Its Wednesday people and that means it's time for another Apprentice re-watch!

This week is Week 11: Apprentice Interviews.

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdroOgvOrH4

I'll probably open the discussion at 9, but I may not have time to watch the episode itself, so if anyone feels they might be able to do a better job then please let me know!

Enjoy!

Interestingly, this is the shortest ever episode. It is only 45 minutes long. Presumably they thought at this stage that the interviews would not be quite so interesting, so they shortened them, and then their popularity with the viewers has led to them getting a normal full-length episode in subsequent series.

My guess from my memories of the episode is that they were following in the footsteps of the utterly ridiculous way the US version does the interview stage. Literally, the interview stage and boardroom in the US Apprentice is never more than 20 mins, with the other 20 mins being the first part of the finale (Probably the fact the Americans always place emphasis on the final in competitions than anything else). The UK interviews in Series 1 were notably similarly short (Though unlike the US version, they actually show footage later when the interviewers are feeding back to Sugar) but they increased the actual interview footage from Series 2 onwards, so I also think it was due to the popularity of the episode.

Must admit I've never cared for the interviews round. Seems to be a way of throwing away everything the candidates have done upto now and allowing Lord Sid to employ anyone he likes. Coupled with that we now know the "final" is retro edited to match Sid's decision serveral months down the line, I've often thought of ditching the series two episodes before the end - not that I ever have been able to though

Sorry the debate is late to kick-off guys; I've got in late.

The two candidates to fall at the interviews hurdle were

Spoiler

James and Paul

Do you feel as though the right two candidates were the right ones to fall at interviews? How do you feel everyone performed in general?

Did you like the interview line-up? Paul did it for three more series, Bordan continued to Series 6 and Claude still does it to this day.

Do you feel as though the final two candidates are the right two? Who would be your ideal final two?

Who do you want to win and who do you think will win?

Do you think the interviews work like this or do you prefer them with more of the actual interviews as in later series?

Spoiler

And finally... a piece of trivia - Did you know that Paul was fired before James? When James is fired, no other luggage can be seen, whilst James's luggage is visible when Paul is fired. I think they did this for dramatic effect as Paul's firing rounded off the episode well, I thought.

As ever, these are just starting points, we can discuss anything you wish!

What interests me is that Nick and Margaret were also on the interview panel. This is the only series that anyone has been an interviewer and an advisor at once. Karren Brady was an interviewer for two series before she became an advisor, and Margaret re-joined the panel after she stopped being an advisor.

(As in the last few weeks, I simply haven't had time to watch it, I'm afraid! So will be updating my thoughts at some point, but can't say when.)

I don't like these interviews so much because they hardly showed them. I was a bit annoyed that James got accused of being there for the cameras but there was absolutely no footage shown to suggest that he was. I'm glad they lengthened them for the following series.

Paul really didn't do too well at the interviews and he deserved to get fired. Tim on the other hand did really well.

I feel like my favourite final two for this series would have been James and then either Miriam or Saira. Strangely enough though in the final two we have (even though I already know the result) I'd prefer Tim winning to Saira.

Whilst it seemed very unfair to accuse James of being there for publicity, you have to wonder as he's spent most of the time since as a radio presenter. Saira and Paul have been no stranger to the media either though it could well be opportunities that came up.
It must be bloody hard work interviewing Saira!
Right two went? Paul yes, James - for me no but for Lord Sid's operation, yes.
Saira would be a loose cannon in any organisation - she'd make a credible winner in the new investment format though.

Really surprised James went first. Successful in tasks but obviously didn't impress as a genuine candidate.

Paul's arrogance ended his bid. If he toned it down a bit, I think Tim or Saira would have gone

Tim, good interview, obviously very likeable and I think of the final 4 deserved to be in the final.

As for Saira, it seemed her interview wasn't that great. She was pretty much judged to be a good sales person only. and a possible liability.

If Paul had reined it in a bit, he might have been chosen in Saira's place.

Looking forward to the final week. I know the outcome but as with the earlier episodes, it will be my first time viewing it.