Be Wary of THE LEFTOVERS

Article first published as THE LEFTOVERS Review at Seat42F.

HBO’s THE LEFTOVERS is unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television. It’s based around a huge, whopping mystery that the writers have no plans to answer. In these modern days, viewers tend to want answers, and most shows are happy enough to give them. Many fail to satisfy with those answers, and it makes for angry fans. THE LEFTOVERS takes a different tact by saying life is uncertain and people don’t always know what’s going on, and if you can’t handle that, it’s probably better you don’t watch this series.

The pilot begins with an unexpected event in which 2% of the world’s population disappears in the blink of an eye, then immediately jumps three years into the future. The easy explanation, the one many have been touting when talking about the premise, is that the Rapture occurred. Yet, not all of the characters agree, as some of the people who disappear are not good people, nor religious. One TV anchor says, to paraphrase, I get why the pope is gone, but Gary Busey?

This one paragraph gives you an idea of what the characters that populate THE LEFTOVERS are dealing with. Neither scientists, who lack evidence, nor religious leaders, many of whom want to deny a rapture because they have been left behind, have any understanding of what happened. Which means the population as a whole has this very uneasy sense that not only do they not know where their loved ones are, but also may worry that it could happen again, to anyone at any time.

Who can live in a world like that? Well, to be blunt, us. Tom Perrotta, the author of the source material who also works on the show, wanted to tell a story in our world, examining parts of the human condition we often ignore. None of us knows when our time will be up, or what disaster could strike, causing untold death and destruction. THE LEFTOVERS takes those nagging feelings and pushes them to the forefront, forcing people to deal with them.

This is a really cool idea, but will it work for a television show? As I said, viewers want answers, and I’m not sure how many will tune in for a show that doesn’t promise to give any. I can see what would attract Damon Lindelof to this project, having been burned by mixed reviews of the finale of his popular drama, Lost (personally, I loved it), but because he knows first-hand what happens when fans don’t feel like a series has fulfilled its obligations, does he also worry that no one will show up if he says right out of the gate he doesn’t acknowledge those obligations this time around?

Setting aside that fundamental debate, which I posed up front because it’s really one that should be dealt with on an individual basis before deciding to tune in, THE LEFTOVERS, like most HBO fare, is a solid program. It’s full of disparate individuals who each see the situation in their own way, and have differing views on how to deal with it.

There’s: Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux, The District), the local cop whose wife is gone and he’s left raising two boundary-pushing teens; Tom Garvey (Chris Zylka, The Secret Circle), Kevin’s son who is turning to what appears to be a wise sage, Wayne (Paterson Joseph, Law & Order: UK); Jill (Margaret Qualley, Palo Alto), Kevin’s daughter who escapes into partying; Matt Jamison (Christopher Eccleston, Doctor Who), a religious leader trying to make others face what he thinks is the truth; Dean (Michael Gaston, Turn, Jericho), a man with a gun and a plan; Meg (Liv Tyler, The Lord of the Rings), a bride with cold feet; Laurie (Amy Brenneman, Private Practice), who has joined a silent, creepy cult; and others.

It seems THE LEFTOVERS will deal with spirituality and belief a lot, both in group form and on a personal level. I suppose it would be natural to turn to a higher power when things move beyond human knowledge, the birth of religion in our past. In this series, many take differing paths to get to a place where they can accept what has happened, not an easy task, and certainly not one that a wide majority will come to agreement on.

I think three years after the event is a good time frame to set the series in. It’s long enough that the shock has worn off, but short enough that the ramifications are still being felt. People have returned to a new normal in their activities, but not in their thoughts and emotions. This is an intriguing idea, and this one town is a microcosm of the larger world.

Of course, there are also some twists and unexpected familial connections. That part of conventional storytelling does remain and is welcome. We need some level of comfort at the base in order to open our minds to the challenges of THE LEFTOVERS. It’s a show about being, not a show about actions, and so is designed to make us think. If it surprises us along the way with a few reveals at key moments, well, that may just keep some casual viewers interested enough to return, exposing them to more of the bigger issues.

THE LEFTOVERS is weird, to be sure, and many may not know if they like it right off the bat. But I urge you to give it a try when it premieres this Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

Check Out of PRIVATE PRACTICE

Article first published as DVD Review: Private Practice The Complete Sixth and Finale Season on Blogcritics.org

Spun off from Grey’s Anatomy in 2007, ABC’s Private Practice tells the story of a group of doctors who all work out of the same medical practice. After six seasons, the series ended this past January. Now, those final 13 episodes are available on DVD.

As much as it has always presented itself as an ensemble, Addison Forbes Montgomery (Kate Walsh) has always been the star of the series. Her entire journey over the past six years has been to find herself, find her man, and find her family. It’s been a long, arduous road, full of plenty of screw-ups along the way. Season six concludes her six-year story arc, as she considers marriage to Jake (Benjamin Bratt) — who may just be the one — while facing motherhood for the very first time.

Addison isn’t the only one hoping to settle down. Sam (Taye Diggs) also is tired of dating, if he ever did like it, and now is ready to be married again. But who will be the girl for him? Stephanie (Justina Machado), his new flame, with whom things seem to be going well with? Naomi (Audra McDonald), his ex-wife, who returns late in the season after a long absence with a few surprises? Or could it be Addison?

Meanwhile, Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) prepares to give birth to triplets, and is not very excited about it, while her husband Cooper (Paul Adelstein) and their son Mason (Griffin Gluck) feel just the opposite. Cooper and Charlotte’s union has never been an easy one, yet the love between them is so strong that one knows they just have to work things out in the end.

Charlotte may doubt her ability to be a good mother, but watching her with Mason, we are confident that the new babies will be well taken care of. This may not be the way Charlotte wants her life to play out, but Cooper is sympathetic, and this story, while testing their marriage, could result in an even stronger bond between them.

Violet (Amy Brenneman) tries to find a way to honor departed husband Pete’s memory and process the anger she still feels towards him. This is a very interesting take on mourning, since Pete and Violet are not exactly in a good place when he passes on. The story does as good job of presenting how someone might face the loss of a spouse not be entirely missed.

The rest of the cast have their stories, too. Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) builds herself back up from a painful low and Sheldon (Brian Benben) faces his own mortality while understanding he is not alone. Every one of the series story arcs is well served before the final curtain.

Creator Shonda Rhimes seems determined to bring each player full circle, completing the path they have been walking, and tying up the loose ends as neatly as possible. However, in doing so, season six has some weaknesses as well. Not every couple that ends up together feels as earned as they should. Things get a little too on the nose when Violet reveals in the series finale (SPOILER) that she has written a book called Private Practice. But compared with past seasons, which sometimes delivered not-so-satisfying arcs, this sixth one is stronger than most, and at least tugs at the viewers’ heart strings with aplomb.

The special features are light, the three-disc set containing only deleted scenes and bloopers. But since these are some of the best installments of the series, for the die-hard fan, the episodes alone should suffice.

Private Practice The Complete Sixth and Final Season is available now.

Private Practices shuts its doors

Article first published as Private Practice shuts its doors on TheTVKing

ABC's Private Practice came to an end this week after six seasons on the air. Some of the plot arcs over the years were fantastic, others not so much. But there are some wonderful characters here, and some memorable stories, and thus, it's sad that it's over. Especially since it ran much shorter than the series it spun off from, Grey's Anatomy, still going strong nine seasons in.

The main character of Private Practice has always been Addison Forbes Montgomery (Kate Walsh). Viewers meet her in Grey's Anatomy, the cheater in a bad marriage, and we watch her pull herself together, mostly after moving away to sunny California. Addison searches for love, both romantic and as a parent, and this all finally comes together for her in "In Which We Say Goodbye."

I don't know that the show has really demonstrated that Jake (Benjamin Bratt) is a better match for Addison than anyone else. To keep the drama going up until the end, they have their rocky moments in the final season. Still, it's thrilling to see Addison get her happy wedding day, and as long as she believes that Jake is the man she is meant to be with, who are we to complain?

Besides, we know that Jake is a good man. We've seen how he treats his daughter (Emily Rios), and what he does to make sure that Addison can keep baby Henry, whom she wants more than anything. He is the type of guy that will sacrifice his own desires so that the ones he cares about get what they need. I don't know that Addison deserves someone quite so good, considering all of her faults, but it's gratifying to see her happy.

The big surprise in "In Which We Say Goodbye" comes when Sam (Taye Diggs) and Naomi (Audra McDonald) hook up, and then she gets pregnant. This, alone, would be enough, and yet, Private Practice takes it a step further. Months pass, Sam goes after Naomi, oblivious about the baby, and the episode ends with their second wedding, Naomi having returned to the practice and her friends.

Is this the ending the makes sense for the characters? After all, when last we saw Naomi, she was happily engaged. Sam is in a relationship with a wonderful woman, Stephanie (Justina Machado, Six Feet Under) throughout the past few installments. Why break up these pairings at the last minute?

That's the thing about the Private Practice finale. It gives the perfect resolution for each character, one that will pull the heart strings of the viewer, even if it doesn't quite fit with where the plot was going. The emphasis is placed on giving us the sappy. I don't know if that's the goal of every show as it goes off the air, but because of the way this show has played out, it works here.

Other stories are more mundane, but still sweet. Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) probably has the least to do, but we see things are going well with her and James (Matt Long, Mad Men), and that's enough. Cooper (Paul Adelstein), Charlotte (KaDee Strickland), Mason (Griffin Gluck), and the triplets find their balance as a terrific family. I loved this most of all, Cooper and Charlotte being my favorite people on the show. Sheldon (Brian Benben) gets to be with the woman he loves, even though she is dying.

Sheldon's plot is the only one I complain a bit about in this group. I know that there is no way to avoid his love interest kicking the bucket, and thus, he will be sad, while the others are smiling. But this would have been OK if he had returned to his job, months later, and we could see him laughing with everyone else in that final scene. Instead, he is the sole one missing, and it casts a slight pallor, knowing that where he is cannot be nearly as joyous at the practice.

Is this woman even who Sheldon is meant to be with? He has a tendency to jump into a relationship full force, and it is easily conceivable that she is just the latest in the line. "In Which We Say Goodbye" would have us believe otherwise, that she is Sheldon's soul mate, but like Jake with Addison, we don't really see what sets her apart from the other women Sheldon has loved. Thus, I'm a little bit depressed that he leaves everything else that is good in his world to care for her. He should have kept his job, and with it, the network of support at work.

Finally, we get to Violet (Amy Brenneman). She goes stag to the wedding, a sign that she is moving on from Pete and finding herself, something the character has always struggled with. This is a fitting ending for her, as Violet's plots have always been more about self-discovery and triumph, rather than depending on a love interest, the way other characters have. We get to see her doing well, probably temporarily, until the next tragedy comes along, but at least she'll have this moment in time.

It's a little too on the nose that Violet's second book about "joy" is called Private Practice. Are we supposed to think that everything we've seen over the last six years came from her book? I wouldn't think so, considering the early days were so Addison-driven. I enjoyed the characters debating whether it was a good title or not, but it does take one out of the story a bit in that moment, sacrificing the believable world the characters inhabit for a joke.

Violet also treats a patient (Sarah Ramos, Parenthood) in the finale that doesn't want to leave her. Series creator Shonda Rhimes has stated that the patient's words are her message to the fans. So Shonda doesn't want the show to be canceled, but realizes it's for the best? I'm not sure I quite understand. However, it's her show, so she can say whatever she wants. I just thank her for making it.

That's kind of my overall impression of Private Practice at this moment. I didn't always agree with the direction, and sometimes it frustrated the hell out of me. But it was definitely Shonda's vision, and at the end of the day, she knows how to jerk a tear, or help an actor develop a fully realized person. As I watched the last hour, I couldn't help but thinking, despite my periodic disappointments, it was a pretty darn good show, overall, and I wasn't ready for it to end.

At least it went out with a great last season. Private Practice will be missed.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Quickie reviews

I don't always have time to write full reviews of everything. Here are some quick thoughts (slightly expanded) that I posted on twitter @JeromeWetzelTV I think I might do posts like this occasionally from now on.

Private Practice - "Aftershock" : I really don't care that Pete (Tim Daly) has left Private Practice other than that it makes Violet (Amy Brennemen) annoying. Sigh. Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) and Cooper (Paul Adelstein) continue to rock. I love Addison (Kate Walsh), but I'm glad they're wrapping her story up. If she breaks up with Jake (Benjamin Bratt) when she does, though, I'll be ticked.

The Big Bang Theory - "The Date Night Variable" : The Big Bang Theory was very good, as usual. I'm glad the relationships are getting movement, especially Shamy, and poor Raj! Glad Stewart (Kevin Sussman) is a series regular now! Nice addition.

South Park - "Sarcastaball" : South Park was good, felt like the ref strike joke was an after thought, but great commentary on our over protection of kids.

The Neighbors - "Pilot" : The Neighbors had goofy charm in a few spots, but overall, was not very good. Like Coneheads, if they never assimilated. What I don't get most about The Neighbors is how the aliens lived in a neighborhood for 10 yrs without being discovered. They're not careful

Private Practice stages The Intervention

     In an event dubbed by ABC Private Practice: The Intervention, two episodes, "Who We Are" and "The Breaking Point," air back to back. The major focus of the first hour is the characters staging an intervention for Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), who shows up engaged and high after being missing for twelve days. The practice gets together and tries to get her into rehab, but she only goes after her fiance dies of an overdose. In the second hour, Amelia spends about six weeks in rehab, while Addison (Kate Walsh) keeps trying to get pregnant, Violet (Amy Brenneman) considers leaving Pete (Tim Daly), and Cooper (Paul Adelstein) struggles to balance his son, Mason (Griffin Gluck, United States of Tara), with a patient.

     What Private Practice lacks in intriguing cases of the week, it makes up for when it comes to big, dramatic events. Amelia's arc is annoyingly slow ramping up, but in "Who We Are," it really comes to a head splendidly. The series handles the confrontation of an addict and hitting rock bottom with realism and grace. Amelia is not villainized, and Sam (Taye Diggs) and Jake (Benjamin Bratt), both medical professionals, debate whether addiction can be called a diseases. Many issues are explored, such as what causes addiction, how trauma can affect a person, and the emotional toll such an issue takes. Even Amelia's relationship, though very brief, feels authentic and solid. All in all, this aspect of the show comes through wonderfully in a way Private Practice only manages to do a few times per season.

     Jake gets some back story in "Who We Are" as well. Viewers learn that he is a widower of an addict, and that he raises her daughter, whom is not biologically Jake's. It proves he is a good man who has been through a lot, and come out the other side stronger than ever. His conversation at his wife's grave, revealing how he feels he has finally found a family at the practice, is moving, as well as revealing. The doctors at the practice, despite all of their flaws, are a family. When they remember that, they are at their best.

     Cooper has a real family to think of, now that Erica (A.J. Langer, Eyes) with his son. Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) adjusts far better than she would have before all of the things she has gone through with Cooper, and Cooper is every bit the great dad anyone would expect, having witnessed his bedside manner with his kid patients. It's an adjustment, to be sure, but the biggest obstacle for Cooper will be how his job interferes with his daddy time, something he doesn't really think about until "The Breaking Point." It is likely he will manage, though. It's a good thing he has a mature, understanding son.

     Unfortunately, not every family is destined to survive. Pete and Violet come together in a time of great turmoil, and are really only cemented as a couple around the time that she gets pregnant with his son. Pete sticks with Violet through all of her personal demons, but now that she is better, he is growing resentful of her. At first, she brushes it off as a coping stage after his heart attack. But the more time passes, it becomes obvious that if there was love between them, it is gone now. It's a brave and difficult thing for Violet to leave Pete, who would not end the marriage on his own, no matter how much he'd like to. But perhaps, after separating, they can be better people for it.

     Things also do not look good for Addison and Sam. She is determined to have a baby, something that frustrates him as it threatens her health. He wants her, but does not want to raise another child. When she gets hers, which may be soon, it will probably spell the end of them as a couple. Addison can compartmentalize her relationship with her efforts to get pregnant, but she can't do so for a baby. It is not revealed whether Addison ends "The Breaking Point" with child or not, but given the circumstances and the look on her face, it seems likely.

     Private Practice is enjoying a high point right now. Too bad, then, it's off until early 2012.

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     To purchase Private Practice DVDs and streaming episode, please click here.

"God Laughs" at Private Practice

     ABC's Private Practice premiere, "God Laughs," finds Addison (Kate Walsh) talking to a therapist about her life, especially the fact that her new fertility doctor turns out to be Jake (new series regular Benjamin Bratt, Law & Order, The Cleaner), whom she recently flirted with. But that's just the framework. The real action involves Pete's (Tim Daly) heart attack, Violet's (Amy Brenneman) encounter with an abused wife and her decision to return to Pete, and Amelia's (Caterina Scorsone) fall off the wagon into booze.

     The title is excellent, even if you do not believe in a deity, a valid conclusion. That's because it does seem like every time plans are made, reality will step in to mess with them. Life is messy, and some people, including many of the characters on Private Practice, tend to forget this. Love the reminder.

     Many will be happy to learn that Pete comes through his medical emergency more or less intact. It's touch and go for awhile, and with Private Practice's willingness to kill off main characters, there is some real drama built up. Even worse, a still inebriated Amelia operates on him, so anything could really happen. But Pete lives to doctor another day, and saves the series from having to replace another main character. This is great, because all the Pete / Violet drama deserves a happy ending, and not more turmoil.

     Violet's story in "God Laughs" is a little less enticing, but still interesting. Stuck at the airport, phone battery dead, ignorant to what is happening with Pete, Violet strikes up a conversation with a stranger (Breaking Bad's Betsy Brandt). Some of what they talk about it just patient of the week stuff, a little unexpected, since Violet's license is suspended. But she's not officially counseling, so she isn't technically breaking any rules, I think. However, there are also things in the conversation that remind Violet that she has it good with Pete, and she shouldn't leave him. Even if she's doing towards something instead of running away this time, that is no excuse to leave her still-fragile family. In the end, Violet makes the right choice.

     Addison takes care of a strangely silent Lucas the entire episode, sparking her to seek motherhood once more. This is the least effective story in the hour, not because of Addison's desire, a long running theme that does not resolution, but because it just doesn't fit with everything else. Pete might die, and Addison is thinking of having a child? There are other concerns going on. Yes, death can make one rethink priorities, but save it for next week. Private Practice is strongest when it is a true ensemble show, and now when Addison finds a way to draw focus constantly.

     Finally, Amelia's addiction arc is actually rather well done. Amelia has a tendency to fade into the background since joining the cast, and any story that gives her some focus is welcome, as Scorsone is a good actress that can hold her own with her co-stars, and deserves to. Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) has been through enough, and doesn't need a relapse, so it's cool that she is the tough cop trying to give Amelia a gut check about what she is doing, rather than the center to this story. Sheldon (Brian Benben) might be even more vital, providing help, but not enabling. Maybe a genuine romance could spring up between the pair after he finishes helping her get better? God knows Sheldon really deserves true love, but then again, "God Laughs."

     Private Practice also stars the excellent Paul Adelstein and Taye Diggs. It airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To purchase Private Practice DVDs and streaming episode, please click here.

Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season coming to DVD

     The fourth season DVD of ABC's Private Practice goes on sale next Tuesday, September 13th. For those of you familiar with the series, you know that it can be a bit uneven, and at times, painful to watch. Yet, season four contains the award-winning "Did You Hear What Happened to Charlotte King?" and its aftermath, definitely one of the finest plots in the run of the show. Nay, on television last year. As such, this season, more than any other of Private Practice, is worth buying.

     "Did You Hear What Happened to Charlotte King?" features a criminally insane man (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Nicholas Brendon) raping Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) in her office at the hospital. Charlotte struggles for many episodes after to come to terms with what happens, and to start to move past it. Her friends are also quite stricken by the entire situation, and it takes awhile for everyone to learn exactly what the man does to her. Later, he returns, causing trouble all over again as he reopens old wounds, barely begun to scab over. It's a long arc, driven by some fantastic dramatic acting, and wonderfully realistic depictions of a heinous act. Strickland's lack of Emmy nomination for the ordeal is unacceptable.

     In fact, the best bonus feature of Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season is a 13-minute special on the monumental episode. Called "An Inside Look: The Violation of Charlotte King," it contains interviews with producers and actors, explaining how they struggle to make it seem real, and the reactions they have gotten about it. Paul Adelstein, in particular, describes his experience of filming the episode. Of course, KaDee Strickland has plenty to say, too. Others praise KaDee for the way she has gotten involved with RAINN since filming the emotional entry, and she gets teary speaking about it. It's very clear the impact of this hour of television extends far beyond the episode itself.

     The other bonus features are few, but rich. There are 12 deleted scenes from eight episodes. Practically every single one of them are actually character development material, often with emotional impact. These are not the standard castoffs that can be taken or leaven. It's almost fifteen minutes of footage you will wish you had seen, and now can.

     There is also a two minute and fifteen second blooper real, featuring screwed up lines and funny faces. This is less important, yet still entertaining.

     Back to the plot itself, season four marks a lot of big change, ending in the ultimate closing of Oceanside Wellness, which is struggling financially. Naomi (Audra McDonald) spends much time out of town this year, and decides to quit the practice (and the series). Addison (Kate Walsh) deals with her mother, Bizzy's (JoBeth Williams), marriage to a woman, and untimely death. Violet (Amy Brenneman) publishes her book, which causes a stir among her co-workers. Pete (Tim Daly) tries to accept Violet, now his wife. Orphaned Betsey (Hailey Sole) returns to tug a few more heart strings. Sam (Taye Diggs) tries to make a relationship work with Addison. Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) struggles with her alcoholism. And Sheldon (Brian Benben) searches for love.

     While I would not recommend buying each season of Private Practice on DVD, season four is overall pretty worthy, so check it out. Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season hits shelves on Tuesday, September 13th.

     Private Practice will return for a fifth season soon on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To purchase Private Practice DVDs and streaming episode, please click here.

Article first published as DVD Review: Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season on Blogcritics.

Private Practice wants "...To Change the Things I Can"

     ABC's Private Practice ends its fourth season with some big changes, as the episode title, "...To Change the Things I Can," implies. Violet (Amy Brenneman) has her medical license suspended, and the investigation into her extends to the entire practice. Only Sam (Taye Diggs) appears ready to fight to preserve Oceanside Wellness. Many characters ponder leaving the practice behind altogether. Violet decides she should go on a book tour, despite her husband, Pete's (Tim Daly), objections. Naomi (Audra McDonald) ponders a proposal from Fife (Michael Patrick Thornton). Addison (Kate Walsh) considers taking a trip with a handsome stranger (Benjamin Bratt, Law & Order, The Cleaner) she just met, whose name she doesn't even know. Meanwhile, Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) slides back into alcoholism, Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) struggles to counsel a rape survivor, and Cooper (Paul Adelstein) talks down a father (Joshua Malina, The West Wing) who wants to euthanize his daughter.


     The ending of this episode is a cop out. Addison decides not to run away, and instead, proposes dissolving the practice, only to immediately restart it again under a different name. Will that really throw the medical investigators off? If the same group of doctors stick together, it doesn't seem reasonable to assume changing the name of their organization will do anything substantial to get them out of trouble. Because of this, the whole thing feels forced upon any examination at all, and it becomes a hollow story with little suspense. At first, it looks to be an exciting challenge, but it peters out by the end of the hour. Hopefully, it will be revisited next season in more depth, and not just wasted.

     Why is the board even investigating them in the first place? Perhaps doctor / patient confidentiality is a tad confusing, but a when a group of doctors work together, they are not allowed to consult with one another? Sometimes the characters do slide into gossip, but trading opinions also occasionally leads to unexpected help. Keeping the information within such a community seems like it is only beneficial to the patient. No doctor is telling non-medical professionals anything about their cases. It is purely a professional arrangement. Don't any real life practices operate this way? If not, why not?

     That being said, the doctors on Private Practice have been pulled in a variety of directions, and a crisis like this may be just what they need to renew their commitment as a group. While only Sam initially steps up to fight, the possible dissolution weighs on all of the characters, and many take the problem into account as they decide what to do next. It is unfortunate that more screen time is not given to this plot, instead the hour is split between a variety of smaller problems. This could easily be a couple of episodes all on its own.

     Poor Amelia has little plot in Private Practice. Her current story arc, where she resorts back to alcoholism, feels contrived just to give her something to do. With no romantic entanglements and few medical cases that tie her to the other doctors, it is always a stretch to include her in episodes. The solution? Give her a dumb arc where she revisits past mistakes, and has learned absolutely nothing. While relapse is a part of many addicts' lives, Amelia doesn't seem the type to actually do it, until she does. With luck, the writers will come up with something for her soon that doesn't involve her addiction.

     Pete has a problem with Violet leaving because of past issues. Violet has shown a tendency to run away when things get tough. In Violet's mind, this is a totally different situation. Her medical career is stalled by her suspension, so she is pouring her energy into another job, that of selling and promoting her book. From her point of view, the decision is understandably not about running away, but keeping busy in a way that satisfies her professionally. But Pete's opinion is also easy to see, because of Violet's history. The couple needs a serious discussion with open minds. Neither of them seem willing to look at the other side, and that might end them.

     What happens to Pete at the end of "...To Change the Things I Can?" He collapses on the floor in front of his young son. Pete is showing signs of illness throughout the episode, so it isn't a total shock. But is the kid old enough to know how to dial 9-1-1? And what exactly is wrong with Pete? While this is a season finale, and so some months may pass before the season premiere, it is likely Violet will give up her book tour and come home to care for her family, even if that isn't shown in an episode.

     Who is Addison's new friend? Reports are that Benjamin Bratt is joining Private Practice full time next season. It is quite likely he is a doctor, though obviously not one that has worked at St. Ambrose, or Addison would know him before now. If he is not a doctor, it will be hard to serve his character in story from week to week, unless much more screen time is devoted to Addison's after house person life, which is not what Private Practice needs. Bratt's character is apparently here to start a love triangle with Addison and Sam. If he wants kids at all, he'll definitely win Addison over.

     It is a total mistake for Addison to fall back into Sam's bed. He probably does it because her strength in taking charge of the problem with the practice makes her attractive all over again. But they have an insurmountable disagreement that they cannot get over. There is a good, solid reason they end their relationship, and it isn't going away. As such, it is purely a mistake on both of their parts to risk reopening wounds by renewing a sexual relationship. It is just forced drama to create conflict when Bratt returns next season.

     Naomi's departure is a little anti-climatic. The production team has been willing to work with McDonald this year as she frequently commutes back home to her family in New York City. It is no surprise that she is leaving the cast, at least as a main character. She has been absent for many episodes this season. At least she is given a happy ending, and in NYC, no less. That will make it easy to film any stories the writers may come up with for Naomi in New York on location, instead of making her fly back to Los Angeles. Hopefully, that means her story isn't over, since the Private Practice developments somewhat mirror real life.

     It is sweet that Betsey (Hailey Sole) is brought back one more time. It is very sad that Betsey has had to go through so much, but the last time she came into the lives of the doctors, it felt certain that Naomi would have adopted her had she been in town and aware of the situation. Thus it is with poetic justice that Betsey returns back to them at a time when Naomi is there, so the caring mother can end any custody issues. It is too bad Betsey must suffer, but it concludes the story the way it should have ended in the first place, and so fixes a past mistake.

     Cooper only ever wants to help people. He is perhaps the most compassionate doctor on the show. In "...To Change the Things I Can," he  faces a very tough decision. Should he help a father end his daughter's life, when she doesn't have much of a life left? This is a moral quandary, similar to other episodes of the series, but different because a child is involved. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to end of the life decisions, which are usually left up to the family. This one is a little confusing because the option is not given to end the child's life, though she is a vegetable. But Cooper handles the father with grace and care, in a way few people could.

     Charlotte has come full circle with the admission of a patient who has been abused and raped, but will not allow a rape test. It is no surprise that Charlotte relives old feelings, having only recently begun to recover herself from a similar ordeal. Charlotte is a very dynamic character, who has experienced a lot of growth over the course of the series. It is a logical step for her to have to face those demons again, and thankfully she comes through with flying colors. Charlotte is able to offer comfort and connect with the patient without totally tossing aside her personality, which prevents too much bonding. Kudos to a nice capper on a very good story arc.


     Private Practice will return for a fifth season next fall on ABC.

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     To purchase Private Practice DVDs and streaming episode, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Private Practice - "...To Change the Things I Can" on Blogcritics.

Private Practice "Did You Hear What Happened to Charlotte King?"

     ABC's Private Practice has had its good runs, and its bad. Sometimes the show has been downright hard to watch, while at others it has shined like the intensely engaging drama that it can be. Last night, an episode aired that was one of the best they've ever done. It was called "Did You Hear What Happened to Charlotte King?" It was disturbing, intense, tragic, and moving, all rolled into one.

     The episode centered around the immediate aftermath of the attack on Charlotte (KaDee Strickland), seen briefly in flashes at the end of last week. Peter (Tim Daly) sees Charlotte stumble down a hall, badly beaten up and covered in blood. Charlotte tells him that she was robbed, and manages to keep most of the hospital staff away, secluding herself in a room with Pete and one trusted nurse. As soon as Peter steps out to notify all of their fellow doctors at Oceanside Wellness, Charlotte calls Addison (Kate Walsh). Addison is the only one that actually finds out that Charlotte was raped, as Charlotte refuses a rape kit, won't tell the police, and swears Addison to secrecy, against Addison's protests. In Charlotte's vulnerable state, the other doctor cannot bring herself to deny the demand.

     It's incredibly frustrating, because the rapist, Lee (Nicholas Brendon), is sitting down at police headquarters, but can't be held because no one has brought charges against him. If only Charlotte would agree to the rape kit, the evidence to get Lee off the streets would be there, and justice might be served. Clearly, this story is far from over. Next week's preview showed Addison trying very hard to keep the dark secret, and Charlotte still suffering.

     The hour had plenty of gut-wrenching moments. From Charlotte receiving stitches with no pain killer (she is in Narcotics Anonymous and allergic to the local anesthetics), to her fiance, Cooper's (Paul Adelstein) first glimpse of her. He sits by her side, trying (and failing) to be brave, not even realizing just how deep Charlotte's trauma goes. Addison's reactions to her fellow doctors are telling, as clearly she is beyond frustrated with the situation, and just wants to help. Yet, she can't.

     The rape itself was handled delicately. Viewers got a bit more than the flashes they saw last week, but it was still just quick glimpses. What we did see was disturbing, violent, and scary. I'm not saying rape ever gets glamorized, but it was surprising to me just how brutal the attack was. What was shown was more than enough to convey what happened, so it's good it was left at that. Congratulations to the cast and crew who pulled off such a horrible event in a way that focused on the emotion, and did not show unnecessary brutality. It still conveyed the point, but it was done in such a way that was as classy as possible in the situation. Basically, no violence for violence's sake. Only what was needed for the medium to continue an incredibly moving, dare I say important, story.

     Spaced throughout the scenes of Charlotte in the hospital was a plot where Sheldon (Brian Benben) is called to the local police station to talk to a man who was picked up covered in blood that was not his own. The audience finds out that his name is Lee, and long before he confesses to raping a woman, it's not hard to figure out that it's Charlotte's attacker. However, those of us waiting for that inevitable full confession, or someone to connect the dots to who his victim was, never materializes. At least not yet. As I've said, I'm sure that this storyline will take up quite a lot of screen time over the coming weeks.

     Brendon, famous for playing geeky sidekick Xander on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was amazing. While he was beloved on Buffy, subsequent roles haven't shown a depth of range, and left my opinion of his acting talents on the shallow end. However, in this role, he was fantastic. It's such a dark, unexpected turn for him, and he greatly surpassed expectations. He didn't have a ton of dialogue, either. He managed to convey a lot of layers with just a few expressions, which is something I did not expect he was capable of. I apologize for ever thinking ill of Brendon, and hope this role will lead to more work for him soon.

     This season has already had a lot of adjustment, with the recent death of main character Dell (Chris Lowell), the debate over what would become of his daughter, Betsy (Hailey Sole), and the off-screen death of William White (James Morrison), owner of the downstairs clinic. It's still a little hard getting used to Peter and Violet's (Amy Brenneman) marriage, and Sam (Taye Diggs) and Addison's relationship. It seems to have made Sam more timid to be with such an outspoken woman. It has been nice to have Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) added to the lineup, though she has yet to find her niche. She was very helpful this week, and it finally started to feel like she belonged with the rest.

     Violet already went through another traumatic event that shaped more than a year of the series, and so is deeply affected by what happened. Her lack of passionate reaction demonstrates how much she has healed. While her attack, which involved a crazy woman cutting her baby out of her stomach, was equally well-written and performed, the dark place that Violet went to afterward drug down much of last season. It took a very, very long time for Violet to start to come around, and finally rejoin her cast mates with any story that did not center around her experience. I don't think they will follow the same route with Charlotte, as it's already been done, and it wasn't the most-liked arc for many fans.

     Naomi (Audra McDonald) has been off dealing with William's estate, and will soon return to run the new, combined offices of Oceanside Wellness and William's floor. This means that Naomi has not appeared in the last three episodes. One cannot help but wonder how the last few weeks would have gone differently if Naomi had been around. Surely, Naomi would have insisted on adopting Betsy herself, after no one else would. She likely would have been the one assisting Charlotte instead of Addison. Would Naomi have kept the secret? Would she have been able to convince Charlotte to get a rape exam? Naomi is not as forceful as Addison, so I doubt she would have been able to make Charlotte submit to the tests. However, she has a much greater compassion, so chances are she may have been able to talk her into it. I look forward to Naomi's return, and how the ongoing plot will be affected by her re-joining the foray.

     If your life has been impacted by rape, incest or other sexual abuse, reach out to RAINN online or by phone at 800-656-4673.

     Private Pratice airs Thursday nights at 10pm on ABC, following the show it spun off of, Grey's Anatomy.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.


Article first published as TV Review: Private Practice "Did You Hear What Happened to Charlotte King?" on Blogcritics.

Private Practice more than doesn't suck, it's awesome!

     It has arrived.  Last night was the Private Practice season finale, "The End of a Beautiful Friendship", on ABC.  It had me in tears through sections of it.  Which means, it was fantastic, of course.  If it stays this good, it will surely be one of my favorite shows to tune into every week.

     For one, several of the love triangles that have knotted our characters for weeks have sorted themselves out.  I am still very sorry for Sheldon (Brian Benben), and sincerely hope a love interest is brought in for him next season.  However, Cooper (Paul Adelstein) proposing to Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) was one of those tear jerking moments.  Even more so was the office scene near the end, where he asked for the ring back so he could propose again tomorrow.  They are the couple I have rooted for for a long time, and they had better be solid now.  Also, Peter (Tim Daly) and Violet (Amy Brenneman) have been mooning over each other for awhile.  It got annoying, so I stopped being in their corner, but their apparent reconciliation brought back the memory of that brief time they were happy together, and it's wonderful that the uncertainty is over.  They can be a great mommy and daddy now.

     Though not a hater, I am less thrilled about Addison (Kate Walsh) and Sam (Taye Diggs).  They stayed away before because of the risk of hurting Naomi's (Audra McDonald) feelings.  Now that she is good with them again, will their finally getting together keep everyone ok?  I'm sorry, but Addison needs a friend much more than she needs to be with Sam.  She needs something, as she used to be my favorite character on the show, but now is pretty far down the list.  Speaking of Naomi, her own situation sorted itself out, as one guy left the picture.  I think her Fife (Michael Patrick Thornton) being together may take the sting off of the Sam and Addison thing.  I hope.

     Ok, to the elephant in the room.  It was no big surprise when Dell (Chris Lowell) died, though the plot was structured in a way to keep you guessing.  After all, he is the most dispensable in the love stories, as he hasn't connected with any other main characters in a very long time, and he was dropped to a limited number of episode this season anyway.  However, he also filled a role no one else did, and so I will miss him.  I'd much rather he have left for medical school than died.  Leaving Betsy (Hailey Sole) an orphan that way was heart breaking.  But the bright side is, that leaves room for a new cast member.  I nominate Sheldon to full time status, instead of 'Also Starring' in the credits.  I'd also like it is Fife and / or Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) stuck around, though, to be honest, Amelia is definitely the third place choice.  Her value would be a friend for Addison if everyone turns against her for hooking up with Sam.

     The good news is the show is considered a sure thing for a fourth season, and I am very much looking forward to it.

Private Practice doesn't suck anymore!

    Despite a fantastic cast, all of whom had television experience beforehand, and being a spin-off of one of television's most popular dramas, ABC's Private Practice has sucked plenty in the last couple of years.  It just goes to show you that you can never predict which shows will work or not until they happen.  But something great has been happening lately with the Grey's Anatomy companion, and that is good writing and great acting!  Last week's courtroom drama, "War", pitted the cast against each other as Violet (Amy Brenneman) and Peter (Tim Daly) fought for custody of their son was arguably the best episode of the series.

     The trouble, and a hell of a plot arc, started last spring when crazy woman Katie (the superb Amanda Foreman), convinced that Violet's child was hers, cut open the god doctor and kidnapped the child within her.  Katie went to jail and the baby was recovered unharmed.  Violet went through some very dark times, but she's finally starting to recover, and wants to be in her son's life.  Meanwhile, though, she dumped Lucas with Pete, who, trying to get over her, fell into the arms of Addison (Kate Walsh), who can't have a baby of her own.  To make things even more complicated, Addison is fighting feelings for Sam (Taye Diggs), so it's not a perfect match, but as it's her only chance to be a mother, she is reluctant to give it up.  The whole love rectangle is getting pretty complicated.

     In this week's episode, "In the Name of Love", things took an even darker turn at the very end, when Sam and Naomi's (Audra McDonald) daughter, Maya (Geffri Maya Hightower) went into labor, but as involved in a serious car accident on the way to the hospital.  Dell (Chris Lowell) was in the vehicle as well, but seemed to be ok.  This doesn't bode well, as rumors are circulating that one major character will not survive next week's season finale.  Would creator Shonda Rhimes be so cruel as to take the Bennett's pregnant teenager out of this world?  It just doesn't seem right!  Other rumors, however, point to Dell's exit, even though he seemed to walk away from the accident.

     My favorite love triangle currently is between Sheldon (Brian Benben), Cooper (Paul Adelstein), and Charlotte (KaDee Strickland).  I firmly believe, and always have, that Cooper and Charlotte belong together.  However, though it was Charlotte initially who couldn't commit, Cooper has been plenty immature in how he has treated her since their last breakup.  He was on his way to tell her how he felt as this week's episode closed, so hopefully the showdown goes well.  I can't help but feel bad for Sheldon, however, who lost Violet in his previous love triangle with Peter, and I do really want him to find someone and be happy.  He has been a great addition to the cast, and I hope Sheldon will continue to stick around, with or without Charlotte.
     If they keep this up, they could make my Best list soon!

     Private Practice's season finale will air next Thursday at 10pm on ABC.

Grey's gets Private

    Last week, in both of their first episodes of 2010, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice did a "Crossover Event".  What that means for these two ABC shows, who do this about once a year or so, is that Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh, The Drew Carey Show) returns back to Seattle Grace, the hospital she worked at before getting her own spin off, and then someone goes back to Los Angeles with her for the second hour.  It's not really a true crossover, in my opinion.  I would rather they do a two hour, interconnected story instead of keeping their characters so segregated.  Once, Addison brought some friends with her on her visit, and a couple of patients have made the trip, but it's still always a little bit of a let down, more so now that Addison has almost been in L.A. longer than she was as Seattle.

     That aside, both shows have really stepped up their game this season.  As I mentioned before the holidays,  Private Practice has been improving, and now with the growing relationship between Addison and Sam, (Taye Diggs, Rent) things seem to be finally growing and changing.  Dell (Chris Lowell, Veronica Mars) is getting over his dead wife, Pete (Tim Daly, Wings) is becoming a great father, and Violet (Amy Brenneman, Judging Amy) is starting to get over last season's tragedy.  The only story not doing it for me is the messy melt down between Cooper (Paul Adelstein, Prison Break) and Charlotte (KaDee Strickland, The Wedding Bells).  They have always been rocky, the basis of their relationship from an internet sex chat room, but it appears to be finally over, and that is very sad.  Perhaps the writers decided they couldn't keep it fresh, but the two of them had always been so good together, it's a real shame.

     On the Grey's front, another wonderful relationship has ended, with Mark (Eric Dane, Marley & Me) and Lexie (Chyler Leigh, The Practice) calling it quits over his pregnant teenage daughter, Sloan (Levin Rambin, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles).  It's terrible news, as she had really humanized and grew his character in ways he needed.  I was kind of rooting for Mark to stay with Addison in L.A., but since she's getting closer to Sam, I guess the timing just wasn't right for them.  Instead, he needs to try to win Lexie back, especially if his daughter gives the kid up for adoption.  Or better yet, perhaps Mark will adopt his own grandchild.  Either way, any path to get the two back together will be difficult because of Mark's recent tryst with Addison, and while he was away, Lexie also feel into the bed with Alex (Justin Chambers).  Oh, and Cristina (Sandra Oh, Sideways) was willing to give up Owen (Kevin McKidd, Rome) just to keep her heart goddess, Teddy (Kim Raver, 24, Lipstick Jungle)?  WTF?  (Side note, Kim Raver was recently picked up as a full time cast member.)

     Tonight's Grey's will feature the return of former doctor Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl, Knocked Up).  We'll see how she reacts when she found out that Alex cheated on her, though she has abandoned him pretty much since the wedding, so he's not entirely to blame.  Down the coast, Sam and Naomi (Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun) will find out that their own teenage daughter is pregnant!  Oh, the drama!


     The two shows, both created by Shonda Rhimes, air Thursdays, including tonight, on ABC at 9 and 10pm.

Private Practice not making perfect, but it's improving

     When the Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice, first premiered on ABC, I, like many others, had high hopes.  It was taking popular character Addison (Kate Walsh, The Drew Carey Show) and putting her with an all-star cast.  It had great writers, a successful creator, cream of the crop actors.  So when the show largely began sucking, it was both a disappointment and a surprise.

     Since then, it more or less has found its footing, though it still has trouble with consistency.  December 3rd's double episodes were the last two of 2009, and they were both excellent examples of when the show gets it right.  Dell (Chris Lowell, Veronica Mars) finally was rid of his drug-abusing wife in a heartbreaking story.  It showed the pain of addiction, not just to the addict, but to their families as well.  Dell was caught in a tough place between love and trust and taking care of his loved ones.  When he broke down, yelled at her, and told her to die, it proved what a fine actor Lowell is.  Though Dell is only doing a limited number of episodes this year, he is still listed in the principal cast, and if his story stays this strong, he will be fine.

     Addison had a great plot, too.  She was finally able to learn about and confront her parents for their cheating, lying ways, and she was more or less driven into the arms of Sam (Taye Diggs, Rent).  While Sam and Naomi's (Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun) divorce has been a weak point of the show, and they should definitely get back together, he and Addison have had budding chemistry of late, and it might be interesting to see him take a detour to her before hopping back in with his former wife.  Sam and Naomi also had a really great story with their daughter, and it allowed them to show their parenting skills and weaknesses.  It's a welcome change from petty fighting and Naomi's personal dramas, which led to the splitting of the practice, a not at all welcome development.

     Meanwhile, the tension between Cooper (Paul Adelstein, Prison Break) and Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) since he found out that she had previously been married needs to lessen.  While the two had a wonderful courtship, beginning with a purely sexual relationship, and evolving into one of the best couples on television, sometimes their banal bickering is too much, as it is in this case.  It should get resolved soon, and let them finally grow and be more comfortable with each other.  Yes, we get it, they have a rocky deal going on, but they've come through enough.  Just give them some peace.

     Lastly, the Pete (Tim Daly, Wings, The Nine) and Violet (Amy Brenneman, Judging Amy) story needs resolution even sooner.  What started as a fan tryst, and went into some dark, serious dramatics last spring when Violet's baby was cut from her has become uncomfortable and boring.  While, yes, Violet was traumatized deeply, and it's nice that her dealing with it is a plot, she needs to begin to come out of her stupidness, while there is still a chance for her to get back with Pete.  Both characters have been emotionally paralyzed and wasted for several episodes now.  It's time to begin to move on.  The best thing to come out of the whole plot was the addition of Sheldon (Brain Benben), Violet's other former lover.  He is now listed as 'Also starring' in the opening credits, which hopefully points to him sticking around.  He adds a humor, and sometimes sanity, to the otherwise lacking office.

     Private Practice shows enough signs of life to warrant not giving up on it, but it still has a ways to go.