 The creators of “Entourage” took a big risk this week when they chose to shoot the entire episode in the style of a behind-the-scenes DVD documentary, but for the most part, it went over pretty well. The only real issue that I had was with the inclusion of Drama, Turtle and Ari in the confessionals, because no real documentary would even think about interviewing the older brother, best friend or agent of any particular actor. Nevertheless, the fact that they were able to cram the entire production of “Medellin” into a single half-hour is impressive, especially since the audience has yet to see Vince in action. A majority of the episode revolved around director Billy Walsh’s expected dictatorship over the production – from the decision to shoot the film himself (after beating up the DP) to rewriting the ending – and though Walsh never disappoints Vince with his nut job brilliance, he certainly looked like he was about to pass out from all the stress. Tension builds when Walsh requests Academy Award nominee Stephen Gaghan (“Traffic”) to rewrite the script, but when Eric finally secures the $275,000 to fly him out to Columbia, Walsh finishes it on his own. A waste of money? Perhaps, but I can’t help but think that the sheer idea of Gaghan messing with Walsh’s baby was motivation enough for the young upstart to begin writing. Aside from that, there really weren’t any major revelations on the story side of things, but I would like to point out a few things that I especially liked about the episode: 1) Did anyone notice the title of the DIY producer’s book that Eric was reading? It was called “Is That Something You Might Be Interested In,” by Bob Ryan. 2) Was it just me, or did Vince look more like Ron Jeremy than a menacing drug lord? 3) Drama can steal an entire episode with just one line. In this case, his cameo at the end of the film as a Columbian soldier ranks among his top three. (in Spanish) “Let’s go kill this motherfucker!” As for the movie itself, I wasn’t impressed. It felt a little too much like “Scarface” and every other gangster film I’ve ever seen. Then again, if you were as unlucky as me and caught the title of one of the season’s final episodes, then you know exactly how things are going to turn out. I’d suggest you stay away from the ‘ol IMDB for the next few months, but if you absolutely must, please keep your mouth shut for the sake of everyone else.
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Good episode.
I love that we learned about Drama’s show getting all the way through its first season without getting canceled. Looks like Drama may finally be on his way.
OK. Time to start blogging John from C.
Pretty good damn show.
(it could be the drugs talking, but it seems cool)
Did anyone consider the similarity between the director character, Billy Walsh, and director John Sayles whose first film, I believe, had a cast of only 16 characters or fewer, “Return of the Secausuc Seven” and who surprised all by making a film later on in Spanish? Just curious.
I guess I’m in the minority but I thought the show sucked. Actually, my wife agreed, so I know I’m not alone.
Forced, unfunny, and predictable are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of this Season 4 intro.
When a show resorts to imitating another popular series, in this case “The Office”, it’s usually not a good thing, and I thought the talking to the camera schtick really dampened the normal snappy pace and off-the-cuff style of the series.
Although I haven’t (and won’t) go on IMBD to find out the end, I’m 100% sure Medellin will bomb, if not because of Billy’s foreshadowing comment at the the end, then because of what Jason hit on above, that the “film” resembles every other drug warlord movie ever made.
Coming on the heels of the controversial Sopranos ending, it seems to me that HBO has committed a mortal sin in TV land-ending one popular series with a widely-panned finale, then starting the new season of another hit by having said show jump the shark.
It’s still early in the season, but already this show has some serious catching up to do.
BTW, Jason, thanks for the Ron Jeremy reference. I was racking my brain trying to think of who Vince looked like, and you nailed it!
I liked the mock-documentary bit. It allowed them to jump ahead in time without it being to jarring. You’re right though, they’d never interview Turtle and Drama for that.
i like the show but would love it if it was an hour long.This 30 minute thing keeps you half full. Also did you guys catch the sexy Sofia Vergara, Columbian born.