RingSide Report

World News, Social Issues, Politics, Entertainment and Sports

Entourage: TV SHOW REVIEW & NEWS

By Gina L. Caliboso

I told all of you RSR Readers, I am hooked. On the previous Saturday, I did go to the bar and watch the UFC fights, had a pitcher of Stella and chicken tenders, and watched Rashad Evans defeat Tito Ortiz in a very entertaining fight. Evans had a focused look on his face. I liked the edge he showed – fearless. And, there was the “I Love Lucy” marathon. But as Sunday rolled around, I caught my breath and watched the third episode of “Entourage.” No DVR needed! But this episode. Wow – it was a dark and serious episode. As dark and and serious as the boys can become, but nonetheless dark.

The episode begins as Vincent Chase attends a NA meeting and meets up with a former nemesis Ertz who is also in attendance. Knowing full well no good can come from any sort of affiliation with Ertz, Vince continues with his 12 steps rehab philosophy to forgive all those that you may have hurt while on drugs. Ertz offers to assist Vince with his new movie of the week screenplay.

Meanwhile, the other boys become stuck in a whirlwind of bad news and rejection. First, Johnny, Eric, and Scott decide to inquire on Johnny and Dice’s contract on the cartoon that hasn’t even aired. Dice does not want to be under negotiated and Johnny is torn between having his career rejuvenated by the cartoon as well as loyalty to Dice. Second, Turtle gets the bad news that he is no longer needed by the tequila company and his now ex-girlfriend Alex has met someone else. Turtle and Vince both decide to cash in their shares of the tequila company and Vince encourages Turtle on another business venture. Third, Ari gets set up on a date by Lloyd. Ari drops his date off but gives a call to former friend but now studio executive, Dana Gordon. The two end up together in a very entertaining scene as if both had needed each other at that moment. Meanwhile, Vince can be seen at Ertz’s house and he pulls the switch on why he offered to assist Vince. Accompanied by Turtle, Vince can see that Ertz is high and may cause harm to himself. Vince chooses to talk Ertz down, but he continues to lock himself in the bathroom and snort coke. Ertz is high and reeling, shouting regrets of his life, finally, the inevitable. He pulls out a gun and shoots himself. Turtle rushes into the bathroom. The episode ends with both Vince and Turtle having a disappointed and shocked facial expression.

Pretty good, right RSR Readers? The episode had a quicker paced dialogue and the show is at it’s best when all the characters actively engage in personal and professional issues. I’m surprised by the troubled portrayal of Andrew Dice Clay. He finds himself in the midst of getting back his own hype and wants to be recognized and paid for his worth. But as we all know about Hollywood, longevity and professionalism can go a long way. And it’s never just about an individual star or talent. “Entourage” continues to provide a tough inside look to the goings on in the entertainment biz and it’s a difficult path to undergo.

This past Saturday, I found myself at a bar again – but not for a UFC fight, I actually was helping out a male friend figure out how to write an online profile. Since yes, I am a writer and not an absolute beginner when it comes to online dating, I decided to help him out and write a profile that a woman might actually be interested in without making a face along with an ‘ewww’ creepy sound. So, again, this time two pitchers of Stella and some appetizers. But now instead of waiting until Sunday, I had to spend the day travelling to Vegas and caught the most recent episode on HBOGO. And, well, I think my DVR now has competition with HBOGO.

Episode 4 picks up right after Ertz’s suicide. Vince and the boys are panicked about how Vince will be implicated in the Ertz’s death. Finally, Vince comes clean to Eric – he had smoked pot a week prior and was now worried that he might have to take a drug test. For the first time, Vince has shown his own coolness under pressure and making decisions for himself. The boys are in solidarity as they try to assist Vince with dealing with the drug test. Meanwhile, Ari is picking up the pieces with his one night with Dana Gordon. Due to Ertz’s suicide, he is late for a couples’ therapy appointment. And for the first time, he actually seems vulnerable and at a loss for words as Mrs. Ari leaves the therapy session in anger.

As a sign of solidarity and worry that Vince’s drug test will be positive, the boys attempt to drink vinegar – one sip and they all spit up. For all of you old film fans, it was like watching the “Three Stooges.” The boys just don’t have a clue sometimes, but you tolerate and watch like a mom watching her child walk and fall without assistance. Unable to figure things out, Vince calls up Billy Walsh. And RSR fans, the plan is simple. I won’t do a spoiler but the episode is titled “The Whiz Kid.” With some assistance, he passes his drug test and the boys are seen tossing something around at the end of the episode. Okay, somewhat of a spoiler, but subscribe to HBOGO and you’ll get what I’m delicately trying to say without saying.

So, there it is, my love affair with “Entourage” grows with each episode simply because yes, it is a show about men being boys, but we watch and tolerate, and get a laugh because much like the “Three Stooges,” they are absolutely adorable when they try so hard NOT to screw up. There’s a lot of growing up to do for these boys and I’m guessing the season will continue with more surprises. I’ll lovingly watch the show as any good woman in support of her boys will do. Stay tuned!!!

Leave a Reply