Last night I realized one big problem with Entourage’s new season: The characters have a problem making up their minds, and thus give the series itself an air of awkward uncertainty.
Thus we had Eric squirming, unsure of how to handle the news that his client Charlie had such low viewer-test-scores on his sitcom pilot, the CW wanted to replace the performer. (Side note: How low do you have to score to get booted from a CW show? Sample viewers must have to rate you slightly lower than the Octomom. What a thankless role for Bow Wow.)
Meanwhile, it was Turtle’s 30th birthday, but he was unsure whether he could enjoy it. Why? Because only now in Entourage’s history is he realizing he’s not pulling his weight in the world. So we were actually asked to sympathize with a character who’s just been given two new cars, whose girlfriend is Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and who lives on the same lofty level as the guy who actually pulls in the bucks to make his lifestyle possible, Vince. Boo-hoo, and on to business school for you, Turtle; let’s hope the writers come up with a good concept for your unrevealed business idea, because that was another frustration last night. If this was meant to generate suspense, it failed for me. I just found it coy and annoying.
For a show that used to be so loose-limbed and fun, Entourage is starting to feel labored. Were we really meant to think the 50 Cent cameo was funny? Were we really meant to think Ashley is cute and right for E? (Me, I think the character is written more like a yappy little puppy — I didn’t buy that Eric would find her alluring or her opinion about the sitcom pilot valuable.)
And did anyone doubt that Eric would not do what Ari advised, and accuse the CW exec of racism? Like too many characters here, he had no alternative ideas. I’ve really enjoyed Entourage in the past; here’s hoping it can pull itself out of this swamp of indecision.
Did you watch Entourage last night? What did you think?
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I haven’t really enjoyed this show like I used to for about the last 2 seasons. I keep watching hoping that it will turn it around, but it hasn’t yet. It has become an excuse for them to live out their grandiose fantasies like Cannes, and having a premier at Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, and yesterday’s episode was just an excuse for them to drive fast cars. Oh, and Turtle’s business idea isn’t a mystery. He wants to start a limo service with hot girls as drivers and call it LimHOs.
I was wondering the same thing about Ashley- is she intended to be really ugly and annoying or are we supposed to believe that E is attracted to her? For the last 3 episodes of Entourage, I have turned off the TV wondering what just happened. I think they should just make a Drama/ Ari spinoff because every other character on the show is pathetic. The producers have even succeeded in making me dislike Lloyd (especially with the hbo.com promo at the end of the episode) and are bordering on destroying the character of Ari through his “I’m proud of ya, E” comments. And no- the 50 cent cameo did not have a point.
I think the show is transitioning a bit, looking to move into more grounded stuff (E moving out, Turtle going to school, etc.) for the characters. It’s overdue–the equivilent chick show, Sex and the City, started with the characters being more one-note and then deepened them, so it’s a good idea for Entourage to do the same.
Yes, the show is dragging. And I think following Hung isn’t doing it any favors. You spend half an hour laughing yourself silly at a great new show and then the next 30 minutes yawning at the same old stuff from the boys.
I really liked this episode.
I hate the Ashley character. She’s terrible. E would not be with her.
50 Cent was very funny actually. I like that Turtle is finally going to do something useful.
E was emulating Ari because he knows that Ari gets things done with his style. It didn’t work for E but it showed Ari that E respects his advice and therefore shows growth in their relationship.
The episode wasn’t stuffed with laughs but was really entertaining. I was surprised at how much it packed into a half hour. I really wish it was an hour but that will not happen.
Mr. Tucker: It appears that you are one of the people that want Entourage to stay the way it was in the first 2 seasons and never change. The fact is that the characters are getting older and if they don’t grow then the show is a one trick pony. I thought it may have run its course in the 4th season but the last season was great and this season is shaping up to be one of the best IMO.
Take care.
I like that the boys are kinda growing and going in their own directions. It feels authentic. How long can four dudes keep living in one house together, and mooching of one person? I felt sorry for Bow Wow, but I think that plotline is gonna go in a different direction, like something will come up better for Bow Wow (or should I call him Shad Moss?) Like Ari said, who wants to worry with TV when you manage movie stars? I don’t like that weird looking dwarf that they have E with; I wish Sloan and E would get it together already. But overall, as always, I am enjoying the season and I’m glad it’s back!
I have to disagree with this article. For a couple of years now people have been complaining that the show has the same story year after year. I dont take the show too seriously, it’s just mindless fun for me, but I am gald that they have the characters branching out.
while I agree that you picked up on the flaw thats forming ealry in this season of them trying to show growth in the charecters using poorly constructed “events”. I felt I should point out to you that multiple times during the episode and in the past turtle discussed his business including discussing it at langth last season.His bold new business that you missed was to have good looking women work as drivers in a limo company and call it “limhoes” I think you might want to pay closer attention before using it as an excuse to pull apart an episode, just a thought
And as far as Turtle finally waking up, it all has to do with him getting a serious girl friend. Especially one that has money.
You must have never been a very avid Entourage fan, because if you were, you would know that Turtle’s business idea, “LimHo’s” has been mentioned before. It is a limo service with hot female drivers, so obviously it was not a ploy to generate suspense and was not “coy and annoying.” Wow, everyone thinks they are a critic. Can people just enjoy Entourage for what it is: an escape to LA to watch stars play? It’s meant to be entertainment.
“Wow, everyone thinks they are a critic”
Hopefully this isn’t a shock, but the guy that wrote this… Ken Tucker… yea, he is a critic. This is his job. Please think, then follow up with the whole typing thing.
great ep – i thnk this showis back on form and back on top – not surprised by ur negative comments as they seemto be a regular thing
I thought it was the best ep so far this season.
I thought that it was totally believable that Turtle would start to be concerned about what he’s doing in life, especially when he’s on the receiving end of expensive gifts from Vince and his GF.
E likes Ashley because she’s not serious GF material. He’s finally giving himself permission to date without getting seriously involved emotionally.
This season started off slow, but that’s to be expected as they are setting the stage for the situations they will explore. It seems like it is hitting its stride and hopefully will deliver some good laughs.
I think the studio needs to come back to Vince for Aquaman 3.
The truth is that Entourage just stinks now! The show has run it’s course and the writers/producers are now forcing us to care about these out of touch 2D characters “growing up”. Turtle is a dim guido and Johnny’s psycho-meatball quips are played out. Put me on record for this…. Ari is flat out lame! Same ol’ same ol’. Every time he raises his voice or comments the obvious in a way that wouldn’t air on network, I’m supposed to laugh and think, “Wow, Piven’s really nailing this character”? Me no think so. Stock humor. Most recent episode: The boys have a blast ripping up the race track in Ferraris. Who’s this supposed to appeal to? Frankenstein?!?! Now that the show is officially dead and buried, we can finally state the obvious and fatal flaw of Entourage: VINCE SUCKS! Both the character and Grenier. I was never buying this guy as a major star in Hollywood. He’s never funny, clever nor endearing… never mind talented. Bouffant hair do, corny outfits, mundane sensibility, etc. etc. Feeble I say! The show started out fun… now it’s just another farty HBO show that needs to be put down. Pew!!!
entorage is wak now. i agree with the writer. just aint funny no more.