Remember when Entourage used to have good cameos? Remember when the guys actually had fun? Remember when Ari was a supporting character? Those days are long gone
It’s been a weak fourth season for HBO’s Entourage. This series became a success because at its core it was the story of four best friends. Hollywood and all its excesses was simply the backdrop for the story of Eric, the good guy, always looking out for his best friends; Vince the movie star who made their luxurious life possible; Drama, the loser, delusional older brother, Turtle the lovable nonentity, and Ari Gold, the a-hole agent. The foursome navigated their way around this loathsome evil necessity of an agent, as they navigated the their way around the Hollywood system.
But lately Entourage has become a caricature of its former self, taking for granted the tight friendships, and ignoring the far superior Kevin Dillon (Drama) for the smug, scene stealing Jeremy Piven (Ari). The character of Drama, with his earnest naivete, could be the glue that brings this team together, but instead Dillon is saddled with stupid storylines involving the fat friends of ex girlfriends, hallucinogenic pot, or Gary Busey’s painting. Things appeared hopeful when Drama scored a lead in the TV show "Five Towns, " but this season neglected to mine any interesting storylines from what could be a very funny situation.
Instead, Dillon is overshadowed by irrelevant storylines involving Ari Gold. The Emmy winning Jeremy Piven is fabulous as a heartless super-agent, but any attempt to go beyond obnoxious a-hole territory falls flat. This season Piven has proven that he is an actor without depth, thus any attempt to get to Ari’s sentimental side comes across as almost smarmy. It’s impossible to believe that Ari has a heart, and that has nothing to do with the writing – it’s Piven’s limited range as an actor.
Speaking of actors, this season has lacked the star power of previous ones. Where are the Jessica Alba and James Cameron cameos? With the exception of Peter Jackson, we’re treated to lame cameos by Gary Busey (a running gag that has overstayed its welcome) and Snoop Dogg. A recent storyline had Eric running into Anna Faris – and actually recognizing her. Really, who cares? And if Vince is such a hot movie star, why does he never date famous people? Was his break up with Mandy Moore in Season 2 so heart-wrenching that he’s decided to limit himself to 20-year-olds that he picks up off the street?
The only good thing to come out of this season is watching Eric come into his own. He’s morphed from a clueless Hollywood immigrant who had good instincts to an up and coming manager/producer with the power to use those instincts. Even Turtle is getting some gumption, finally getting sarcastic with a bimbette he picked up at a Whole Foods. But Drama is underused, Ari is overused, and Vinnie continues to be a third wheel in his own life. This show needs to get back to its roots, recognize the difference between good acting and scene chewing, and stop selling out to any pseudo-celebrity who’s looking for publicity.
