Entourage - A Moderate Plea

It's a little hard for me to believe Entourage only began in 2004. I am not sure if its hard to believe because '04 seems so close or so far away. Since its premiere season, that I watched on a weekly basis, I've been a rapid season-watcher. Season 2 I got on DVD. Seasons 3-4 were off my buddy Pat's computer. Each one I devoured in about 3 days and with mixed feelings.

Where I thought seasons 1 and 2 hit every right note, I thought seasons 3-4 were hit or miss. The big pull behind Entourage comes from the idea that we plebes will never live Vincent Chase's (Or E's or Drama's or Turtle's) life. By the third season I had become almost sick of their routines. The third and fourth seasons weren't great, but worked more because of

- Drama's perfection of a character
- Ari carrying many, many scenes
- Celerity cameos out the ass

than an actual working storyline. I became bored with the celebrity aspect. It doesn't mean I didn't want it. It just means I didn't need to see anymore of it from good old Vinny and gang. I get it. Hollywood is theoretically tough for superstars. They get high and party, read scripts, and struggle to maintain their self image in the face of ever-increasing criticism. It's basically like the Channelup house. Old news.

Season 5 almost brings Entourage back to pre-roots. From the beginning of the show we have never seen Vince struggle. Oh sure we have seen him fight for roles, stick to his ideals and lobby for what he feels is right. But those aren't struggles, those are harbingers. They are set ups for his success. We know Vince will win. He will get the role, get paid, stick with his friends and live the good life.

What's it like for an actor on the outs? What happens when his faith and his friends' faiths are brought into question? What comes of an actor who gets no gigs? Don't get me wrong, it's still better than my grind up the Parkway, but at least it seems realistic. I root for Vince's redemption the way I root for a struggling actor which he is and isn't. But isn't that the feat of great writing? Make us root for those we probably shouldn't. This past season of Entourage accomplished just that.

So what is my plea? Watch Season 5 of Entourage. Get caught up for the premiere of Season 6 on July 12. Don't even bother with seasons 3 and 4 if you haven't seen them yet. The "previously on" will catch you up on everything you need to know. Just sit back and root for some guys living a life you will never live.

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