2008 Woodie Awards
Apprentice 3: Third Time's a Charm
Alexis Bredenko
Issue date: 2/2/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
After a disappointing second season, NBC's hit reality show "The Apprentice" has returned to its roots. "The Apprentice 3" is already shaping up to be as good as the original.
Season three, like seasons one and two, has 18 candidates vying for a job in one of Trump's companies. This time, however, there's a twist. Gone are the days when it was the men against the women. This season features candidates with college degrees against those with a high school education. It's the battle of the "street smarts" versus the "book smarts".
At first, this premise seems laughable. After all, Trump has made no secret of the fact that he values a college degree. A lack of higher education contributed to the demise of season 1 favorite candidate, Troy McClain. When the season premiere began, it was almost a given that Trump was going to hire one of the collegians, but then we met the candidates.
"The Apprentice" thrives on its candidates, and this group includes a balance of likable people, colorful characters, and those that you love to hate. They are divided between two teams: the street smart Net Worth and the book smart Magna (as in "magna cum laude"). Team Magna includes guitar playing Danny, who has a song for everything. Not to be outdone, Erin, his teammate, decided to adorn herself in a pink bath mat for her onscreen camera time. Net Worth boasts the talents of the down to earth John and the perennially perky Tana. And where would a reality show be without its drama queens? Kristen and Verna each drive their respective teams up the wall with their antics. This cast has the magic that last year's group lacked.
Also returning are Trump's sidekicks George and Carolyn. While they were mellow last season, they are back in full force this time around. George is his usual grumpy self, and Carolyn continues to be as tough as nails. They help to keep the show fresh and entertaining, and help it avoid becoming boring and stale. "The Apprentice" continues to be one of the best reality shows on television, proving that the third time really is the charm.
Season three, like seasons one and two, has 18 candidates vying for a job in one of Trump's companies. This time, however, there's a twist. Gone are the days when it was the men against the women. This season features candidates with college degrees against those with a high school education. It's the battle of the "street smarts" versus the "book smarts".
At first, this premise seems laughable. After all, Trump has made no secret of the fact that he values a college degree. A lack of higher education contributed to the demise of season 1 favorite candidate, Troy McClain. When the season premiere began, it was almost a given that Trump was going to hire one of the collegians, but then we met the candidates.
"The Apprentice" thrives on its candidates, and this group includes a balance of likable people, colorful characters, and those that you love to hate. They are divided between two teams: the street smart Net Worth and the book smart Magna (as in "magna cum laude"). Team Magna includes guitar playing Danny, who has a song for everything. Not to be outdone, Erin, his teammate, decided to adorn herself in a pink bath mat for her onscreen camera time. Net Worth boasts the talents of the down to earth John and the perennially perky Tana. And where would a reality show be without its drama queens? Kristen and Verna each drive their respective teams up the wall with their antics. This cast has the magic that last year's group lacked.
Also returning are Trump's sidekicks George and Carolyn. While they were mellow last season, they are back in full force this time around. George is his usual grumpy self, and Carolyn continues to be as tough as nails. They help to keep the show fresh and entertaining, and help it avoid becoming boring and stale. "The Apprentice" continues to be one of the best reality shows on television, proving that the third time really is the charm.