What I’m Watching: Entourage

Entourage: Season 6, Episode 11 “Scared Straight” (B)

Putting Ari front-and-center is always a good way to reboot this troubled series. The reappearance of Terence and Ari’s reference to him being escorted out by security recalls the days when this show was incredibly awesome. Ari is right in his suspicion of Terence’s motives, and his impressive research into the situation is quite entertaining. His visit to Terence’s workplace is fantastic, especially in the way that he so casually dismisses Adam Davies and so threateningly taunts a hiding Lloyd. It’s gratifying to see Ari on top and doing well, completely in control of everything. Vince continues to do nothing but have sex with random strangers, which seems particularly careless considering the potential sexually-transmitted infections of two of his closest buds. Drama taking time off doesn’t change much since he hasn’t actually been regularly working for most of the show. His audition wasn’t as exciting as it could have been, and the phenomenal William Fichtner was tragically underused. Dean Cain’s cameo served as an effective indication of the kind of star status Drama is supposed to have. Jamie’s jealousy-inspired breakup with Turtle is expected, though I’m much more impressed with how it played out than I expected to be. Jamie’s tendency to jump to conclusions and become suspicious and possessive quickly was quite fun while it lasted. Eric’s episode-long visit to the doctor was fine, but it’s his secretary I want to see more of – Kate Mara can really do a lot, and considering what the show did with the less talented but still great Samaire Armstrong as Ari’s assistant in season one, I have high hopes for her in the future. I could use a little less Scott Caan, and a little more Bridget.