Private Practice Review: Sheldon's Story

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Fans of Sheldon were in for a treat tonight, as Private Practice put the psychiatrist front and center.

Since the beginning of Private Practice Season 6, I've honestly wondered if there would be a Sheldon-centric episode. I've always liked the friendly and helpful doctor; we just know so little about him.

Blame it on the writing, but the problem was never that Sheldon wasn’t likeable. It was simply that that we never had the opportunity to really get to know him. I was afraid that he wasn’t a strong enough character and wouldn’t be able to carry the entire hour.

Sheldon Worries

So, how did he hold on his own? Well, let me just say that I wanted to really like Sheldon’s story. Unfortunately, it was only subpar. There were moments I even caught myself yawning away. Luckily, the final minutes saved the outing from being a complete disaster.

"I'm Fine" opened with the night Sarah went missing. Sheldon was dancing with his ex-wife, Laura. He then briefly brought up his prostate cancer and the fact that he hadn’t decided what to do next. Nearly two seconds later, Laura was gone and out of his life once again.

While the first half of the installment was mostly a snoozefest, I appreciated the newfound friendship Sheldon found in Miranda, his cancer counterpart. Back at Seaside Wellness, he’s always played the role of the supporter and has helped every one of his colleagues and friends out at some point in time or another.

I felt terribly sad for Sheldon as he decided not to tell anyone about his cancer and treatment. He was alone, and I was so glad that Miranda was there for him in a simple but necessary way. When she didn’t show up for her appointment, I assumed that the inevitable had happened and Sheldon would be alone again.

Thank goodness she was still all right. Sheldon needs her. Also, high-five to Sheldon for kissing Miranda and even asking her out. That guy deserves some actual happiness. It’s a shame that she’s terminal, though.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the installment was trying to figure out if Nick, Sheldon’s patient, actually took Sarah or not. After Nick decided to start seeing Sheldon again, he often talked about a new developing relationship. Sheldon had some reservations and was concerned that Nick was behind Sarah’s disappearance.

During a final visit with Sarah’s parents just in the next room with Violet, Sheldon confronted Nick about Sarah and tried to get him to confess that Alyssa was actually Sarah. Instead, Nick denied all he could. 

Sheldon ensured that the police would arrive and had Nick committed. He even lied to his cop friend and said that Nick confessed. Without evidence and only assumptions, I was worried that Sheldon could possibly be wrong about Nick.

Thankfully, all worked out in the end when Sheldon saved the day and the police found Sarah in Nick’s basement.

Other Thoughts

  • I know Charlotte’s a bit preoccupied, but I think Sheldon should have gone with Mason to the vending machine. With Sarah still missing at that point, he just shouldn’t have gone alone.
  • Sheldon changed his socks for Miranda. That was sweet of him.
  • I loved when Sheldon reached out to Sarah and sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to her.

Overall, this was a mediocre episode. The episode ending on a high note was the right way for it to conclude. I don’t know about you, but I seriously can’t wait until Charlotte’s time to shine next week.

So, what did you think Private Practice fans? Be sure to hit the comments to share your thoughts and return later this week for the Private Practice Round Table.

I'm Fine Review

Editor Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (117 Votes)
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