Season 5 of Entourage is Hot and Fire Sale continues to demonstrate this point.

Unlike last week's filler episode, this week was all about moving on.  

Vincent Chase, our leading man, finds out that he doesn't sell anymore.  Offered a role in Benji, by the end of the episode Vince not only agrees to 2nd lead in Smoke Jumpers, he also grows more than a little.  This is never more evident than when he tells Eric to do what he has to in regards to his clients and their script.  Season 3 Vincent would have guilted E into getting the script back for him.  Season 5 Vince has learned to be humble and generous. 

As for Vincent's Entourage:

Brother Johnny pours out his heart on The View.  Something tells me this moment of weakness will pay off in many ways.  Not only will it make him more appealing to women, the fair Jacqueline may just respond once the daytime talk show airs overseas in France.

Best bud Eric is learning to play the game, as Amanda so specificially points out.  This is more evident at the end of the episode, when he is suprised by an extremely lucrative counter offer. On a personal note, it was extremely nice to see Kevin Connolly get a lot of air time on this episode.  It is great to see him play off someone besides Jeremy Piven's Ari Gold for a change.  If we didn't know that Carla Gugino was only signed on for 3 episodes, it would be interesting to see what would come of the Amanda/E interactions.  Its nice to see someone appreciate his skills, rather than belittle him all the time like Ari likes to do.  Hopefully, she will make it back for Season 6. 

Poor Turtle was just along for the ride on this one, there to play off Debi Mazur's Shauna.  The best is yet to come for him this season.

So, the million dollar (with 3 mil riding) question:  Who will play the lead in Smoke Jumpers if Vincent Chase is playing the brother?  Will it be former competitors Jake Gyllenhaal or Russell Crowe?  Will Ed Norton sign on after all?  Or, will Vince get his groove and his leading man status back?

None of this matters.  What truly matters is I care!  Unlike the Medellin storyline, which became stale and frustrating all at the same time, I want to tune in again next week to see how these guys continue to grow and change.  I can't wait to see what happens next!

And, that's HOT!


- lainiek

As I watched the 2nd episode of Season 5 of Entourage, I had to laugh at how many famous names and faces graced this episode.  As Ari, Eric and Vincent discussed the potential new projects for Vincent, the names Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg were thrown at us.  Interesting that Tobey and Leo are Kevin Connolly's real life good friends, and that Mark Wahlberg appeared as himself later in the episode.  What more, Kevin's other good pal Lukas Haas made an appearance later on, along with Giovanni Ribisi, as aspiring screenwriters.  Did I mention this episode was only 27 minutes long?





Later in the episode, Entourage was graced with the presense of a real living legend, Tony Bennett.  Along with Justine Chapman (as played by Leighton Meester), he was on board to make a music video.  This rang very true, as Mr.Bennett has done duets with many of today's contemporary artists.



In actuality, the entire episode rang true.  Each character stayed true to themselves.  Eric continues to try to break away and make a name for himself and he did this by going once again outside of the circle.  By trying to sell Amanda (as played by Carla Gugino) on representing the new screenwriters he found, he is trying to prove himself as an independent successful member of Hollywood.  Ari has gotten even crueler towards E since Medellin tanked, and he feels that he needs to redeem himself.  It is truly too bad that he is taking the full wrap, since Vince and Billy Walsh were really to blame for the poor delivery of the script.  But, even so, E will continue to beat himself up until he makes it better for his best friend.




Vincent once again is going after things he is being told he cannot have.  Although it seems like he is not playing the game, the game is really the same for him.  By Ari telling him not to work, he wants to work.  By Justine telling him she does not want a relationship, he wants one.  Vince's ego can't handle not being Number #1. 



Drama takes things over the top again and overreacts when he can't get Jacqueline on the phone.  Has he ruined his relationship? Most likely.  Will he learn from this and rope his emotions in going forward?  HELLO! Do you thing he is called Drama for nothing?

Interestingly, the character that has changed the most is Turtle.  Was he still interested in getting lucky?  Yes.  The difference is that now he is succeeding.  There is an air of confidence around him now.  He isn't hiding under hats and baggy clothes anymore.  Why?  I'm sure the answer will be revealed before the end of season 5.






Interesting things we found out tonight.  Amanda's last name is Daniels (my maiden name).  Jacqueline had a jealous ex-boyfriend (guess she's attracted to the over the top types).  Ari doesn't think Vince can act (wow). 





Tonight's episode left me wanting more in a way last week's did not.  I am left caring about what will happen next.  Entourage is really back and I'm on the edge of my seat enjoying the ride!



ps- Is it me or is Shia  Labeouf this season's inside joke?  How ironic that Adrian Grenier and he should cross paths in the gossip rags in real life this year too!