The Apprentice

Week 11 Sir Alan calls his business buddies back into the boardroom to debrief him on how the interviews went. He asks the honchos to discuss the merits and failures of the candidates individually.

Bordan begins, by discussing Alex. "He is a very nice young man, positive, and he really wants the job. He works on a commission only basis, which really separates the men from the boys".

Karren Brady says, "He is not quite the finished article; he's an apprentice".

Paul's praise is less glowing. "A junior apprentice, maybe. You'd have to do a lot of work with him."

Next up, they discuss Lucinda. Claude says, "She's a very bright individual, highly skilled at what she does. She'd be a disaster for you". Paul agrees. "If this girl worked for you, Alan, she would aggravate you in thirty minutes". And Claude gets the last word in, measuring, "Less than that"!

Sir Alan himself defends Lucinda, saying, "She was on the winning team eight times. When she was in charge, people came back and said 'fantastic team leader'".

Claude is unimpressed.  "She already earns more that £100,000 a year - why is she here?"

The conversation moves onto Lee. Paul, who hasn't really said anything nice about anyone yet, says, "Between you and me, he made a good impression. But he killed it for me when he winked at me at the end, like a door-to-door salesman would do".

Lee's C.V. is discussed, with Bordan pointing out that Lee "must have some hang up about his formal qualifications". While the interviewers all agree what Lee did was wrong, Paul says, "I'm not condoning him, but don't kill him for it".

Karren Brady adds, "This is his last big chance. He's a bit cheesy and a bit brash, but he needs this".

Claire, it seems, made a great impression on Claude. "I think Claire is a fabulous achiever. Everything about her is business. She's bolshy and she's forward but she's a do-er. She'd be great".

Bordan interjects, "I've got some doubt. She's got a nice way with her but I can see her in the canteen singing The Birdie Song. Trying to shut her up would be almost impossible."

On the other end of the scale, Helene was someone who didn't say very much at all. Claude says, "I think that she's done pretty well and she's a plausible candidate".

Sir Alan refuses to dwell on Helene's family life, and Paul agrees. "I appreciate people who have climbed the greasy pole but everything can't hang on that."

But Karren continues to champion her, saying, "She's very articulate and well rounded. She adds a different dimension".

No matter what the experts say, it is Sir Alan who must decide which candidates will be going home today. He waves off his colleagues and ushers the candidates into the boardroom for the final scenes.

The boardroom

While the candidates brace themselves for the verdict, Sir Alan says, “We’re down to the eleventh week. The next week is the final, which means that I’ve got to decide now who’s leaving this process. Helene, I’ve tried to understand what you’re about, and I’m still at sea when it comes to you because of not seeing that magic moment anywhere".

"Alex, yes, you’re young, but I’m maybe looking for someone a little bit more rounded, with a bit more experience".

"Lucinda, you’re a very clever lady, but whether you’ve channelled it in the right direction, I’m struggling still. Even so, I can’t argue with the facts of the last 10 weeks, you weren’t successful when you were not the team leader".

"Lucinda, I’m afraid to say that you’re a little bit too zany for me. You’re fired!”

Normally the remaining candidates could breathe a sigh of relief, but not this time. Sir Alan told them at the top of the show that three out of five would face the chopping block this week.

Sir Alan tells Lee, “You’re a likable type of chap and you’ve clearly got a lot of passion, but we’ve got this problem with your CV. Lee counters, “Sir Alan, I deliver. I have never failed to deliver both as a Project Manager and as an individual team player.

The knighted businessman then turns to Claire. She defends herself: “I’ve sold, I’ve presented and I’ve taken on all the feedback. I wonder how many people would survive the pressure of five boardrooms and wake up every morning and still be smiling and determined, but that’s because I want to be your apprentice and become better at business.” After letting her stew for a few moments more, he tells her, "fortunately for you I’m going to let you stay”.

As the faces of the other contenders fall, and as they see their own chances diminish yet again, Sir Alan tells them, “In fact, I’m going to let you all stay. And the reason is because you’re all very good candidates. You’ve all got something about you. All four of you are in the final.”

Sir Alan later reveals, "It will be an unusual final - but a fair final. They are all real contenders and it's a tough decision I've got to make. This assists me in making the right decision".

But after falling at the last hurdle, one more candidate is already on the way home. Lucinda says, "I wasn't one to scream and shout about how good I was - that wasn't liked. I wasn’t liked; my accent wasn’t liked, my approach to life wasn’t liked, what I wore wasn’t liked. I am who I am. I don’t need to answer to them”.

For the first time, there will be four candidates in the final for The Apprentice 2008. They share a group hug and are delighted.

Claire squeals (loudly), "We have done it, we're in the final!"

There is just one more step to go....
Lucinda LedgerwoodLucinda isn't beret impressed to be going home...Episode 11 recapSir Alan tells the candidates three will be fired.
Go back to read Recap - a meeting of minds

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