This is another example of how the writers used material to further the on going story line. In this case, it centers on Professor Payne, his dead wife, and a former lover. The wife dominates the episode, eventually revealing that her resentment of Payne reflects her sadness in his refusal to have children. This then gets reflected back on Melinda's same refusal.
The show demonstrates what a great character Payne was. His departure to do his own show was never compensated for by the Eli character. But both he and Eli eventually put Jim in the background for much of the series, even during the Jim/Sam nonsense.
The show demonstrates what a great character Payne was. His departure to do his own show was never compensated for by the Eli character. But both he and Eli eventually put Jim in the background for much of the series, even during the Jim/Sam nonsense.