The penultimate episode of the fourth season of Royal Pains was as stuffed as the turkey served by your grandmother on Thanksgiving. One of the few complaints I’ve had this season is that the writers haven’t had Boris around as much … especially since actor Campbell Scott has been promoted to a series regular. Well, it seems that they were saving him until the end to help wrap things up this season. No worries.
In this eventful installment, Boris requested Hank’s help with his sick friend Dimitri. The two had to travel overseas in secret, but were able to put aside their differences after having a major falling out a few episodes ago. In all honesty, I wasn’t really intrigued by this particular plot, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to see Boris around again. You see, Boris adds a touch of intrigue and mystery to Royal Pains. Having said that, maybe it’s good that he doesn’t appear in every episode. I guess it goes with the whole enigmatic vibe.
So, since Boris appears sporadically, may I nominate Jeremiah to fill the void? I don’t think it’s a secret that Jeremiah is my new favorite character. He fits in so well with HankMed, and I’m intrigued by his crush on Divya. I’m certainly hoping that he comes out and tells her that he likes her. Judging by the previews for next week, Divya may be able to use his lovin’. It looks like her new main squeeze may be two-timing her. This boggles me. Who the hell would cheat on someone as gorgeous as Divya? That’s about as nonsensical as Eric Benet cheating on Halle Berry. I’m just sayin’.
It was nice seeing Divya back in the medical world in this episode. To be honest, I was getting a little tired of seeing her fawn over the horse rider. Granted, he is charming and it was something different, but Divya works best when she’s lending her smarts to Hank and Evan. I liked seeing her and Jeremiah team up to tackle the dilemma surrounding a pharmaceutical saleswoman who had a major sleeping problem. However, she wasn’t the only one with issues.
Paige seemed to have her own. We didn’t learn whether or not guest star Rosanna Arquette is her real mother or not. We’ll find that out in the season finale next week, but I think it’s safe to assume that she’s the real deal. I’ve really enjoyed Paige and Evan this season. It’s nice seeing how the writers have given Paige her own storyline. I’ve enjoyed it as much as I have Jeremiah’s — well, almost.
One storyline that could use a bit more work is Hank and Harper. I like Harper. That chick is easy on the eyes, but, well, I just can’t bring myself to care about her. I think it’s obvious that they are heading to heartache. Relationships for Hank don’t seem to work. Maybe it’s because he rushes. I really want Hank and Harper to work … but maybe they need to slow down. That’s just my opinion.
And that does it, folks! Next week is the season finale! Is it just me or did this fourth season fly by? So, will Divya and Jeremiah ever hook up? Will Hank and Harper stay together? What does Boris have up his sleeve? Share your thoughts!
Clacked by Jaylen Christie 
on Sep 12, 2012 @ 23:06 EST5EDT
Well I am so glad I gave this show up. The writers lied. Said we would see Jill this season. But guess what? 1 more episode to go and NO sign of Jill. So yeah. Did you REALLY think Harper would stick around? Don’t you know by now that the writers are never going to let Hank be happy? They had him with Jill, they were good together and then they canned her. So if you think Harper is staying around, you are kidding yourself.
I caught the pilot and a couple initial episodes of Royal Pains during its first season. But, it didn’t impress me as well-written or cohesive. It tended to go the stereotypical flat route for all of the characters save Divya.
However, I started re-watching it again and the rough spots all appeared smoothed out. While I liked the idea of a smart intelligent brunette female doctor, I disliked that Jill had ‘love interest’ stamped all over her in season 1. But, in season 4, in A Guesthouse Divided, I loved her scene with Divya in the beginning. The actress/character seemed so relaxed and open. I didn’t want Jill back as a love interest for Hank, but as a friend for Divya.
I know Kat Foster’s supposed to be the new Jill, but she doesn’t do it for me as a love interest. The show keeps pushing Hank’s heterosexual pairings but we never get natural chemistry between Hank and the lady of the week. So, why keep forcing it? Also, outside of Divya, most of the longterm female characters introduced work primarily as girlfriends of the male characters. Maybe the show should stop trying to write Hank’s next girlfriend and should start writing HankMed’s next female doctor.
And, if we must have a love interest, please bring back the translator ;)
*POST AUTHOR*
An, wow! You broke it down beautifully! Yes, all of the women, with the exception of Divya, are merely love interests… even Paige for that matter. I like when they turned Jill into Divya’s ally last season. That was pretty nice. However, I have noticed that the writers are striving to give Paige a bit more to do. I am loving her adoption plot, and in the last episode, she served as Hank’s assistant in a medical case. Awesome!
In regards to Hank and his many flings, you’re right. It does feel forced and not natural. I like Harper, but something with them seems off. To be honest, Hank and Jill seemed a little off. Evan and Paige seem rather natural. Maybe Hank is gay or a-sexual. Now, THAT would be a twist!
Here is a wacky idea. Hank flits from women to women cause he really has a man crush in Boris. Boris is the successful father/brother that Hank never had. Hank owes his Hamptons success to Boris and is at his beck and call. When Boris doesn’t need him, Hank dallies with whom ever finds him charming knowing it won’t get serious because soon Boris will need him again. Hey, just a possible explanation is all.
*POST AUTHOR*
I like that idea… but Boris isn’t around that much for it to work. Hank just needs to be single and focus on his patients. LOL Or hook Hank up with Divya!
Hank/Divya (Haya, Dink?) is sure to be a plot in season 7. Hank, “…and all this time, you where right there in front if me.” *SIGH* [cue sappy music] “Sorry, its Boris, I have to get this.” and scene. lol
I watch the show to see Campbell Scott as Boris. The show has become so formula ridden (someone comes to the Hamptons, gets a weird illness, Hank has to do something unorthodox to save the patient, patient lives). Boris interjects some intrigue to the show and they should give him his own show and develop his character more.
I said the same thing to my wife the other night, Jeremiah is definitely my favorite character lately. I really did not like him in the beginning of this season but needless to say he’s definitely grown on me.
Wrong email address first time. Reposted.
I said the same thing to my wife the other night, Jeremiah is definitely my favorite character lately. I really did not like him in the beginning of this season but needless to say he’s definitely grown on me.
I like Boris. But a little goes a long way. And they are OVERDOING It right now. I mean really. Explosions, gunfire? What is this? Burn Notice? I watch this show to relax but lately I just can’t watch this show. Getting rid of Jill and making Boris and Paige full time has killed the show for me and based on what I have been seeing many fans are starting to say the time.