Private Practice Review: When Everything Changes

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Private Practice hit the ground running with a very eventful season 6 premiere.

All summer long, looming questions remained: Who would Addie choose, Sam or Jake? With Tim Daly’s departure, how would Pete’s story end? How could the show possibly wrap up in only 13 episodes? Would Addison get her happy ending? And most importantly: can Private Practice live on after her departure?

Addison as a Mother

"Aftershock" was a group-centric episode and the perfect way to explore those kind of days when everything seems to be changing. With only some of our questions were answered, we’ll have to sit tight and see how things play out for the remainder of the season.

In the meantime, let’s discuss what went down in the busy hour that featured each character in a very different and interesting light.

First off, Addie chose Jake! As a total Jaddison fan, you already know I was smiling from ear to ear. Addie struggled a bit with her insecurities and jealousy. She even had trouble actually saying that she was in love with Jake. Somehow, it seems so much more realistic this way. Getting everything you wanted doesn’t mean that it’s all any easier.

It’s going to be interesting, that's for sure, considering Jake wants to move in already. Look for Addie’s life to change even more this new father for Henry.

Meanwhile, Sam seemed to be moving on just fine with Stephanie, a labor and delivery nurse. I laughed a little when Sam recalled Addie calling his proposal a “Hail Mary pass.” Ouch... but it was totally true. It’s too early for me to say if I dig Stephanie or not and whether or not I think she’s a good fit for Sam. However, like Addie, I just want to see Sam happy, too.

Elsewhere, Charlotte, Cooper and Mason seemed to be doing perfectly well. That is, if you don’t count Mason wanting a younger sibling. Then again, the Freedmans received some miraculous news: Charlotte is pregnant with not one but three babies! Many of our TV Fanatics called this one last season.

Sheldon and Amelia’s friendship is clearly as strong as ever. It was nice seeing how supportive he is of her and how grateful she is. Also, Sheldon has been apparently taking exciting trips with his ex wife, Laura. Will we get to meet her? And it appears that his health isn’t at its best either. 

Finally, let’s get to the Violet Annoyance Scale. I’m rating this installment a 4. I dreadfully hated the way she casually discussed Pete’s case with Lucas. Sure, it was short and it's not like Lucas really understood, but it was also just so bizarre. And in spite of everything, she may have been still shocked, but I thought she'd show more emotion in realization of Pete’s heart attack and demise. Then again, we all deal with grief and react differently.

By the way, I knew something major was going to happen to Pete the moment Violet received that ominous text. Then, when he didn’t show up for court and Violet was going ballistic, I was positive there was more to the story than what she was assuming about him possibly running away. Instead of worrying about his heart condition, she immediately jumped to the wrong conclusions. Typical Violet. 

One thing’s for sure, though, poor Lucas. I really hope that the upcoming scenes with Violet telling Lucas about Pete will be touching and not just brushed aside. They ought to truly mean something.

Other Thoughts

  • What did you think of the structure of this episode? With our favorite doctors now on new journeys, I’m excited to come along for the ride and see where and how they will all end up.
  • I loved how the single medical case brought all of our doctors together. I especially liked how Amelia took matters into her own hands to help a father and daughter reconnect no matter the odds.
  • How many of you missed Pete? I’ll bite. Although it was a solid hour even with his absence, I found myself wishing he would have made one last appearance. I can’t imagine how difficult it will be for Violet to break the news to Lucas.
  • Though it was a brief moment, it's nice to know that the Sam and Jake bromance will continue.
  • Check out our Private Practice quotes for some swooning on Jake's part and laughing at Cooper.

Shonda and company definitely delivered a strong return from Private Practice. It really feels like it’s going to be another promising season. I can't wait to hear what everyone thought of the episode, and also what your predictions are for this sadly shortened sixth season. Meet me back here next week, same time and same place!

Also, don’t forget to return later this week to chime in on our Private Practice Round Table.

Aftershock Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.2 / 5.0 (102 Votes)
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Private Practice Season 6 Episode 1 Quotes

I could tap-dance for you. Say the words. I will slap two tacks on the bottom of these shoes right now.

Addison

Addison: He is Zeus. He's Thor. He's Beckham.
Violet: You're mixing up your mythologies and soccer players.
Addison: He's flypaper and women are the flies.