Royal Pains - TV Fanatic

Royal Pains Review: Midsummer Dreams

chandel@mediavine.com (C. Charles) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:43:10 EST

HankMed hit the stage on "Bottom's Up," as the team treated a troop of Thespians in town to perform Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Evan made a return to the theater and Paige made a splash with her set designs, making for a once in a lifetime opportunity; while Divya faced Raj for the first time since he dropped the restitution bombshell, opting to involve Van Dyke with surprising results.

Elsewhere, Jack's condition continued to deteriorate. He slipped further into denial of the seriousness of Lupus.

I really enjoyed the pace of this week's episode, especially with the inclusion of a Shakespeare production. It was like acting within acting, and that certainly made for a fun installment.

Evan clearly does have a stage presence, doesn't he? I approve of him following the production to Stratford-Upon-Avon so he can stay with Paige.

It was no surprise he had reservations about it. He just loves Paige so much it's hard to think about not being with her all the time. But what an opportunity for her! She definitely deserved to have her moment. Besides, what is Skype for if not keeping in touch over long distances? These two love birds will be fine.

Speaking of love birds: What did you think of Raj's new beau? Do you buy that he's actually in love with her? In no way am I trying to say I would like to see him and Divya get back together, but casting-wise, I felt like the critic was a little old for Raj.

Each week I get more and more saddened by Jack's story line. He just keeps getting worse and the consequences more heart-wrenching. If he would just get some treatment maybe the progression would slow.

What surprises me is that he chose to bring Jill out on the water with him as he spiraled further into denial. He clearly admires her outlook on life, but I struggle to see where he thinks that relationship is going, or does he just value her as a friend?

Overall it was another solid episode of Royal Pains. Have you ever appeared in a Shakespeare production? Better yet, were you also featured in Midsummer Night's Dream?

Royal Pains Review: Not Dead Yet

chandel@mediavine.com (C. Charles) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:28 EST

Hank's back wasn't the only pain hitting the Hamptons on Royal Pains this week. Egotistical doctors, thieves, drug-induced dreams and even some old faces made an appearance in "My Back to the Future."

I must start by saying that there was nothing funnier than watching Hank struggle with his back pain. The exaggerations, which I am sure amounted to great pain if it was real, could not have been played any better by Mark Feuerstein.

Speaking of which, this was his directorial debut, and it was certainly a great first effort. I do wonder why this episode was chosen for him to direct, though.

In the meantime, the ongoing storyline involving Jack and his Lupus continues to be an important feature in each episode, and the relationship between Hank and Jack has grown significantly into a friendship. I really like seeing these two together on screen, not just as great actors, but as well-written characters.

The repeated references to UFO My Gosh was rather entertaining. I know people who make similar comparisons in real life. I will admit, however, that I did Google to see if it was a real show. I am proud to report that it is not, in fact, a vintage television sitcom with which you should be familiar. This is greatly comforting to me.

That said, it was great to see a One Tree Hill alum making a guest appearance, and while I am not an expert on The CW drama, I will say that I would love to see her again.

As far as Jack is concerned, I'm saddened to see that his health status seems to be degenerating rather quickly. I have a bad feeling there may be a real funeral ahead, not just the one created in Hank's drug tripping head.

I now know why Hank is so resistant to the concept of taking medication. If I had dreams that everyone I knew was going to appear in a coffin (including myself) and condemn me for the death of my co-founded business, I would avoid medications without hesitation.

It was, though, a nice service, with Divya belting out a lovely rendition of Ave Maria, and an internment plot on Boris's estate. I did notice that Boris was not one of those in attendance at the funeral. Could have done without the rabbi texting, but I appreciated the humor. This was a fun way to start out an episode, with a funeral for persons unknown. I was convinced someone would actually end up dead during the course of the episode. But while many opportunities existed, HankMed managed to avert losing a patient... this time.

Will Jack perhaps be the first? I'd rather not dwell on it too much.

Other episode highlights:

Newberg's return to the show.
Evan diagnosing Mrs. Newberg's pains as a case of leaving the seat warmers on in her car.
Evan realizing money isn't everything.
Hank understanding Evan's contingency plan.
Divya saving Floyd's life.
Divya NOT taking Floyd's life after saving it because he destroyed her rare and valuable china.
The slow motion sequence when Evan and Van Dyke got out of the car. So much swag there.

What a packed episode of Royal Pains. What would your funeral be like? As trippy as Hanks, perhaps?

Royal Pains Episode Teaser: "My Back to the Future"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:46:18 EST

Royal pains will cause some serious royal pains for Hank on this Wednesday's episode of Royal Pains.

On an episode directed by Mark Feuerstein, look for Hank's back to act up, forcing him to turn to Dr. Van Dyke for help. Elsewhere, Jack will begin a clinical trial and Divya and Jill will actually come to the aid of a thief who robbed them.

It's an installment Jill Flint described to me as "crazy." Watch the preview for it now:

Royal Pains Promo: "My Back to the Future"

Royal Pains Review: Same Side

chandel@mediavine.com (C. Charles) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:32:46 EST

Hank and Divya treated a rock band whose members fell mysteriously ill, while attempting to navigate their strained relationship in light of the Kassabian incident. Elsewhere, Evan and Paige dealt with some unexpected feelings regarding their upcoming nuptuals. Hank also delivered some bad news to Jack regarding his blood results.

Indeed, "Some Pig" was another plot-packed installment of Royal Pains.

This was a great episode. There was always something happening, whether medical or interpersonal. Hank and Divya facing the aforementioned rock band and its friendship issues paralled with Hank and Divya themselves nicely, while still basking in the glory of the garage-band-trying-to-make-it-big plot line.

At first I was surprised how Hank was reacting to the news that Divya was responsible for incorrectly dispensing steroids to Kassabian. He almost seemed to calm about it... and then he started acting like an overprotective parent when he and Divya treated the members of Some Pig.

The way their conflict was handled felt very natural to me. It was easy to tell that each of them were acting out of hurt. Homer was right, they are really good friends. Sometimes you forget that aspect of their relationship extends beyond Doctor and PA. Not that it should be a main focus of the show, but it's nice to revisit that fact in some shape or form.

They have always been on the same side, and that concept should extend to every aspect of their relationship, even in their mistakes. Hank knows exactly what its like to be told he made a mistake and ostracized for his decisionmaking skills. It only seems fair that he give some grace to Divya.

Despite Jill Flint making it clear we'd be seeing more of her this season, I still find myself surprised to see Jill still hanging around, though her words consoling Jack about "not everyone gets to live their dreams, not even for a moment" made me think that it's going to be a lot harder for her to leave than I might have originally been willing to accept.

It was very cute to see Paige and Evan having some fun this week in their relationship. Evan's stress rashes are a rather endearing trait, and on this issue I agree with Paige wholeheartedly. At first I believed that it would be a small allergic reaction to the dogs sleeping in bed with Evan, something he wasn't used to. I was surprised to find that it was left simply at kissing bugs. Am I the only one not to know these things existed? I suppose I expected more conflict when it came to the rash. It's all a matter of writer choices.

Once again, Evan delivered a great little speech to Paige that she can confide in him about her jitters, that that is a function he serves in her life. All men need to say this to their girlfriends. To be comforted is all we really want sometimes.

When it came to Jack being diagnosed with Lupus, I was glad they appraoched the autoimmune disease, as someone very near and dear to my heart struggles with it daily. It doesn't necessarily get as much attention as perhaps cancer does, but it's just as incurable. It also seems like Jack will continue to be a big part of this second half of the season, and I'm eager to see the treatment process, bringing more awareness to Lupus.

Royal Pains really hit its stride this week in terms of character development. I'm excited to see how this bodes for the rest of season 3.5.

Jill Flint Interview: Royal Relationship Tests to Come

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:20:46 EST

Dry your eyes, Royal Pains viewers. Yes, Jill broke up with Hank on last Wednesday's winter premiere - but, no, we won't be seeing her touch down in Uruguay any time too soon.

In fact, we'll be getting to know this character even better over the next few weeks, Jill Flint told me over the phone.

"You'll start to meet some of Jill's family," the actress said. She had to make a decision with Hank because it wasn't fair to continue in a relationship with him. But they remain colleagues and, of course, will always be friends."

So, with Jill grounded in the Hamptons, what can we expect from her over the next couple episodes?

Star Mark Feuerstein actually directed his first installment of the series and it will air on February 1. Flint said it will feature Jill and Divya finding themselves in a few crazy positions.

"There's a high speed chase, a bug extraction, an impalement, dream sequences. Mark was not given an easy task with this one, but he did a great job."

Viewers can also look forward to a "moment between Jack and Jill," as Flint described it, though she was also quick to clarify:

"It's obvious the two of them do like each other. But I don't foresee Jill completely running off with Jack when she just broke up with the man she's absolutely crazy about."

Overall, Hank and Jill aren't the only two who will face obstacles. With just a few episodes remaining until Royal Pains says goodbye until the summer, the actress teased:

"Every single relationship will be teased in some way, shape or form. People will have to take a moment, stop and really look at themselves to figure out what they want."

Royal Pains Review: Saving Lives, Saving Face

chandel@mediavine.com (C. Charles) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:07 EST

Hank accused Dr. Van Dyke of delivering a near lethal dose of steroids to Eric Casabian, Divya dealt with fallout, Jill reevaluated her relationship with Hank and Paige made a surprising offer to Evan.

Indeed, Royal Pains delivered a loaded winter premiere with "A Farewell to Barnes."

When the summer season ended, it was unclear whether Eric Casabian would even make it to this episode, after Divya administered a lethal dose of steroids to the diabetic patient. She had been playing a dangerous game that left her too tired to do either her clinic job or her position with HankMed well, which culminated in the midseason finale.

I don't think we've ever seen Hank so combative, especially with a fellow medical professional. Then again, I would have railed on Dr. Van Dyke if I thought he was the one responsible for nearly killing my patient. Unfortunately, it's more complicated than that, given that Divya was square in the middle of the controversy, having ties with both men as her superior.

While Van Dyke handled it like a professional, no doubt the stakes will be a lot higher when it comes to how Hank deals with the deceit, especially since he places so much responsibility when it comes to patients in Divya's hands.

It's bad enough her life was starting falling apart at the same time her engagement ended, but does this at least mean that the only way is up for Divya going forward?

That sure seems to be the case for our happy re-engaged couple of Evan and Paige. Who knew that the General would give his blessing only to withdraw it? More shocking was Paige's declaration that they weren't taking cues from him anymore. About darn time!

Unfortunately, at the same time things were getting better for some, they were getting worse for others: Enter Hank and Jill.

I have always been perplexed by the on-again off-again nature of their relationship, and as much as I think this relationship should have gone officially off, I couldn't help but get a glimpse into why we love Jank so much: They really do love each other. If the graphic above doesn't stand alone as some evidence of that, then I'm truly blind.

With only six episodes left this season, it's going to be a busy season 3.5!

How do you think Hank will react to Divya's news? Is this the end of HankMed as we know it? Sound off below!

Royal Pains Giveaway: DVDs, Gift Card!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:28:36 EST

Royal Pains returns on Wednesday night for the back half of season three, and we're joining forces with USA to bring fans a fun giveaway in honor of the winter premiere.

By following the simple steps below, TV Fanatics will have a chance to win a prize pack valued at $200 that is comprised of:

Season 1 DVD
Season 2 DVD
Season 3 Vol. 1 DVD
A $100 Lacoste Gift Card

Here's how you enter:

Give Evan promotional advice by pondering this question: With what item(s) should Evan promote HankMed?
Leave a Comment below with your answer(s).

That's it! Contest is open to U.S. residents only and we'll select a winner on Friday, January 20.

Also of note: Star Mark Feuerstien will be in NYC on Wednesday, signing copies of the Royal Pains novel "Sick Rich" at the NBC Experience store at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The first 150 fans in attendance will qualify to win a free copy of the book. Follow #MeetMark and #RoyalPains for details.

UPDATE: We have a winner! User "tracey byram" cracked us up with her simple response: HANK-erchiefs. We love it! Tracey, send your mailing address to matt@tvfanatic.com and we'll get the prize to you ASAP!

Thank you to all for participating and be on the lookout for more contests in the near future.

Royal Pains Sneak Peeks: What's Ahead?

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:18:32 EST

Allow us to speak for all Royal Pains viewers when we say: finally!

This beloved USA hit will return with the back half of season three on January 18, airing a winter premiere titled "A Farewell to Barnes." Look for Hank to clash with Dr. Van Dyke on the episode, while also keeping an eye on an ill party planner. Elsewhere, Paige will make an offer to Evan. An unconventional offer at that.

For a longer look at what's ahead, check out the extended promo below, which depicts footage from various installments to come:

Royal Pains Season 3 Footage

Royal Pains Return Promo: The Vacation is Over

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:14 EST

HankMed has been on vacation for a few months.

But we hope Hank, Evan, Divya, Jill and company enjoyed that time off... because Royal Pains will return to USA on Wednesday night, January 18.

What can fans expect from the network's highest-rated series? Watch the following promo now and get ready for summer in the winter Hamptons-style!

Royal Pains Winter Premiere Preview

USA Sets Premiere Dates for White Collar, Royal Pains

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:56:59 EST

USA has unveiled the return dates for two favorites, along with the premiere date of a new series that looks to fit in perfectly with the network's light-hearted buddy theme.

First, White Collar will continue its third season at 10 p.m. on January 17.

The next night, at the same time, Royal Pains will resume its Hamptons shenanigans.

Finally, Common Law - which stars Michael Ealy and Warren Kole as partners who are ordered to undergo couples' counseling - will debut on Thursday night, January 26. Check out the official USA promo for the upcoming series now:

Common Law Promo