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June 2009, Cover Stories

Royal Pains?

By Missy Lee   Thu, Jun 04, 2009

USA's newest summer series, Royal Pains premieres tonight.

Royal Pains?

"Royal Pains," centers on young doctor Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein)  who seems to have it all ... thriving career, beautiful girlfriend, and swank NYC apartment. With one fateful and principled decision in the ER, Hank loses it all. Months later, single and blacklisted from the medical community, Hank goes for a weekend in the Hamptons with his brother.

Crashing a party at a mega-mansion on the beach, Hank jumps into action when a guest requires medical attention that only he is able to diagnose. The next morning, Hank is summoned to another mansion…and then another. Hank's career is revived, but in a way he’s not exactly happy about, as he becomes a "doctor for hire" to the rich, famous and infamous.

When the attractive administrator of the local hospital asks him to treat the town's less fortunate, he finds himself walking the line between doing well for himself and doing good for others. The show also stars Jill Flint  and Reshma Shetty . The pilot features guest appearances by Campbell Scott and Christine Ebersole.

What remains to be seen about this modern Dr. Kildare, is how right does the show "get it" with regards to the Hampton's? That place that only the very rich or very famous are asked to play? Is the show authentic in it's portrayal of the elite and their medical needs, their parties and money can buy anything attitudes? And more importantly, do we care?

By Missy Lee

Missy Lee

Missy Lee is the publisher, editor and chief reporter for ILoveTelevision.com. Prior to starting ILoveTelevision.com she worked for TV-Now.com and the late Tony Bray. After living in LA and covering all things entertainmentfor a number of years, she moved back to her home state of Tennessee.

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