The boys of “Entourage” are back for another round of inside Hollywood hijinks. But don’t cue the trumpets just yet. The first episode of the show’s seventh season, debuting tonight at 10:30 p.m. EST on HBO, might make viewers wish “Entourage” had taken the summer off.
Network shows often struggle to stay relevant after a few seasons, and even HBO’s iconic series “The Sopranos” couldn’t maintain its level of excellence over time. A few minutes into the first new “Entourage” episode shows the male-bonding formula is getting dog tired.
Vince Chase (Adrian Grenier) is shooting a new action film, but the director’s demand for him to do his own stunts leaves him torn. Does he risk bruising his manhood, the coin of the realm in his buddy quartet, or does he go ahead knowing he could put his career – and well being – at risk?
Meanwhile, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is learning that life as a small business owner isn’t a breeze. His prettiest driver can’t make an airport run without getting lost, but he doesn’t have the heart to can her. And Drama (Kevin Dillon) is still struggling to find that elusive TV gig to call his own.
Haven’t we seen it all before, particularly Drama’s career woes?
Super agent Ari (Jeremy Piven) seems too self-satisfied to deliver his standard slow burns.
But don’t give up on the new season just yet. The second new episode provided to the press is vintage “Entourage,” reminding us why we flocked to the show in the first place. The dialogue snaps, the jokes hit the mark and even Drama’s acting woes feel fresh. Best of all, Vince’s brush with death leaves him with a new outlook on life.
The sudden change affects everyone in his A-list orbit, a theme which holds promise for the rest of the season.
Welcome back, guys.
The new season also features real-life director Nick Cassavetes (“She’s So Lovely,” “John Q”) hamming it up as Vince’s foul-mouthed director. And don’t miss another Bob Saget cameo, as the “Full House” comic draws some laughs with only a few terse lines.
HBO has struggled to replace iconic series like “Sex and the City,” “The Wire” and “The Sopranos.” And while “Entourage” never stood as tall those three shows, it remains the kind of lightweight adult fare you won’t find anywhere else on the dial – if you catch it on the right night.