'Entourage' is back for atypical fall berth ... Other shows of note

The players of "Entourage" -- usually the boys of summer -- are back for an atypical fall berth (10 p.m. EDT Sunday, HBO).The Emmy-winning series hasn't been around with new episodes for almost a year. But the story has only moved about six months ahead since we last saw these characters.Reeling from the disastrous screening of his art-house film "Medellin," Vince (Adrian Grenier) retreats to a hideaway beach, where he's just as fine not to be acting. He's grown a beard and is being quite social with the ladies.But Vince hasn't totally cut ties with the real world. He has best pal Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) at his side, most of the time.Back in Hollywood, Ari (Jeremy Piven) and Eric (Kevin Connolly) are fretting over the state of the MIA Vince's career -- or lack thereof. With few offers coming in, Vince seems to be headed toward a career tumble from which he cannot turn back.To save their friend's acting career, Ari and Eric must set aside their differences. That's not easy, and usually it's Eric making compromises and enduring Ari's acid tongue.Meanwhile, Drama (Kevin Dillon) has his own problems. His ego gets out of control at a picture shoot for his hit series, and his new French girlfriend is a little too demanding. Every night, they sit in front of their computer screens and make puppy eyes at each other.Following four seasons of fame and glamour in Vince's life, "Entourage" is starting to consider the reverse side -- the downslide of a successful film star.Other highlights for the week of Sept. 7-13 (all times EDT; listings subject to change; check local listings):SUNDAY-- "True Blood" (9 p.m., HBO). Vampires walk the earth and demand equal rights or at least a nice coffin.-- "Video Music Awards" (9 p.m., MTV). Comic Russell Brand will host, with a lineup that includes everybody from Kid Rock to the Jonas Brothers.-- "Sandhogs" (10 p.m., History). Guys who work underneath New York City come up for air in this profile of their dangerous work.MONDAY-- "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (8 p.m., Fox). Sarah and her son endure more threats from the future as the second season begins.-- "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" (9 p.m., ABC). Julianne Hough trades her dancing shoes for a microphone and a steel guitar for this special profiling of Nashville's huge country-music festival.TUESDAY-- "Privileged" (9 p.m., CW). A 23-year-old nanny (JoAnna Garcia) bites off more than she can chew when she takes charge of rich brats.WEDNESDAY-- "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" (10 p.m., MTV). Twenty former MTV reality-show personalities are dumped off in Panama without any luxuries.THURSDAY-- "102 Minutes That Changed America" (9 p.m., History). A detailed look at the terrorist attacks upon the seventh anniversary.FRIDAY-- "Gym Teacher: The Movie" (8 p.m., Nickelodeon). A humiliated instructor (Chris Meloni) gets a shot at Gym Teacher of the Year.-- "Dogtown" (10 p.m., National Geographic Channel). The popular dog series barks up a new tree at this day and time.SATURDAY-- "Coco Chanel" (8 p.m., Lifetime). Shirley MacLaine plays the couturier in this biopic.(E-mail Terry Morrow of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at morrow2(at)knews.com.)