1. The fact that Shawn Johnson was fired didn’t really come as a major surprise. Her feud with Vivica began at the beginning of the season when the Olympian didn’t appreciate the fact that her rival called her out in front of Mr. Trump for it being her “time of the month.” When the teams were switched last week, it’s clear that the move was designed to put a bigger spotlight on enemies in an effort to push their hatred of each other to an even deeper level. This happened with Kenya and Brandi and the same can be said for Vivica and Shawn.
2. I don’t fault Shawn for not stepping up as the project manager. Longtime fans of The Apprentice know that the best way to make it deep into the season is to avoid assuming the position that Trump is most likely to fire for as long as possible. This season, I believe that Kate, Sig and Brandi are playing the smartest games by doing this. Shawn was also on this list, but she just happened to be the unlucky one who was called out for it.
3. When Shawn competed on Dancing With The Stars, there was a certain fire in her eyes and an undeniable competitive spirit. It’s what led to her taking home the Mirrorball trophy with Mark Ballas on the eighth season of Dancing With The Stars and finishing second on the All-Star edition of the ABC juggernaut. On The Celebrity Apprentice, however, it seemed like Shawn had lost a step and allowed the bigger personalities take over.
4. I actually thought that Geraldo’s idea to make the mobile truck into a pop-up coffee stop was a good idea. While Ivanka didn’t seem to agree, I thought that the idea was solid but that it was the execution that ultimately let Vivica’s team down.
5. Moving on to the second task of the episode, it was a no-contest. Using Brandi and Kenya in a fantasy-themed catfight scenario was a stroke of genius and Leeza should be credited for immediately recognizing what would make the video pop (yes, it is an intentional use of innuendo). While Geraldo and Lorenzo also had a good idea about offering a contemporary feel to the old Chock Full Of Nuts, I thought the execution left a lot to be desired. While I initially thought that this was due to a lack of time (and Kate delaying things with the time that it took her to get ready), upon watching the episode for a second time, I realized that their concept wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as Leeza’s team.
6. I didn’t like the fact that Ian and Leeza were butting heads in the episode. As I feel they are two of the strongest contestants this season, I was hoping they would be able to collaborate and although we might have only been shown brief moments where they clashed for dramatic effect, it was still disheartening seeing them tangle.
7. The Brandi and Kenya boardroom argument was classic. Did Kenya step over the line? What do you think? Is there any kind of a line on a reality show?
8. While you have to respect Lorenzo for not wanting to bring anyone back, he could have easily thrown Sig under the bus for not offering any assistance. That would have been the smart play. Personally, I think it’s because he didn’t want to be stuck on a Sig-less team with Geraldo, Kate, and Vivica and for that, who can blame him?
9. Ian seemed clearly effected by Lorenzo’s dismissal. The pair were initially united by their contempt for Geraldo and while Lorenzo had made nice with the former talk show host out of necessity after the switch, it’s clear that his loyalty certainly was always with the former 90210 actor. Ian lost a dependable ally who would never threaten him for the win and Lorenzo’s dismissal ultimately hurt Ian the most.
10. As if the show couldn’t get any better, there is a Hooters boat cruise next week? Sign me up.
