That said, the teams as usual didn’t really didn’t help themselves, particularly the boys’ side (which is called Empire if memory serves). Rocky, a 21-year old who runs 15 sandwich bars for a living, opted to lead the task, and the masterplan soon became clear. What the business gurus of the capital really wanted was crappy props, hairy men dressed in togas, and a loose 2012 Olympics theme. They could have perhaps got away with it had Margaret been following their team. But naked flesh did nothing for Nick, and their fate was soon sealed. And what did they get for their smashing down of the price? Exactly the same that they’d have got for £60. Even including the togas and the dodgy 70s porn décor. Make a note, everybody: if you want a cheap house, Philip’s the man you need to track down. That said, the girls’ team – Ignition – were making a fair stab at messing things up as well. Under the stewardship of restaurant owner Yasmina, they couldn’t get round Asda quick enough in search of cheap, crappy food with which to impress the high-paying corporate clients. Want wraps that look like they’ve just dropped out of a dog’s bottom? Then Ignition was the team to call. That said, the girls’ team clearly learned the lesson of last week, and managed their budget well. Plus, there were few of us watching who cared that it was a bunch of lawyers who were being force-fed the crap that was on special at Asda on the day of filming. A special heads up to Kate, too, for her pitch where she seemed to have little idea what she was selling, and still managed to get two orders. That ain’t bad. With the task all but wrapped up with 25 minutes of the episode to go, and save for a quick and entirely irritating interlude of watching the girl’s team playing polo (why? Why? Why? Nobody cares!), it was off to the boardroom. Rocky, inevitably, played the age card, and cited the fact that he had left school at 16 and worked to get to where he was. This is usually a surefire tactic with Sralan, who generally seems to eat that up over any degree you could stick on your CV (made up or otherwise), but Rocky forgot one crucial thing: he lost Sralan money. Lose him money, he sacks you. We all know the rules. In all, there was a feeling this week that the series was finding its stride, without having to resort to Big Brother tactics to do so. I like it when The Apprentice focuses on the business task more, and at least gives you a chance to discuss the ins and outs of the job the teams have tackled. It’s far more preferable than just watching a bunch of unpleasant people back biting. That said, there looks like there might be a fair chunk of that next week, as the two teams have to design some fitness equipment. Me? I’ll be away on holiday I’m afraid, so you may have to live without a review. I’ve a funny feeling you may be able to cope. Read our review of last week’s episode here.
