Ep 8. New York

In Episode 8 of Entourage's first season, titled "New York," Vince and the gang head to the Big Apple for a 24-hour trip that's equal parts business and pleasure. After securing a meeting with hotshot producer Harvey Weingard, Vince and Eric realize their client may not be the best fit for his latest film. Meanwhile, Turtle tries to keep up with a wealthy new friend, and Drama takes a meeting with a casting director that doesn't go as well as he hoped.

The episode opens with Vince, Eric, Turtle, and Drama descending a private plane onto the tarmac in New York City. Over the next few minutes, we see the boys soaking up the glamorous city atmosphere, from the chic urban skyline to the luxurious hotel suite they're staying in. Vince and Eric are in town for a high-stakes meeting with Harvey Weingard, a bigwig producer whose movies regularly feature A-list stars.

The scene with Weingard is the episode's emotional centerpiece, and it showcases both Kevin Connolly's and Adrian Grenier's acting chops. Weingard is a short-tempered perfectionist who immediately takes issue with Vince's laid-back attitude. He questions whether Vince has the acting chops to pull off his latest project, a gritty gangster movie, and suggests that he audition for the part if he wants to be considered. Eric defends Vince, but it's clear that he's rattled by the experience.

Meanwhile, Turtle meets an attractive young woman named Jamie-Lynn, who invites him to a party in the Hamptons. Turtle is at first hesitant because he doesn't have the funds to compete with her wealthy friends, but he eventually decides to go anyway. However, he quickly finds himself out of his depth when he realizes just how wealthy Jamie-Lynn and her friends are. He tries to impress them by ordering the most expensive champagne and talking up his connections with Vince, but it's clear he's out of his element.

Drama's subplot revolves around a disastrous meeting with a casting director named Barbara Miller. Drama is convinced that she's his ticket to a comeback after a dry spell, but Miller is underwhelmed by his resume and dismissive of his career. This subplot nicely showcases Kevin Dillon's acting chops and sets the stage for Drama's evolution over the rest of the series.

Throughout the episode, the guys are constantly on the move, bouncing from one high-end location to another. They hit trendy clubs and dine at upscale restaurants, all while trying to navigate the shows of the city. Director Daniel Attias does a great job of showcasing all the opulence that New York has to offer, from its expensive fashions to its buzzy nightlife.

The episode closes with Vince and Eric reflecting on their meeting with Weingard and what it could mean for Vince's career. Eric is worried that Vince didn't make a good impression, but Vince remains confident in his abilities. Turtle, meanwhile, is on the verge of a breakdown after Jamie-Lynn leaves him stranded in the Hamptons with an inflated bar tab. The four friends eventually make their way back to LA, with plenty of stories to tell and a sense that they've grown closer as a result of their 24-hour adventure.

Overall, "New York" is a standout episode of Entourage's first season, showcasing the series' signature mix of over-the-top glamour and nuanced character development. It's a must-see for fans of the show and a great entry point for newcomers looking to jump into the series.