7.04 - Tequila Sunrise - Review

What Happened This Week? Ari and Lizzie went to war; Drama beat John Stamos at ping pong; Turtle suddenly appeared in a failed attempt at a spin-off -- or, uh, -- went to Mexico for a business deal.

What Did I Like? As much as Ellin and crew want me to believe that Lizzie is the end for Ari and his company, the truth is that she isn't. She almost ruined Ari's reputation, destroyed another man's marriage (which still hasn't recovered, it seems) and now, after a few smiles and a small dance, wants a promotion. Ari was right. She was wrong. And yet, I don't buy that Lizzie is much a threat. Ari's always treated TV like a red-headed stepchild he's had to beat every once in a while. Why is he so nervous? Maybe it was the warning from Andrew, who actually had a funny and memorable (a word that's not often heard 'round these parts) scene -- in fact, it was bordering on fantastic, especially with the Sizemore cameo. It was touches like these that made the show so much fun to watch in season two and three.

Gripes? Look, I like John Stamos. Sure, he's a player. Sure, he's handsome. But he's funny. He had the funniest line of the night and actually made the situation -- playing ping pong for a television show -- feel real. Entourage has never skimped when it comes time to cast, so I actually felt he fit. It was Drama that was the sore thumb tonight -- he shouldn't of thrown the match. It's much better for a character when he or she has to suck up their pride and accept their flaws. And then there's...

Tequila. Turtle. Alex. Mexico. Armed men. I'm sorry, but is this even Entourage anymore? Ferrara may be trim now (if you're reading this, Jerry, congratulations -- losing weight is rough), but Turtle should be in the music business. The only time a story of his felt organic was when Saigon was in the picture,but it was shoved aside in favor of a quick wrap-up. Entourage isn't becoming a parody, but it's bordering on it.

Where Is Entourage Heading? It's probably the toughest question to answer, because, legitimately, I have no clue. Season six seemed to be about change -- Eric's engaged, Vince is finally back on top and will stay there under Eric's management -- and yet this season seems to be about juggling priorities. Life. Have someone you don't like working with? Tough shit. Your best friends finds new friends when you aren't around? Tough shit. I'd like to see some serious consequences for all characters this season, but it's unlikely, at least at this rate.

What Happens Next Week? Stay tuned, I missed the preview.

Entourage Movie Is Fifty-Fifty

According to this, anyway. It's a small audio clip where Wahlberg, for about ten seconds, wax's about whether or not the film might happen. For me, it's all about story: the film has to transcend the three-to-four million viewers it has each week and really reach a wide audience. HBO is a subscription network and I'm not sure Entourage has as big an appeal as Sex and the City does (or did, it seems).

7.03 - Dramedy - Review

What Happened This Week? Vince and Scotty became better friends, much to the chagrin of E; Turtle realized his business is failing; Drama finally found a script.

The Funniest Line? "I would have twirled Lloyd... if I could lift him." Great little Ari line.

Note: Okay, so I haven't really talked about Andrew. Let's talk. Andrew being sent away to rehab is a cop out. It's a shame, too, because Andrew salvaged Ari's story last season and saved the season from being the worst in the series. And since Andrew won't be back this season, it's a damn shame.

What Made This Episode? First, let's start with the obvious: this is two good episodes in a row. Can anyone say that about last season? No. And that's why this season is just better. More to the point, I'm fine with Vince not being the center of the show. He's sort-of-kind-of being worked in now, but it's clear that E, Ari and Drama are where this show is heading. They've simply fulfilled everything that a character like Vince can do. Let's talk about Drama. I like this story. I mean, his story might just be ground for more cameo's, but it doesn't matter. It's a story and it's something.

Gripes? Unfortunately, it's obvious that firing Lizzie will lead to her working for Amanda. I actually like the fact that Ari may be suffering under the immense pressure because the agency is expanding so rapidly -- that's drama, and it works -- but isn't the show past this kind of pettiness? Lizzie is a junior agent. Her request was ridiculous.

Next Week? Eric might not have as quite a hold on Vince as he thought; Drama and John Stamos play ping pong; Lizzie goes to war with Ari.

Mrs. Ari Has A Sister

And it seems like Doug Ellin really is serious about Ari and, well, Mrs. Ari having some serious marriage trouble. They'll probably be happier then ever by the end of the season, but anything's possible, right? Especially now that Mrs. Ari will have a sister: actress Illena Douglas will play the unnamed character and she may even come back for the final season if she's well received and isn't another Dom (which we all remember). Click here for more information.

Watch That Hair Come Off

Adrian Grenier's hair is now a thing of legend, as this new video from HBO shows him parting ways. Watch it here.

7.02 - Buzzed - Review

What Happened This Week? Ari tried to sign the NFL; Drama continued his search for his new show; Vince tried out a new hair-do;

The Funniest Line:

Sidenote: Okay, see that description of what happened this week? Yeah, much longer then last week, and far more entertaining. If they can keep this pace up, then it might be heading for a return to greatness. Or just really, really good-ness.

What Made This Episode? Definitely Vince. Cutting his hair is some type of development for him and seeing as he was completely shafted in season six, it's nice to see Vince finally back in the spotlight. The situation with Cassavettes seemed a bit weak, but it doesn't matter: at least Vince has something to do.

Gripes? Is it me or does Scotty Lavin just not work? Especially now that he and Vince are friends? I mean, I get it -- it's definitely addressing the problem I had with Vince having nothing to do, but perhaps it's just me missing the old days where it wasn't so damn complicated. One plot. All the characters are involved. Now it seems like Vince is an annoyance to Ari -- a side project he'll occasionally pay attention to.

Next Week? Ari has to fire Lizzie; Turtle may have to rethink his business; Drama may have a new show.

7.01 - Stunted - Review

What Happened This Week? Vince almost killed himself with a stunt; Ari ignored the wife; Drama haggled with the studio over his holding deal.

The Funniest Line? Not a spectacularly funny night, but Ari's-- "I don't give a shit" -- was a nice button on the scene.

Welcome Back: Okay, so not the best premiere. I'm perfectly willing to admit that Entourage has lost a bit of its sizzle. The dialogue isn't as witty, the story isn't as entertaining and because they've given Vince practically everything a movie star can have, he's no longer interesting to watch.

What Made This Episode? Drama realizing that this industry is fucking brutal. That he can only live as the brother of Vincent Chase for so long, that he's not a star, but that he has to fucking work for it. It's a nice conflict, especially after Drama's cushy gig on Five Towns afforded the writers to lay low on his story. He was by far and away the most interesting aspect tonight.

Gripes? Why do I find myself... bored? The last time I was truly entertained, truly surprised, was when Martin Scorsese told Vince he was bringing him on board Gatsby. It was a phenomenal moment and one of the best the show has ever had, but now, resorting to episode's about a stunt that will obviously turn out fine... hey, it's not working. At least not for me. I need more conflict for Vince. I need to see him actually worry. And with Walsh coming back soon, hopefully the conflict is big.

Oh, and Turtle. I like Jerry Ferrara. He was part of what made the show so damn charming in the earlier seasons, but he's the fall guy now. Ridiculous sub-plot and ridiculous sub-plot just makes Turtle so much less of a character for me.

Cameo City: Hey, it's Nick... that son whose father was really, really talented! Yeah, that guy! He did look like he could kick the shit out of me, though. So respsect. And for Top Chef fans -- Stefan Richter made a brief appearance.

Where Do We Go? I'm hesistant to say that Entourage can't make a return to greatness, but it's looking like the show will stay a level of Vince is rich, Ari really doesn't have any problems and Drama is the most interesting character. Hopefully, I'm wrong. I really, really hope.

Next Week? In two weeks (yes, two), Ari takes a meeting with the NFL; Vince makes a drastic change; Turtle must deal with his former employee.