November 16, 2005

Martha's "Apprentice."

Did you watch Martha's "Apprentice" show tonight? There's so much more emotional dysfunction among the contestants on this show than on Donald's. Everyone seems to be scheming to bring someone down, and they conspire and gang up on the one they perceive as weak. I loved the way that played out tonight, especially the scene where Jim gave Marcela a talking to. That was one of my all-time favorite "Apprentice" scenes. Jim kind of rules, don't you think. Oh, and Amanda crying? We laughed a lot chez Althouse at that. Spoil away in the comments.

10 comments:

vbspurs said...

Ann,

I think I cracked why you like shows like The Apprentice, Martha and Donald both.

You like the dynamics of group interaction -- which is a big "well duh" considering that is obvious to anyone who has read your blog.

Mark quoted South Park:

Come out of the closet, Tom! You are not fooling anybody!

Yes! They've gone from making fun of Barbra to Tom, oh hooray.

And speaking of classics, confession time:

I have recently started to watch "The Family Guy", which at first I LOATHED.

(It's guy-humour, to the nth degree)

But a friend hooked me, and now almost every episode, Stewie has me rolling in the aisles.

Please tell me I'm not the only one on Althouse who watches and likes The Family Guy?

Cheers,
Victoria

XWL said...

I enjoy watching the repeats of Family Guy, the new shows, not so much.

The latest batch suffers from overreach, I think.

South Park on the other hand, another amazing night of comedy.

R.Kelly, Scientology, Cruise, and Travolta all lambasted, plus the joke credits after saying 'go ahead sue me', classic.

Light years ahead of the new Boondocks cartoon that's getting the big push at the moment, both episodes so far have been stridently unfunny.

And since we seem to be on the subject of comedy shows, Everybody Hates Chris has been warm, funny and well observed, and Arrested Development, R.I.P..

Paul Worthington said...

I also loved Jim's coaching of Marcela. He was right on, and she needed it. Her attitude changed a lot after that. I think if Jim didn't have that nutso-maniac side, he just might go all the way. From the previews after last night's episode, however, it looks like they're hinting he's the next to go home.

As for "Family Guy", I can't stand it - it's flat unfunny.

Pete said...

Hello? Ann's Apprentice-blogging here. My favorite topic. Let's stay focused, people.

Yes, indeedy, I watched last night, and thoroughly enjoyed Amanda getting fired. I think Marcella's a cutie and while I don't go in for her identity politics for being there - the Mexican Martha Stewart, indeed! - I think she made a pursuasive argument for staying. She may not be chosen but she's proven why she's made it this far.

And, grrr, that Jim. I'll have to keep replaying his earlier antics to remind why I dislike him. The nerve of him doing the decent thing and giving Marcella that much-needed pep talk. I'd better not start liking him, no sir.

Thanks for the indulgence, Ann. Now, back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

Ruth Anne Adams said...

Jim has been advertised as "The Male Omorosa" and I dislike him as I am required. He's brash, cocky, overly-nervous and mean-spirited. [Althouse voice: is it just shrediting?] I just don't think he'll fit in to Martha Stuart Omnimedia. [Gosh! How many times can they say that full name each episode? It should be a drinking game...only a sip it it's just 'MSO']

Victoria: I own the DVDs of "Family Guy" AND "The Freakin' Sweet Collection." I ostensibly bought them as a gift for my husband.

Ann Althouse said...

Ruth Anne: But did you see last night's show? When he told Marcela how to stand up to those jerks she had to work with, I loved him. Or do you think it's all a scheme to eliminate tough competitors, and he knows Marcela is too weak to make it to the end?

Irene Done said...

I haven't seen all the Martha episodes and don't know the contests' complete histories. But Jim is not pure evil. Last week, this became obvious (but only briefly) when he stepped in at the last minute (team player!) on QVC. He was the one who made the emotional connection (he's a Dad! how sweet!) with the viewers. His pep talk with Marcella was both genuine and strategic -- because he is a mix of those same qualities.

One thing funnier than Amanda crying: Martha wishing her well in her garden. That was such a lame thing for Amanda to bring up as evidence of her own passion and it was just cruel of Martha to mention it again.

Glenn Howes said...

If this had been the Trump Apprentice, he'd have focused on the actual reason they lost so badly: the insane twice MSRP price point for the coffee maker.

Martha's Apprentice seems to be about who can get along. Trump's Apprentice is more about profit. The theme songs say it all "For the Love of Money" versus "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"

Ruth Anne Adams said...

Professor A: I confess, I only half-watched the show last night and missed Jim's pep-talk. But I remember him in the beginning seeing this as a match-up between him and Marcella and that his track record was to beat HER. Did he give her the pep-talk AFTER he won? How big of him! It cost him nothing to be magnanimous then. He's a conniver on the order of Richard Hatch of the original Survivor. I think a poison pen letter is in the offing for him.

vbspurs said...

Victoria: I own the DVDs of "Family Guy" AND "The Freakin' Sweet Collection." I ostensibly bought them as a gift for my husband.

Since I've already mini-jacked the thread, allow me to congratulate you on your purchase of the FG DVD. I am JUST about to, and d/l FG ringtones for my new Nokia mobile. Is it me, or is Peter the new Archie Bunker?

Either way, like Paul Worthington, a mere two months ago, I thought FG was the WORST, most UNFUNNY animated series I had ever seen. I LOATHED it.

I didn't change, certainly not my humour. Nor did the series.

So the only conclusion I have is, you have to give things a chance to let them grow on you.

Cheers,
Victoria