Last night's premier, while not in-and-of-itself a standout episode by the show's standards, certainly was a very welcomed return to the fantasy world that the boys from Queens provide their viewers. Additionally, the plot line certainly has opened up as last night's episode provided a multitude of different strands and relationship developments that could provide for a new depth to the show. I'll highlight a few of those here.
Love Interests. We all are now aware of Turtle's new-found infatuation and romance with Meadow Soprano (Jamie Lynn Sigler). However, what is more intriguing to me for the dynamic of season 6 is the seemingly permanent return of Sloan into the life of one Eric Murphy (who, played by Kevin Connolly, is a proud native Long Islander and die hard Islander fan, I may add: check him out here with Islander great Mike Bossy).
One of the anticipated and probably necessary components of this season of Entourage is a return to the shows roots, while developing and maturing the relationships among the characters. This can be seen in the move that the boys made back into their original house from way back in the beginning of the series. However, the return of Sloan is probably more rudamentary for diehard Entourage fans (especially the male contingency). Her return to the show is important for Eric, first and foremost, because its painfully clear that he is still head-over-heels in love with her. But it is also important for the groups as well. We see how E was being extremely coy with the guys about his rendezvous with Sloan early in the show, in addition to the fact that he is willing (and apparently going to) move into his own place in an effort to appease her.
What I personally loved was the way in which Vinny, Drama, and Turtle refused to let it slide. Guys, we've probably all been there before - failing miserably in trying to keep your female endeavors "somewhat" private. But that's what friends are for: they keep you in line and take an interest in your life. But in regards to the show, it should be interesting to see how not only Sloan, but Jamie Lynn, interpose themselves into the show and how they may effect the dynamic of the group.
[As an added bonus, here's some visual stimulation you guys. Fellas, enjoy.]
Vinny's Return to Fame. All good shows and stories revolve around conflict and resolution. With the end of last season, Vinny's career is back on the rise. There is a tingling of anticipation surrounding the release of his newest film, Martin Scorsese's "Gatsby." Though we get no glimpse of any footage from the movie as of yet, Vinny's appearance on Leno gives us a glimpse of this anticipation, as well as the fact that he is slotted to play the role of Enzo Ferrari, the creator of, well, you figure it out. This was the reason that he had to get his license in the premier. With all of this going on for Vinny, it seems like the crux of the conflict in the show is not necessarily going to focus on Vinny's career, provided that we don't experience another cinematic flop of Medellin proportions (which I highly doubt). This ties into my first observation, of how we could be in store for more inner conflict among the boys and their relationships with one another and their respective love interests. We'll have to see how this one plays out.
Andrew Klein. The Ocho is personally a TREMENDOUS fan of Gary Cole and his injection into the show. Cole has tremendous comedic talent, as is evidenced by his numerously funny roles, from Lumbergh in Office Space, to his role in Pineapple Express, Talledega Nights, Dodgeball, and voiceovers in Family Guy. If his character, Andrew Klein, comes out of his shell now that he is at Miller-Gold (which seems inevitable), we could be in store for more hilarity at the agency, albeit a more dry type of humor. Regardless, I think he may add some new levity to the show.Just some thoughts on the first episode of the show. And, as always, when I am able I like to leave you with a bit of media I like to call, "From the Archives." This week: our favorite Entourage villain, Seth Green. Enjoy.
