenny didn't think she
would be effective as a presenter, so she asked Dawna to be the
spokesperson. For the demonstrator, Bethenny wanted a man. Sidestepping the
possibility of Jim as a spokesperson, she said that Howie's charm would
appeal to women. Howie agreed to do it.
But Bethenny, who had seemed like she was doing a good job as PM so
far, began to surrender to her nervousness about the presentation. She
questioned Dawna about her desire to present the product; to the extent
that Dawna began to get fed up. She became very tense with Bethenny,
though she continued to be willing to be on TV.
Ryan had selected Leslie, as the product's spokesperson, but Amanda
wanted to be on the air, as well. Ryan offered her the part of the
demonstrator, but Amanda's ego kept inflating the part. Leslie tried to be
tactful, but she finally had to admit she would be better off doing the
spot by herself. Amanda was insistent: she wanted to be part of the
presentation. Ryan soft-pedaled his decision, and reluctantly conceded to
her request.
Bethenny wanted Dawna and Howie.....
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