Addison's married love interest, Noah, won't be back on Private Practice when the show returns October 1, not even to resolve that scandalous story line.

The reason for this, of course, is that Josh Hopkins, who played Noah, is on Cougar Town now, and thus occupied. But where does it leave Addie now?

According to reports, the Private Practice season premiere, which is excellent, does not spotlight Addison as the primary character (an emerging trend).

But when she does come onscreen, she positively shines. We suspect it won't be long until romantic fireworks resume with Addison and ... someone TBA.

The Season 3 Private Practice premiere is based around a Pete-centric flashback that shows how he joined the practice and got to know all the characters.

Particularly Violet. Word to the wise: Keep the tissues handy.

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