Entourage "Whiz Kid" Review

The conclusion of last week's Entourage left fans puzzled and excited. They dreamt of a show with actual stakes and dramatic depth. I don't know why. The show's in the 8th season. They've been cancelled and had their episode order cut. Ellin already promised that the "dark" storytelling of season seven wouldn't return in the final season. Most importantly, this is Entourage. The one positive thing I can write about the episode is: at least Ellin acknowledged that everything works out for the boys in the end instead how it's been throughout the series (waste time with stakes until Matt Damon rescues them in the finale).

The only storyteller who could turn a suicide into an episode about a drug test that would threaten Vince's career, momentarily, is Doug Ellin. Carl's suicide won't matter. The suicide was crafted as the ending to trick the media and fanbase into declaring Entourage a show that turned into a compelling show worthy of HBO in the final season. "Whiz Kid" opens as Vince and Turtle come to grips with what they witnessed. Vince feels sort of bad for Carl, remembering his last words to the troubled producers. Drama and Turtle argue. Soon, Vince learns that he'll probably need to submit to a urine test because of the cocaine on the scene and his probation. All would be well if Vince hadn't smoked a joint to prove that he's not an addict. Suddenly, the urine test represents the end of all Vince worked hard to get back.

However, Vince hasn't worked hard at all. CBS showed interest in the poorly written outline Vince wrote for his movie. He left rehab with his role in Airwalker in tact because the studios are run by buffoons. The friends worry. Vince takes a home drug test, which he fails. Drama suggests that he drink excessive amounts of vinegar to cleanse the body of the drug; however, E announces that the urine test will happen in FOUR hours. Vince scrambles for a solution. Billy, the former drug addict, instructs Vince to use a fake penis with clean urine stored inside to pass the test, which Vince does. E and Vince argue about the fake penis because discovery could ruin Vince's life. E states that things have always worked out and they will, even if Vince fails the drug test. Vince uses the fake penis anyway and passes as the friends celebrate on a luxurious loft in Hollywood and toast to their luck and success.

The A story is a complete waste of time. The central character learns nothing from the experience. I'd rant about what a story's supposed to accomplish but I ranted about that last week. Jerry Ferrara co-wrote "Whiz Kid" with Doug Ellin, so I'll blame Ferrara for violating a basic tenant of storytelling 101. I don't know why I expect good storytelling in the final season. I don't know why I thought the central protagonist would learn a thing through the trials he experiences or the friends who experience those trials with him. Ellin cheats. Nothing's earned. Who the hell let Jerry Ferrara co-write an episode?

In the B story, Ari inflicted more damage to his marriage by dining with Dana Gordon at Bobby Flay's restaurant. Mrs. Ari felt more hurt by Ari's relationship with Dana. I hope the series ends with a divorce between husband and wife because Ari's been portrayed as a terrible spouse for years. The character's a great father but that doesn't mean he's a good husband. The obnoxious and cruel displays from Ari are designed for the audience to root for the dude even more but I feel nothing but contempt for him as he acts like Dawson Leery at a junior high prom.

Well, at least only four episodes remain in the series. Watch the YouTube clip below.

THE YOUTUBE CLIP OF THE WEEK