Post by bbfanatik on May 8, 2007 8:39:40 GMT -5
The skies above Los Angeles were angry last night. Two hours before the live Apprentice finale was to begin, dark clouds crowded and jostled above the world famous Hollywood Bowl. There was a cold mist in the chilly air, unusual weather by Los Angeles standards.
Movement was everywhere and the NBC.com crew was on the ground, in the eye of the storm, as producers, talent wranglers, production staff, assistants, and gadflies went about their business. Previous Apprentices arrived while downstairs in the dressing rooms, this season’s fired candidates prepared for the broadcast.
And yes, for the guys reading this – and to flatter an ego or two – this season’s ladies are more stunning in person than on TV. Yowsa!
Donald Trump arrived in a sleek, black limo (as if there’s any other kind), and the dress rehearsal began. Once finished, stand-ins for Donald Trump, Don Jr., and Ivanka took over for final blocking, which begs the question, "Just how does one go about preparing to tackle the role of Donald Trump?"
30 minutes before show time, a comedian got on stage to warm up the crowd with his inimitable brand of shtick. T-shirts were thrown with abandon, jokes hurled without care, and a silver-haired man by the moniker of Larry was plucked from the audience to thrill everyone with a unique rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” – always a crowd pleaser.
And with the audience rhythmically chanting, “Trump… Trump… Trump…” fireworks exploded overhead and the Donald, Ivanka, and Don Jr. strode onto the boardroom set to begin the show.
After recapping the season, the final four joined the Trumps at the boardroom table and the dismissed candidates took their places off to the side like mischievous school children asked to sit in back.
The two short films for Renuzit were shown and the critiquing began. Trump asked everyone for opinions about the films, their own teammates, and on who should get the ax. When Trump added, “it’s going to be a mean and nasty night,” you could almost feel the gnashing of the crowd’s teeth in anticipation of the bone-jarring battles to come.
Trump explained the two available jobs his new ($250,000/year!) Apprentice could select from: overseeing a luxury resort in the island paradise of Cap Cana, or the construction of a major new luxury condo complex in Atlanta.
Ivanka and Don Jr. both expressed disappointment in Frank and Nicole’s film. Frank seemed to have a hard time getting his thoughts out, coming across as nervous and unsure - Trump singled right in on that. Don Jr. then questioned their decision to bring back Surya, who had butted heads with Frank in a previous task.
The crowd gasped – if you’ve never heard a crowd gasp, this was the real deal – when Stefani boldly said she’d fire “Frank and Nicole.” And when she added that Trump should hire her and she should hire James, the crowd let loose with a collective laugh, winning Stefani big points.
By then, it didn’t come as much surprise when Trump fired Frank and Nicole. They joined the other fired candidates and the spotlight fell squarely on the final two… who would be the next Apprentice?
The answer would have to wait. Trump showed films that showed James and Stefani’s lives. Stefani kicks major ass as a lawyer and in her karate school, making her one woman you wouldn’t want to cross on either side of the law. On the other hand, James is a bright and energetic entrepreneur living the American Dream with his wife and two young daughters.
Rain had started to drizzle (it was more of a mist, really), but that didn’t stop the crowd from applauding like mad when George made a surprise appearance. He wished the final two well, took a bow, and cleared the way for the last round.
Both candidates fought for their lives, but the crowd really seemed behind Stefani - so did Kristine and Heidi for that matter (please refer to slide #3). As it turned out, the crowd’s instinct was correct. “James,” Trump said, “you’re fired. Stefani… you’re hired!”
With everyone cheering, family and friends poured onto the stage in the cold night air to celebrate the new Apprentice.
Movement was everywhere and the NBC.com crew was on the ground, in the eye of the storm, as producers, talent wranglers, production staff, assistants, and gadflies went about their business. Previous Apprentices arrived while downstairs in the dressing rooms, this season’s fired candidates prepared for the broadcast.
And yes, for the guys reading this – and to flatter an ego or two – this season’s ladies are more stunning in person than on TV. Yowsa!
Donald Trump arrived in a sleek, black limo (as if there’s any other kind), and the dress rehearsal began. Once finished, stand-ins for Donald Trump, Don Jr., and Ivanka took over for final blocking, which begs the question, "Just how does one go about preparing to tackle the role of Donald Trump?"
30 minutes before show time, a comedian got on stage to warm up the crowd with his inimitable brand of shtick. T-shirts were thrown with abandon, jokes hurled without care, and a silver-haired man by the moniker of Larry was plucked from the audience to thrill everyone with a unique rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” – always a crowd pleaser.
And with the audience rhythmically chanting, “Trump… Trump… Trump…” fireworks exploded overhead and the Donald, Ivanka, and Don Jr. strode onto the boardroom set to begin the show.
After recapping the season, the final four joined the Trumps at the boardroom table and the dismissed candidates took their places off to the side like mischievous school children asked to sit in back.
The two short films for Renuzit were shown and the critiquing began. Trump asked everyone for opinions about the films, their own teammates, and on who should get the ax. When Trump added, “it’s going to be a mean and nasty night,” you could almost feel the gnashing of the crowd’s teeth in anticipation of the bone-jarring battles to come.
Trump explained the two available jobs his new ($250,000/year!) Apprentice could select from: overseeing a luxury resort in the island paradise of Cap Cana, or the construction of a major new luxury condo complex in Atlanta.
Ivanka and Don Jr. both expressed disappointment in Frank and Nicole’s film. Frank seemed to have a hard time getting his thoughts out, coming across as nervous and unsure - Trump singled right in on that. Don Jr. then questioned their decision to bring back Surya, who had butted heads with Frank in a previous task.
The crowd gasped – if you’ve never heard a crowd gasp, this was the real deal – when Stefani boldly said she’d fire “Frank and Nicole.” And when she added that Trump should hire her and she should hire James, the crowd let loose with a collective laugh, winning Stefani big points.
By then, it didn’t come as much surprise when Trump fired Frank and Nicole. They joined the other fired candidates and the spotlight fell squarely on the final two… who would be the next Apprentice?
The answer would have to wait. Trump showed films that showed James and Stefani’s lives. Stefani kicks major ass as a lawyer and in her karate school, making her one woman you wouldn’t want to cross on either side of the law. On the other hand, James is a bright and energetic entrepreneur living the American Dream with his wife and two young daughters.
Rain had started to drizzle (it was more of a mist, really), but that didn’t stop the crowd from applauding like mad when George made a surprise appearance. He wished the final two well, took a bow, and cleared the way for the last round.
Both candidates fought for their lives, but the crowd really seemed behind Stefani - so did Kristine and Heidi for that matter (please refer to slide #3). As it turned out, the crowd’s instinct was correct. “James,” Trump said, “you’re fired. Stefani… you’re hired!”
With everyone cheering, family and friends poured onto the stage in the cold night air to celebrate the new Apprentice.