But then, stereotypical and discriminatory remarks got off to a flying start with Christopher announcing: "I hate the Germans" at the very sight of the nation's flag. Do you recognise it, Liz? Apparently it was all because of the Fußball.
Even before arriving in Germany, Joanna intuitively sensed that curry-flavoured crisps would tickle the German palate. An idea she rammed home time and time and time again. "I want sausage, I want curry, I want paprika". Although Stella was sold on selling British flavours, she accepted Joanna’s upward-management and agreed a compromise. She’s smart that Stella. Meanwhile, Laura – it’s your call, PM – Moore was happy to agree to anything if it meant avoiding responsibility.
Having established that Germans like it hot, the teams were let loose on Hamburg with a mixture of pre-arranged and ad hoc appointments.
Despite researching their flavours, it’s a shame Synergy didn’t fully research their targets. If you fail to prepare you prepare to fail, boys. Ignoring their own Octiclean slogan, they failed to grasp that nine appointments are definitely better than six. Perhaps they needed the Brand to assist with counting?
Than came the fateful error. Christopher and Jamie secured a 9am appointment with the Marriott, only to switch it to 1pm, allowing Apollo to waltz in and scoop up. Was it loyalty or not thinking clearly under pressure? Either way, their decision was one crisp short of a packet. They then compounded the error, attempting to sell to a waitress in a bagel shop (or was it the cleaner, Lord Sugar?)
While Stella and Joanna blitzed the orders, ‘team-player’ Laura was left with her own agenda, subjecting polyglot ‘Herr Baggs’ to an earful of English whinge. After failing to take responsibility for a single decision, she had the temerity to judge that her own PM didn’t deserve to win. Interesting given her entire contribution consisted of talking at such high speed that she couldn’t be understood. Surely Laura’s days are numbered?
Back in the boardroom Sugar confirmed that Apollo had won the day with orders totalling more than €19,000. As if by magic, Laura finally took responsibility for the team hug and shopping in Bond Street.
Meanwhile, déjà-vu-Erlebnis struck as the usual suspects headed back to the boardroom. With the boys trying to justify their existence Liz kept characteristically quiet, saving her for the second week running. Arguably, this was never in doubt as the boys were left to battle it out, well Chris and Jamie at least.
Although recognising Christopher’s hard work in logistics, Sugar was unable to detect his entrepreneurial spark – for which read: laying into your opponents in the boardroom. And so, perhaps unfairly dismissed, loyal Christopher, was given the "auf wiedersen pet". Pity.
Danielle Spiers is from media lawyers Sheridans
