Royal Pains Season 8 Episode 4 Review: Doubt of Africa
Christine Orlando
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House Call Hank became Hospital Hank in Royal Pains Season 8 Episode 4, but the transition did not go smoothly.
Actually, having Hank jump back into the ER went much easier than I expected. Hank is a bit of an adrenaline junkie when it comes to medicine, and in that way, the ER suits him.
However, I had to laugh when he ordered cardboard and electrical tape to fix a patient’s heart pump. It’s like he’s the MacGyver of the ER. Is there no problem that Dr. Hank Lawson can’t fix?
But that’s part of the fun of this show; you always know that Hank will save the day. Where other shows can be dark and disturbing, it’s reassuring to know that things will always be sunny in the Hamptons.
Hank’s biggest issue was working with his brother, and there’s always been a respect issue between these two. Evan has come such a long way since Royal Pains Season 1. He wears many hats, both at HankMed and at the hospital, and he’s been successful, in varying degrees, in them all.
Yet, Hank rarely seems to acknowledge that. I think that’s somewhat normal given their brotherly dynamic, but I can understand how it would bug the heck out of Evan.
Evan may have been overly cautious in calling the quarantine on Hans, but that doesn’t mean he was wrong. Even though Hans didn’t have Ebola, Evan still saved him from getting on a plane and having his infection get worse while in flight. Hank never seemed to see that Evan’s actions may have saved Hans’ life.
Jill’s return was both hopeful and disheartening. It was great to see Jill back. Not only have I always enjoyed the character, but I also rooted for her and Hank as a couple.
Obviously, Hank still has feelings for Jill, but is this Royal Pains quote the closest we’ll ever see him get to expressing them?
Jill: I thought you weren't worried about Hans.
Hank: I'm not, but I'm worried about you.
Hank’s obvious jealousy over Hans was wonderfully fun as Jill relayed all of Hans’ heroics in Africa. The man saved entire villages, including the goats! And how does one man react in hearing that another’s name is translated as Dr. Big One?
It was Hank’s dead pan responses that made me laugh, such as when Hans explained how he got the metal plate in his cheek…
Hans: I hit my face on the ice and broke the floor of my eye socket. I was saving my little brother when he fell through.
Hank: Of course you were.
But Hank truly believed that Jill and Hans were a couple. When he found out that Hans was gay just as Jill’s car pulled away, his expression was one of regret and longing. What would he have done differently had he known the truth? Would he have tried to get Jill to stay?
You'll end up where you're suppose to be, what matters is that you're taking the leap.
Jill
Hank seems to be the one character who hasn’t figured out in which direction to take that leap. Let’s hope he figures it out soon.
Back at Hamptons Heritage, Lena and her two brothers returned, much as I expected they would. I’m not sure where this is headed, but I like that Evan is now involved in their story. He brings a different perspective to their plight.
Jeremiah was back and ended up forming a bond with his latest patient, who happened to be his favorite recluse author. I just love Jeremiah and how far he’s come. His reactions to people never fail to make me smile, and I’d love for him to be able to find love. Will he find that with Cindy Green before the series concludes?
Nothing would make me happier.
Check back next week for my review of Royal Pains Season 8 Episode 5, and if you can’t wait to enjoy more fun and sun in the Hamptons, you can watch Royal Pains online here at TV Fanatic.
C. Orlando was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.
