The Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice, appears to have a strong heartbeat, writes Chuck Barney of the Contra Costa Times.

Plenty of viewers have panned the new series, even questioning its ability to be picked up (though our exclusive poll shows at least 50 percent of respondents either liked or loved the debut).

In any case, here's a positive review of the Addison-driven series, which began last week as part of "The Other Side of This Life."

Who knew that Seattle Grace's resident neonatologist had a burning desire to be a mother? Or that she had a best friend from medical school named Naomi? Or that she looked really hot in a little red sports car?

Funny what you can find out about a character when she gets fleshed out for a proposed spinoff series.

Last week, fans of Grey's Anatomy got their first peek at Private Practice, which promises to be one of next fall's most buzz-laden shows.

Embedded within the highly rated two-hour episode was the conceptual setup for a proposed new drama pegged to San Jose, Calif., native Kate Walsh.

This writer liked what he saw. Mostly.

He liked the chemistry Walsh's Addison had with Naomi (Merrin Dungey from Alias). He liked the all-star cast (Taye Diggs, Tim Daly, Amy Brenneman), the setting (sunny Santa Monica), the eye candy and even the sex-on-the-brain approach that we've become accustomed to with Grey's Anatomy.

However, the who's-the-father story thread tied to a pregnant surrogate mom was hopelessly lame.

Most of all, what impressed many was how Kate Walsh seemed very much up to the challenge, displaying the ability to smoothly shift from a strong sense of humor to poignancy and keeping us engaged every step of the way. Any doubts that she can carry her own show should have been greatly eased.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.