  The Jang equation in the spherically symmetric case reduces to a first order
equation. This permits an easy analysis of the role apparent horizons play in
the (non)existence of solutions. We demonstrate that the proposed derivation of
the Penrose inequality based on the Jang equation cannot work in the
spherically symmetric case. Thus it is fruitless to apply this method, as it
stands, to the general case. We show also that those analytic criteria for the
formation of horizons that are based on the use of the Jang equation are of
limited validity for the proof of the trapped surface conjecture.
