Just like Vince and the gang searched for answers and direction in tonight’s “The Tree Trippers,” I searched for a moment of purpose in this filler episode of Entourage.
Don’t get me wrong, at the surface, it sounds like an entertaining and novel idea to see the boys and Ari trip off magic shrooms and rant about all things existential in the middle of nowhere. I could even see that type of premise being akin to Chris and Paulie’s infamous outing in the classic “Pine Barrens” episode of “The Sopranos.”
But the reality is that an Entourage season is only a dozen 26 minutes sessions. I mean, come on, 25 whole minutes tonight just to get to Vince’s declaration that he wants to do the Smoke Jumpers movie? Of course, the desert gimmick wouldn’t have worked without a lengthy session, but was it really worth it, especially with next week’s episode focusing on fan-unfavorite Dom?
Ok, for a second, I’m going to entertain the subtle intent of the writers to show us insight into the deeper recesses of these characters. I had absolutely no idea that Vince thinks of E and Turtle as true friends. It also completely shocked me that Ari is deathly afraid of his wife and turns to Lloyd in a time of need. Even more refreshing was Turtle’s epiphany on his uselessness and the fact that Drama apparently acts the same whether normal or tripping on shrooms. Did I mention that the aforementioned lines may have contained sarcasm?
I really expected this to be another great session of one of my favorite shows, but I felt surprisingly annoyed when the credits rolled. Hopefully, the pit stop that the writer’s took this week is over and they get back to good stuff next week. Oh wait, that’s right - Dom’s back. Nevermind.
Every season of Entourage to date has always had filler episodes. So, I don’t know why you’re choosing to wine about it now. I thought it was funny and necessary to drive the story along. It was great to have those honest moments where Vince and Ari realize the truth about themselves.
If you ever used shrooms or simply watched Young Guns II you’d know that when people go on Spirit Journeys it takes time. So it couldn’t happen in two minutes else it woul;d have seemed fake. The Entourage writers would not have earned those real moments.
Epiphanies require time and experiences. Pick up a book and read James Joyce. You may well learn a thing or two.
dude, that episode was classic! You’re not a true fan of the show if you didn’t find it hilarious