Arguably, the best shows on television these days are the host of dramas and serials beamed across from America. For example, the likes of 24, Lost and Heroes have all been hugely popular and influential not only in the States but also over here in Britain. However, these shows and others, despite their potential, were crippled by the 2007 Writers Guild Of America strike, which subsequently cut many high grossing programs short. Apart from the obvious legal, political, financial and social change that the Guild hoped would be resolved with the action, the strike also affected me, the individual, sat in my room feeling saddened by the interruption in regular episodes of my favourite series'.Obviously, this means that the strike did it's job suitably, but this also meant that I had a long wait, in some cases a year, before I could find out what happened next to my favourite characters. Bastards! One show that I therefore unfortunately parted from was the HBO hit sitcom/ drama Entourage. Recently, I suddenly realised that following this split I never caught up with the story and characters, which then led me to re-visit the show in its entirety, from start to finish, so that I felt refreshed and in tune with the shows charm once again. This was highly beneficial, as I now love it more than ever.
For those who have never seen Entourage, the premise is relatively basic, yet oddly intriguing. The show follows the rising career of film actor, and LA playboy Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), and how his friends try to keep him afloat in the hedonism and excess of Hollywood. Amongst Vince's entourage are his best friend and manager Eric 'E' Murphy (Kevin Connoly), his older brother and actor Johnny 'Drama' Chase (Kevin Dillon), and friend and driver Turtle (Jerry Ferrara). The dynamics of the four different characters work to genius effect as they are all believable as best friends, which also heightens the comedy and lightens the tone throughout. One particular character that fuels the humour in all 7 series' is Vince's agent and fan Ari Gold. Played by talented Jeremy Piven, Ari Gold, the foul mouthed firecracker, bursts onto the screen and fights and bullies his way to getting Vince lead acting roles, and himself respected. One instance which displays Gold at his best is a scene late on in the saga where he strides into his old offices with a paintball gun and proceeds to shoot any ex-colleagues who have wronged him in the past, all the while smiling and branding the stunned workers 'motherfuckers'. Pure comedy gold! Essentially, Ari Gold's character is a bastard, and one who would usually be hated by the viewing public. Yet, a sweet charm surrounds Gold as you learn that every sneaky trick he pulls, and every harsh jibe he dishes out to his associates is done out of his love for Vince, the business, and his family. All together, this array of characters gel, with Vince as the center of their universe, and provide great chemistry and plot. Due to Vince's extraordinary vocation; a given episode will feature extravagant spending, sex, nudity, parties, lavish settings, and a bunch of guys having a absolute ball. Created by Doug Ellin, and produced by Stephan Levinson and Mark Wahlberg; Entourage's spectacle is enforced by frequent cameo appearances by A-listers, such as Wahlberg himself, Matt Damon, Bono, Gary Busey, Kanye West, Chuck Liddel, Seth Green and Eminem, to name but a few.
The series is unique in the sense that it shows the typical playboy Hollywood actor living a fantasy life, but at the same time bonding with friends, and more importantly, making wildly independent career decisions. This shows a more personal side to the whole movie industry, and also highlights the potential pit falls and failings that an actor might face. In fact, the writing of the show deserves a mention as it manages to make the viewer laugh constantly, be dazzled by the extravagance of Hollywood life, and build a true connection with the characters, right up to the darker ending of series 7. During Entourage's conception, Doug Ellin and Mark Wahlberg worked very closely in making the events of the show as authentic as possible, and nods to the show being loosely based on Wahlberg's own rising career are prominent often. This in turn brings the show to life and adds a crisp layer of reality. Without spoiling the plot lines for anybody wishing to check the show out; the tone of the story tends to get more bleak towards the end of the seventh series, where the excesses of their lives come crashing down to earth. This is a clear mark that the show evolved, and after capturing the audiences devotion, keeps them with Vince and his entourage even in their darkest hour.
If you haven't already, I implore you to watch Entourage for yourself, not just for the high entertainment value, but also for the rare, enticing and brilliant writing within. I feel it is very important, not just to check out these otherwise forgotten shows out, but also to re-connect with those programs you felt detached from following the interruption of the 2007 strike. Also, these shows tend to have an inspiring quality to them, not just in terms of writing, but also in relation to one's life, and how one lives life. Watching Entourage again has made me want to better myself, and to grasp hold of a career and become successful. How many television shows literally empower your life to this degree, and in such a charming way? Not many. Watch Entourage, and watch the money roll in!
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