HBO Sunday Night - 8/15/10

Entourage: Tequila and Coke
Season 7, Episode 7

Turtle starts distributing tequila around LA but overextends himself. Vince's downward spiral deepens which creates uncertainty with the powers that be. Billy Walsh has a TV show idea for Drama. And Ari's negotiation with Lizzie (and the NFL) finally reaches a conclusion. Walsh's return to the show has provided a mid-season spark, mostly due to his new moral compass. Jeremy Piven and Kevin Dillon continue their excellent work in their signature roles. They're able to give energy and interest to any line of dialogue. The show is the best place for guest celebrities with no less than Mark Wahlberg, P. Diddy, and Lenny Kravitz in single, brief scenes. I'm glad the NFL thing is over and hope Ms. Ari allows Lizzie to join the Miller-Gold agency. B+

Hung: The Middle East is Complicated
Season 2, Episode 7

Ray clearly shows how little he understands about Mideast politics when his new Lebanese client questions him about his Israeli next door neighbor. A scorned Lenore acts out at a ladies' book club meeting (about Cormac McCarthy's The Road!). A stressed Jessica develops a rash, and Tanya asks for more than advice from Charlie. Ray learning how to relate to women through a political discussion way above his head is an unusually satisfying way to go. One of the season's best lines (from his male neighbor Koontz, who's cheating on his wife with hookers) explains a lot about the show and everything else: "I like my wife more than the hookers. I do. But I like myself when I'm with them." The show remains surprisingly skillful at using questionable behavior to expose universal truths about human nature. B+

PS: Since Ray is forced to choose sides, I guess I will too: Out of respect to the 3000 people who died on 9/11/01 at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists, a mosque should not be built on Ground Zero. Radical Muslims will view it as a victory and it may encourage future attacks. 68-73% of the country thinks along the same lines, Mr. Obama. Not that you care what your constituents think - or want.