To get a little perspective on a new season long-awaited, I’m watching “Entourage” from its humble beginnings, back when Vince (Adrian Grenier), Eric (Kevin Connolly), Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Ari (Jeremy Piven) were getting a fresh start on HBO’s version of an insider’s look at Hollywood.
It seemed so star-studded, with Jessica Alba starring beside the next “it” actor in “Head On,” the movie that catapulted Vincent Chase into Hollywood’s elite “A” list. (Alba was “A” list back then, believe it or not.) With the help of his street-start, Napolean-complex-plagued friend Eric, Vince had successfully left Queens, N.Y., even had the freedom to reject a $4 million paycheck for “Mattherhorn,” only to land a role on the megahit “Aquaman.” (That latter franchise later blew up in his face, of course.) Vince was getting a view that most people can only get from celebrity Web sites and magazines. In essence, Vince was bringing it all home, through the magic of cable, sharing the good life of Hollywood with everyone.
That’s what made “Entourage” so appealing, and although it’s veered a little too insider now and again, especially as it has gained a following, both in Hollywood and the rest of the U.S., it remains a guilt-free way to live life as a star; you’re not supporting papparazzi and their filthy habits, and you don’t have to clean up all the messes that seem inevitable with being a star.
Whether the show can keep up the momentum, sharp wit and authentic feel as the sixth season unfolds tonight (July 12) at 8:30 p.m. CDT — well, we’ll all just have to wait and see since a limited copies of advance screeners were released. (There was a season premiere in Los Angeles, as seen in the accompanying photos, but I was confined to Florida. Oh well.) But that’s just part of the appeal, I guess. Almost everyone, even the movie stars in their cozy Hamptons hideaways, will have to wait for the new formula.
That new formula starts Sunday, as Vince and crew busted, returned to their roots in Queens, and found their savior in Scorsese — yes, as in Martin Scorsese, who directed Vince’s next film, set in and around Manhattan. After having fallen so hard on his luck, Vince’s return to New York (and, specifically, the movie he made there between the fifth and sixth seasons) sets him up for superstardom once again. And with that, of course, comes the frequent appearance of other A-list stars, many of whom are fans of the show. (Even President Obama is said to give his thumbs up, but don’t let that discourage you from watching if you vote GOP.)
Although I can’t guarantee it, I think we’re in for another great season. I’m just hoping Ari can behave himself, as his lowly assistant, Lloyd (Rex Lee) is looking for a promotion. (Good luck with that, Lloyd.) Ari can be a bit much, but Piven pulls it off. He’s likable, even as a donkey. (You know what the synonym is.)
And “Entourage” is likable, even if it is a bit insider.
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