So we know Violet survives on Private Practice. Every single report and teaser from the set has confirmed this for about three months, and besides, like they were going to kill Amy Brenneman off the show. She is way too awesome. Come on.

But here are three things about about Season 3 premiere on Thursday, October 1 that we definitely did not see coming but TV Guide hints cryptically this afternoon ...

• The episode also includes a funeral.
• Violet may be alive, but she is in bad shape.
• Her baby boy, father still unknown, is missing.

How is this all connected? What does it mean for the future of the little guy and his mom? We'll have to wait and find out when the Grey's Anatomy spinoff returns.

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