3/30: Celebrity Apprentice recap: Atlanta’s Tionne “T Boz” Watkins finally makes an impression
11:26 pm March 29, 2009, by Rodney Ho

Atlanta’s Tionne “T Boz” Watkins of TLC fame was virtually invisible the first four episodes of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.”

She finally stepped up to be project manager of the task in episode five Sunday night. Her team had to run five rooms at a Loews Regency Hotel in New York City.

She was a hard worker, providing zero drama. But results are results: she and Team Athena won hands down. The gals have won four out of five tasks. “She was great. She was organized. She was on top of us,” Joan Rivers said. So Watkins’ charity Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia got $20,000.

The drama naturally revolved around the men’s team leader Dennis Rodman, who Donald Trump finally ousted Sunday. Rodman started kind of organized, had a few drinks, then went off the rails. He became unfocused and even went off and partied with a couple of the guests (though they enjoyed his company and his ability to create access). He forced the others to pick up the slack. He was a poor leader and throughout the competition came off as petulant and irascible.

During the boardroom, everyone (but Rodman) agreed Rodman had a drinking problem. “It starts off a little bit funny but as it progresses, it turns to mean,” Jesse James told Trump. “It clouds his views on things.”

James had a drinking problem himself in the past. He compared Rodman to fellow contestant, UGA alum and class act Herschel Walker and not in a good way. “Hershel, Heisman Trophy winner. He’s even more than you think he is. Dennis looks the same way [at first]. I see people’s eyes light up. ‘It’s Dennis Rodman!’ They meet him. And there’s a little bit of disappointment. I’m sad for him for that.”

Rodman did make good TV and the producers I’m sure are sad to see him go.

Who could win this competition? Both Brian McKnight and Jesse James have impressed me so far on the men’s team. On the women’s team, Brande Roderick has been surprisingly strong while T-Boz remains a dark horse. Joan Rivers has been a solid player as well. Khloe Kardashian is due for an exit soon.