The Apprentice

[sunflower68]

Tim has the personality, maybe not the experience but he is keen to learn.  Saira has the personality, experience and a lot of gob.  Who will win? Tim

[gavinbecky]

Tim - Saira is too gobby. It's strange really, Tim hasn't been oustanding in any of the tasks, yet he gets to the final.

I would root for Tim simply because he is 'one of most of us'.

He doesn't own lots of property and has worked his way up to where he is now. Maybe that's what Sugar is looking for (someone in his own image).

I certainly think that if you wanted an idea early on as to who would be in the last few, take a look at Sugar's sidekicks. They are reserved 'yes' people. That's the type of person, if I were him that I would want to continue with.

'I don't like liars' Saira lied didn't she about how long she had been in a job?. If Sugar goes by what he says in his book and has said in the show, then Tim would (should) be the choice of the two.

Who would you lto give it to?

An unproven (at this level) yes man who companies would like to deal with because of his honest and straiteforward way. How much would he cost Sugar to have him trained up?

or

A proven (not quite at this level) woman who some companies would find hard to deal with. She is honest and straiteforward...but at what cost to Sugar's company? She is certainly very different to what Sugar (as we have seen) already has working for him. His book says his company has done the same things over many years because they work.

The series has been interesting. Having seen 11 programmes, I would have given the job to Miriam. But had her trained on mangement techniques fairly early on!. After that she would be a real asset.

[sunflower68]

Absolutely.  If you look at the older lady and gent that Alan has stuck with throughout, they are certainly not at all outspoken.  I wondered from day one how they fitted in and now perhaps it's clearer.  Alan doesn't want any competition up there, just someone to challenge themselves and those below him.  The sidekicks are, like you say, yes men.  Saira isn't one of those.   Tim is so malleable and so professional too, Alan has to pick him.  I totally understood tonight why he let Paul and Max go.

[sunflower68]

By the way, did anyone think that once Paul had mention one of his properties, he just seemed to reel off loads of unbelievable ones and then wouldn't discuss anything like mortgages....I think he knew he was on his way out and wanted to get something fabricated for the camera.

[willowman]

Tim is great, willing to learn and gain experience. He would be an asset to any organisation.

BUT he really must change those shoes - yuk. Bright orange shoes with a dark suit? I don't think so.

[ipek]

I'm still stunned that he let Miriam go instead of that arrogant Paul......but then "I can see a lot of myself in him" says it all really.

Despite his protestations to the contrary, I'm not convinced that he actually wants an apprentice.  By definition, that would be someone with limited skills, experience and habits, who could then be taught the knowledge, abilities and ways of the Master.

If that's the case, then how did all these supposed 'high-flyers' ever get to this program anyway?  The only one to qualify on those terms is Tim.  Mind you, I've been astounded how long Saira has lasted - I'd have kicked her out a long time ago.....

[galltin]

Please ,please , please don't let Saira win.......

[charliebaps]

Let's stop the knocking for a moment and give the girl some praise.  She's in the final because ahe did well in the tasks and deserves to be there.

Yes she's gobby but that's no reason to say she can't do the job.

We keep hearing about Tim's tough upbringing but how much do you know about Saira's?

As for her lying on her CV - lets get real here, how many people haven't extended some truths on theirs?  It's no reason to shoot her down.

Good on her, I want her to win just because of the bad publicity she's getting and prove to people she can do it.

[kick3m0n]

Miriam should have won.  But, I think Sugar likes certain aspects of Saira's personality, after all, she's argued her way out of the sack more than anyone else.  I think she'll get it.  Tim is dull, dull and dull.  not even close to go-getting and bawlsy enough for Sir Alan.

[Lorcan]

If you noticed on the 'next week on TA' preview Saira is working on the boat with James and Paul. I think a destructive argument with Paul is a real possibility.

Tim'll probably get to manage Miriam and Raj. I think Saira will have a better team and stronger leadership skills. I favour Saira to win.