ENTOURAGE 703 - Dramedy | Review By: Conan Milne

Original Air Date: July 18, 2010

HBO

Rating: 3/5

Dub Quotable: Vince’s plot was anti-climatic after such a great set-up the previous week, and the redundant “truth or dare” scene will have viewers sharing E’s unimpressed opinion.

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Season seven of Entourage seemed primed to shake up the shows worn wish-fulfilment formula. A thoughtful opener concluded with a newly liberated Vince. Its immediate successor saw the character eager to embrace intimidating opportunities and make questionable acquaintances. Unfortunately, latest episode “Dramedy” is frequently reliant on tired premises, and does little with the promise displayed in its predecessor.

The biggest gripe of the episode comes with its disappointing treatment of our leading man. While episode two showcased Vince’s newfound thirst for spontaneity, “Dramedy” instead has him needlessly tagging along at a wine auction with Eric’s smarmy rival, Scott Lavin. Scott Caan is pitch-perfect as the mischievous Lavin, but his sudden integration into Vince’s life is poorly developed. When Vince and Lavin stumble across welcoming director Randall Wallace, Lav shrewdly takes control as Vinny’s manager. The Entourage leader also effectively encourages this. Considering his loyalty to actual manager and lifelong friend E, it’s an unconvincing turn of events.

Sadly, Turtle’s subplot continues to be just as insubstantial. With his limousine business suffering at the hands of an unstable economy, he appears on the verge of calling it quits. All this plotting does is make the viewer question how necessary the beloved characters involvement has been this season. This rings especially true when you consider that Turtle and potential love interest Alex are clearly about to embark on a new, totally unrelated business venture. Jerry Ferrara, to his credit, does his best with the plodding material. It was also reassuring to see the once-notorious stoner return to a familiar source of comfort – his bong.

Also good to see was more of the Eric and Johnny Drama industry dynamic. With his new manager in tow, Drama took an entertaining meeting with a droll, old-school screenwriter. Drama’s inquisitive exchange with this sarcastic scribe, played ably by Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garlin, made for an episode highlight. Particularly laughable was Drama’s pompous doubting of the writers ability to helm his intended star vehicle. “No wins after 1991,” he balks, almost offended that said writer has no recent Emmy victories to lay claim to. After Garlin’s character makes a relaxed exit, Drama demands to know, “What’s with the arrogant has-been?” It’s a fantastically ironic moment and an obvious high point.

Drama’s bemused pondering rivalled a surprisingly heated Ari for the episodes best dialogue. Although Gold’s distinctively blunt humour wasn’t on full display, his temper was. His quarrel with ruthless junior agent Lizzie Grant was arguably the best-written segment of the show, as the prospective NFL partner seethed over her ambitious request. When Ari flatly refutes her insistencies that she should head the agency’s TV department, Grant fumes, “I am not satisfied.” “Sorry, kid,” he ingeniously replies “But I’m not going to be the man to satisfy you.”

Although Doug Ellin provided some winning lines like the ones documented above, “Dramedy” ultimately felt like a filler episode. Vince’s plot was anti-climatic after such a great set-up the previous week, and the redundant “truth or dare” scene will have viewers sharing E’s unimpressed opinion. Some were funny, but the only scene that felt truly pivotal here was the shocking aftermath of Ari’s clash with Lizzie. It, and Drama’s exasperated presence, went a considerable way to salvaging proceedings. Here’s hoping that episode four offers something more befitting our favourite fictional superstar.

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The views expressed here are those of the authors and not
necessarily those of Dubcnn as an organisation.
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