Good Show

Entourage is a fairly good show, but not one that's deep rooted in commentary. In today's television landscape, TV shows are really about the entertainment factor by not looking for any deep meaning. But the great thing about TV shows is how they are character driven and from there, find their entertainment.

Entourage really isn't a situation kind of show per se. Granted, there are situations that evolve out of the characters but there is a consistent storyline as it follows up and coming actor Vince Chase (Adrien Grenier). As he makes his way through the Hollywood system, there's no doubt that Vince is a fairly down to earth guy. He wouldn't be so grounded, had it not been for his three person entourage: his has been actor/half brother Johnny (Kevin Dillon), free living rap music lovin' Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and street smart, business savvy college dropout Eric (Kevin Connolly). As they live off of Vince's lifestyle by living at his home, sleeping with the women that throw themselves at Vince and eating his food, there's generally a rapport amongst them all. But deep underneath the mooching is a tight knit family that stands by each other. Vince needs them as much as they need him (had it been for the money), but they protect Vince from the darker side of Hollywood. One of the episodes features Johnny cooking eggs for his brother, who initially avoids the cooked breakfast because of it's content. But Johnny reminds his brother of his lactose intolerance. So naturally, while everyone seems like a moocher, it's obvious there's a tight knit bond between them all.

But the other part of Entourage is Vince's arrival in Hollywood like a shark agent (a scene stealing Jeremy Piven) named Ari. Virtually a tyrant in the boardroom who works 24/7 as he thirsts for power, this fast talking, client stealing Harvard grad is also a submissive to his wife, who really wears the pants in the family. On the other hand, Eric is unofficially Vince's manager and unlike his buddies who protect Vince like a bodyguard, Eric serves as a representative of his friend. He's also got the chops to make it in Hollywood as a businessman, and Vince lends his complete trust in Eric. But Ari and Eric clash a lot throughout the series, but at the same time, Ari does take Eric on almost as a protege.

As this show looks at their personal lives, skewered with several industry jokes ranging from celebrity cameos (Bob Saget appeared in a later season, as an opposite of his nice guy Full House persona) to upcoming projects, Entourage puts a personal spin on everything. It's a show firmly ingratiated in Hollywood, but also at the four characters who head it. It also runs at a lean half hour which works, given what unfolds throughout. As for the cast, they're all very good. Grenier has a freespirited naivete in Vince, a fairly good guy looking out for his buddies (even helping his brother get an agent). There's no doubt that he's a hot property but thanks to his friends, they're on the lookout for him. Kevin Dillon makes a credible has been actor constantly talking about bit parts on both TV and film. Drama as his last name is, never resists a plug when meeting an industry honcho. Dillon imbues kind of a straight comic relief, which is further added by Ferrara as Turtle, a crude guy constantly the butt of jokes by his buddies, but always maintains a good attitude. Eric is essentially the straight man out of all of them, the one smarter than his buddies. The character is practically the sympathy core for all, but one you do feel compassionate with, given his situation.

But the scene stealer is Jeremy Piven, and this is the ideal vehicle as the egocentric black suit can never resist creating trouble. Ari is a springboard for the actor to practically unleash all of the pent up comic tension and resistance Piven has had over the years in past films. Ari is the standout as one who never resists kissing celebrity butt or tearing down those below him. But given the humourous writing which is terrific and the convincing characterizations, Entourage is a good show that works on both an interest level and an entertainment one.

Episodes

1. Pilot - The crew deals with pressure with an impending opening weekend for Vince's latest movie, and a script that lands on Vince's lap that Ari wants him to do.

2. The Review - Ari commissions Eric to keep Vince's mind off a bad movie review from his latest film.

3. Talk Show - Vince books a last minute appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, which proves an endurance test when Vince's last fling is also a guest and Drama has a feud with Kimmel.

4. Date Night - Eric's date turns into a group thing, which proves a problem for Eric.

5. The Script and the Sherpa - The boys become annoyed at Vince's newest girlfriend: an outspoken vegan.

6. Busey and the Beast - As a script for an independent film named Queen's Boulevard ends up with Eric, Ari finds he might be in a bit of a power struggle with a former assistant turned agent.

7. The Scene - A scene in Queen's Boulevard has Vince and Eric thinking second thoughts about taking on the low budget film.

8. New York - As Vince agrees to Queen's Boulevard and the boys prepare to travel to their old home for the shoot, Eric finally lets his friend know how he really feels about the direction of his job.

The show is very good to watch, particularly for those who want nothing more than amusing entertainment. Entourage itself is executive produced by Mark Wahlberg, who based this partly on his own experiences as an actor. Wahlberg even contributes a random cameo. But aside from all that, look for some fun in watching Entourage, which doesn't fail in providing it.