Grid Effect

A good start to season four and probably the best season premiere other thean season two (in which the “gang” returned from New York to find that offers weren’t coming in quite as steadily as before they left). Maybe it was the new setting, maybe it was the mock documentary setting (actually, I know it wasn’t that), maybe it was the fact Billy Walsh was prominently involved and we actually saw some on set work; whatever it was this season ahead looks promising.

Reportedly, Johnny Drama is supposed to have a love interest this season. My guess would be that Sofia Vergara turns out to be that love interest, which at least makes for some decent eye-candy. The revelation would also be somewhat ironic considering how everyone was so quick to dismiss Drama’s chances with her. Drama seems crassly over-confident, conventional wisdom would tell you it came from somewhere and at some point in the series Drama would demonstrate exactly that.

One thing I am thankful for is the absence of Turtle’s quasi-girlfriend, his role in this episode was marginalized, which is appropriate being on a film set and all. Turtle doesn’t serve much of a purpose in this setting, or in LA, or at home, etc. Honestly how does he fill the hours on a film set in Colombia?

Vince’s acting, how shall we say… left something to be desired. It’s doesn’t really have any bearing on my overall opinions of the series, its not that difficult to mask good drama with bad drama, especially in such small doses. Other than that he was kept on the sidelines in generic makeup and waiting to utilize a horrendous accent. The scene where he kicked the soccer ball and yelled “Goooaaaalllll!” while that kids father was simultaneously being executed was a bit much, especially when Vince began eating a bag of chips afterwards.

Eric, as usual, played peacemaker. Usually keeping Billy from going ballistic on the film crew and from self-destructing. Even “E” was at his wits end with Billy, whom he threatened to beat him senseless to Vince. I really want to know what its like to be the only character on this series who never has a decent punchline. Seriously, this must be a visceral experience for Kevin Connolly.

But really the central figure in this episode was Billy Walsh, who’s portrayal as a run of the mill pretentious film director really shines through. Some might say he is trying too hard to sell the role, but since he’s there for comedy’s sake, I thought it was pitch perfect. From tackling the photography director after the questionable DP that made it “look like an after school special” to demanding the film crew abstain from sex when he was worried Sofia Vergara was sleeping with someone (”show me a woman who just wants to be friends and I’ll show you the guy fucking her”) to scoffing at practice readings (particularly Drama’s), he Jeremy Piven and Adam Goldberg made the episode (what else is new?). Just the concept of this guy is funny enough in and of itself, like passing out while writing all night in a small hub with the door open, immediately after bringing Stephen Gaghan (wrote Traffic, Syriana) for a brief cameo.

My only qualm really had nothing to do with the episode but what the episode indicated about the season in general. That is, I didn’t think they would fast track the film making process in a half hour, I was under the impression that it would be stretched out over the course of a few weeks before they returned home. On the other hand, given that this is Entourage, therefore it’s inevitable the film is made and to a successful result; and they decided to use that tired mock documentary formatting, it’ not such a bad thig they got this out of the way. One episode with multiple camera interviews is enough, this isn’t Survivor. Also, this episode was Piven-light, when it comes to Entourage, the more Piven we get the better the episode tends to be.

All in all, a suitable opening that gives the new season a proper starting point. For a series or season premiere, isn’t that all you can ask for?

A review of the hilariously funny Flight of The Conchords coming later today or tomorrow. If you do not have HBO, you can watch several clips of it here.