A Medical Mistake, A Returning Golf Pro and A Divorce Party. Spoiler-Free Advance Review: Royal Pains – “A Farewell to Barnes”

Advance Review: Royal Pains, Season 3, Episode 11 – “A Farewell to Barnes”

Air Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

Before Royal Pains went on hiatus, Dr. Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) found patient Eric Kassabian (guest star Wilmer Valderrama) unconscious after being given the wrong medicine; Paige’s (guest star Brooke D’Orsay) mom sought treatment for her depression thanks to Hank; and the General, aka Paige’s father (guest star Bob Gunton), finally understood the toll his wife’s illness took on Paige and Evan.

A Medical Mistake, A Returning Golf Pro and A Divorce Party. Spoiler-Free Advance Review: Royal Pains – “A Farewell to Barnes” 1

Evan, Hank and Jill meet the divorce party greeter (Kearran Giovanni)

What Hank didn’t know at the time (although we did) was Divya (Reshma Shetty), not Dr. Paul Van Dyke (Kyle Howard), was responsible for giving Eric a medication that was contraindicated due to her exhaustion from juggling two jobs. But what Hank seems to forget is anyone can make a mistake, which is strange considering a similar, albeit worse, mistake is what sent him to the Hamptons in the first place. Tom Cavanagh (Ed, Love Monkey) reprises his role as Jack O’Malley, professional golfer and HankMed client. After being treated and cured by Hank for a previous medical condition, Jack is now seeking him out to do a physical as requested by his sponsors for the professional golf tour. Jill Casey (Jill Flint), administrator of Hamptons Heritage, must deal with Divya’s mistake, and make a decision about her relationship with Hank. She has the job of a lifetime waiting for her in Uruguay. And, of course, Evan (Paulo Costanzo) still seeks the General’s approval to marry Paige.

“Return to the Barnes,” while a good episode, isn’t the usual exciting fare we’ve come to expect from Royal Pains. To me, it’s more of a filler episode used to wrap up the previous half of the season while setting up the remainder of the season. Hank doesn’t use any McGyver-type skills at all to diagnose event planner Lucy’s (Kathleen Rose Perkins) problem, which is a huge disappointment. I love when Hank uses whatever is handy to help diagnose an illness or save a life.

A Medical Mistake, A Returning Golf Pro and A Divorce Party. Spoiler-Free Advance Review: Royal Pains – “A Farewell to Barnes” 2

Jill and Hank have a serious conversation

The title of the episode relates to the elaborate affair being held to celebrate a high profile divorce, which Lucy has been hired to coordinate. Lucy is a bright spot throughout the episode and I have to give Perkins kudos for her fine acting skills. She’s not only bright, energetic, and funny but she portrays a woman in the midst of a panic attack like no other. Perhaps the best part of the divorce party, however, is the minister (guest star Mo Rocca). One of his lines had me laughing out loud. “By the power vested in me by some random website, I now pronounce you ex-husband and ex-wife. You may now kiss other people.”

Actually, there is a fair amount of humor in this episode, which is what keeps me from rating it less than four stars. Some of my favorite lines include:

Evan, seeking Hank’s advice on which color shirt to wear: “Pink or yellow?”

Hank: “Hmm, yellow.”

Evan: “Thank you! So pink it is.”

Lucy, inviting Hank to the Barnes’ divorce party: “You can have a plus one.”

Hank: “Can I have a plus more than one?”

Lucy: “Sure. So you’re Mormon!”

A Medical Mistake, A Returning Golf Pro and A Divorce Party. Spoiler-Free Advance Review: Royal Pains – “A Farewell to Barnes” 3

Paige and Evan having fun dancing at the party

There is also a fair amount of character growth in “A Farewell to Barnes,” which is something I like to see in a series that has lasted longer than one or two seasons. Both Evan and Paige come to terms with what her father thinks about their relationship, and Paige is instrumental in bringing Hank and Evan even closer than they were before. I must say the expression on D’Orsay’s face is so tender and loving as Paige looks at Evan, it’s difficult to realize she’s acting. It is one of the most genuine expressions of love and admiration I’ve seen in quite a while.

Royal Pains returns on a new day and time on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10/9c only on USA. And in case you don’t know, I’m happy to report Royal Pains has been renewed for a fourth season, with production set to begin in New York in 2012.

Follow Royal Pains on Twitter @royalpains_usa. Become a fan of the show on Facebook and watch full episodes at the show’s official website.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!