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Jul 16, 2010 By Jim Scott Web Exclusive

Hard to believe television’s version of Maxim magazine has lasted six seasons by clinging to its formula (girls with hot bodies, dudes with money and nothing to do, popular music, and ball busting) for dear life. Any chance show honcho Doug Ellin has given himself to switch things up (Jeremy Piven’s Ari Gold has a chance to become a studio head) has been stared down in a game of chicken. When actor Vincent Chase (the passable Adrien Grenier) falls on hard times, Ellin and co. don’t have the guts to let it last longer than a few episodes. There was a time when Entourage didn’t feel safe, and one wondered if these guys would actually end up on top. Six seasons in, it’s a done deal.

The sixth season is particularly vapid. Not only is Vincent back on the A-list after starring in a Martin Scorsese-helmed version of Gatsby, but Turtle is dating Jamie Lynn-Sigler (aka Meadow Soprano), and Drama has a successful show. The season’s main focus is on Eric, who has moved out of the safety of his friends’ wisecracks and into a beautiful apartment. Rather than depicting the rise and fall of fortunes in Hollywood, season 6 is all rise.

The lone saving grace is Ari’s relationship with his beleaguered assistant Lloyd (the fine Rex Lee), who dreams of becoming an agent. Their ups and downs, unlike the rest of the show, do have some stakes and drama to them. A late season (mild) surprise shines a little bit of hope on season 7. (www.hbo.com/entourage)

Author rating: 3/10