HBO Sunday Night - 7/19/09

Hung: Episode 3 - "Strange Friends"

Tanya's phone conversation with Lenore toward the end of the episode was filled with sight gags (the pen, the shoplifted dress), revelations (Lenore's admission and motivation), and funny lines that had the writing finally reaching the level of the acting. Even the title of the episode is equally interesting and satisfying. Jane Adams's Tanya is becoming the most fascinating character on TV - her tics, hesitations, stuttering, and gestures (in nearly every scene) cover up just how troubled she is. And Adams nails all of it - she's capable of going head to head with both sensitive and aggressive men. For his part, Thomas Jane continues to slowly unravel his dumb jock character Ray beautifully. (Their "worst pimp ever" scene was another great one). Even Anne Heche finally got a terrific scene - finally reaching her children with a dying, diseased, arthritic dog who really should be put out of its misery. Its the first great episode of the new series. A-

Entourage - Season 6, Episode 2 - Amongst Friends

Unfortunately, Entourage has devolved in some kind of 90210 relationship show, where everyone pairs off and you're supposed to care if E and Turtle will make it work. Even Ari struggles with his best friend (Gary Cole) and his infidelity. The show is still interesting enough (with the quick pans to Lloyd, Turtle and Drama's one-liners) to be working. And the characters are still much more likable than in recent seasons. B