By Buzz Byrne

Vince (Adrian Grenier) loves director Billy Walsh’s cut of “MEDELLIN;” first-time producer Eric (Kevin Connolly) doesn’t. Billy sends the film to the Cannes Film Festival selection committee all on his own, so Eric makes a move to get Billy fired from the film. Vince spends the afternoon with Dennis Hopper and Drama and Turtle go on a double date. It may seem limiting, but double-dating is all Drama and Turtle should do on this show. They excel at the screwball buffoonery —  especially Kevin Dillon, who will never be able to be taken seriously in a dramatic role again and may have even the same effect on his brother Matt’s career, because their affects are so similar. It’s a perfect combination of goofball role and goofball actor if you can mess up not just your own future, but a family member’s as well.
 
But, the central issue between Eric and Vince over MEDELLIN is complicated, layered and probably too dangerous to really dig into and muck around with, because, ultimately, the show is about being cool, getting with the hottest chick and making a ton of money while getting buzzed with your friends. Does “artistic differences” further any of those ends? Probably not, but we get just a hint of what could be with Vince going below the belt and referencing Eric’s previous career as a pizza parlor manager in the heat of a tiff. This offense is mendable because, at the end of the day, Vince and Eric can look each other in the eye and be honest.

Thankfully, this is not heavy lifting acting-wise, as Grenier and Connolly have shown little spark of being able to do more than what is asked of them in this show. However, this tension highlights the intrinsic conflict between the star and the producer — between the zen smirk and the pragmatist — really between Vince and Eric. It will be a disaster if they get rejected by Cannes, but could they get rejected? For real? It’s a charmed life when someone else is writing it for you.
 
Making a move against Billy was a strong play by Eric. He went to Ari, who directed him to sell the movie and undercut Billy’s agreement to have final cut of the film. Distributor/mogul Harvey re-enters the picture to make a bid. I’m not sure getting another character involved in the selling of MEDELLIN is going to be that much more fun to watch. I’m on record as being down on Billy, and I’m not too thrilled with Harvey. Since it seems they all will be making a trip across the pond together, it sounds like a setup for too many characters and not enough Ari flinging unsatisfactory croissants.
 
The B plot involving Drama and Turtle is raunchy fun — just what an HBO sitcom should have. Drama is looking to finally score with an aging party girl he lusted after in the ‘90s. The always odd-looking Lisa Rinna is perfect as the cougar, as is Colleen Camp, who plays her friend with a predilection for a very specific sexual act. Before the joke gets as old as a rusty trombone, the payoff comes and none of it distracts from the very serious business going on elsewhere. Let’s hope the writers and producers can stay as tightly focused while MEDELLIN emerges. Last week was a good start, and this episode did its job as well.