Grid Effect

This is one of those Entourage episodes that is satisfying on multiple levels, it’s funny, the drama is engaging, it features a healthy amount of Piven and Dillon and gave an insiders look at the petty and overly complicated world that is showbiz.

If this show has taught us anything, its that all complication stems from people’s massive egos. There was no real reason this film didn’t get put together, Amanda didn’t want to consider that Ari might be right about the deadline, the producer didn’t want to be interrupted even momentarily but wanted an agreement by sundown, no one wanted to negotiate Vince’s quote and Vince, ever the spoiled actor, refused to question his own judgment. It’s times like these when Eric stands out as the only sensible party, and most of that sensibility comes from his lack of industry knowledge; which I am glad the writers still touch on. Even though in this instance he was the most logical (just sign the deal, do whatever anyone wants you to do because this film has been a two season goal), he tends to be the most naive character on the show, even amongst his four friends.

Regardless of how ridiculous it transpired, I am glad to see the Gugino character gone. I haven’t exactly made it a secret I didn’t like her presence on the series, particularly since her and Vince agreed to have sex two episodes ago. It’s just been so horribly cliched and stereotypical, “wealthy, empowered female sleeps with her clients in an ill-advised attempt to keep things simple because they cannot concentrate or have a rational conversation as a result of her stunning beauty”.

Truth be told, all this could have been tolerable if we knew anything at all about Amanda. she wasn’t fleshed out in any significant detail. To this day, all we know about her past is she’s divorced. And I don’t think she was a comedic foil or anything, there wasn’t a single well-constructed joke with her in the shot. Was she strictly eye-candy? A male-fantasy character with nothing more than superficial qualities to offer the series? If that’s the case, there has been a plethora of other bit characters who have successfully filled that void, we didn’t need someone integral for it.

I guess we were led to believe that this wasn’t the first client Amanda had slept with, based on the whole “I hate sexual tension” conversation that concluded “Manic Monday“, either that or she’s never had a male client. Never the less, it was never made clear. And considering the direction they took with her, it should be explained whether or not this is her regular approach to half her clients, give or take. Also, are we really supposed to believe that any agent is going to simply walk away from a client as big as Vince? I suppose Ari did with the writer a few episodes back, but it was an isolated moment of morality that he seemingly regrets. If Vince is getting six million a picture now, that is $600,000 that goes into her pocket with the standard commission for hollywood agents. Something tells me she isn’t storming out of the restaurant like some scorned schoolgirl, despite her being justifiably pissed off.

I have always contended with this series that I only watch it for a few laughs or absurd plot lines that are rife with humor. Because when they try to amp up the dramatic overtones, there is just never that much at stake. If Vince doesn’t get this movie, he’ll get the next and all will be right with the world. But if they are going to force feed us some of these temporary characters, then at least do it for a reason. Amanda was the worst of the pack, even Dom only lasted for two episodes. If he had been around for five, with the assumption that we all knew he wasn’t long for the series, it would have been a bit distracting.

But as it is, this episode seemed to be the the climax of the Amanda’s presence on the series, and just in time for Yom Kippur. The deal got trashed not only because everyone’s inflated sense of self-importance got in the way, but there was two too many parties trying to force their hand. The thing that made this story great, was it illustrated Ari’s work-obsessed nature. Even his wife (Whom I thought was gentile but based on her demeanor this episode I am thinking otherwise) was taken aback with his persistence, but his charismatic nature makes him virtually impossible to dislike.

Most of the humor in this episode stemmed from this chasing the tale storyline. That is generally when the show is at its best, when their isn’t some contrivance setup for cheap laughs but rather the jokes are organic and are a result of the issue at hand. We did have Drama going all Lisa Simpson on us with the horse, but that was explainable: if someone has simplistic as Drama has a sentimental attachment to a aging racehorse and has the resources to save it, he will irrationally do so. Pawning it off on Ed Burns as a “gift” just made for an unexpected cameo.

Definitely the best episode this (half) season, and in contention for best episode of this (full) season with “One Day In The Valley” and “Vegas Baby, Vegas!”. With the focus back on Ari and his relationship with Vince as it pertains to the business, I’m optimistic it will stay that way.