Entourage 5.8 – First Class Jerk
It’s been awhile since we’ve seen an episode of “Entourage” as good as the one tonight, but after weeks of pointless subplots, Doug Ellin and Co. finally delivered some of that old school flavor that has been sorely missing from the new season. But before I get into any of the specifics, first thing’s first. In last week’s blog, I made a comment about how it might be fun to see Vince represented by Adam Davies for a while, but what I meant to say was Josh Weinstein. I know that doesn’t make any difference in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still an important distinction – especially considering tonight’s episode revolved around exactly that.
Now, it didn’t pan out quite like I imagined it would, but it’s probably for the best. After seeing Weinstein sandbag the guys with a promise that Frank Darabont was interested in Vince for the lead role in an upcoming project, only to discover that it’s a TV show he’s executive producing, I’m more than certain that Weinstein (or Adam Davies, for that matter) wouldn’t be right for Vince’s career. They might get him the jobs he wants, but they’ll never care about him like Ari does. Which brings us to the biggest story of the night: Ari’s decision not to take the Warner Brothers job.

At first, I was utterly perplexed by the decision. I mean, if most people were offered a promotion of that magnitude, they’d take it no questions asked. After all, isn’t the life of a Hollywood agent all about bigger and better opportunities? If it wasn’t, then no one would care who they were representing as long as they were good pals with their clients. One thing I didn’t considered, though, was that Ari didn’t like the consequences that might come with the new job – namely, less time with his family. When he finds out that Amanda Daniels is not only next in line for the job, but refuses to put Vince in “Smoke Jumpers” if Ari turns down the offer, however, Ari decides to take the job just to spite her. (On a side note, that shot of Amanda’s reaction as Ari left the office was great.)
In reality, Ari’s visit to John Ellis’ office wasn’t about him accepting the offer, but rather suggesting Dana Gordon for the job instead. It actually works out pretty well. Ari still gets to be Vince’s agent, Dana agrees to cast Vince in “Smoke Jumpers,” and perhaps most importantly, everything is back to the way it should be prior to the “Aquaman 2” fiasco that started this downward spiral in the first place. I still call bullshit on the fact that the real-life Ari would never turn down such an incredible opportunity, but kudos to the writers in making the best out of the situation.
The other major story of the night featured Turtle in his own subplot involving an unlikely meeting with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Not only does he get her number after the guys return from their Hawaii getaway, but he also claims that she gave him a handjob on the flight back. Drama is more than skeptical (I loved how he kept referring to Jamie-Lynn as Meadow Soprano), and since Turtle refuses to prove that it really happened, Drama takes it upon himself to start asking around town. As it turns out, Turtle really was telling the truth, but when Jamie-Lynn discovers that Turtle was blabbing about it to his friends, he loses any chance he might have had of taking things farther. Still, you can’t feel too bad for the guy. Not even Vince has been so lucky as to get a first class jerk from Meadow Soprano.
Posted in: Entourage, TV, TV Comedies
Tags: Adrian Grenier, Ari Gold, Carla Gugino, Dana Gordon, Drama, Entourage, Entourage blog, Entourage season 5, Frank Darabont, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Jeremy Piven, Smoke Jumpers, Turtle, Vincent Chase




Wow – Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Now that she split with her husband I guess this storyline makes more sense.
You’re right — great episode. I’ll disagree with you on Ari turning down the job, though. He built that agency, he’s his own boss and, most important, he enjoys his job. I think this was a great way to continue developing Ari’s character by showing that he cares about more in life than money and power. And his maneuvering to get Dana the job instead of Amanda was absolutely beautiful. (And how about Dana offering to give Ari a handjob? I guess Ari wasn’t lying about his past with Dana.)
So now Vince is back in action. Should be interesting. With only four episodes to go, I wonder if we’ll see how well “Smoke Jumpers” does this season. Probably not. I’m a little disappointed that we haven’t seen more of the two screenwriters behind the film. Maybe they’ll show up again but if the movie is going to be in production next week, that seems unlikely. If that’s the case, what a waste of talent by casting Giovanni Ribisi in that role.
As for Turtle and Meadow, that was an interesting one-episode subplot. I was actually waiting for Turtle and Drama to come to blows at some point since Turtle was clearly getting tired of all the razzing. Actually, on the heels of the episode a couple weeks ago with Turtle auditioning to be Drama’s assistant, those two have been butting heads even more than normal this season.
By the way, what happened to Turtle’s girlfriend from last season, the one whose dad was a mechanic and who loved vintage tennis shoes?
I loved this episode.
I think Dana Gordon getting the job was a great turn. The more interactions between her and Ari the better.
I loved this episode! Thank you HBO for not jackin up Entourage! i Loved how Dana got the Job instead of Amanda! Shes a bitch!!! And for Dana that was great when she said “ill jack you like it was 1990 again” haha love her!! This is good for Ari and Vince! He will finally get the movie he wanted! so i guess he was right! things will turn out to be good..and he wasnt high like E said lol…Things will be good for Ari and the whole gang!!!
O and Good job Turtle for gettin the mile high jack!!!
Ari is truly the man. He saved this season.
http://www.fanzak.com/fzrants/Mickelson_Hugs_it_Out
I found the ending contrived. First, I’ll agree with Jason that a real-life Ari would never turn down this job. I thought it would be nice to see him advance in his career instead of staying in the same old comfortable position. I think the writers played it too safe here.
I don’t think that Amanda would have risked the position at WB just so that she could keep Vince out of “Smoke Jumpers.” I think she would have taken that deal in a second, especially since all Ari was asking for was second-lead for Vince.
Lastly, I thought it was too convenient that Ari was able to talk Ellis into hiring Dana Gordon. Once Ari turns down the job, I think the guy would have moved on to his second choice – Amanda.