What I’m Watching: Royal Pains

Royal Pains: Season 1, Episode 5 “No Man Is an Island” (B-)

This episode is the first real disappointing installment of this new series, if only because it’s terribly unfocused and features just what Hank describes as unnecessary and extraneous – a vacation from the Hamptons. The setup is speedy and almost hard to keep up with, and all of a sudden Hank and Evan are away from their newfound home and from their precious electronic devices. The constant mistaking of Evan’s name was a funny gimmick which proved worth it once he messed up his own name, seeming not even to care. The various medical emergencies make the show interesting, but sometimes it comes off as a bit too much. Back in the Hamptons, the interaction between Divya and Jill is welcome, since having the supporting characters interact with one another is really a strength for this show. It’s interesting to see how Jill and Hank at this point are so close in terms of a working relationship, since their sexual tension is clearly already very high. My favorite part is Jill’s crazed message, which she’s horrified to find has been sent. Jill and Hank are both likeable, somewhat awkward people who would work together well. My main advice for this newbie show, of course, is to keep things on the mainland. The Hamptons should be full of interesting enough people who don’t have to hop on a plane to get away for the weekend.