ROYAL PAINS: Keeping Divya Busy, Plus Hank Plays Football

This week on Royal Pains the mission was clear: Keep Divya Busy, aka K.D.B. In the wake of her parents cutting her out and cutting her off, Divya is in the depths of despair at Casa Lawson and the boys are concerned.

Hank is distracted by Jill, an old football rivalry, and the case of the week, but he still has a couple of sweet moments with his friend. Evan takes it up a notch or twelve, of course, accompanying Divya on shopping trips for medical supplies and patient appointments. He’s persistent in trying to get her to talk about her parents and what she’s going through, constant in his attempts to “be there” for her. Divya doesn’t appear to appreciate it, but you know deep down she really does. What struck me about all of this is how Paige reacts to Evan’s show of concern.

In the teaser, Evan calls a staff meeting that includes Hank, Jill, and Paige. Divya remains in her room, sleeping, which prompts Evan and Hank to discuss their concern for her. In the background, Paige looks a trifle annoyed that her boyfriend is giving the absent Divya more attention that her. Later in the episode, Evan jumps up from sitting beside Paige to talk to Divya when she arrives, and Paige again has a slight reaction. Evan clearly doesn’t realize how this looks, and he’s still obviously in love with Paige, but I think we’re seeing the seeds of their breakup planted.

Speaking of seeds, Paige has a secret and I don’t think it’s going to bode well for her relationship with Evan. She almost tells Hank what it is, claiming doctor-patient confidentiality, but stupid ethical Hank tells her he wouldn’t feel comfortable keeping something from Evan. Shut up, Hank! Let Paige reveal her secret! (I have a sneaking suspicion she’s pregnant, and not by Evan.)

Jill is once again a generic character. She’s there to hand Hank the equipment he needs to MacGuyver injuries and prove that girls follow football, too, but that’s about it. Either give her a storyline, or send her back to Uruguay.

The case of the week involves Hank’s old college buddy, Ken “Killer” Keller, and his charity football game where rich people get to pay boatloads of money to play with NFL stars, with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (Nice integration of a charitable plug, guys.) There’s an old rivalry in play, accusations of blood doping, a race against time to prevent arm amputation,  some fancy medical improvisation from Hank…you know, the usual. I’m not all that interested in Hank, to be honest. He’s a good doctor, a decent brother, a nice guy, handles emergencies and dramas with admirable calm, and he’s always right. Excellent for real life; dull for television.

Next week: Shiri Appleby guests as the patient of the week, and I hope she gives Jill a run for the money.