The television shows I watch regularly has now been sliced to a mere two: ``The Office’’ and ``30 Rock’’.
        I’ve officially purged ``Celebrity Apprentice’’ from my viewing habits; I vow never to set eyes on it again should it return next season.
        Donald Trump, treating viewers like total morons, went for a ratings bonanza and inexplicably advanced foul-mouthed, classless, and the entrepreneurial-challenged Joan Rivers to the finale against Annie Duke, not the most likeable personality mind you (arrogant, self-centered) but a downright pit-bull of a participant, who clearly outperformed opponents week after week with composure and wizardry.
        Joan Rivers isn’t worthy of carrying Annie Duke’s poker chips.
        ``The Donald’’ is a worst fraud than I ever imagined, crowning Joan Rivers the Celebrity Apprentice, knowing full well she didn’t win on her merits, but because she was the most famous celebrity of the bunch, which gives you some idea of Trump’s desperation and the thin talent NBC was able to recruit for the show.
        Rivers (including her spoiled-brat daughter Melissa) lasted longer than they should have, for no other reason, but because they drove ratings with the Trump coddling and catering to their every whim.
        The real estate mogul, or so he says, fired Andrew Dice Clay because he doesn’t like quitters, but apparently Trump’s aversion to quitters didn’t extend to Rivers, who stormed out a few weeks ago, after pouting like a school child when her daughter was finally, at long last, shown the door.
        I guess ``The Donald’’  only tolerates quitters if you’re famous enough.
        In fact, it was downright embarrassing watching Trump week after week coming up with such lame, pathetically lame, excuses for firing less well-known celebrities, just to keep the more popular Rivers around.
        Khloe Kardashian was fired because she was once cited for a DUI, but her past indiscretion had absolutely no bearing on her Celebrity Apprentice performance. Tionnne Watkins was fired because she volunteered to go to the boardroom in show of team spirit, but a move that got her booted off the show. It made absolutely no sense.
        In fact, the last couple of months have been a total waste; viewers were robbed, but most importantly Annie Duke was robbed.
        Not that it matters, but I’ve completely washed my hands of this train wreck of a reality show.
        ``Celebrity Apprentice'' is a complete sham.
            NBC should be embarrassed.
            I plan to call 911 and report a robbery in progress.

        -Bill Lucey
        WPLucey@gmail.com