Secrets have
no place in HankMed’s concierge organization. Or they don’t where its doctor,
Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) is concerned. Following the near death of one of
his wealthy Hampton clients, Hank is furious to find out he was prescribed the
wrong medication by someone at Hampton’s hospital. And he knows who it was:
Hampton’s cocky Dr. Van Dyke (Kyle Howard). Fortunately, Hank finds the patient
in time to rush him to the hospital but for one of his staff members, the
trouble has just begun. Physicians’ Assistant Divya (Reshma Shetty) has had to
earn money wherever she can. After a botched arranged marriage by her wealthy
and traditional British parents, Divya took a job at Hampton’s Heritage in
order to pay back the money her fiancé’s family demands and threatened to sue
her for. Her father has cut her off completely which means Divya has not only
had to earn her own living but also rent her own place – for the first time in
her life, she has to earn a paycheck instead of working because she wants to.
Learning that her fatigue caused this horrible accident, Divya takes
responsibility but how will her double life – and dishonesty affect her
relationship with Hank? And will she
still have a place working for HankMed?
Younger
brother Evan Lawson (Paulo Costanzo) is coming to terms with his brother not
disclosing the illness of his fiancée’s mother. Paige (Brooke D’Orsay) asked
Hank’s professional opinion about her mother’s failing health, a conversation
that Hank cannot reveal to anyone – brother or not and it drove a wedge between
the brothers. Now with the fall-out from that, HankMed is already is a
precarious position but Hank has learned that his little brother has a lot of
good ideas to grow the business – it is about time he took them seriously. Just
when things seem to be getting back to normal, Hanks golf pro friend, Jack (Tom
Cavanaugh) takes a bad turn and his girlfriend Jill (Jill Flint) decides things
between them has to end. HankMed has some serious ‘healing’ to do.
Medical
dramas are not my “thing,” usually they are far too much like a soap opera for
my tastes but I’ve fallen in love with this breezy, happy-go-lucky show. It is
flawed and has caused me to question it a time or two but most of the time, it
delights more than disappoints. The writing is sharp without being crude
(usually) and the embedded mysteries keep getting more fun. (If that is
possible!) Not something that will challenge our intellect, Royal Pains is a great form of summer
escapism that sparkles with personality in more ways than one. The fact that
this takes place in the beautiful Hamptons only adds to the beauty of this
show’s backdrop – I have never been but the filming sure has tempted me to one
day visit. The beach scenery is breathtaking and the architecture always
overwhelming but stunning. Consisting of a mere six episodes, this second
volume is more focused on one HankMed patient than multiple cases.
Tom
Cavanaugh wasn’t credited as a “main” character but he plays a big part this
go-round both to Hank’s feeling of worth as a medical professional… and as a
friend. For the first time, I think these installments open some of the most
personal floodgates for the brothers Lawson. Hank because he doubts his
abilities in his profession (again!) and Evan because he seems more concerned
with growing the business than seeing that the patients receive the best care
humanly possible (again!). There is a moment when we think he finally “gets” it
but by season end, he is again recklessly diving into something he shouldn’t
be. It is a gag that may have run its course considering this isn’t the first
time Evan thinks he could know better than a doctor. This all plays into the
finale and isn’t one that is all that pleasant for those of us who don’t like
to see such division between our favorite pair of fictional brothers.
As always
the characters are great fun and I must give props to the writers for
continuing to deepen Paige and Evan’s already adorable relationship. Seeing how
sweet their romance is and how well I love it makes me realize that I am
getting tired of the back-and-forth between Jill and Hank – either split them
up for good or keep them together adding in tension and conflict whenever
appropriate. It is wearing very thin.
I also miss Adam, the guy Divya felt guilty about possibly being the
one-that-got-away prior to her called-off engagement – I’d sure love to see
writer’s bring his character back because now that she is unattached, she
deserves to be happy. Everything about these episodes make great additions to a
fun, witty, crowd–pleaser of show. Its finale begs for a quick resolution to
the tension and its characters – although sometimes ‘royal pains’ themselves, keep
us laughing at their antics.
(Content
concerns: Medical terms are discussed – sometimes delicately, others times in
more detail. Evan and Paige are shown in bed together [clothed] as they live
together for a period of time. There is some suggestive dialogue and language
includes sh*t, GD and other mild profanities. The show is rated TV14.)
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