Saturday, 11.00 pm, ZEE Cafe
Yes, it’s back with a new series: Celebrity Apprentice once again pitches two teams of eight celebrities, men versus women, against each other to complete business tasks set by the legendary businessman Donald Trump
. The proceeds will be donated to charity, the losing team losing not only a member, but pride as well. For many celebrities there is too much at stake, and this show proves just how proud and, dare one say it, arrogant, these stars can be. The opening shot of the latest celebrities to undergo Trump’s rigorous assessment is fitting at least. Aboard the USS Intrepid, the teams meet, and conflict is established as a theme from the outset.
This time the male celebrity line-up includes such public personalities as American National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman, TV personality Jesse James, Canadian comedian Tom Green, American footballer Herschel Walker, and stand-up comedian, Andrew ‘Dice’ Clay, who singlehandedly provides much entertainment when he confronts Trump himself, and openly considers quitting right there in front of him. The female team includes professional poker player Annie Duke, model Brande Roderick, and mother-daughter team Melissa and Joan Rivers to name a few. With a total of 16 distinctly individual famous personalities all trying to prove themselves, and often to get their own way, it is perhaps inevitable that we see tempers fray and the not-so-nice side of the stars we know and love. Tensions show during the opening episode with both teams fighting, not only amongst themselves to show their worth, but as a group against the opposite team. Added to this, the extreme pressure placed on them by Trump, their team and themselves, the contestants have to learn to rise above petty complaints and focus on the main goal if they are to be successful. Can the teams put aside their differences, rivalries and egos to work towards a common goal? The straight talking Trump as usual, pulls no punches in telling the weak link, “You’re fired,” which aside from being something of a catchphrase is always a highpoint of each episode.
The Celebrity Apprentice format remains unchanged and because of this, overall, the show can feel repetitive. For while the stars may have changed, the conflicts have not. This said, it certainly makes for entertainment, even if the outcome of each episode is somewhat predictable, and the combination of several comedians can on occasions brew up some amazingly funny one-liners.
Verdict:
The stars of the show are funny, and have their dramatic moments, but don't worry if you miss it.
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