We can logic it out as much as we like but the fact remains, it doesnt make as good TV when we as the viewers arent really 'in' on what's going on. Back when it was about a job we knew the skills of the people coming in (or what they said their skills were) and could watch them work and it made their failures all the more laughable, as well as their conflicts more realistic.

At the minute, all we know is the background of some of the candidates. (not even all of them!) For now, I know Gabrielle's an arty architect, Tom does something with figures and wine and Nick's worked with a website. Jade is something else creative and Adam works in a market. Final 5 based on that alone?

It may well be based on the business plan but saving that to be revealed at the end isnt as much of a buildup or revelation because it doesnt affect how we see the candidates up to that point and frankly it isnt as much of a talking point.

However I can understand the idea that Sugar's going by the business plans this year and keeping in seemingly-inept candidates. But if that's the case, surely they could do a better edit on some of them rather than making them all appear to be up-and-down or mediocre. There's been no real standout moments this series, I feel its lagged a little.

Remember last years business plans of the final 4? A relaxing chair that didnt use the word chair, some charity education thing, a courier service? Lets hope these werent the best business plans of the bunch last year and going by those is his new technique for this year or we'll have another big anti-climax on our hands.

I think that the problem is if Lord Sugar has run out of apprenticeship postions the answer would be to replace Lord Sugar and put in another 'mentor' This would keep the original premis going but would also inject a bit of new life as the new mentor would bring a fresh perspective.

But when it was about a job we didn't know what the job was or how suitable any of them were for it, so we were just as much in the dark. We've never had access to their full CV, just the bits Sugar reads out. Also, there's more info about each of the candidates on the website.

The show itself might not be as good as it was, but I don't think it is to do with the change of prize. Junior Apprentice has a similar prize, does anyone think it's ruined by it? I think the show is less good simply because more controversial candidates are being selected, ironically to try and make the show more entertaining.

As for the candidate's business plans you probably won't be far wrong if you assume they are mostly "what I'm doing now but with a £250K investment". Either way Sugar has to invest in the winner, either as an employer or as a business partner.

Maybe some people need to feel more involved to enjoy the show. I don't, I enjoy each episode on its merits. Sugar's decisions have often been inexplicable and arbitrary, so being more involved doesn't help. Jenna was sacked on merit last week (much as I'd have preferred Stephen to be fired he didn't do enough wrong). However I felt the judgment as to which team won was very arbitrary which made the show feel flat. He basically chose the team with people in it that he wanted to fire. But that decision would have been the same whatever the prize was.

Although they are all there to procure an investment there’s been nothing new included to parallel the change from a job to an investment. It’s remained the usual extended candidate selection process without there being a hint of the candidates’ ideas being revealed and what‘s keeping them there. By the end of each programme LAS can weave whatever he told them he wanted into something different without the viewer being remotely aware where’s it’s leading. What’s on offer to LAS is less visible than it was last year, there’s been nothing remotely revealing on You’re Fired so only he knows their plans.

The interviews have lost their bite and the whole process will be over by the time the motivation for investment is revealed. The show hasn’t become more tantalising or thought provoking so is failing to be anywhere near the compulsive viewing it was once.

That's something I was thinking about and it's a good idea.

Someone like Peter Jones or Duncan Bannatyne have huge business empires and would suit the intimidating tycoon role well.

Plus, I think old Sugar is losing his edge more and more with each series.

But the candidates are much less controversial - no Tre, Katie, Ruth, Pterodactyl man, Baggs, no pantsman, cooking over a tin can, selling cheese to the French or a chicken per pizza. There's also no Liz, Kate, Ruth, Helen selling or presenting, and no one advertisng the success some past candidates claimed. Zara would be winning here. What there are are more shopkeepers, presumably wanting to expand, some traders, a few internet site entrepreneurs and some quiet arty types. Its all a bit bland with no performances to cheer about. He's got rid of almost anyone loud and he's still having difficulty telling the verbose and rambling from the ones with killer instincts and the smart - so the show is lacking in reality content too. He's probably sent more people destined for success home, than he's kept.

I think you are right about the plans on offer. Its more of the same, or perhaps with an internet sales angle. The problem is its all pointless if he decided on day one he liked Nick's technology idea, or selling fridges, and wanted nothing to do with things like weddings, greek food and beauty shops.