September 13th, 2010
01:48 PM ET
'Entourage' ends season in fantastic fashion“Entourage” fans, it’s a bittersweet Monday. The last time I blogged two Sundays ago, there were no NFL football games (that really counted), no Taylor Swift song about Kanye West, no Kanye West song about what he did to Taylor, and there certainly was no Justin Bieber performance on the MTV VMAs that made me openly admit, "Hey, I like this kid!" (Wait, did I just type that?) My, how the world has changed. While some of yesterday's gifts were more fun than others, it felt like Christmas all day long. A day full of NFL games was the best present I could wish for after a long summer, but at the end of it all, I got to watch an “Entourage” season finale that made me say "that was absolutely incredible." But, it’s the season finale. The season is now (gulp) over.
I know what you're thinking: After all the things we've discussed on this blog about shark jumps, lost mojo and stale storylines, did I really just refer to last night's episode as "absolutely incredible"? Please, let me repeat myself: last night's season finale was absolutely incredible. Before we go any further, here's a reminder: This space is not reserved for hugs or high fives for the writers and cast of the show. If I'm watching the show and begin to count the croutons in my salad while imagining the ice cubes in my cocktail as large animals ("look, it’s an elephant!"), that pretty much means I'm not feeling it. But, last night was most definitely not that type of party. For all the things we know and love about “Entourage,” the aptly titled season finale "Lose Yourself" did all of them right. With seat belts securely fastened, let's jump right in. The show opened with Vince somewhere off the crew's radar. Drama decides to go "A&E" for the sake of his baby brother, and gathers the troops to take action. As we all may have guessed from the tension building in previous episodes, Vince is only missing long enough to show up at Sasha's "place of business" to cause a scene. For his many bad moments these days, this was one of his worst, but more on that a bit later. I'm tired of Vince these days, and it seems we've all grown pretty tired of Sasha Grey. I have been tough on her performances, but for all the lines she has NOT delivered this season, her wryly stated "go home Vince" line hit the bull's-eye. Nicely done Ms. Grey, you nailed it. You said exactly what I was screaming at the TV from the time Vince showed up on that set. Thank you. Elsewhere, there were the usual star sightings (Ryan Howard/Drew Brees) thrown into Turtle's tequila plot, Eric's irritating-yet-entertaining meeting with Sloan's dad (Terrance McQuewick) and the continuing deconstruction of Ari Gold. Mrs. Ari is clearly fed up, and there's absolutely nothing Ari can do about it. That's right people. Neither Christina Aguilera singing Mrs. Ari's favorite song at a birthday party in her honor, nor a visit from Mrs. Ari's sister (played by Illeana Douglas) can fix this. For the record, each performance was outstanding in its own right, and the drama unfolded in a well-paced span. Oh, and while I'm on the subject of outstanding performances, Jerry Ferrara is not just the coat-tail riding crew-member with the hat turned backwards anymore. I like his progression as a character this season, and his script delivery is climbing the "interesting" ladder with great speed. As for how the show went about its business, every character's story seemed fortified to continue into the next (and final) season. The conflicts are running rampant in everyone's lives, and it’s all very compelling. After all, we've grown used to seeing our heroes (Vince and Ari) find a way to make things right each and every time. There's always the proverbial triumph by the end of the season, with bottles "popped" in the nightclub accordingly, but not this time. This time, the problems loom entirely too large. Drama led the charge masterfully, and the crew confronted Vince. From there, the episode hit its apex with sparkling dialogue during that intervention scene. I sat there stunned and began to think about all of the moments of past episodes where Vince was indeed the "golden goose" for everyone in the room. This frozen moment spoke well for Vince's state of mind. It also seemed a long time coming. Then, in a superbly edited matter of minutes, our two heroes reach their lowest depths, and the wheels officially fall off. Mrs. Ari delivers the heart-breaking news that she needs a break, and the gladiator known as Ari Gold is reduced to rubble in an emotionally gut-wrenching scene. The chinks in his armor have been visible for weeks, but now Ari's fractured spirit is truly exposed. Meanwhile, Vince (exponentially broken) pops off at anybody who says a word to him at Eminem's party, receives a well-deserved beatdown, and the clever episode title "Lose Yourself" comes full circle. The scene felt like a downhill slalom and, in the end, there's the inevitable crash when the curves and the speed going down his personal mountain became too much to handle. "Now look, you got what you wanted....I'm officially out of control!" Yes sir. Indeed you are out of control, Vince Chase. From there, Eminem's "Going Through Changes" rolls with the credits, and the seventh season of “Entourage” ended in fantastic fashion. There are many questions still to be answered, many problems to be solved and all is certainly not well in the world of Vincent Chase and his entourage. I loved the show from beginning to end, and with a season-ender like that, I have a new appreciation for the season's valleys as well as the peaks I always knew I loved. We'll see how it all ends for our boys when they are back next summer. Loved, kinda liked, or hated the season finale? Let us know.
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I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I didn't like the dark cloud over the season, especially the final episode. Part of the enjoyment of the series was mingling with the Hollywood crowd and getting in and out of crazy predicaments. The fun was sucked out of it. If this is all the writers have, just end it now.
How about a "rags-to-riches-to-rags" storyline for next season? There are usually more actors NOT working than working. Here today-gone tomorrow. Have Vince end up on "Dancing with..." Truth, in Hollywood, is stranger than anything!
LOVED IT! Drama at its finest! Can't wait until next summer!
Absolutely the best Season Finale, Bravo to the writers for an outstanding job turning the show around!!! Can't wait for next Season...
EMINEM CAMEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zUGXcUjpew
So, if Mrs Ari could help Ari financially from her inheritance in previous episodes, why did Mrs Ari's sister require fiancial assistance from Ari in this episode? Seems to me that both sisters would be wealthy, and not need Ari's assistance. .
I was wondering that myself. Unless the Ex husband pilfered it all. Should have addressed in the script. But nitpicking on an excellent finale.
Christina aguilera was amazing just like in everything she does.
Man, Missed It!
I loved Entourage. Mark Wlaberg need to lobby for a movie!
Entourage is one of my favorite shows to watch and this season started out pretty weak but it just got better and better. Vince has always seemed to be the weakest link in the show, but now he's finally become interesting to watch!!! Ari has always led this show but now Vince is just killing it! (in a good way) This season finale was unbelievable and I am so sad to see this new direction, knowing that it's going to end soon. Can't wait for next season! Hopefully it will continue and they will renew it. Fingers crossed!
Ah – BUT will they stun the viewers and actually send Vince to prison for the coke? Wow – didn't see that coming and how about that for a series ending? Accountability actually assigned and a series stunner? OR will they on predictability and pull a Paris Hilton ( It's not my purse?) and/or Lindsey ( out of rehab in 23 days) Just for shockers – I vote for prison.....
that sasha screwed the whole thing up, didn't she? vince and the boys'yoko ono. tequila, muy mal por todos. all that pot smoking all those years had to lead to harder stuff sooner or later, didn't it? I, like the rest of the boys, wanted to believe vince when he said he wasn't doing the blow, but. . .lindsay lohan jail time for vince. ari opened his mouth one too many times, spewing his misogynist hatred at wolfgang's, and all the money and power in the world can't make up for that. learned not to like the boys this year, especially vince and ari, turtle and e and johnny bananas. it was all sasha's fault. yoko ono to the boys. hopefully the finale will be drenched in a reality check for all concerned
Good season – looking forward to the final one. I became a fan late, but sorry that it's ending.
This season was very interesting. I never thought we would see an edgier side to Entourage because it just wasn't that kind of show. We needed to see Vince get fed up with being controlled (or maybe just stop pretending like he needed to be controlled/pampered) and lash out at his friends. Overall, I thought the story arcs this year were good, not great. I especially liked seeing the return of Billy Walsh and we got just the right amount of Sloan. The biggest issue I had with this season was pacing. These storylines dragged on for FAR too long. I feel like Drama's storyline could have been resolved in 5 episodes. Turtle's season was absolutely horrible. I'm not sure if it was the idea or the execution, but I thought his and Alex's story line was just plain stupid. Again, I feel like this whole thing could have been wrapped up much faster than 10 episodes.
I totally agree with all of your commentary. Last night I was in complete awe about what happened to our boys from Queens. Watching episodes of Vince from season 1,2,3, and even 4, and then looking at Vince now is none the less heartbreaking. Sometimes stars are looked at as the "golden goose." They have too many expectations, and everyone around them is always tip-toeing around them hoping they do not crack. Having empathy and putting yourself in vince's shoes, one can understand where he comes from to a certain point. However, it is sad to see how the season ends for him and the boys. If I could the series end one way, it would be for the boys to end up back in queens. Like they always said from the beginning, "If we have nothing, we can always go back to Queens." Maybe the show will end with one important message. Going from rags to riches can be a great blessing, but if you are not thankful for what you have been blessed with, it can all be taken away.
My biggest problem with the season is that when Ari was all set to own an NFL team I was so excited for the series spin-off that would no doubt come. Ari is by far my favorite character on the show. Certainly the best acted part. Now what do I have to look forward to?
Love this show...can't believe this season is already over.. http://www.tvshowbase.com
I'm so wrapped up that I was searching the net for articles, blogs, etc. about the last episode lol. I remember when I got hooked, back in 2005. I watched every episode of season 1 in one night...I feel like I'm apart of the crew. I was actually down last night at what's happened to Ari and Vince, but more Vince....he reminds me of a real artist, that I've known personally or have admired from afar. They really do start out as well intentioned people with a god given gift. Yet somewhere along the way they face the challenges of stardom, overexposure, mounting pressure and often times they break....drugs, violence, etc... This series is just as real as playmakers on ESPN. Both provide a real behind the scenes look at stardom in America. It's exciting, heart wrenching and most times disheartening...I can't believe I have to wait 8 months until the next season...aaaaaaggghhhhhh!
So right on regarding your comments. The storylines of early season (sasha, NFL team in LA) were put to bed with Vince's Storyline. Right on. and shout outs for wonderful performances from Minka Kelly
That was by far the BEST season finale i've seen in a long time. Great Episode!
FIRST!
moron.
looks like johnny is about to speak when credits roll...taking one for baby bro?