(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you have not yet seen Monday’s episode, titled “A Family Affair” and don’t want to be spoiled.)
The third installment of back-to-back episodes on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” sent two athletic contestants packing.
Continuing the 14th overall season of the series — and 7th under the “Celebrity” banner — the men and women were tasked with creating a four-page health/fitness spread for Cosmopolitan magazine. Judges graded the teams on originality, creativity and overall presentation.
“Assigning this particular crew to do an exercise spread catering to 18-34 year old [women] was like assigning a pack of apes to do a garden party,” said Geraldo Rivera, who served again as project manager for the men’s Team Vortex.
Despite their caution, the men won over the judges with their selfie-centric idea. Olympic snowboarder Jamie Anderson, “Real Housewives” star Kenya Moore and “Kate Plus 8” star Kate Gosselin headed to the boardroom. Trump let Anderson go after she toggled back and forth about putting “Housewives” star Brandi Glanville up for elimination instead.
“The mountains are calling, and I gotta go to them,” Anderson said before leaving.
For the next challenge, Trump played the swap game. Actress Vivica A. Fox, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and Kate joined Team Vortex while MLB outfielder Johnny Damon, Owens and “Beverly Hills, 90210” actor Ian Ziering went to the women’s Team Infinity.
The teams were tasked with raising the most money for charity by selling wedding dresses. Geraldo and Ian’s macho personalities came to a head as they signed on to be project managers. The teams collectively raised close to $600,000 for charity.
At challenge’s end, Rivera edged out the other with a narrow win – by $2,500. Ziering, Damon and Owens faced Trump in the board room.
Not raising enough money was Owens’s downfall.
“You know how much I like you. And I gained great, great respect for you, and you’ve really done a good job. You’ve helped yourself immeasurably,” Trump told Owens before leaving.
But, Owens took the firing in stride and handled it with poise.
“I didn’t lose, bro,” Owens told Ziering before leaving. “I learned in this situation.”