‘The Apprentice’ winds down to finale

Only four contestants and two episodes remain for “The Apprentice” (9 p.m., NBC).

What a difference a season has made for this Trumped-up business competition. Last May, “The Apprentice” was the most buzz-worthy show on network television and featured the brazen Omarosa, the most talked-about prime-time villainess since the heyday of “Dallas” and “Dynasty.”

As Season 2 enters the homestretch, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone besides diehard fans who could name the final four. For your information, here’s a rundown.

Lawyer Jennifer M. has raised suspicion in and out of the boardroom with her ability to shirk ultimate responsibility and avoid blame when her teams lost. Her unstated “don’t hate me because I’m blonde and beautiful” philosophy has gotten on some nerves, including those of Carolyn, Trump’s right-hand blonde.

Sandy engaged in a testy catfight with Jennifer in the boardroom a few weeks back. But the two women successfully joined forces last week to peddle candy bars dressed as the bimbo-esque M&M twins. Sandy is arguably the weakest of the final four. Her finest hour was leading her team to victory in a bridal boutique competition – no great surprise, since she’s the only player with a background in the wedding-planning racket.

A graduate of both business and law school, Kevin has the most impressive resume. He’s also probably managed to make the most allies over the course of the game.

But he’s shown poor business sense on a few occasions, especially when he’s set the price of his products far too low to best the competition.

Kelly is the game’s coolest and most multifaceted player. He has led his teams to three victories, more than anyone else. And what can you say about a guy with a military background who insisted on drawing and designing his own line of women’s evening gowns?

“Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS) also sets itself up for Sunday’s grand finale. I have to admit that I was shocked, shocked, shocked by last week’s episode. And I’m not talking about Ami’s all but preordained eviction.

I was stunned by the sight of Eliza’s bony body. It’s time for that old hippie, Scout, to stop hogging the manioc.

Here’s hoping Twila makes the final cut. She’s the only memorable character in this lot and the one most likely to say something colorful when she appears on “David Letterman” as the winner.

Lori Loughlin hosts “The Sixth Annual Family Television Awards” (9 p.m., WB). Fellow presenters include Christine Lahti (“Jack & Bobby”), Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) and extreme-sports star Tony Hawk.

Rachael Harris hosts “The Smoking Gun Year End Special 2004” (10 p.m., Court TV). Inspired by the popular Web site devoted to popularizing celebrity mug shots, peculiar and scandalous legal documents, and other offbeat information, “Special” features a roundup of the odd but memorable legal tussles of 2004.

“John Mayer Has a TV Show” (11 p.m., VH1) follows the popular singer-songwriter on last summer’s tour, with a special emphasis on his offstage antics.

Other highlights

Winter sports in a summer climate on “The O.C.” (8 p.m., Fox).

The 2000 special “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” (8 p.m., WB) devotes an hour to a story best told in a three-minute novelty song.

Evidence of police brutality emerges in the lab on “CSI” (9 p.m., CBS).

Matt Damon stars in the 2002 thriller “The Bourne Identity” (9 p.m., USA).

Jack’s divorce exposes his past indiscretions on “Without a Trace” (10 p.m., CBS).

Abby goes above and beyond to find a doctor on Christmas Eve on “ER” (10 p.m., NBC).

Scheduled on “Primetime” (10 p.m., ABC): antidepressants and children; a heroic member of the Forest Service who rescued her coworkers after a plane crash.

Cult choice

An impressive supporting cast including Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, Ralph Richardson and Wendy Hiller overshadow the leads in the 1970 TV-movie adaptation of “David Copperfield” (5 p.m., Fox Movie Channel).

Series notes

Joey isn’t sure he understands his new show’s character on “Joey” (8 p.m., NBC) … Texas siblings transformed on “Extreme Makeover” (8 p.m., ABC) … Wrestling on “WWE SmackDown!” (8 p.m., UPN) … Grace shatters a family heirloom on “Will & Grace” (8:30 p.m., NBC).

Lessons in loyalty on “North Shore” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) … Ben takes desperate measures on “Life as We Know It” (9 p.m., ABC).