Well, I called it, didn’t I? Two weeks ago, I mentioned in my first Royal Pains review of the new season that I thought Jill would be leaving the show, and, well, it turns out that she is. Now, isn’t that something! I must admit that I’m not particularly surprised. I’ve always felt that the character Jill Casey never really was utilized to her fullest potential. They had an idea on how to use her in season one, but then after that, she became wallpaper. It just seemed as if the writers never knew what to do with her. That’s sad.
For those of you who read my reviews last season, you’ll know that it’s something I complained about. I thought she deserved more. Here’s hoping that actress Jill Flint finds something worthwhile. Despite the fact that I had a feeling that Jill would be written off, I was a little sad to actually see her go off to Africa. The way that they wrapped up her storyline was very nice, but it was still bittersweet — especially when you consider that she left Hank without a goodbye. If you ask me, he may have benefited from getting a final hug from her … because he damn sure wasn’t on the receiving end of any kind of love or brotherly affection from Evan.
While some fans have been complaining about this new dynamic between Hank and Evan dividing HankMed, I’m still enjoying it. I like the fresh new element that it adds to the show. I got a real kick out of seeing Divya try to mess with their professional lives in order for them to reunite. I also enjoyed seeing more of Evan’s doctor employee, Jeremiah. When he bluntly stated that his patient was morbidly obese, I snickered … like the candy bar. Womp womp. Anyway, Divya’s scheme didn’t work … but it did lead to one hell of a fun cliffhanger: she alerted their father, Eddie.
It’ll be nice seeing good ole Henry Winkler back in the Hamptons. I always enjoyed his chemistry with Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Constanzo. Also, while I’m at it, I liked seeing Paige back as well. I wish she would have given Divya more of a helping hand in messing with Evan’s plans as opposed to being simply restricted to the kitchen. So, is she Jill’s replacement as the new second female lead of the series? I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. Quite frankly, I’d be cool with the show just centering on Hank, Evan and Divya. After all, that’s pretty much how season three was.
So, what do you guys think? Have we really seen the last of Jill? Are you sad that she is gone? Are you looking forward to seeing more Paige? Are you excited about the return of Hank’s dad? Will Hank and Evan ever put aside their differences? How do you feel about season four so far? I really want to know your answers. To that end, sound off in the comments below!
Clacked by Jaylen Christie 
on Jun 21, 2012 @ 08:36 EST5EDT
I don’t like it that Jill is gone. I loved the Hank and Jill characters together.
That was one-hell of a lame, The Killing-style fake out with Jill’s job. If the only point of the ploy was to serve as a minor plot point in Divya’s scheme to reunite the brothers, which failed, then The Killing may have to relinquish its crown for horrible writing.
I know I loudly said she’d stay, largely because they’ve been teasing her departure for a long time now, so I admit I’m wrong. But the whole enterprise just seemed weak.
Here’s to hoping season 5 reboots the whole thing because the writers have surely lost the plot.
*POST AUTHOR*
I’ll admit that the fake out was kind of odd. I didn’t understand why the writers did it, but oh well. I did enjoy seeing Jill get a decent amount of screentime in these past few episodes. I’m sure she’ll pop back up again. If you were given a chance to improve the show, what would you do?
I never would have gone down the road of the two brothers fighting like this. The problem is they’ve done most of the major story ideas, but never really followed through. They had the mean hospital administrator, the conniving rival, even the out-of-nowhere conflict between Boris and Eddie R. Lawson with an IRS problem mixed in.
I would have had Hank take over and run an in-patient clinic while maintaining HankMed on the side, that way you can integrate more doctors in the clinic — giving you other patient-of-the-week storylines — while also letting him interact with either new or legacy concierge patients. This would also give the writers and opportunity to explore some of the season 1 themes about the divergence between the 1% and 99% in the Hamptons, how the locals live versus the weekenders/summerers.
If they wanted an overarching theme for the season, how does Hank balance his desire to be completely available to one set of patients at the expense of the other ones, what strain that might put on Evan’s desire to grow the business, etc.
What’s mostly puzzling is that Boris, Yalitza and the baby aren’t even mentioned. I know Boris is an international man of mystery, but the stuff at the end of last season hasn’t been mentioned at all. Obviously, in real life the actor was shooting scenes for the new Spider-Man movie, but it’s just odd.
*POST AUTHOR*
I like your scenario, Seth. Don’t give up on the show just yet though. We’re still at the beginning of the season. Let’s see how it goes.
I’m not convinced that Jill’s gone. Well … I mean, she’s gone, but … I think she will be back.
I’d love to have Royal Pains show Jill in Africa for a few episodes. Maybe even using some of Hank’s MacGyver methods to save people. And, then come back for some reason.
But, maybe Jill Flint is really gone. I’d be sad about that. I love her and Hank together.
I agree, I am sad to see Jill Go, and I hope to see her come back. Maybe some sub-plots from Africa and then coming back to the Hamptons for family stuff, or maybe even because she misses Hank, who knows.
Hank and Jill were a great item in my humble opinion, and I always found it odd that their relationship never flourished and went anywhere. There didn’t seem to be any reason that I could see to stop it, but maybe I missed something.
Anyway, I like Jill and her character and I hope she isn’t gone for good. I like Paige too, but I think Jill’s character had more depth and potential. Maybe Paige just needs to be let out of the kitchen! ;)
Where is Boris? I like his presence in the show. I don’t care that Jill is gone. She was a nothing character. It will be good for Henry winkler to return. The show should develop jeremiah’s character. He’s funny.
*POST AUTHOR*
I agree with you about Jeremiah! I would love to see more of him too. Maybe he can learn a lesson in tact as the season progresses. He’s been a fun addition to the line-up so far. :-)
If Jeremiah “learns some tact”, that would be a rather unrealistic depiction. There are a lot of TV show characters–Temperance “Bones” Brennan, Adrian Monk, even House–who get debated as to whether they have Asperger syndrome (most probably would be dxed in real life), but Jeremiah is ABSOLUTELY an Aspie, and it would be kind of a shame to have him “learn social skills,” like that’s just some deficiency people with Asperger have that could easily be made up.
I wish I had not watched it live so I could have fast forwarded through Even’s jackassery. Live and learn, I guess. Paige should have called him out on his completely blowing her off but of course she didn’t.
According to imdb Jill Flint is in the next episode but it may be as minor as a phone call.
The show this year is not enjoyable to watch. The tension is not pleasant. Also the writing leaves a lot to be desired. Jill leaves a note for Hank with the delivery driver, written supposedly the day she left, yet we see her in Africa taking about how beautiful it is. Hard to do if she wrote the letter BEFORE she left.
Also hard to get a phone call and leave for Africa the next day. Inoculations, passport, visa, etc.
Yep. _Royal Pains_ has always been an “on the bubble” for me. _Monk_ was always must-see. _Psych_ and _White Collar_ are must-see. _Royal Pains_ was always, “It’s mindless but entertaining and the characters are mildly engaging if a tad annoying.” Right now, especially competing with the outstanding comeback of _Dallas_, RP is leaving a *lot* to be desired.
And RP is on the way, too. A show has to be fun. A cliffhanger story has to be engaging. RP needs to make up its mind whether it’s a straight-up medical drama set in the Hamptons, a medical comedy, or a medical soap. It’s trying to be all three, and it just doesn’t work. Its strengths are being a medical mystery show with better eye candy than House, and the humor of the characters. The attempts at serial drama just haven’t worked. The only ongoing storyline I’ve found truly engaging have been the ones involving Boris and Paige. The attempts at “what will happen next” regarding the main cast have always proven shallow and tedious.
Hank and Evan work as comedic, mildly bickering brothers. They do not work as bitterly feuding brothers.
If Jill Flint is leaving the show by choice, it’s a really bad one because she’s cute but she’s not really that impressive or charismatic an actress, and I doubt she has much career potential after this. Jill the character should have just been a straight-up love interest for Hank and that’s that.
This definitely a “to each his own” show. While I loved Tony Shaloub, I found Monk to be one of the most annoying, tedious characters ever written and I stopped watching it very early on.. I think Psych is fun and laugh at the acting more than the actual words, whis makes it even more fun, but I love Royal Pains..
I sure hope Jill is not gone for good. Hey maybe the brothers could go to Africa for a visit, and help out while they are there.
Where is Boris? Where has the dad been all this time, he’s not my favorite character on there. I thoroughly enjoy Paige and Evan, but there’s not the same chemistry this season :( Well, if someone finds out more about Jill, let me know
I hate that Jill Flint is gone. One of the more beautiful actresses I have ever seen. I hope we see her again soon.
If this show goes 7 seasons per the norm on USA, I think we see her back. I also like the idea of these guys going to Africa. Could easily happen.
*POST AUTHOR*
I’ll miss seeing Jill around too, Jeff. However, I’m sure she’ll return at some point. We have to face fact — the character was not getting a lot to do. As much as I like Paige, I hope she’s not going to replace Jill as the new second female lead. I want the show to just stick with Hank, Evan and Divya.
I agree that Jill was terribly underused. With her departure (she is so pretty) and with the return of Fonzie, I done with the show. Story lines have gotten lame, the Evan vs. Hank squabble has long passed the juvenile, and the potential return of Boris does little to offset any of that. I’ll DVR the episodes and watch them if and when I get bored. With Jill gone I’ll have to turn my fantasies to Stana Katic.
*POST AUTHOR*
Don’t give up on the show. I’ll continue to watch. I still think it’s pretty good. I have heard some people complaining though. Have the storylines really gotten lame? I think the writers are keeping things fresh. I don’t want the battle between Evan and Hank to drag out, but I am enjoying it. I’m sure Jill will pop back up sooner or later. Also, Stana Katic is pretty, but might I suggest Vanessa Williams? :-)
I am done with the show. Getting rid of Jill was the worst idea ever. I don’t know if the actress wanted to leave or if the writers chose to fire her. I don’t know which it was but I am really angry that after 3.5 years this is how the Jank fans were treated! Not even an “I love you”! What the hell was that? They could have at least kept her as a guest star and not gotten rid of her completely!
“not even an I Love You”, which is precisely the point.. There was never any real relationship.. Certainly nothing worthy of the the 16 year old girl type mashing of their names (Jank)! They liked and respected each other.. found each other attractive.. but there was never a single scene that showed anything remotely resembling love between them.. Bring in a love interest Hank can get EXCITED about!
They are not going to give him a new love interest. Face it. There was never an I Love you because the WRITERS don’t want Hank to be happy! Simple as that.
I doubt the writers WANT unhappiness.. Silly thought.
Unfortunately, the hotness meter of RP just went south in the negative zones. Jill posted on her Goodbye/thanks You’s on her Tweeter. The Africa pics are great. Hope to see more of Jill Flint on other shows and films. She’s highly underated and one of those hidden gems. https://twitter.com/#!/JillMFlint
*POST AUTHOR*
Well, I don’t know about all of that now, Roger. I mean, Reshma Shetty is pretty too. Check out my column on her if you get a chance — https://cliqueclack.com/tv/2012/03/20/reshma-shetty-royal-pains-clacking-color/ I think Jill was fantastic in the show too, but I also believe she was being severely underutilized. I complained about that all of last season. Maybe it is best that the actress move on.
I do not like this season, barely got through last season, Evan is an ass that screws up everything like Hank said as well as one annoying weirdo. I do not like the father (Winkler) wish he would go away for good. Like Boris and Marisa, maybe they should show them more. The best part of the show was Hank and Jill, now that that’s over I may as well find something else to watch. I can’t even sit through an entire episode anymore, I just hit the FF button everytime I see Evan. I landed here because I Googled is Jill Flint leaving Royal Pains, but my prediction is that the way it ended they left it open for her to return so she will be back. Just hope I am around or interested in watching because I just can’t take much more of this. I guess I will have to catch Jill on “The Good Wife” chasing Kalinda.
USA is increasingly running into a problem with having shows who have a supporting cast that’s interesting and main character or characters that are uncompelling. I first said this about _Covert Affairs_: “A show where the main character is completely annoying but the supporting cast is really good.” I decided that I’d much rather see Justin and Leo on _Fairly Legal_ have their own show–maybe with Ben as the foil for Justin. Lauren got more appealing as Season 2 went on, but Kate is just plain annoying.
_Suits_ is good, but the basic premise is just annoying, and I wish they’d find someway to get out of this perpetual “will someone find Mike out” distraction.
As for RP, I love Boris, and reading this thread, realize Boris is about half the reason I’ve stuck with the show. I like Divya. I like Hank as the “genius doctor with a heart” antithesis of House, but Jeremiah has kind of stolen some of Hank’s thunder as the resident genius doctor, and is a far more enjoyable character, since he doesn’t have the baggage of Hanks annoying sanctimonious attitude coupled with extreme self-doubt.
I am having trouble maintaining interest. The continuation of the Bickering Brothers has gotten on my nerves. The writers need to wrap up the fuss and get back to some good stories. I wasn’t overly put off by Jill leaving as she and Hank have an on/off relationship. Paige needs to reign Evan in and the boy needs to grow up! I adore Campbell Scott as Boris and wish he was on every week in some capacity. Right now I am taking a watch and see approach but the writers better get it together!
T
I miss Boris. Campbell Scott created a wonderful diversion. Jill deserved more. I find the writers seem to be running out of ideas. I believe it has jumped the shark.
*POST AUTHOR*
Well, I wouldn’t go that far, Emily. I don’t think the show has jumped the shark just yet. If Hank has a long lost evil twin brother, then we can say it jumped the shark. :-)
They need to bring Jill back, she had this something special about her, she and hank need to close up the loose ends
Hate that Jill has gone….hope they can find a way to bring her back and at the same time give her character more screen time!
I am really curious as to why she left. Nobody will talk about it! I mean what is the big deal? She either left on her own or the writers chose to end her storyline for now. But why won’t they tell us? Did something bad happen on the show between her and some of the cast or something? Because if not, then why not just TELL US why she left? By not telling us they are just driving fans nuts and making us curious.
I am seriously disappointed as well in why they chose to end Jank the way they did.I mean really? Friends? Sorry but they slept together multiple times. They crossed the line between friends and lovers a LONG time ago. You can’t go back after you cross that line. The least they could have given us was an “I love you” or something to give us hope. But instead they chose to crush any hopes we had left.
And why the fake out about her not leaving? That was just cruel.
I’m glad she’s gone and hopefully forever. Such a bland character played by a bland actress.
You are right!!! You called it…..Jill is gone. Hopefully, she will return with the writers having more for her to do. It’s sad to see talent go to waste. If she doesn’t return to Royal Pains…maybe she will be picked up on another sitcom.
If you look at her IMDb page, she seems to not stay on a show for very long. Before RP she did a lot of guest starring roles and movies.She lasted 3 years on a show and I think that is just sad if she is leaving now. What else is she going to do? Eventually she is going to need to work again. Living is expensive. Especially in NYC! I have noticed a lot of actors will leave a show and then a year or so later come back to said show. Because they realize that leaving was a mistake. I hope Jill does the same. Because RP is really her best option right now. I don’t see her getting a full time gig on the Good Wife. They just added a bunch of new cast members to that show so the chances of her being on that show are slim.
The reasons why the writers got rid of her are some of the LAMEST excuses I have ever heard! I mean seriously? So because they could not find any more reasons to keep them apart and were not ready for them to be together they fired Jill Flint? That just makes my choice to quit the show SO much easier!’
*POST AUTHOR*
Hey, Nancy! Well, you do have to admit that the writers did struggle with keeping the character busy. I went back and watched a few season one episodes and realized that she had a ton of stuff to do…and then as the seasons progressed, it seemed as though she lost steam. I actually first started watching ‘Royal Pains’ last season. Even when I watched the episodes, I would notice that Jill was just wallpaper. I even complained about it in my reviews last season. To be honest, I didn’t really see a need for having her around. I think it’s a shame that she’s gone, yes. I loved what they were able to do with her in the first season, but as someone that writes and acts, I can definitely understand if Jill Flint chose to leave for a lack of screen-time. From a writer’s standpoint, maybe they just didn’t know what to do with her character anymore.
She didn’t leave! They fired her. She was happy on the show. It was the writers who were lazy and wouldn’t give her a storyline. They had plenty of options but wouldn’t follow through with any of them. The problem is that they seem to think all the women on this show HAVE to be with a man and if they aren’t they are useless! And that is just wrong. There were so many things they could have done. For example, why introduce her family 2 episodes before she leaves? That could have been something to give her to do. But no. That was not good enough. Then they have the nerve to say that she will always be welcome back? Why bother?
*POST AUTHOR*
I think they introduced her family to help serve as her sendoff in addition to finally giving her something decent to do. Yes, it does suck that Jill is gone…especially at the beginning of the season. Let’s just see how the rest of the season turns out. In regards to all of the women having to have a man…well, I don’t know if that’s exactly true. I mean, Divya seems content being single and even went against her parents when they tried to pair her up with Raj. Divya’s my favorite character by the way. But anyway, I guess we’re all entitled to our own opinions. :-)
Are the 2 of you related? Why are you so invested in a third rate actress who has never been a huge part of the show anyway? It’s just TV.. and it is a fun show.. get over it..
You think the show is so great then fine. But i have a right to be angry about it. So leave me alone! I will not watch the show again because you tell me to “Get a life” or whatever. It’s MY decision to quit, not yours!
Royal Pains is dead to me. I will never watch this show again. The writers can do what they want, but I am done.
Why so bitter? I think this season has been great so far. I like Jill just fine, but there was no chemistry whatsoever with her and Hank. There never has been. I do not believe it was the writing… some people just do not have it. She actually, she had good chemistry with Jack, so it is a shame he was brought on the show to die and teach Hank some life lesson..So there was really no place left for her on the show..
Good for you! But I have a right to be angry.WHo the hell are you to tell me what I should feel?
I did not, in any way tell you how to feel.. Nor did I tell you to get a life.. Just asked why? As a writer, I do not agree with all the choices, but I understand why they did what they did. I was trying to help put things in a different perspective. Be as angry as you want. You hate the show, I love the show.. Such is life.
i won’t watch it, they could have kept jill. she easy could have run hank med
We like the Jill character but are not overly moved by her leaving. That said, we’ve seen Jill Flint on at least one other show and she was HORRIBLE. It’s not certain that wherever she lands, she’ll do well. It could be that she’s walking away from a really good thing. Overall, “Royal Pains” has gotten increasingly irritating (or less important to us), I have to say.
Hate that Jill left, let’s continue to see her in Africa. Love that paige is back. Go diva…you are blossoming
Well I am sorry to see Jill gone from the cast intros! She must be gone for good. As far as the plot this season, until two weeks ago ( the last episode 6/27) I thought it sucked! I can’t stand to see the two brothers fighting. I said I give it a few shows and if no change then I would stop watching. Well I was so very glad to see tonight’s show! Back to the old new Hank Med and Boris And his mystery!
I hope they keep up this line and even bring back Jill Flint!
I knew the moment Divya sold Evan her shares in HankMed, there would be a war eventually. I actually did not mind the fighting. Not because I like fighting, but there has always been underlying tension with regards to everyones place, in the company. If they had not had it reach critical mass, it would not have been realistic and the characters would not have been believable anymore. They say never go into bsiness with family for this same reason.. The fight was hard to watch because we love the brothers, but it was an important part of the story.. I LOVE that the Boris intrigue is back.. it was part of what made season one great!
Someone said to her on twitter “Why Paige Collins and not Jill Casey(in the opening credits)” She said “I have tricks up my sleeve” she has said this twice now. I don’t want to get my hopes up that the writers had a chance of heart or that she is getting a spinoff for her character but I found that response interesting. If she were on the good wife or something she would tell us since it would get out eventually. So it is an interesting response. Whenever someone says they miss her on the show she never really says much except cryptic responses like this!
I have a feeling Jill will be back in next week’s episode when hank gets off the helicopter.
Wow……her part could have been made to be alot more exciting if the writer had chosen to do so…………….other than Hank in my opinion she made the show………..so attractive and a great actor….the show is going down hill with out her……..Henry Winkler should retire………….and bring my gal Jill back……..please
As one poster stated, Hank and Evan are more of the comedic, mildly bickering brothers than of the bitterly feuding brothers variety.
IMHO, Evan owes Hank a HUGE apology. The way Evan was behaving was extremely immature. I loved that he bailed Divya out of her financial jam but for him to say ” I own 2/3 share of Hankmed so, I guess that makes me the boss” to Hank was beyond awful. I’ve tolerated Evan’s pushiness because it provided the much needed comedic timing. Evan is a good court jester that lightens the moment…Here with Hank, it wasn’t cute or amusing, it was inexcusably rude.
Evan needs to keep in mind that this business is concierge medicine and so you need to have a doctor. Not just any doctor as we’ve seen. Ben’s Jeremiah was completely flat. the other guy, what’s his name, the HHH doc, he comes across as just a bit slimy for me. It seems he has his own agenda. For this business to work, there needs to be a charismatic doctor who also knows his profession.
As for the main issue…Jill Flint’s departure. The end of season 3 didn’t feel like Jill was leaving the show for good. It felt as though she’d be gone for the off season and come back with the new season. I love her and Hank together. They are kind of kooky and crazy together and they seem to work. I see more Jillybean days ahead. Or as Evan named them, Jank. I want more Jank.
Now that Campbell Scott is a regular character, we get to see more of him. Yahooo! I want to know more about him and his story. What happened with Dieter? Were all those years with Boris just a means of spying on him?