Manic Monday (Entourage)

"Manic Monday" is the 37th episode of *Entourage* overall and the fourteenth of its third season. The episode was written by series creator Doug Ellin along with Marc Abrams and Michael Benson, and directed by Julian Farino, a co-executive producer. It aired on HBO on April 22, 2007.

The series follows Vincent Chase, a young A-list movie star, and his friends from Queens as they try to build their careers in Los Angeles. In this episode, Amanda pressures Vince for a decision on the film *Glimpses of the Moon*, while Ari feels his own behavior is changing.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was watched by an estimated 3.63 million households and earned a 2.0/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. Critical reception was mixed; Jeremy Piven’s performance was praised, but other subplots were criticized for lacking progress. Piven won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance in the episode "The Return of the King."

**Plot** Amanda (Carla Gugino) keeps pushing Vince (Adrian Grenier) to accept *Glimpses of the Moon*. When she grows more insistent, Eric (Kevin Connolly) promises an answer by day’s end. The boys read the script and agree the story is boring. Melissa (Perrey Reeves) brings Ari (Jeremy Piven) to therapy, believing his new avoidance of Vince is harming his life. Ari denies this, but later ignores a request from Barbara (Beverly D'Angelo) to fire an employee whose wife left him. Ari interrupts the therapist, Dr. Marcus (Nora Dunn), during her break to ask for help. She suggests he could improve his life with compassion, but Ari wants to return to his old self. He goes back to the office, happily fires the employee, and warns others he will be less tolerant. Vince and Eric dine with Amanda to explain they are passing on the project, upsetting her because she thinks Ari is influencing Vince. Vince compliments Amanda’s looks, surprising her. The boys debate whether Vince should find a new agent, as his relationship with Amanda may be affected. Amanda then calls Vince, asking if he finds her “sexy.” When he says yes, she suggests they have sex to release tension. Vince agrees and leaves to meet her within 20 minutes.

**Production** The episode was written by Doug Ellin, Marc Abrams, and Michael Benson, and directed by Julian Farino.