Entourage: Let's Blog It Out

By Mark La Monica

Possession of the Entourage Season 3.5 DVD, officially titled "Entourage, Season 3, Part 2" provides on-demand access to one of the greatest moments in show history: Johnny Drama at the Grand Canyon.

Is there more of a rallying cry or sentimental moment than seeing Drama, post-meltdown, fall to his knees overlooking the Grand Canyon and scream "Victory!"?

Having access to this scene at any point in your everyday life makes it worth the purchase.

But, as with all DVDs these days, extras are necessary. (Gone are the days of "Hey, let's make viewers who purchase 'Goodfellas' flip over the DVD to watch the rest of the movie.)

Included on this DVD is an interesting panel discussion involving the cast, creator Doug Ellin and director Julian Farino. The Museum of Television & Radio panel was moderated by Elvis Mitchell, the guy who interviewed E, Vince and Billy Walsh for Interview magazine.

The panel is from March 2006, but is still interesting to hear the backstories and thought processes behind some of our favorite scenes.

If you're already a subscriber to the Entourage podcast on iTunes, then you've already seen the "Anatomy of Entourage" featurette that goes behind the scenes of the Season 3.5 finale. If you're not a subscriber, then you'll enjoy this 11 minutes. It basically is the real-life version of the "Medellin" documentary that opened Season 4.

One of the traits of "Entourage" is bringing guest stars and periphery characters back to the show on occasion. Remember Rufus, the Home Video Solutions guy from Season 1? He came back in Season 3.5 as Rufus, the auto body repair guy.

In the three audio commentaries, show creator Doug Ellin talks a lot about how and why he brings characters back. He also mentions the new houses for the guys each season and how the lack of continuity isn't much of an issue for the show.

In the interest of full disclosure, in the commentary accompanying "The Resurrection" episode, aka Drama at the Grand Canyon, Ellin hammers Newsday, "my hometown paper," for bashing the show in its first season.

In the interest of fuller disclosure, I had nothing to do with that back then. I was only a sports writer at the time and "Entourage, the blog" wasn't even in my radar.

Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Doug Ellin and Kevin Connolly (in one of the three commentaries) point out their favorite lines in certain scenes and how they went about delivering them or the backstory about how they decided to do things a certain way. It's pretty interesting stuff.

Most notably, in "The Resurrection" commentary, Ellin said he went into writing that episode with the idea of getting Dillon an Emmy nomination. He did.

Epsiodes with audio commentaries:
• "Manic Monday"
• "The Resurrection"
• "Adios Amigos"

By Mark La Monica

To fully appreciate the Best Printable Line from the Season 3.5 finale, you need to understand two words:

1) Billy
2) Walsh

He's a whackadoo character on the show, and every time he shows up on your television screen, he refuses to disappoint.

Of course, he didn't win the BPL this week because every fourth word out of his mouth is an F-bomb or worse. But, his new (and fitting) arc as a porn director gave rise to an unlikely BPL victor: Vince.

Vince and E rolled onto Walsh's set to discuss Medellin without knowing anything about his new gig. After discussing what movie it might be in the car ride over, Vince and E walk into a porn set with a pool table, leather outfits, naked women and men and, of course, Billy Walsh.

Vince turns to E and quizzically opines about Walsh's new movie, "Boogie Nights 2?"

Funny on so many levels.

The Final Season 3.5 Best Printable Line Standings
Drama 2
E 2
Turtle 1
Vince 1
Sloan 1
Kelly 1

By Mark La Monica

After a full season away from the top of the heap, Johnny Drama returns to share Entourage, the blog's coveted Big Knish Award for Season 3.5. He splits the title with E, who delivered his share of one-liners in this short season of eight episodes.

This marks the second straight season of co-champions in the race for the Big Knish Award, given at the end of each season to the character with the most Best Printable Lines, those memorable and printable quotes from each episode.

Similar to rounds in a boxing match, the judges rate each episode individually. They don't look at the running total until after each week just to update the standings. And since so many things go on in real life during the seven days between episodes, the judges don't remember the standings.

Props to both Drama and E for giving us so much good material to use in the office on Monday.

The Final Season 3.5 Best Printable Line Standings
Drama 2
E 2
Turtle 1
Vince 1
Sloan 1*
Kelly 1*

Big Knish History
Season 3.5 -- Drama, E
Season 3 -- Ari Gold, Turtle
Season 2 -- Johnny Drama
Season 1 -- Johnny Drama**

* As determined by the readers those weeks based on voting.

** Entourage the blog began midway through Season 2, but we went back and did the research from Season 1. Not surprisingly, Drama won that season's Big Knish, too.

Best Printable Line rules
Just to refresh your memory, the weekly honor of Best Printable Line comes with the caveat of the quote being able to be reprinted for people of all ages. If not for this rule, Ari Gold would win every week. If not for this rule, I'd have been fired for dropping too many curses and lewd material in this blog.

By Mark La Monica

Sloan was unpacking E's things at her apartment. Just before she pulled out the oversized dice, she removed two boxing gloves. They were white with red and blue stars and stripes on it.

Those gloves bore a striking resemblance to the gloves worn by Apollo Creed when he fought Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV."

Kevin Connolly, the actor who plays E, made his movie debut as Chickie Grabowski, the schoolyard bully who eventually gets beat up by Rocky's son in "Rocky V."

Subtle, but impressive.

By Mark La Monica

Did anyone else happen to see that naked midget walking in the background on Billy Walsh's set when he, Vince and E were discussing "Medellin?"

Perhaps the most outrageous subtle bit this year. Hello, Writer Props!

By Mark La Monica

I didn't really get upset about the week off from Entourage. At least, not until Tuesday night.

On this night, I offered to lend a proofreader's eye to PhD friend Lina on part of her thesis. By no means am I intelligent enough to offer insightful comments about a PhD thesis, especially one in history, but I can catch a typo or a missing comma like nobody's business.

The topic had to do with the history of Colombia, or at least I think it did. Again, I'm not that intelligent. However, life threw me a bone on page 13 of 24. There it was, in regular type, 12-point, Times New Roman font.

Medellin.

I put the paper down and laughed. Culture shock. How did Entourage wind up in a history thesis?

Oh yeah, Medellin isn't just a movie script on a television show. Still, it was funny.

Note: Paul Haggis and Vincent Chase were nowhere to be found in the thesis, which is probably a good thing for PhD friend Lina.

But here in Entourage, the blog, I thought it was worth a few paragraphs of our time.

By Mark La Monica

The voters have spoken, albeit much quieter than the last time. Such is life. The winner of the Best Printable Line for Episode 7 of Season 3.5 is Kelly, Rufus' daughter.

Her bomb carried the way for the readers of "Entourage, the blog" in what was an average episode.

While hooking up with Turtle in the car, she asked what his real name is.

"What, you think I'd have sex with someone saying 'Oh Turtle!'?"

The results make the Season 3.5 finale on June 3 that much more important. Drama and E are tied for the Big Knish Award, given to the character with the most BPLs in a season.

Drama won the title in Seasons 1 and 2, and Turtle and Ari shared it in Season 3. Can Drama get the hat trick? Or will E sneak up and claim his first crown? Or can Turtle cause a three-way tie atop the BPL standings?

Best Printable Line Standings
(with one week left)

Drama 2
E 2
Turtle 1
Sloan 1
Kelly 1
Ari 0
Vince 0

By Mark La Monica

We'll waste no time and dive right into this week's nominees for Best Printable Line.

1) Johnny Drama, after telling the guys he was just offered a part in "Rush Hour 3" without having to audition.

"Johnny Drama don't shine shoes no more."

2) Turtle, moments after Drama's line above

"I knew my life would suck if Drama got a career before I did."

3) Johnny Drama, after Brett Ratner tells him the only parts he has left for "Rush Hour 3" are French part.

"Je pas francais."

4) Kelly, while hooking up with Turtle in the car and asking what his real name is.

"What, you think I'd have sex with someone saying 'Oh Turtle!'?"

By Mark La Monica

I was once asked Jerry Ferrara if he'd ever get a last name on the show. He wondered what his first name would be.

Then comes Kelly, daughter of Rufus the home video solutions/auto repair man. She inquires about his first name.

Turtle hesitates.

Earlier, she asked him to take his hat off. Turtle laughed.

Those two scenes combined to earn this week's Writer Props. Small and subtle scenes, but in the bigger picture of the series, brilliant.

By Mark La Monica

That's right, folks. To quote Daniel LaRusso, "It's coming around again."

It's another chance for our loyal "Entourage, the blog" readers to decide the Best Printable Line for Episode 7 of Season 3.5.

All the same rules apply. The nominees will be posted shortly after 11 p.m. on Sunday, May 20. You'll then have 25 hours to cast your ballot. Vote once, vote twice, vote 300 times. Whatever you want.

When the clock hits midnight on Monday night, the polls close.

Then, Tueday morning, we'll announce the winner.

Best Printable Line Standings
(with two weeks left)

Drama 2
E 2
Turtle 1
Sloan 1
Ari 0
Vince 0

By Mark La Monica

Before you get to the Best Printable Line, Writer Props and more from Sunday's night episode below, we at Entourage, the blog have an announcement to make.

Well, really, it's more like an announcement of an annoucement. But, why argue over semantics?

Peep this little nook of Web escapism after your lunch break this Wednesday and Friday for two major Entourage, the blog announcements.

Here's a hint for Friday: The BPL for Episode 7 may or may not be in the hands of the readers again. Then again, Medellin is on again. And off again. And then on again. So, please, keep me employed and check out what happens this Friday.

We now return you to your normally scheduled blogcast.

By Mark La Monica

Typically, when you avoid work on Mondays to read this space, you find the BPL, Writer Props and a specific riff on something from Sunday night's episode.

Today, we switch it up a bit. Don't worry, the BPL and Writer Props aren't going anywhere. But rather than blog it out about one specific thing, we're going to hit you up with random thoughts off a show where quite a bit happened. And here we go:

(NOTE: "Sopranos" spoiler at the end, just in case you didn't watch it yet this week)

* The feeling here is that episode will serve as the jumping-off point for major plot developments in Season 4. Only Doug Ellin and the cast know for sure, though.

* It's time for the writers to create a new movie title for Vince to pursue.

* Drama's "Victory" scream at the Grand Canyon has me searching Orbitz for flights out there. A watershed moment for those of us in the Drama Club.

* I never thought I'd see two people spark a relationship over sneakers. Clearly, we've all been looking for love in all the wrong places. Someone call Mars Blackman. It's gotta be the shoes!

* Prediction: Lloyd is going to become an agent at Miller Gold soon and work magic for Drama's career.

* Prediction: E is going to manage Drama's career.

* L.A. friend Skirts read for the part of Variety writer Paul Schneider. Here's a snippet of an email he sent late last week:

Thought of your blog today. It was a bittersweet moment for Skirts today. I read for the part of the TV reviewer who hates Drama's new TV show in next week's episode of Entourage, but I didnt get the part. They went with some nerdy looking guy.

Tough break, Skirts. You would have killed in that role.

* Carla Gugino is hot (even hotter in real life as I learned at the "Gardener of Eden" world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, but I didn't miss her this week on the show. It's strangely comforting to have Ari back in the driver's seat.

* What job will Rufus have next? First he pimped home video systems, now he's pimping rides. Is his daughter next?

* Turtle as a girl's boyfriend is making a serious bid for "inherently funny" status. (Right now, it's just chimps, midgets, farting, people falling down and Johnny Drama).

* Vince and E as producers is an interesting turn for the show to take. Let's see if they stick with it.

Here's the spoiler alert, for those of you who read over it the first time 

 * I'm still a little shocked that Christopher Moltisanti died an hour earlier.

By Mark La Monica

Operating under the governance of "Best Printable Line," i.e., not repeating curses or things like that on this family Web site, we can't delve too deeply into the hilarity of "the scene" in the massage parlor.

However, feel free to know that whatever you were thinking about that scene (including the subtlety of Drama's hand placement), I was too.

By Mark La Monica

Since "Entourage" began in 2004, Johnny Drama has always found himself in strange places. And no matter how strange those places are, someone seems to know him.

It was no different in this episode as Drama and some dude exchange quick greetings at the massage parlor.

Perfectly done by the script makers, and winner of this week's Writer Props.

By Mark La Monica

Judging by the increased ratings for the show, all its branched-off marketing deals and the ever-increasing readership and community being constructed in this blog, "Entourage" has hit a nerve with us.

It has accomplished the very thing all television shows seek: a place in the mainstream vernacular of Americans.

Seriously, how many times do you quote Drama or Ari in everyday life? And can you watch SportsCenter anymore and not hear Scott Van Pelt scream out "Victory!!!"? And if Google and YouTube didn't exist, how would we ever get through Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at the office?

As I watched the most recent episode -- again -- last night, I began to wonder if there's such a thing as "Entourage Overdose."

Overdose not in that "This is my new favorite song and I'm going to listen to it every four minutes for the next month and then I'll hate it after that."

But, rather, overdose in the sense that there's only a finite number of total viewings of "Entourage" that one man can endure before he quits his job, packs up the car and drives off to California. Or at the very least, quits the career and goes to manage a Sbarro's.

We love life at 10 p.m. on Sunday night. About 28 minutes later, we want to shave our heads, throw the television in the street and shred what we once thought of as "nice" clothes. That's the beauty of the show.

There just may come a Monday morning when Entourage, the blog's thousands of readers log on to find out the Best Printable Line and more from the show and see nothing but a photo of a slice of pizza from Sbarro's and the Santa Monica pier.

By Mark La Monica

Just a quick question.

How much longer can we hear about "Medellin" before Vince finds another movie to do?

OK, just one more question.

How much longer can this guy go without working? Seriously, doesn't he need a job soon? "Aquaman" isn't out on DVD yet, and he doesn't appear to be investor-savvy, so how much of that "Aquaman" paycheck is left?

By Mark La Monica

Johnny Drama appears to be hitting his stride with the mighty lines that leave us temporarily crippled from laughter.

While at Del Mar's racetrack playing the ponies with the boys, Vince learns he has another shot at landing the lead role in "Medellin."

E works with Ari to help set up a meeting at Ari's temple with the co-executive producer and Amanda.

She hesitates about going to the temple on the holiest day of the Jewish religion.

Turtle interjects and says "She'll go to temple for Vince."

Drama fires back: "She'd go to the Gaza Strip in a yarmulke for Vince."

Best Printable Line Standings
(with three weeks left)

Drama 2
E 2
Sloan 1
Ari 0
Vince 0
Turtle 0

By Mark La Monica

Ari Gold is operating once again, this time at temple during Yom Kippur services. Mrs. Ari catches him using a cell phone outside the temple.

In her strict (yet sexy) delivery, she demands possession of Ari's phone. And his secret bat phone.

Now, that double-secret probation phone could have been hidden anywhere on Ari's person. His other jacket pocket. His belt. Up his sleeve.

But no! He digs it out from his sock, a subtle furtherance of sleezy/lovable Ari Gold. It was the perfect placement for Ari's phone, and thus earns Week 5 Writer Props.

By Mark La Monica

"Maybe you can have it all."

That's the tagline associated with Season 3.5 of "Entourage."

Here's a little story to let you know that I can't have it all. That the closest I'll ever get to having it all is 27 minutes (or less) for at least 24 more Sundays.

I rolled into the Replay store in SoHo for the launch party for their new line of Replay organic jeans. (Crazy soft denim which, by the way, is made from natural organic cotton denim and other "green" products.) After I paid my respects to DMC, one half of pioneer rap group Run-D.M.C. who showed up three seconds after me as if we came in the same adidas, my hookup at the door ran down the list of celebs already in the house and those expected to arrive shortly.

"Emmanuelle's here already," Jono said.

I looked at his list. There it was, in boldface type with a checkmark next to it. Emmanuelle, followed by Chriqui. This party's picking up!

My hookup ripped off a few other names, none of which made it to the listening comprehension section of my brain. No disrespect to Jono, but he could have just stopped at Chriqui. I certainly did.

Now, I've never hidden my opinions on Miss Chriqui being among the most perfectly beautiful women floating around this little planet of ours. And I won't hide it now. She's make-you-mad hot.

Armed with this knowledge, my ultra-observant eyes scanned every part of the top floor of the Replay store. No luck.

I made the quick beeline downstairs to scout out the unsurveyed bottom floor of the Replay store. And to snag a few drinks. No luck on the Chriqui front. Plenty of luck on the drinks front.

Armed with this liquid courage, I decided to return upstairs and continue my search. I even boycotted the elevator and took the one flight of stairs. Couldn't chance missing an accidental passing in the stairs just to save some energy for Thursday's softball league opener.

At this point, I began to think about what I would say if I "accidentally bumped into her." I had nothing. "Damn, you're hot" didn't seem too smooth. Nor did, "Hey, Sloan" or "Ms. Chriqui, I write this Entourage blog. Care to hook me up with an exclusive interview?"

As I scoured my small brain for the memorable line, I spotted Emmanuelle checking out some jeans. I then severed a kidney and ripped my ACL to shreds just looking at her.

We made eye contact -- in my mind.

Within 10 seconds of spotting her, she rolled out of the store with a fella she was with.

Some things in life just aren't fair.

Maybe some people can have it all. Me, I got 10 seconds.

By Mark La Monica

This week's show had more cameos than a "Word Up" karaoke contest.

Artie Lange's turn as Scottie, Ari's friend from college, didn't seem to make much sense in the grand scheme of the show other than to show Ari in a more personal light.

Chuck Liddell, the UFC champion, was hilarious.

But Pauly Shore has to go. His career "got got" about 12 years ago. Why people find him amusing is beyond comprehension. His act was lame when he was popular. His act, which hasn't changed since people chilled with the weasel, is even lamer now.

In an episode that won't make the series' top 10, Shore gave us all a reason to get back those 30 minutes of space on our DVRs and TiVos. Liddell should have popped Shore in the grill three times and then made him tap out.

Shore has made three cameos on the show, including getting thrown out of the Playboy Mansion and sitting in Drama's agent's office at the end of Season 2. He's received more than enough free face time on "Entourage."

The majority of cameos on the series involve the person doing the cameo making fun of themselves to some degree. With Shore, you almost get the feeling he thinks these bit parts will help get him a steady gig elsewhere and return to the spotlight.

Celebrity Deathmatch should feature a Pauly Shore vs. Dom match to decide the worst side character in the show's run.

If Kevin Dillon wasn't already the real-life Johnny Drama, then Pauly Shore would be. Only one problem with that: Pauly Shore is painfully not funny.

By Mark La Monica

It took four episodes but Johnny Drama finally jumped into the race for the Season 3.5 Big Knish Award for most Best Printable Lines.

He ripped off about a dozen or so great lines in the Chuck Liddell parking lot encounter, but he capped it off with an ultimate gem when he got back to the house.

In one of his patented "Falling Down" hypochondriac meltdowns, Drama tells the guys: "I got a lifetime of looking over my shoulder to look forward to. I'm like Henry Hill."

Best Printable Line Standings
(through four weeks)
E 2
Drama 1
Sloan 1
Ari 0
Vince 0
Turtle 0

By Mark La Monica

For the entire run of "Entourage," Johnny Drama has been clamoring to restart his once almost-successful career.

Every movie or commercial Vince got, Drama begged for a part. He even found his way onto Kimmel when Vince did a spot on the talk show. Whatever he Drama do to pull off some face time and make some scratch and get back in the game.

It's been the best running joke on the show.

With this is mind, did you happen to notice the small uptick of excitement in Drama's face when, after bashing Pauly Shore, Turtle tells Drama that Shore wants him to be in his new hidden-camera TV show?

That bit of subtlety earned Week 4 Writer Props.

By Mark La Monica

Hokies friend Lloyd launched a text message in my direction at 10:25 p.m. Sunday night, or right about the time agent Amanda, played by Carla Gugino, offered up her wonderfully delightful body up to Vince Chase on "Entourage."

The message was simple and similar to the ones I get all the time: "I want to be Vincent Chase."

I sent the only response necessary: "We all do."

It's such a standard reply that I have it saved it in my cell phone as a quick text. It's quite the time-saver.

It would seem that Amanda, Vince's new agent, doesn't like sexual tension in her workplace. Plus, the quite-hot brunette is in the throes of a power struggle with Ari Gold for Vince's attention and business. So, she decides to offer Vince something no other agent in the game can: the opportunity to, um, do things with her. (Damn you, Best Printable Line guidelines!)

Right about at that moment, a collective "I hate my life" was heard all over Man Town, U.S.A.

Let us get this straight: The woman in charge of shaping Vince's movie career wants to eliminate any future issues between the two by engaging in a whole bunch of unattached and exquisite sexual encounters, and she tells him this without hesitation after he says she's cute?

I want to be Vincent Chase!

The dream of a sugarmommy has lived in the male brain for quite some time. Forget the stereotype of rich, powerful men playing the rich, powerful role for the ladies. We here at "Entourage, the blog" believe wholeheartedly in equality.

Give us a sugarmommy any day. An assertive, powerful woman who can support herself (and us) more than comfortably and is secure enough to overtly go after a dude she works for.

I would vacuum the house every day. Tend to the vegetable garden. Water the lavenders every other day. Whatever. Mr. Mom? Please! Michael Keaton wouldn't hold a candle to a sugar-mommied Entourage, the blog writer.

Not even Tom Cruise when he comes back to New York from Jamaica in "Cocktail" would come close.

Sugarmommies are dreamy. Alluring. Coveted. Hot.

(Hang on while I go check my thesauras.)

Enchanting. Captivating. Magnetizing. Enticing. Charismatic. Bewitching.

And so far away from happening to us regular fellas.

Damn, I want to be Vincent Chase.

By Mark La Monica

Vince and E just got railed on by their new agent, Amanda, about the "Glimpses" project she presented them in the Season 3.5 opener.

Rehashing the scene outside as they talked to Drama and Turtle, E came through with this week's Best Printable Line.

Since E and Vince are going to reread the script for "Glimpses," Turtle says he and Drama are going to head to the Dodgers game.

E wasn't having any of that.

"Just for that, I'm getting four copies," E said. "You guys can read some Edith Warton, too. Let us know what the retards of America think."

Season 3.5 Best Printable Line Standings
(through three weeks)
E 2
Sloan 1
Ari 0
Drama 0
Turtle 0
Lloyd 0

By Mark La Monica

Ari Gold lost his mojo for most of this episode. Suddenly, his abrasive, brutal (yet endearing) charm returned quicker than Drama's celebrity spotlight.

Once he confessed his emotional problems over the Vince breakup to his therapist, he snapped back into place, stormed back into his agency and very publicly fired an agent.

Fueled up from that energy, Ari walks out of the conference room and sees an overweight girl in the office walking the hallways eating a candy bar and blurts out to her, "Skip it, GInny."

Harsh and punishing to the girl's soul.

It was a classic Ari Gold moment destined for his highlight reel on the Ari Gold Experience DVD, and the recipient of this week's Writer Props.

By Mark La Monica

Props to the people responsible for 1,357 votes in our first-ever "You pick the BPL" feature after Episode 2 of this season.

The poll results are in, and at this point "Entourage, the blog" is calling the Best Printable Line vote in favor of Sloan. In a race featuring five contenders, Sloan won a 52.2 percent majority vote with her dig on her boyfriend E.

In Episode 2, Sloan tries to convince E that they should go on vacation alone, not with Vince and a lady friend. E doesn't think that's possible. Sloan says, "You're a little Vince's boy."

The complete final results:

Season 3.5 Best Printable Line Standings
(through two weeks)
E 1
Sloan 1
Ari 0
Drama 0
Turtle 0
Vince 0
Lloyd 0

By Mark La Monica

Television shows that strike a direct chord with their target audiences soar in the popularity contest of network and the less official but more crucial word-of-mouth ratings.

"Entourage" did that in its first season. It has become the quintessential "Oh my God, that's me and my crew minus the money and access" show for males 18-34 (or 45, for those in the Johnny Drama demographic), just as "Sex and the City" was for women.

Every now and again, I see something on the show and become convinced that Doug Ellin and the show's other creative people have been secretly filming and recording the things I do and say. Or maybe it was just something in the water in Merrick, the town we both called home, back in the 1980s.

This latest occurence, not surprisingly, involved Drama, Turtle and the dog park.

Continue reading "Best in show: Dogs always work" »

By Mark La Monica

For those who didn't thoroughly enjoy last week's season premiere, here's hoping you thoroughly lost your mind at all the bombs dropped in Episode 2: "Dog Day Afternoon."

And for those of you who missed Friday's Big BPL announcement, here's a refresher course. It's the readers' turn to choose the Best Printable Line. We're putting up a few nominees and you've got until 11:59 p.m. Monday night to cast your vote. Vote once, vote multiple times. Tell your friends. We'll announce the winner Tuesday morning.

Nominee 1: Sloan
Sloan is trying to convince E that they should go on vacation alone, not with Vince and a lady friend. E doesn't think that's possible when Sloan says, "You're a little Vince's boy."

Nominee 2: Turtle
Drama and Turtle arrive at the dog park in order to scam on the ladies. Once they arrive and see the talent, Turtle blurts out, "All these years I've been wondering where girls hide during the day."

Nominee 3: Ari Gold
The ultra non-PC Ari is walking through a gay club and is clearly uncomfortable. As he tries to navigate his way through the shirtless flesh on the dance floor with the music blaring, he mumbles, "Coming through. All right. Civilian. No touching."

Nominee 4: Ari Gold
Ari goes to the club in an attempt to save Lloyd from the grasp of Jay Lester, the client that Ari went after by exploiting Lloyd's sexual preference. Lester is ready to take Lloyd home, but Ari won't allow it. Lester then says he won't sign with Ari. He's OK with that and tells Lester, "We may be whores in our agency, but we ain't pimps."

Nominee 5: Johnny Drama
Turtle played the Steve Nash to Johnny Drama's Amare Stoudamire on this one. The two were lamenting another failed afternoon delight as Turtle defends his decision to yell back at the girl he was fooling around with. "I can't take a girl over Arnold, Drama, he's like a brother in arms," Turtle said. Drama responded, "Yeah, well is that brother gonna help you with them blue balls?"

By Mark La Monica

We saw glimpses of the human side of Ari Gold last season. In this episode, we got a full-frontal view of a decent human being inside Ari Gold's expensive suits.

Driving with Mrs. Ari, Mr. Ari experienced a gut-check moment about pimping out Lloyd to help sign a TV writer named Jay Lester.

Obviously bothered by it, he tells his wife that he sold his soul today. He flips on the radio to help create a diversion to his thoughts.

Here comes the script touch and subtletly that embodies our new Writer Props acknowledgement. The song that just so happened to be playing on the radio? "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer.

You could almost hear the show's writers and producers clapping and screaming when they came up the song choice during a brainstorming session.

It was the perfect song choice to enhance the 180 in Ari's emotions.

tagged: entourage

By Mark La Monica

Here's my turn to thank all the loyal readers of "Entourage, the blog." (By the way, that number counts out five digts to the left of the decimal point, which is both crazy, humbling and cool.)

For Week 2 of Season 3.5, I proudly turn over the Best Printable Line contest to you, the fans of the show and this blog. Well, sort of.

This Sunday, for the first time in the two years of "Entourage, the blog," readers will determine what the BPL will be. That's right, people. You can effect history. Rock the vote!

On Sunday night around 11 p.m. or so, we'll announce the nominees for this week's Best Printable Line. Not sure how many nominees we'll have. That all depends on Doug Ellin and the writers.

You will then have until midnight Monday to cast your vote.

Vote once. Vote twice. Vote as many times as you want. Email your friends in the other dorm and tell them to vote. Call your parents and tell them to get in on the BPL madness. Send out bulletins on MySpace.

BPL fever, catch it!

We will close the poll on Monday night and then announce the winner Tuesday morning.

This is just our little way of saying thanks to the people that make this blog a must-read on Monday mornings.

Victory!

By Mark La Monica

In keeping with the notion of character and plot evolution, a topic eluded to often in this space, "Entourage, the blog" is pleased to announce a new weekly feature for Season 3.5.

It's called Writer Props.

This is where we highlight subtle touches in the show that stand out for their hilarity in the face of subtlety.

For example, in the first episode, the light being out of Johnny Drama's billboard was the perfect touch to wrap up that story arc. It also happened to be absolutely fantastic and perfectly scripted for the character.

So look for this new feature each Monday morning in addition to the Best Printable Line and weekly column based off something from the show.

By Mark La Monica

A common complaint about "The Sopranos" the past few seasons is that nothing ever happens on the show anymore, aside from the occasional 30 seconds for a whacking.

Well, here's one thing that did happen: it gave quite a boost to the ratings for "Entourage."

Last Sunday's Season 3.5 premiere for Entourage received a 7.8 rating / 11 share. Translation: 3.8 million people watched the show during its initial airing Sunday at 10 p.m. on HBO, the mothership of its multiplex network.

The Season 3 premiere, which did not have "The Sopranos" or any other significant HBO property as a lead-in, did a 6.0 rating / 8 share, or roughly 2.7 million viewers.

An HBO source did point out that these numbers reflect only the initial airing and do not include repeat airings later in the week across their other channels or HBO on Demand.

What does all of this mean? Entourage isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

By Mark La Monica

Just a little something to help hold you over until the next episode this Sunday. Click the pic below to see photos from the Season 3.5 premiere party at The Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.

Entourage Season 3.5 premiere party photos

By Mark La Monica

My wildest birthday party consisted of Mama La Monica trying to figure out how to make me a Pac Man-shaped cake when I turned 10.

OK, there were a few wilder ones once vodka-cran and rum-and-coke became legitimate replacements for record holders and NERF footballs as birthday gifts.

However, I doubt anyone reading this blog has ever had their birthday bash on a huge boat with more than 800 invited guests. And corporate sponsorship! (If you have, shoot me an email because I've got a few side projects we should discuss.) Then again, perhaps the Entourage boys are fans of this Internet nook and cyber-cranny.

If the Las Vegas episode from Season 3 didn't make you want to call in sick to work on Monday morning from the pool at the Hard Rock, then this episode will make you wish your birthday was around the corner and your crew had some juice.

Imagine you had a high five-digit budget to throw your friend (and best financial asset) a sick birthday party. You'd need to cash in three sick days and a personal day just to recover from the afterparty. Then again, with a Victoria Secret-sponsored birthday party on a beautiful luxury yacht with the beautiful Alessandra Ambrosio on one arm, do you really need an afterparty?

People, this is possible. To some degree. The beautiful people are up to you, but the other stuff is doable.

Take a lesson from Turtle. Alcohol companies will donate plenty of bottles for parties. All you need is the right phone number and the right pitch. Of course, Turtle can just say "Yeah, my boy, A-list movie star Vincent Chase will be photographed drinking your [insert preferred type of booze here] at his birthday party which will be loaded with plenty of young, hot people in the Hollywood industry that set the trends for young regular people all across the country."

We Z-list people may not have that luxury, but the free swag is there for the taking. We're not dressing up in a bright-colored suit with question marks all over it to prove it to you, but you can find free stuff for your next big bash if you know where and how to look.

Seriously. Google some PR companies. They love to give out clients' free product more than we cringe at paying ATM fees.

Gift bags aren't hard to create. Call a company that thrives on reaching the young people with some disposable cash. Say the right things and they'll force your local UPS or DHL person to buy a new pair of workshoes. Start with magazines and cosmetic companies. Take a look at small clothing boutiques. Can't hurt to try, right?

Bottled water is another great avenue to drive down for your party. It's a competitive world. Make the call. It's worth a shot.

Cartier won't throw wristwear with diamonds in them at you for a small gathering at the local dive bar. But you might be able to get free T-shirts out of Billy Bob's Pizza and Rib Road House. You never know. Again, it's worth a call.

It all depends on what you believe you can do.

Thing big. Think small. Huh?

Cast as wide a net as possible and hope to reel one in. Aim high, but have a Plan B, C, D and E.

This good life doesn't have to just be for celebrities in Hollywood or New York City. You can get a taste.

Just be sure to invite me. I'll bring the Pac Man cake.

P.S. Plenty more thoughts on Episode 1 below.
P.P.S. Check back here on Friday for a BPL big announcement.

By Mark La Monica

We pause to praise the writers for their appreciation to detail. The light being out over Drama's billboard near the end of the episode was the perfect touch to the Johnny Drama story arc for the first episode of Season 3.5.

Well done.

entourage

By Mark La Monica

I've been avoiding reading most stories about the new season of "Entourage" for fear of ruining my Sunday nights. I also turned down a DVD of the first five episodes, but that's another story.

Speaking of stories, "Entourage" is getting plenty of them from all around. Its new programming position, right after "The Sopranos," has done wonders for expanded media coverage. It also shouldn't do anything but boost ratings.

For those of you who wish to read more about Season 3.5, here's a list of links to recent stories in the news. Warning: Some of these may ruin surprises, some may not. I don't know. Proceed cautiously.

• Newsday: Friends getting too familiar
• AP: It's all about location on 'Entourage'
• Mercury News: Show returns to amuse hip audience
• USA Today: 'Entourage' men hug it out in manly way
• Montreal Gazette: A girl among the guys
• Newsday: 'Entourage' ready for its big break

By Mark La Monica

You can't blog it out and not throw props and kudos to the readers who help make this little area of our beloved Internet so successful and enjoyable.

So, thanks to blog reader GZ for this DVR/TiVo advance tip: The cast of "Entourage" makes its first trip to Ellen DeGeneres' morning talk show this Friday in preparation for the Season 3.5 premiere on Sunday night.

Check your local listings for the time and channel. In the meantime, watch a little video fun put together by the folks at "Ellen."

By Mark La Monica

I scored the offer of a lifetime from my connects at The TV Zone: an invite to borrow an advance copy of the first five episodes of Season 3.5 of "Entourage."

It was a tough decision. It was a brain-wracker. A gut-turner. A craving tormenter.

How does one decide? On the one hand, it's brand new "Entourage" available simply by walking downstairs and picking up the DVD. I could be the first kid on the block to see it and then tell everyone if the new season is good or bad.

On the other hand, watching the first five in one sitting (because you know how easy that is to do) would basically ruin the every Sunday in April and the first one in May. It could also effect the spontaneity of reacting and writing off the show each week, the No. 2 reason this blog has been so successful. (The No. 1 reason is the 60,000 or so folks who read this blog last August and the tens of thousands who continued to read in the offseason.)

But, still, it's brand new Entourage!

I had to seek outside counsel from several circles of my world. Some had solid advice. Some just wanted to know if I could burn them a copy.

Leaning toward turning down the offer, I was convinced it was the smart move after reading a quote from Mark Wahlberg in an HBO interview.

"The next eight are phenomenal," he said. "I don't even want to read stuff anymore, I just want to turn on the TV on Sunday night and watch it like everybody else."

When one of the executive producers is so fired up about his own show that he won't let the surprise of each new episode be ruined by script readings, you know you're onto something big. (Or, the EP is mad lazy. Not the case this time.)

So, I turned it down, content to be among the people when it comes blogging it out about "Entourage."

P.S. I did reserve the right to borrow the DVD in-season in case I'm away one weekend and can't feed my addiction on the road one Sunday at 10 p.m.