Entourage: THE Show to Watch This Summer on HBO

“A lifestyle is a terrible thing to waste” is the advertising catch phrase for one of the sharpest summer shows on HBO – Entourage. Well-written with snappy dialogue and engaging characters, Entourage starts Season 3 on June 11th and should run for approximately thirteen episodes. One of the executive producers for this thirty- minute comedy is Mark Wahlberg. One senses that he has contributed input from his own real life experiences as a young entertainer, both from the music business and as a breakout actor, to make this show authentic.

Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) is the new actor in town and he is creating a sensation. With his full lips, long-lashed eyes, and dark curly hair, Vince is breaking hearts all over Hollywood as his face hits the screen. Joining him in his Hollywood adventures are his ‘boys’ from back home, New York City. His half-brother, Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon) is an actor too, but his star is slipping as Vince’s ascends. Kevin Dillon’s portrayal of loyalty/jealousy is spot-on.

Again one can believe that as Matt Dillon’s brother, Kevin has lived some of these situations and can spout the dialogue from his gut. Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is the house manager who fancies himself a “playa”. With his backward hat and roving eyes, Turtle tends to be the butt of the group’s jokes. Eric (Kevin Connolly) is Vince’s best friend and as his manager is learning how to protect Vince and play the game. He has grown each season and his own ambition helps Vince’s career as well as the group’s lifestyle.

Finally, to round out the cast, Jeremy Piven brilliantly plays Ari Gold, the motor-mouthed, fierce agent who constantly clashes with Eric and Hollywood as he fights for roles for Vincent. Crude, sharp, bitter – Piven can deliver dialogue like no other. The scenes crackle when he is striding through the office or on his ubiquitous cell phone. Rex Lee as Lloyd, Ari’s assistant has to work double time to keep up with Ari’s demands. Debi Mazar is Vince’s publicist, Shauna, and she adds a tough girl/no nonsense dimension as she, too, clashes with Ari.

The fun of the show is watching the young men immerse themselves in the Hollywood lifestyle and yet maintain their loyalty to each other. Every so often, common sense prevails and they stay at home to hang out, eat pizza, and play video games. They do realize they are lucky and they also recognize that their friendship will keep them sane and alive amidst the glitz and glamour. While Vince sometimes seems a bit dim, he surprises us with a backbone and a sense of self.

He knows he’s a pretty boy, but he also knows he has talent and has already appeared in an independent film because he liked the depth of the script. Now, the current struggle is over his role in “Aquaman” the latest huge, big budget film being directed by James Cameron. This is the next level for Vince in terms of money and clout, however his relationship with Mandy Moore (playing herself) was clouding some of his judgment near the end of last season.

Entourage presents conflict and choices as well as a glimpse into fabulous lives and the power of money. It is fun and frothy, it is quick and witty, and it is an entertaining summer show. The actors do a great job. The guest appearances fit seamlessly into the show. This is one of the best-written shows with its fast pacing and slangy dialogue. Slouch on the couch on Sunday night and laugh out loud. Hang with the gang from Entourage.