Dish Of Salt: ‘Entourage’ Exclusive (June 6, 2006)

by Laura Saltman

There’s only one show on Television right now that could get me to sit uncomfortable on a movie theater staircase for an hour to catch a preview of its first two episodes. That show is “Entourage.” Sure I was lucky enough to snag a prime ticket but because I was out on the red carpet interviewing the cast, I lost my seat inside. I haven’t sat anywhere but a seat in a theater since “The Outsiders” (I’m dating myself here) came out in 1983. My friends and I, plus about thirty other teenage girls sat their butts in the only place left, the floor. Better to sit on the floor then miss a chance to see Matt Dillon 10 feet tall during his heartthrob heyday. So, I guess it makes sense that twenty three years later I’m doing it again for his brother, Kevin aka Johnny Drama.

Drama is by far the best character on the show. I mean sure Jeremy Piven’s agent Ari commands attention with his take no prisoners attitude but Drama is the real scene stealer. As season three unfolds their will be plenty of Drama-isms to convert Turtle, Eric and Vince fans into Drama geeks. Just wait until things heat up in episode two as the guys head into ?The Valley.? Of course, I have to wonder if anyone outside of LA will get the joke. Then again the show is really one big inside Hollywood wink, wink anyway. So, even if no one outside of LA is getting the joke they are still along for the ride.

(VIDEO ALERT: For must-see video from the “Entourage” premiere, check out the video link on the right!)

By the way, I just happen to live in said ?valley? and I kid you not there is a scene where the guys drive through my neighborhood. It’s proof that you are the epitome of uncool when the guys not only make fun of where you live but actually drive by your house!

I’m not one to spoil the ending or give away too many plot points. I do however think everyone loves a little teaser though. So here is what I can tell you about the first few episodes of season three. You’ll get a chance to meet Vince and Drama’s mom, played by Mercedes Ruehl in the first episode. After getting fired at the end of last season, Ari starts up his own agency and must find his financial footing again. Adding insult to injury, his teenage daughter starts dating a spoiled, rotten young movie star. Later on, the gang will get a visit from an old neighborhood buddy fresh out of prison who becomes the head of Vince’s security. Ok, that’s all you get from me. Be sure and check out the season premiere this Sunday night on HBO.

Last night, I headed down to the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles for “The Apprentice” season five finale. The show has really begun to tank in the ratings since its huge first season. So, it’s a little surprising that NBC would offer Donald Trump a live finale. Trump does nothing small though. I’m guessing the finale was in Los Angeles to hype the fact that season six of the show will be filmed there.

Even though ratings have dipped to an average of only 9.6 million viewers, it’s still a fun show to watch. With no vested interest in either of the final two candidates, (since I haven’t watched the show in two seasons) I still found myself sucked into their world.

Trump eventually hired 33-year-old, Sean Yazbeck, whose final task included putting on a charity benefit featuring a performance by the Barenaked Ladies. The runner-up, Lee Bienstock’s task was to help put on Denis Leary’s annual hockey tournament benefitting his Firefighters Foundation charity. I mention this only because when I spoke with Lee, after the finale, he filled me in on what it was like dealing with the celebrities at the event. Hands down this is the best and most honest answer I’ve heard from anyone in years, “Dealing with celebrities is so difficult, it’s like you have a 15-month-old baby. You have to cater to their every single whim. It is crazy. You have no idea what these celebrities were asking for right when they were walking in the door. I need a ton of gum. I need a hair blower. I need my skates sharpened. You have to care for them with, like, white gloves.” Brilliant and so true.

So it turns out not only did Sean win the apprenticeship, he also got a second prize out of the show. Sean met and is now dating his castmate, Tammy Trenta. They have been a couple for about seven months now. The Donald approves of this office romance and isn’t too concerned of its effect on his new hire. Tammy lives in LA and Sean will be moving from Miami to New York for his new job but he told me he’s thinking about asking Tammy to move in with him. I should have offered them up some sagely advice from someone whose been there, done that. Don’t!

Need some dish on your favorite shows? E-mail me at salt.dish@nbcuni.com.