Entourage (Entourage episode)

The pilot episode of *Entourage*, which shares its name with the series, debuted on HBO on July 18, 2004. Doug Ellin wrote it, and David Frankel directed it. Critics received it well, and it earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.

The story begins with Turtle entering a restaurant, greeting every woman by name. He asks Vince to sign a poster for *Head On*, his new film with Jessica Alba, as a favor for the woman who supplies their Nike shoes. The group discusses how bad promotional photos can ruin an actor’s career, then Turtle harasses two attractive women passing by. They debate attending their high school reunion in New York and express disapproval of Eric’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, Kristen.

At the *Head On* premiere, Johnny “Drama” tries to exit the limo before Vince. On the red carpet, Eric sends Turtle to ensure Ali Larter isn’t seated near Vince. A photographer recognizes Drama but can’t place him. Eric reminds Vince to pose with Alan, the film’s financier. Ari pressures Eric to make Vince read the script for *Matterhorn*, a buddy cop movie set in Disneyland, offering Lakers tickets as incentive. Turtle interrupts to say he’s arranged a “revenge fuck” who resembles Kristen. Ali Larter approaches, annoyed, and aggressively questions Eric about Vince’s whereabouts, implying a past relationship.

Back at the house, the guys host a pool party. The next morning, Drama and Turtle brag about their sexual conquests and try to get Eric to share details. Vince admits he never read the *Head On* script and didn’t know the killer until seeing the film. Eric says *Matterhorn* sucks, and Vince trusts his judgment.

At Warner Brothers, the group meets the *Matterhorn* director. On the way, Turtle mentions getting a Rottweiler named Arnold from Black Hack. Drama is revealed as Vince’s half-brother; Vince and Turtle originally moved to Hollywood to follow Drama. They exchange greetings with Mark Wahlberg.

After the meeting, Ari calls to say the director wants Vince for $4 million. Vince asks Eric’s opinion; Eric says it’s time to read the script. While Vince reads, the others hit golf balls toward neighbors’ houses, targeting actors like Pierce Brosnan, then switch to basketball. Vince finishes and agrees the script is bad, but the money is tempting.

Vince tells Ari about Eric’s opinion.