Once again, we have reached The Apprentice season. Like so many of the most-successful shows, it has resisted too many format tweaks. Yes, there is a double or triple elimination each series, but that is par the course for this show (unlike GBBO, where such hi-jinks should never be used). Simply a bunch of people wanting some of Lord Sugar’s money proving they have got what it takes to go into business with him.
So far, much of it is what you expect. There are hideous products being made, including a rather phallic-shaped lolly. We have our traditional ‘oh my God how can they not know that?’ moments (take your pick from think a rhino is an elephant or not knowing when World War 2 started). There is even our traditional villain – step forward Lotti.
Yet something has been gnawing at me. In fact, it has been for the last couple of years. There are some tasks, that yes, I can see the purpose of. The buying task is clearly a test not only of negotiating, but also research and planning. But some other tasks are so specialist that unless someone on the team works in that industry, it is a real slog.
Ok, so the candidates are tested on their ability to sell, make and market, all skills relevant to business. But does making an ice lolly really tell you much about if someone can make a good pillow? Does marketing an electronic bike give you a genuine picture of how they will market their service or product? There’s a reason why when we get to the final two the quality jumps up considerably, it is that the candidates get to pitch their passions.
Likewise, I am increasingly cynical at some of Lord Sugar’s decisions. Big personalities, like Thomas and Ryan-Mark, are staying more because they make good screen time than for their business acumen. All of which gets covered up by Lord Sugar claiming it is his instinct.
Yet I am still shamelessly addicted to it. I want to see Lotti fall. I want to know if Iasha is worthy of her 100% record so far. Most of all, I want to see Karren and Claude get exasperated at everyone. Best of all, Tom Allen is now presenting You’re Fired, which is just glorious. The show hasn’t been handed its P45 yet, but a bit more authenticity wouldn’t go amiss.