Entourage--at least in original episodes--has been off the air for one solid year, but when that title song from Jane's Addiction kicks in, it's like an old friend calling--only this time, the friend seems worthier, and his stories more interesting.

Tracking the many ways in which reality converges with fiction is one of the principal pleasures of Entourage, which otherwise explores some pretty well-worn territory in its new season.

There’s something actually at stake this season, and the art of the deal has never looked nastie

The show's polished exterior, however, has seldom scratched the surface hard enough to find anything deeper underneath. Vince's career odyssey back from "Medellin" could provide just that--the season-long hook to make a show already on Hollywood's A-list match that with an actual A-game.

It's less aimless and has renewed momentum--even if its plots tread familiar ground.

Everything in the season 5 premiere feels stale. [5 Sep 2008, p.70]

Entourage is officially treading water, and the truth is it was never a great show to begin with.