Entourage-8th and Final Season Discussion Thread

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by valo403

And my point is that big name cameos don't make sense for where the characters are positioned in episode 1. B-list cameos like this reinforce the point that without Vince around these guys aren't hanging with A-listers, they've been knocked down a rung on the Hollywood ladder. That part of the storyline is completely lost if A-list celebs are popping up, it's business as usual for them regardless of Vince not being around. An A-list cameo related to Ari doesn't even make sense considering part of his storyline is that his work is struggling (note the scene where Lloyd points out that he hasn't done anything). This was an example of using cameos that work, as opposed to just jamming some star into the story for the sake of doing so.

I understand what you're saying. I do, but given the show's history, it shouldnt matter where or how the cameos pop up. Michael Phelps popped up when crossing the street, 50 Cent pulled up to Turtle at an intersection.

Like I said, it's so not a big deal, it was just something I noticed when watching Episode 1. Would you be shocked if a big name cameo showed up in the show in Episode 2?? Or would you call it unbelieveable because Vince and/or Ari are going thru tough times?? I understand your point, I just don't agree with it.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

I understand what you're saying. I do, but given the show's history, it shouldnt matter where or how the cameos pop up. Michael Phelps popped up when crossing the street, 50 Cent pulled up to Turtle at an intersection.

Like I said, it's so not a big deal, it was just something I noticed when watching Episode 1. Would you be shocked if a big name cameo showed up in the show in Episode 2?? Or would you call it unbelieveable because Vince and/or Ari are going thru tough times?? I understand your point, I just don't agree with it.

Why would I be shocked in episode 2? Vince is back, he's about to start making a new movie and there's reasons for A-list people to be around. Cameos like the ones you mentioned add nothing of value to the show, they're total throw ins, I like that these cameos were part of the story. What would throwing in a shot of some A-ist star crossing the street have done for this episode? Absolutely nothing. Hopefully this season is about the story and the characters, not stupid cameos, IMO it was that thinking that lead the show astray for a few seasons.

[Champion]

I didn't really dig the episode at all.

[Coys1882]

Simple things would have made the episode a lot better. Example: having the flasher when Vince gets out of rehab FACING THE CAMERA!!!

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by valo403

Why would I be shocked in episode 2? Vince is back, he's about to start making a new movie and there's reasons for A-list people to be around. Cameos like the ones you mentioned add nothing of value to the show, they're total throw ins, I like that these cameos were part of the story. What would throwing in a shot of some A-ist star crossing the street have done for this episode? Absolutely nothing. Hopefully this season is about the story and the characters, not stupid cameos, IMO it was that thinking that lead the show astray for a few seasons.

Never said the cameos added to the story or even implied that. I agree, some are throwaways and add nothing to the story outside of a quick laugh. But what's wrong with that in a fun show like this?

I think we're making way too much of this.

[d_phaneuf]

It seems to me, probably presumptuous because it's based off 1 episode, that this is going to be nothing like last season (which was the best season by far since 2)

The thing that made last season good, and it was barely a comedy anymore, is that actions actually had some sort of consequences. Vince obviously was in a downward spiral and you it didn't just suddenly end with no real ramifications.

So far based on this year it's back to the season 3-6 formula of an issue that is solved in 5 minutes, i.e Vince being mad at Eric (which was never explained why) ended in 15 seconds. If you are going to go down that route (which could be compelling) don't make it end so quickly or without a real resolution or reasoning.

it's just lazy writing

Possible though that it just seemed under par because it was following an A++++ Curb episode

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

Possible though that it just seemed under par because it was following an A++++ Curb episode

Yeah. Curb was unreal and I have been hearing my buddies have the exact same sentiment. I think that's unfair when it comes to what show is the funnier one. Curb is a full out comedy and always will be. Entourage has turned into and story and character driven show with comedy splashed in here and there.

I think HBO made a mistake with the scheduling. I would have gone entourage followed by True Crap.... I mean Blood and then Curb.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Never said the cameos added to the story or even implied that. I agree, some are throwaways and add nothing to the story outside of a quick laugh. But what's wrong with that in a fun show like this?

I think we're making way too much of this.

We're making too much of this?

No. You are making too much of this.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

It seems to me, probably presumptuous because it's based off 1 episode, that this is going to be nothing like last season (which was the best season by far since 2)

The thing that made last season good, and it was barely a comedy anymore, is that actions actually had some sort of consequences. Vince obviously was in a downward spiral and you it didn't just suddenly end with no real ramifications.

So far based on this year it's back to the season 3-6 formula of an issue that is solved in 5 minutes, i.e Vince being mad at Eric (which was never explained why) ended in 15 seconds. If you are going to go down that route (which could be compelling) don't make it end so quickly or without a real resolution or reasoning.

it's just lazy writing

Possible though that it just seemed under par because it was following an A++++ Curb episode

I agree about the lazy writing. The whole Eric/Vince thing was really bad, and their conversation about friends/business didn't even make much sense given the lead up and the context of the show.

I think sometimes the show suffers from being caught between being the fun cool celebrity party show and a dramatic show about friends and the excess of hollywood...it seems they can't figure out which way they want to go and they usually end up glossing over the dramatic/character elements in fairly superficial way too often.

Still a great/entertaining show overall, but stuff like that keep its from being at the very top of my all time show list. Not sure what they'll cram into the last 5 episodes but I think it'll end up being pretty light and everyone kind of gets happy again.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by GreenTeaFrapp

We're making too much of this?

No. You are making too much of this.

We, as in Me and Valo. We're both arguing somethig relatively small.

[Coach]

The new episode is the first where I can say I hated Johnny. Usually he's the best character on the show, but I couldn't help but think I would want to punch him in the face at that party.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

It seems to me, probably presumptuous because it's based off 1 episode, that this is going to be nothing like last season (which was the best season by far since 2)

The thing that made last season good, and it was barely a comedy anymore, is that actions actually had some sort of consequences. Vince obviously was in a downward spiral and you it didn't just suddenly end with no real ramifications.

So far based on this year it's back to the season 3-6 formula of an issue that is solved in 5 minutes, i.e Vince being mad at Eric (which was never explained why) ended in 15 seconds. If you are going to go down that route (which could be compelling) don't make it end so quickly or without a real resolution or reasoning.

it's just lazy writing

Possible though that it just seemed under par because it was following an A++++ Curb episode

It did? I didn't see any definitive resolution, I saw a scene that left a lot of things open and a lot of potential for future exploration of the conflict. Nothing about that episode made me feel like issues were opened up and then quickly closed, in fact I felt the opposite, that episode was full of quick glimpses into what happened between seasons and left the viewer with lots of questions that the show can explore going forward.

It wasn't a mind blowing epsiode, but it achieved the goal of introducing new storylines while still leaving a lot of room for growth.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

We, as in Me and Valo. We're both arguing somethig relatively small.

I think it's actually a pretty big issue if we're talking about the idiotic throw ins we've seen in the past. That stuff is lazy and makes for garbage episodes, which is why I don't get your issue with the 'quality' of the cameos here. Cameos that work within the show add value, that's what I saw out of this week, and I'm hoping it's a sign of a season that's written intelligently.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by valo403

I think it's actually a pretty big issue if we're talking about the idiotic throw ins we've seen in the past. That stuff is lazy and makes for garbage episodes, which is why I don't get your issue with the 'quality' of the cameos here. Cameos that work within the show add value, that's what I saw out of this week, and I'm hoping it's a sign of a season that's written intelligently.

Once again, not an issue. Just somethig I noticed.

Next topic please.

[HalifaxDrunk]

I have been disappointed so far with the lack of cameo appearances in this thread.......weak. Hopefully it picks up as the season goes along.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by HalifaxDrunk

I have been disappointed so far with the lack of cameo appearances in this thread.......weak. Hopefully it picks up as the season goes along.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by HalifaxDrunk

I have been disappointed so far with the lack of cameo appearances in this thread.......weak. Hopefully it picks up as the season goes along.

Word up!

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Much better episode tonight with some real solid laughs. Fun episode tonight

Turtle's crack on Drama's bisexual paintball shirt was great.
Ari's dig on red heads was classic Ari "He's a red headed fire crotch, he's a genetic mistake"
The guys spelling skills
Christian Slater was brief but funny
Drama "Just splash a little water on it, you'll be good to go"
Final line of the episode was awesome as well

Glad the show seems to be moving away from Vince's problems of last season. We saw that for an entire season, which was fine, but a recovery story angle in the final season doesn't make a lot of sense.

I still think this show's final scene ends at Sloan and E's wedding. It's totally inevitable.

[Coach]

Have I missed something or has the Eric/Sloan break-up not been explained beyond last night? I've watched every episode and all that was explained was her dad asked for a prenup and they had a fight.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Have I missed something or has the Eric/Sloan break-up not been explained beyond last night? I've watched every episode and all that was explained was her dad asked for a prenup and they had a fight.

Didn't miss anything, they've left that very open ended. I like it, it makes the whole them getting back together angle harder to pin down when you don't even know why they aren't together.