Call me a cynic, but tonight’s show might have been the worst in the history of the entire series. I’m all for filler episodes where the “Entourage” crew runs around town getting into all sorts of shenanigans, but what in the world was the point of them tripping on some shrooms in the middle of the desert? If you think it was to help Vince decide on whether or not he should do the Benji movie, I have some bad news: Vince was never going to make that movie, no matter how much they paid him. He was always going to hold off for “Smoke Jumpers,” and though Alan Gray has made it quite clear that he will never work with Vince again, next week’s previews suggests that might not be the case.
As for their trip to the Joshua Tree, well, there’s not a whole lot to say. Eric Roberts’ cameo was probably the best part about that whole storyline, and even that felt like a rehash of previous episodes involving Gary Busey and Val Kilmer. There are only so many times you can invite B-list celebs on to the show to prove that they’re hip, and between guys like Busey, Kilmer and Bob Saget, we’ve already had our fill over the last few seasons.
Perhaps worse, however, is the fact that none of the main actors are very good at playing high – to the point that Eric’s big trip-out moment was that he was literally speechless and Drama thought Arnold the bulldog was a rock. Jeremy Piven came the closest to nailing the experience (or at least what I’d expect that sort of experience to be like), but it’s virtually impossible to play Ari stoned since one of his main character traits is that he always appears in control, even when he’s not.
So why would the writers even produce such an episode? You got me. They probably thought it would be fun to watch the gang act all philosophical while under the influence of Eric Roberts’ homegrown magic mushrooms, but it wasn’t. I sat around waiting for something to happen, but with the exception of a mildly entertaining sequence involving Lloyd coaching Ari through his trip, nothing ever did. You’d think that between the “Smoke Jumpers” fiasco, Eric’s aggressive new clients, the bidding war with Amanda, Bow Wow’s comedian character, and plenty of other discarded ideas (like that Ramones biopic), there’d be plenty to talk about. Instead, we get this, and while I was more than willing to forgive the writers a few weeks ago for abandoning all story development to have a little fun, after tonight’s episode, they’re officially back in the doghouse.
Posted in: Entourage, TV, TV Comedies
Tags: Ari Gold, Drama, Entourage, Entourage blog, Entourage new season, Entourage season 5, Eric Roberts, Jeremy Piven, Katie Morgan, Turtle, Vince Chase, Vincent Chase
Definately agree.. This whole season is totally crap.. Next week is pretty much the do or die episode for me. I thought they wanted to get people to watch the show..
The show was pointless.. I didnt find it funny nor entertaining.. Like you a kept watching the clock waiting for something to materialize.. but nothing..
It just showed him wanting to do the smoke jumpers movie.. which we already know.
I can see HBO cancelling this show
Well, it certainly wasn’t the most substantive episode ever, and it’s a bit troubling that we’ve already had two filler-type episodes in this short season.
But I’ve got to disagree with you on your assertion that none of the actors (save for Piven) played “high” very well this week. Actually, they all played the parts pretty well, believe it or not. Vince was the deep, philosophical tripper, Turtle got emotional (when they lost the dog), Drama was gung-ho about the whole thing, E was a little overwhelmed and, best of all, Ari completely freaked out. Anyone who has…um…experience in this area probably laughed out loud at a couple of moments during their Joshua Tree experience, though admittedly most of them came courtesy of a wigged-out Ari.
As for the season as a whole, I still think it’s been very interesting watching Vince muck around as a b-list celeb whose career is in serious jeopardy, and I love the idea of him campaigning his ass off to get the second lead in a movie that E found. It may be taking a while to unfold, but I’m intrigued.
yea i agree with Jamey C. this episode was definitely THE weirdest episode ever but I\’m still interested. i think they all did a pretty good job tripping. I\’m sure there\’ll be better episodes. i can never give up on this show. come on guys hah
I don’t think this has been a bad season at all, but last night’s episode was terrible.
The writers have plenty to work with and I just wish they’d stop messing around and get down to business. Win back your fanbase first and then you can goof off.
Ironically, Richard, HBO just announced that they have reviewed the series for Season 6. Good or bad, the ratings for this season have apparently been quite acceptable for the network…
Theres a stench in the air….and its called Entourage. Must be new writers! The mushroom bit was as weak a premise as i have ever seen…..hey lets showcase how bad these actors really are….lets see if they can pull off a premise that Dinero…Pacino…Hoffman…wouldn’t even attempt..and these jackasses have the likes of “E”, “Turtle” ..”Drama” (who by the way..please..someone fire his sorry ass..what a fucking pussy)… and “Vince” doing it!!! And shouldn’t “Lolyd” (whoever the actor is) be fucking asshamed of himself….what a dip shit!! Somebody tell Marky Mark to fucking wake up…or is he really just the douche bag…that these guys are making of him. Don’t you just love how dumb ass Vince can’t recognize the Talent of his agent and sit down and talk to him man to man and decise what direction to go…what a fucking pussy…was Marky Mark like that is “real life”???? The actors in this show give new meaning to :” you’ll never work in this town again”….lol….lets all hope not at least. However , Piven stealing the show, the money…the awards…and rightfully so….these Jerk offs couldn’t shine his shows….give notice Ari…this ship is going down faster than Lolyd hits his boring, tired…knees….! Hey I see these producers went to the same school as the producers and writers as the Sopranos did….the classes were called…”how to fucking completely ruin a great show”!!
Woah there B.J. settle down a bit. If you hate the show so much don’t watch, no one is forcing you too. And next time proof read before you write something, you sound idiotic (shine his shows?)
This episode was pretty awful but I still love the show and haven’t lost any faith. But I really want Vince to get a job already and start living the rock star life again.
Side note: I’m excited for the Mickelson cameo next week.
You’re right………I should have proof read my text…..was just venting and ranting.. however…this show will be cancelled….i quick order!
I agree and disagree with these comments. Was this episode more of stalled episode? Yes, but was the episode really that bad? No. Really nothing got accomplished this episode besides the fact Vince is going to stick to Smoke Jumpers and also the role Turtle plays in the entourage. But the thing that makes this ep so special is the nature of friendship. If you have gotten high off schrooms before you can totally relate to when Vince says how much he loves E. Finally this has been brought official to the entourage. We the viewers always knew E and Vince had a amazing best friendship but did Turtle and Drama? Also, finally Turtle (fyi: played a terrible high person on schrooms, this i agree) but finally begs the ? am i a loser? Am i just worthless? Which i really like cuz i know a majority of complaints are Turtle is useless on the show and the writers always rip his storyline out giving him side comments. Well lets see if he actually gets a job now and adds to the entourage. Also, Ari (brillantly played in this episode) finally shows Ari not in control. Hes afraid and alone. The only people he has is his kids,wife and lloyd. The fear of him losing his work life is really scary to him especially if vince fails. ALso, believe it or not Vince(who i think is the worst actor on the show) actually played being on schrooms really well along with Ari. So i honestly dont think this episode was a total waste. It went back to its old routes like in season 1. Exploiting friendship because thats what entourage is really about.
……..the role Turtle plays is the same role “Donkey” played to Marky Mark………carry my bags …and get me another beer…..we love you ..but just get my bags…and on the way…grab me a beer!!
This episode of entourage attempted to re-make, or follow the same plot line as the play “Waiting for Godot.” The play is about four characters who are waiting for an answer that never comes, and they go through many philosophical life questions and what not throughout their journey.
My first thought was how bad the episode was, and I still think it was bad, but even so, it got everyone talking about the show again, wether or not its for a good reason, as bad as it was, people are talking about it, and interested in it it seems.
this episode was unorthodox compared to the other entourage episodes as a whole, but i was glad that they tried something new this episode. It was fucking hilarious and great shows like this need to try new thing every once in a while. To pretty much conclude, i though this was a great and funny episode. Everyone’s acting was great, so i really dont see what the complaint is about
I like how this episode showed the vulnerbilities of the characters
total agreement with the vulnerbilities
“Vulnerbilities”???? Are we watching the same program??? Vulnerbilities?????…try massive insecurities…..with exception to Ari….who just wanted to be somewhere else…actually living his life! And my God, “the acting was good”….OMG…………….. the acting was pathetic………..thats the problem….now these guys are trying to “act”!! The four morons trying to stand toe to toe with real actors like Piven and Roberts was the funniest part of the show!!Can’t we just get back to cars ..women…..cool parties….etc etc..etc….? Who the hell told then to start “acting”……you see, we have REAL actors for that job!
BJ, why do you even watch the show? Nobody’s twisting your arm.
…i watch the show beacuse the previous seasons were terrific…..but these extended “sabbaticals” HBO allows hurts the programs momentum…..Sopranos was horrible in its last saeson…after its long break…now Entourage has fallen victem….it seems like they have different writers who don’t really know what made the show great…com’on..dragging that johnny Drama thing out with the break up..was pathetic….and it really hurt that actor..they ruined him! For your information….and to quote “Vince” as he turned down A2…”they’re just washing this thing out”. HBO my friend ..is just washing this thing..cause they know idiots..like me (lol)..will keep tuning in…in hopes! If you think this season is good….you should see the show from the start…it was the best show on TV ….and all the actors “acted” within themselves..they were terrific (even Vince..lol)! Pivens the only one that gets it..and he’s grabbing all the awards….and $$$! (Most likey being coached by Ari Emannuel). I love the show and will continue to watch…..the problem is that it used to be like “Miami Vice”…remember , you would run home on friday night to see it..even if you were on a date..lol..well i used to run home on Sunday night…for Entourage….now i just wait until the middle of the week…..next stop..just blowwing it off! Most likey blame lies with HBO…they did they same thing to Sopranos….but in the end…i get it!! Hope i didn’t hurt anyones feelings with harsh words about their favorite show!!
I liked this episode. It was funny to see how each character reacted differently to the shrooms. It wasn’t the best episode ever, but I didn’t find it as bad as most of the people here.