The three-month job interview is over and last night, Kelly Perdew was "Hired! "I'm so excited," Perdew gushed as he, for the first time, was seated amongst the firing squad as opposed to in front of it on the Apprentice finale.
The normally decisive Donald Trump was still wavering between Perdew and his rival Californian Jennifer Massey, well into the second half of the three-hour marathon finale.
Because of his indecision, and because he can do whatever he wants, Trump rearranged the finale, calling his friend and daytime talk-show host Regis Philbin into the mix earlier than planned.
As a wall in the boardroom lifted, revealing a live studio audience, Philbin was asked to interview some big movers-and-shakers, to help "The Donald" with his decision.
From the original Apprentice winner Bill Rancic, to major corporate CEOs, it was unanimous -- Perdew, a West Point graduate, was the clear favourite.
The strongest backing came from Perdew's former military commander who said Perdew was someone "I was proud to lead, but I would be proud to be led by Kelly."
Former contestants and CEOs claimed -- although extremely intelligent and passionate -- Massey, a lawyer with a Harvard and Yale education, lacked the necessary leadership skills.
Although Trump appeared torn, it wasn't much of a mystery for viewers.
Perdew appeared to have won his support throughout the series, because during the final task, both he and Massey had their share of problems to overcome.
Perdew forgot to set up a box for Trump during a charity polo event and left him to sit on a dirty, folding chair.
Massey forgot to invite the big cheese to the VIP party at the end of her charity NBA basketball game.
After three months of action and suspense, last night's finale was anti-climactic. It featured the requisite Trump butt-kissing, which he lapped up like a thirsty puppy, as well as an abundance of repetitive footage from the series.
As with the first Apprentice, Trump gave his new right-hand-man his choice of projects: One a $500-million US hotel and tower project in Las Vegas; the other Trump Place, a luxury condominium project amongst the Trump Tower sprawl in New York.
Perdew said he went on The Apprentice to work closely with Trump and learn from him, so his choice was New York.
"I'm in love with your answer," Trump told Perdew.
Certainly not more than he's in love with himself. But it's a start.
