# Entourage on HBO **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 14, 2005, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278 "2005-06-14T21:59:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2005, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/41 "2005-07-08T19:51:00Z")
Punky Brewster! Bwah! Haven’t thought about her in ages. Yeah I watched this most recent episode with a friend who’s new to the show and he loved Saget’s cameo and asked what other kinds of cameos they’d had. I mentioned Ralph Macchio and he loved it. So perfect - esp that Macchio had been hanging out with Drama, another washed up (fictional) actor. The female cameos have not been washed-up though really. There have been some good ones. Still waiting for Mandy Moore, who’s supposed to be on. That is still to come right? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2005, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/42 "2005-07-08T20:17:53Z")
I have a brand new respect for Mr. Sagat. What a great performance! Haj ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2005, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/43 "2005-07-08T21:08:13Z")
Saget was great. I was really intrigued by the ending, with Eric sitting alone at the bar, wondering how the hell he’s going to make this gig work, obviously feeling out of his depth, but also with some strength and creativity to draw on. If I were writing this show, I would have Eric call Vince: “How bad do you want to be Aquaman and work with Cameron? Are you willing to play hardball? Will you back me up if I do it?” Then Eric confronts the _Queens Blvd_ director: “Here’s the deal. You’re going to send a print to Cameron. If you don’t, Vince will start bad-mouthing your production. He’ll start talking about the fact that you won’t let anybody see it, that he’s seen only bits and pieces, that you must have something to hide. No, this isn’t our preferred option. We’d prefer you to play ball. But I’m his manager, and his career comes first. If your movie is good for his career, then I’m a fan of your movie. If you and your movie get in the way, then you’re expendable. We’d prefer not to go this route. If we go this route, it means we don’t have a chance at the studio deal, and all we’re looking for is to get Vince into the trades talking about how shitty your movie is, because all publicity is good publicity and we will take putting his name in front of everybody to the alternative of disappearing. The bottom line is this: If you try to fuck with us, we will fuck you back, and harder. And if you need me to get Vince on the phone to tell you this personally, I will. Here’s Cameron’s address. Have the print there by tomorrow morning.” Followed by a scene of Eric alone getting the shakes from an adrenaline crash. And then the rest of the season would be about Eric realizing he’s taken the first steps on going down the road to turning into Ari, because often that’s what’s necessary just to get things done in that fucked-up industry, and trying to decide whether or not he’s okay with it. That’s how I would do it. Because for me, the show is good, but it isn’t great yet. It’s teetering on the edge of greatness, and it needs to do something aggressive and audacious rather than continuing to putter along as a good-natured cousin to _Swimming with Sharks._ They can keep the comedy up, but they’ve got an opportunity to do something really interesting with the Eric character and his relationship with Vince, and I’d like to see the show sink its teeth into the possibilities. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2005, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/44 "2005-07-11T00:12:45Z")
> [@](#): > > I was really intrigued by the ending, with Eric sitting alone at the bar, wondering how the hell he’s going to make this gig work, obviously feeling out of his depth, but also with some strength and creativity to draw on. Cervaise - you have some interesting points. And I think the scene at the end of last week’s episode that you mentioned - it was a platform off of which a whole new level of the story can unfold. I’m really interested to see tonight’s (and am so glad I just remembered it’s not til 10) to see if Eric can give Vince a wake-up call on what he needs to do to help E get Cameron’s attention. Should be interesting. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2005, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/45 "2005-07-11T01:19:04Z")
"Then Eric confronts the Queens Blvd director: “Here’s the deal. You’re going to send a print to Cameron. If you don’t, Vince will start bad-mouthing your production. He’ll start talking about the fact that you won’t let anybody see it, that he’s seen only bits and pieces, that you must have something to hide. No, this isn’t our preferred option. We’d prefer you to play ball. But I’m his manager, and his career comes first. If your movie is good for his career, then I’m a fan of your movie. If you and your movie get in the way, then you’re expendable. We’d prefer not to go this route. If we go this route, it means we don’t have a chance at the studio deal, and all we’re looking for is to get Vince into the trades talking about how shitty your movie is, because all publicity is good publicity and we will take putting his name in front of everybody to the alternative of disappearing. The bottom line is this: If you try to fuck with us, we will fuck you back, and harder. And if you need me to get Vince on the phone to tell you this personally, I will. Here’s Cameron’s address. Have the print there by tomorrow morning.” See the thing is that the Indy director guy would most likely just tell them to go fuck themselves. And that basically just screws Vince since he doesn’t have a ton of offers anyway so his best chance of saving his career is critical acclaim for Queens Blvd. ---
**Author:** ![marymargaret](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@marymargaret](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marymargaret)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2005, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/46 "2005-07-11T03:17:33Z")
This show is so good, but nobody I know watches it. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2005, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/47 "2005-07-11T18:24:09Z")
Really? A lot of my friends watch it. Probably because i won’t shut up about it! Just kidding - it reminds me of some of my friends and I think they feel the same way. Anyway who watched last night? How GREAT was that Japanese commercial??? Genius. Best part was when Johnny Drama comes out and chucks the drink to Vince. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/48 "2005-07-25T20:25:53Z")
bump ::::::::said in small voice::::::::: Did anyone watch last night? When Mandy Moore was on? I don’t want to say more in case folks didn’t see but if you did see - hollaback! Interesting eppy. I missed SFU dam\*mit! ---
**Author:** ![MrsMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e8cbc/32.png) [@MrsMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsMonkey)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/49 "2005-07-25T22:01:22Z")
This show is getting so good! Loved seeing Vince all jittery and nervous… Good to see Eric getting things done… and Jeremy Piven is just too much!! ---
**Author:** ![marymargaret](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@marymargaret](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marymargaret)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2005, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/50 "2005-07-26T02:45:46Z")
Jeremy Piven is fabulous in this role. ---
**Author:** ![phungi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phungi/32/395_2.png) [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2005, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/51 "2005-07-26T02:53:41Z")
i’m right there with you, this show is awesome! sometimes I wish it were an hour long, but in 25 minutes, they milk every second of dialog… there isn’t a line wasted, and every possible opportunity to have someone bust another’s chops is taken… sheer genius! ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2005, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/52 "2005-07-26T03:49:00Z")
Other than _The Sopranos_ HBO’s shows tend not to “grab me & hook me.” Not at first. But both _Deadwood_ and now _Entourage_ have sunk their hooks into me pretty well, and for reasons thatI’d be hard pressed to define. _Deadwood’s_ dialogue drives me apeshit at times, but the characters are all that and a bag o’ chips, too. _Entourage’s_ seeming shallowness turned me off at first, but as someone else said earlier in the thread, the character’s real friendship shows through when you watch for it, and Jeremy Piven as Ari was one masterful casting decision. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2005, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/53 "2005-07-26T15:05:04Z")
Yeah - the characters really are getting more and more well-rounded - in their own personalities and also in their friendships. I loved seeing the vulnerable side of Vince and I thought the way Turtle was describing to Eric how severe Vince’s crush had been for Mandy was hilarious…"Dude…he made her a _mix tape_! I wonder if she’ll be back…like I wonder if they’ll be successful in getting her off the movie? ---
**Author:** ![mazinger\_z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@mazinger\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mazinger_z)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2005, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/54 "2005-07-26T20:40:34Z")
Of the HBO shows on my must-see list, this ranks a distant third (Sorporanos, Deadwood are ahead, tied with Curb Your Enthusiasm). I still like it, but while I enjoy the characters coming into their own right, it’s hard to relate to their world (but at least it’s consistent). My only real criticism is that lately, the plots delve into formula (and it’s only the second season): Drama has to talk about his past (making him look pathetic, but funny and feel sorry for him at the same time), Turtle runs some scam to take the easy way out, and then some guest shot showing some washed-up has-been. If it weren’t for Ari and Eric (who I can see melding into the same character), this show would be a skip for me – more boobies would help 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2005, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/55 "2005-07-29T20:12:13Z")
Ari and Eric becoming the same character? I hope not and doubt it. Was flipping through On-Demand on Wednesday because I was home sick - there are these “lost scenes” on the Entourage on-demand area that are such must-watches - seriously I howled at one of them. Anyone else seen these? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2005, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/56 "2005-07-29T23:03:45Z")
I’m embarrassed–why should I know who Mandy Moore is? I thought she was just a teen pop singer. Aw well, starlets aside, I’m hooked on the show too. The dynamic between the guys is great and Ari is priceless! Drama and Eric are my favorites as they try to negotiate the strange world they’re in. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/57 "2005-07-31T22:16:34Z")
Mandy Moore was also in that movie “A Walk to Remember” - it’s kind of a cheezy chicflic (but very sad actually). I like the variety of celebrities they get to make cameos - some are so random - and some are like…whoa. I was so shocked to see Ralph Macchio! Still can’t get over that. Anyway - tonight’s should be good - I can’t wait to hear Ari’s rant on Vince’s new objection to Mandy. He better be en fuego with some great lines! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/58 "2005-07-31T23:23:09Z")
I find it amusing how spoiled the boys are. For example, they’re given the opportunity to live for free in a fabulous house on the beach in Malibu (an opportunity any of us would kill for) and Drama whines about the distance to his auditions in Hollywood. It’s especially funny since this unreal time could end at any moment. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/59 "2005-07-31T23:34:50Z")
Yeah I know what you mean - but I think it’s part of being rising stars and getting a little greedy and taking things for granted. I would venture a guess that’s not uncommon for stars who’ve had a quick rises to stardom. How awesome was that Malibu house? I want to go swimming in that infinity pool right now. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2005, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278/60 "2005-08-02T04:03:04Z")
> [@mazinger\_z](#): > > … it’s hard to relate to their world (but at least it’s consistent). I don’t know. I can relate to hanging out a with a bunch of late 20 something guys (I think Eric’s ex said he was 28 or 29 and God knows how old Drama is) who are mentally 12. The superstar parties and fancy toys are incidental. It’s really the relationship between the four guys that people connect to. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entourage-on-hbo/308278.md?page=4)