Episode 2 - Unlike A Virgin
29 March 2012
Synopsis: Ari tells Vince that he can’t get him any work yet. He refuses to let Vince consider an indie movie which Eric likes. Eric goes to see the guys who wrote it to see if he can sign them. Vince, Turtle and Johnny go to a wrap party for Justine Chapin. Johnny freaks out when Jacqueline won’t answer her phone and they break up. Vince goes to see Ari to ask what is really happening to his career. He tells Ari he is wiling to do whatever it takes to be a movie star again. He then returns to the party to tell Justine he likes her.
The Good: Vince’s new attitude is a refreshing change for Entourage. Vince finally having to work for his success makes him seem more human and more sympathetic. Just like the mocking of Medellin last episode, this week we get all sorts of things pointed out about Vince that have never been said before. They point out that he doesn’t put any effort into the way his body looks and Ari points out that no one thinks he cares about anything. It all rings so true and doesn’t feel forced at all. We have sat through four seasons of Vince saying “things will work out” and finally he is being called on his casual behaviour.
The party setting which sets up this revelation for Vince is a clever idea. It’s not the lack of acting work which brings home to Vince that his star has fallen; it is the hot girl who pawns him off on her friend. It’s an interesting character moment, Vince has never had trouble getting any woman before. Now that he sniffs a rejection it makes him realise that things need to change. He of course strides back in and leaves triumphantly with Justine as we have come to expect. I give the show credit for their use of recurring characters. Justine fills a role in the story well but by having established her in earlier seasons (102, 104), long term fans are rewarded.
Ari’s behaviour is consistent and to be expected. He is typically angry and loud in his office and on the golf course but shows his genuine affection for Vince too. Eric’s search for new clients is good to see and another recurring character makes an appearance (Amanda from season three). Finally Turtle provides the comedy and a nice moment when he risks losing sex because of his loyalty to Vince. And quite right too after all Vince has given him.
The Bad: Poor Johnny, it seems the writers like making him the loser. I thought that after his victorious exploits last season (see 412) he was going to be the successful Chase brother for a while. It is sad to see him sabotage himself yet again.
Comic Highlight: No one wants to go out except Turtle. After finding no one to share his desire to party he flicks on some porn to watch. With no shame he says “I’ll just catch a beat.” Vince looks at him and he qualifies “What? Not out here.”
Victory?: A really strong episode for Vince’s character. There are less laughs than usual but a solid storyline direction is established.
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