"Lines are for the Citiots."

Let me first preface this post by saying that I have seen the "Pilot" episode of Royal Pains more times than I care to admit. Thanks to USA, iTunes and the release of the DVDs, I've had the ability to see it as many times as I have wished. And it remains my favorite episode of Royal Pains to date. It runs more like a movie than a television show.

I mentioned in a previous post that I would review the Season One eposides of Royal Pains and I have decided to do that each Sunday. So let's get to it.

Here's what happened:
A beautiful day and a bunch of guys playing basketball in New York City. One of the players collapses and we meet the protaginist of the show, Hank Lawson, M.D. He manages to stabilize the guy with whatever he can find and gets him to the hospital. While he is tending to the basketball player, a wealthy hospital benefactor, Mr. Gardner comes in to the ER, having a heart attack. Hank treats Mr. Gardner and heads back to work on the basketball player, who isn't doing so well. The hospital administrator is extremely displeased.

Opening titles, some jazzy music and more aerial shots of New York City, and we meet Hank's fiancee Nikki when he meets her for dinner. They head home for some lovin', skipping dinner. Hank then gets the phone call that changes his life. Mr. Gardner died and he is being held responsible. He is fired. His downward spiral into depression and financial ruin begin. He's up to his eyeballs in lawsuits and Nikki has left him.

Enter Evan, Hank's younger brother. Evan talks Hank into going to a Memorial Day weekend party in the Hamptons (using two of the best reasons I think I've ever heard: "You're out of booze and 2. Netflix froze your account."). Evan and Hank set off. After Evan lies his pants off, the two brothers find themselves at a huge party in a palatial estate. Surrounded by the wealthy and women who are only interested in how many planes he owns, Hank starts to look a little downtrodden. His moment comes when he catches the eye of Boris, who's estate he's partycrashed, after he saves a wealthy partygoer.

Hank then saves a sixteen year old hemophiliac. His name has been spread around the Hamptons as the new concierge doctor. He finds himself with a Physician Assistant, Divya and a potential friend/love interest in the local hospital administrator, Jill. But he's still not sure if this what he is meant to do. After a discussion with Jill and a long walk on the beach, Hank makes his decision. He contacts Boris and he and Evan move into Boris' guest house to start a new chapter in their lives.

Here's what I think:
Everything just seems to fall into place for this pilot. It is very well-cast, the cinematography is gorgeous and the music is spot-on. The characters are interesting and you want to see what will happen with them in the future. The writing is excellent; witty and smart.

I wish there were one thing that they could have done to make this episode even better. Leave in the deleted scene where Evan convinces Hank to stay in the Hamptons. It's a bonus feature on the DVDs and it really sheds light on the character's backstory and the bond they share. Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Costanzo, despite this being the first episode, are pitch perfect as brothers. Their chemistry is evident from the first time Evan walks into Hank's apartment.

I can't say much for either Jill or Divya in this episode. Jill is understanding and clearly shares Hank's morals and ideals, but she just doesn't say or do anything ground-breaking. Divya has the potential to be an interesting character, but isn't really given a chance in this episode. As most pilots are, it's introductory. Glimpses of what characters will become and how they will act.

As the season progresses, as a woman, I do take exception to the way that some female characters are written. But not in this episode. This episode is about Hank, and that's who it should be about.

The idea that Hank can take everyday objects, like a Bic pen and sandwich baggie and save a person's life  is pretty fantatsic. Royal Pains is not your typical medical drama and the idea that Hank can save lives without a hospital and conventional medicine sets it apart.

So, needless to say I was sucked in starting at episode one. And I was not disappointed. The show has grown and the characters have evolved so much since the pilot episode.

Anyone out there reading this, what did you think of the pilot episode of Royal pains? Did you enjoy it? Did you hate it?

Here's some other stuff:

Best song of the episode: "Ain't No Love in the Club" - The Wylde Bunch. Because let's face it; this song is awesome. It plays when Hank and Evan are rolling up to Shadow Pond, Boris' estate.

Best quote of the episode: This one was hard but I'm going with -
Evan: Hey. Ok, how do I look?
Hank: You look like an Olympic swimmer from Queeristan.
Evan: Is that a good, or a bad thing?

Best location in the episode: Without a doubt, Oheka Castle. It is absolutely beautiful. Seriously.

And on that note, this concludes the first review for Royal Pains. Until next week. Have a great week everyone!

Note: Please bear with me while I find a feel for these reviews and posts. This is my first shot at blogging. I'm still trying to find my voice and style.