Survivor: Vanuata
First episodes of
Survivor are hard to judge. With 16 people out there, you know we're not going to get to know many of them and it's only strong personality clashes that will come to the foreground. I thought it was interesting to see the tribes welcome the castaways to the islands and to see them climb the greased pole was kind of fun. And just like the last time the women took on the men, the women win. Man, what is it with guys in the game thinking they can just show up and beat the women? You're also seeing the ninth generation playing the game--the guys don't take out the weak link and make the team better. Nope, we take out the strong competition for later.
I still don't have a favorite yet to win. Hopefully next week we get to know some more about who these people are.
The Apprentice
For once, the NBC promos didn't lie...this was one heck of a boardroom and one that won't be soon forgotten.
This week's task is to come up with a new flavor of ice cream, create it and sell it. The men come up with a chocolate/vanilla swirl with chunk of doughnuts in there. Also, in an interesting move, they decide to give part of the proceeds to charity--in this case,
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is an interesting move for two reasons. One, it's a great selling point on the street and two, Kevin's story about how his brother had leukemia gives the group a rallying cry and something to get out there and bust tail for. That's above and beyond the usual getting to stay in the game another week.
The women's team is led by Ivana, who apparently has decided to be the anti-Bradford when it comes to leading. She decides to let everyone have a say and contribute. Honestly, I think it's great to have everyone on the same page, but sometimes a leader has to step up. There has to be a good middle ground between Ivana's style and Bradford's.
Cause in the end, the women's team comes up short. And it's due to lack of leadership. Also, to the fact that they lost three hours while Stacie J couldn't figure out where in NYC she was. I know these things are edited, but Stacie J, you ain't coming across as the sharpest knife in the drawer. You know that somewhere out there, someone who didn't make this show is pissed....
Anyway, the women go to the board room and tempers quickly flare.
And then Bradford goes and does something really stupid. Last week, since he was team leader and his group won, Bradford is immune from being fired this week. That is until, in an impulsive moment, Bradford offers to give up his immunity, thus sealing his doom. Now, fellow blogger Shelley has an interesting take on this, but it's one I disagree with. But I offer it to you to read because it's interesting.
As I said in Shelley's comments, what Bradford does wrong here is he messes with Trump's perception. See, the Donald sees himself as powerful and strong. He's generous--he's given Bradford this huge reward earlier. The other guys seem to get this on some level, as they request all their profits go to
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It's a good move since $2500 or so is change to the Donald and it makes him look and feel good about doing a good thing. Plus, he gets the credit. I think this gesture also plays a role in Bradford's demise. You're in the Donald's world--you gotta know how to massage the ego.
Bradford tries to put himself above the Donald. "Yeah, thanks but I can make it on my own," is what he says. And the Donald gets pissed. So pissed he fires Bradford when Stacie J or Ivana had really EARNED the firing.
Sometimes in business, it's not about the reality but the perception of it. The Donald has the aura that most of what he touches turns to gold. And he likes that..and the worst way to deal with him is to try and shatter that perception. Yeah, we all know that sometimes the Donald loses, but for the most part, he's a winner. So, let him think that. Bradford missed it...and because of that, he got fired.
Also of interest was the Donald's on-going battle with Jennifer C, who has not endeared herself to him. I have a feeling if she comes up for firing again soon, she's outta there.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 9/17/2004 09:25:00 PM |
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