Sister shows Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice both return with all new episodes tonight.  Tonight's Private Practice, titled "The Letting Go", it includes multiple guest stars: A.J. Langer ("My So-Called Life") as Erica, Scott Amell ("Hung") as Scott And Anika Noni Rose ("Dreamgirls") as Corinne.

Here's the official synopsis from ABC: "Sheldon warns Sam that he may be in over his head when he insists on releasing Corinne from the hospital and caring for her at home; a badly beaten Scott arrives at the ER and is placed under the care of Pete; Amelia is encouraged to make a decision about her unborn child; and Jake’s daughter grills him on his love life when he visits her at college. Meanwhile, Erica’s health takes a turn for the worse, on Private Practice, THURSDAY, MARCH 15 (10:02-11:00 p.m., ET)."

You can watch four sneak peeks below for tonight's all new episode of Private Practice.  Use the arrows above to browse through photos for the episode.

Private Practice Sneak Peeks: Erica’s Health Takes a Turn For the Worse Tonight

Private Practice returns with all new episodes on Thursday, January 5 and ABC has released a few spoilers for two upcoming episodes in January.

January 5, Episode 5.10 "Are You My Mother?": Cooper struggles with whether or not to punish Mason after he catches him stealing; Pete and Violet find it hard to split time with Lucas now that they're living apart; Addison makes changes in her home life to prepare for a potential new baby; Violet and Jake work with two women and a man involved in a polyamorous triad; meanwhile Amelia returns to the practice and realizes how badly she hurt Sheldon when she was abusing drugs.  Guest stars include Audrey Marie Anderson as Rose Filmore, John Sloan as Evan Olsen, Jamie Silberhartz as Kendra Templeton, Bresha Webb as Melanie White and Aloma Wright as Mildred Clemons. (Note: this episode begins at 10:02 p.m. ET because Grey's Anatomy will run slightly longer).

January 12, Episode 5.11 "The Standing Eight Count": Pete, Violet, Sam and Addison adjust to their new, singles lives in different ways. Addison questions how much she wants a baby and confides in Jake, Violet considers an offer to go on a date with a young, hot paramedic, and Sam and Pete have a bachelors’ night at a local bar. Meanwhile, Charlotte faces a personal, ethical dilemma when Amelia uncovers a secret about Mason’s mom, Erica, and Sheldon refuses to bend to the pressure when an old friend from the police force wants him to rubber stamp a fellow cop suffering from PTSD.  (Note: this episode begins at 10:02 p.m. ET because Grey's Anatomy will run slightly longer).

Watch two sneak peeks below from the January 5 return of Private Practice.

Want to know when your other favorite shows return in January?  Check out our handy schedule of midseason return dates.

Private Practice January Spoilers: Cooper Tackles the Difficulties of Being a Parent (Sneak Peeks)

Remember a little show called My So-Called Life?  Star A.J. Langer will be making a guest appearance on the October 20 episode of Private Practice.

In next week's episode, entitled "Remember Me", Cooper is in for one hell of a surprise when one of his former flings arrives at Oceanside Wellness.  Addison has to counsel one of her patients, Jodi (Kathleen Rose Perkins), who has eight and a half months pregnant and has been suffering from severe memory loss after a traumatic car accident.  Meanwhile, we learn that Jodi's husband, Zach (Eyal Podell), is debating leaving his wife and taking the baby with them, which causes Sheldon and Violet to clash.

To view photos for the October 20 episode of Private Practice, click the arrows above.  Note that this episode will be starting two minutes late because Grey's Anatomy will be running a few minutes long.

Private Practice Photos & Promo: Cooper Gets a Surprise in Episode 5.04

The doctors of Oceanside Wellness will have a very tough case on their hands in tonight's new episode of Private Practice.

Addison and Jake are approached by a patient who has no uterus, but still wants to have a baby.  Meanwhile, Amelia is back in AA and seems to be back on track with managing her drinking.  This week she'll have to treat a patient with Parkinson's Disease who consistently cheats on her husband.  Violet is doing her best to be happy about being a stay-at-home mom, but it's tough for her.  She decides to attend a mommy group but quickly realizes that's not the kind of thing she enjoys.  Finally, Cooper "receives the surprise of his life".

Below are four sneak peeks for tonight's all new episode of Private Practice.  To view photos for the episode, click the arrows above.  Note that this episode will begin at 10:02 p.m. ET because Grey's Anatomy is running two minutes over.

Tonight on Private Practice: Sneak Peeks & Photos for Episode 5.03

Private Practice returned for its fifth season this week but we're already looking ahead to next week.  In the October 6 episode of Private Practice, the doctors of Oceanside Wellness decide to proceed with replacing Naomi and interview potential candidates for the job.  Among the candidates is Jake Reilly, but Addison is extremely resistant to hiring him.  The other doctors are puzzled as to why.

Cooper experiences a moral dilemma in trying to treat a sick, young patient.  When push comes to shove, he breaks the law and crosses Charlotte to try and get cord blood to save the patient.  Pete is experiencing a lot of frustrations after his heart attack and he takes them out on Violet.

Guest stars for the episode include Patrick Fabian as Robert Weston and David Berry Gray as Greg Gilbert.

To view photos for the October 6 episode of Private Practice, click the arrows above.  Note that Grey's Anatomy will be running slightly long on October 6 and Private Practice will begin at 10:02 p.m. ET.

Private Practice Photos: Interviewing Naomi's Replacement in Episode 5.02

A special two-hour season premiere episode of Grey's Anatomy will be airing on September 22, but Private Practice returns for its fifth season next week on September 29.

Addison bought Oceanside Wellness Center at the end of season 4 and this will immediately cause problems among the doctors.  They're all used to managing the medical center together, so having to report to one boss will cause discord among the friends.  Addison also opted not to head to Fiji with Jake Reilly (played by Benjamin Bratt), but she's in for a shock when she sees him unexpectedly at the medical center.

Peter is in a lot of danger, having collapsed in front of his young son after suffering a heart attack.  While we know that he'll recover, the attack will have him re-evaluating his life and choices.

Charlotte had a tough year, but she has a more positive outlook thanks to her friendships and her recent marriage.  But she'll be watching over Amelia, who is slipping in her alcohol recovery.

We've already posted several sneak peeks for the season 5 premiere of Private Practice (view them here) and now, thanks to ABC, we have photos to share with you.  Click the arrows above to go through them.

Private Practice returns for an all new season on Thursday, September 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Private Practice Photo Preview: Season 5 Premiere

On September 22, a special two-hour premiere episode of Grey's Anatomy will air.  But on September 29, season 5 of Private Practice will begin.

In season 4 of Private Practice, the Oceanside Wellness practice was in jeopardy and Violet's tell-all book put it under review.  Addison decided to buy the practice and become the sole owner.  The doctors were all used to working together as a cooperative, so Addison's ownership will put a tremendous strain on her friendships.  She has also made the decision to stay with Sam and pursue single motherhood.  Addison also befriended Jake Reilly last season and initially agreed to travel to Fiji with him.  But she changed her mind at the last minute, thinking she wouldn't see him again.  However, she's in for a shock when he turns up at the fertility clinic.

Violet and Pete, who were married last season, have been having some tough times.  After a fight, Peter suffered a heart attack and collapsed, with baby Lucas looking on.  Pete will survive his heart attack, but he'll go through an existential crisis because of it.

Charlotte, meanwhile, went through some terrible times last season after her sexual assault, but she was happy about marrying Cooper.  She decides to continue moving forward with her life, but keeps an eye on Amelia, who is a fellow recovering alcoholic who may be slipping.

Below are four sneak peeks for the season 5 premiere of Private Practice.  Do you want a chance to win season 4 of Private Practice on DVD?  Enter our contest.

Private Practice returns for an all new season on Thursday, September 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Private Practice Season 5 Premiere Sneak Peeks

We're giving one lucky TVOvermind reader a chance to win a recently released Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season box set on DVD.

Here are the DVD details:

Experience every complex romance, medical crisis and moral dilemma of ABC's "Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season". Don't miss a moment of TV's sexiest drama, from the creators of "Grey's Anatomy". Join the Oceanside Wellness Group family as they try to balance work, friendship and love while they lean on each other for the help and support they need. As Pete and Violet prepare for their wedding day, disagreements at the clinic put a strain on Addison and Sam's relationship.

Meanwhile, Charlotte and Cooper struggle in the aftermath of a traumatic personal event, and Derek's sister, Amelia, returns from Seattle with a destructive secret. It's a season of change and new hope for Dr. Addison Montgomery and her colleagues. Relive all (22) captivating episodes is this spectacular 5-disc collection, complete with never-before-seen bonus features. ABC's Private Practice is riveting drama at its best.

Special Features:

• Bloopers
• Deleted Scenes
• "Did You Hear What Happened To Charlotte King? A Discussion" - We take a look at the episode in which the character Charlotte is raped by a mental patient, and hear from actress KaDee Strickland on how she researched, prepared for, and shot the episode. She discusses her work with RAINN and meeting with rape victims prior to shooting. We also hear from the show's producers, director and fellow actors.

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Thai, Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese.

It's easy to enter. Here's what you have to do:

(1) Make sure you follow @tvovermind on Twitter.  Winners will be contacted by direct message on Twitter so make sure you follow us!

(2) Tweet the following: Follow @tvovermind for a chance to win #PrivatePractice Season 4 DVD! http://bit.ly/qlRxmr for details

Contest open to residents of Canada and the continental United States.  Contest ends at 10:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 22.  

Contest: Win a Private Practice Season 4 DVD!

The season finale of Private Practice will be airing next week on May 19.  The Oceanside Wellness doctors will face a fairly large dilemma in the season finale.  They can either (1) point out all the vulnerable areas of their practice, which could lead to some of them getting fired, or (2) dissolve the medical practice and go their separate ways.

Addison's resolve will be tested when a new admirer makes her a very interesting proposition.  Will she choose to leave the others or will they find a way to stick together and keep the practice?  Charlotte will also be assigned a case that strikes a cord in her.

Guest stars for the episode include: Michael Patrick Thornton as Dr. Gabriel Fife, Hailey Sole as Betsey Parker and Benjamin Bratt as Conor.

The season finale of Private Practice will begin a minute later, at 10:01 p.m. on May 19, due to the season finale of Grey's Anatomy running a minute over.  Below are promo photos for the episode, courtesy of ABC.

124053_0246

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 14

(ABC/DANNY FELD) TIM DALY, AMY BRENNEMAN

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Photos: Season Finale "...To Change the Things I Can"

The penultimate episode of Private Practice will be airing tonight on ABC. Hailey Sole will be returning as Betsy Parker.  After Betsy is brought into the ER for a second time, the Oceanside Wellness doctors are concerned that she might be being abused.  They launch an investigation into her new foster family, but fear that it could result in her being put back into the system.

Amelia, meanwhile, continues to give into her personal demons and dive further into becoming an alcoholic.  Is there hope that she can overcome her problems and regain her sobriety?  Naomi is faced with choices of her own when she makes a life-changing decision for her family.  Michael Patrick Thornton will also be guest starring as Dr. Gabriel Fife.

Below are four sneak peeks for tonight's all new episode of Private Practice, courtesy of ABC.  The season finale of Private Practice will be airing next week on May 19.  You can also view promo photos for this episode here.

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Sneak Peeks: "God Bless the Child" Tonight!

The penultimate episode of Private Practice will be airing next week - on May 12 - on ABC.

Betsy returns to the ER for a second time.  Concerned that she may be being abused, the doctors of Oceanside Wellness decide to launch an investigation into her new foster family.  Of course, this could result in Betsy being put back into the state child care system.

Naomi, meanwhile, will make a large and life-changing decision for her family.  Amelia will also have to face her own demons as she slips further and further away from her sobriety.

Below are promo photos for the May 12 new episode of Private Practice, courtesy of ABC.  Guest stars for the episode will include Michael Patrick Thornton as Dr. Gabriel Fife and Hailey Sole as Betsey Parker.  The season finale of Private Practice will be airing on May 19.

123949_0245

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 11

(ABC/RANDY HOLMES) KATE WALSH, AUDRA MCDONALD

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Photos: Private Practice 5.21 "God Bless the Child"

We're coming up on the season finale of Private Practice. New episodes will air tonight and on May 12, and the season finale will air on May 19 on ABC.

Tonight marks Cooper and Charlotte's wedding. While the big day is finally here, not everyone wants to celebrate.  The bad mood from some of the guests leads Cooper and Charlotte to wonder whether they're doing the right thing.

The doctors of Oceanside Wellness are put in a serious bind.  After Katie returned last week and threatened to sue, an investigator will be appearing tonight to question Violet and the other doctors about Violet's alleged breach of confidentiality.  The doctors are torn between protecting Violet and protecting the future of their practice.

Below are five sneak peeks for tonight's new episode of Private Practice, courtesy of ABC.  You can also view promo photos for the episode that we previously posted.

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Sneak Peeks: Charlotte & Cooper Wed Tonight

Cooper and Charlotte's wedding day will take place n the May 5 new episode of Private Practice.  Despite the fact that the couple are excited that their big day has finally arrived, not everyone else is as happy.  These doubts leave the couple wondering if they should go through with their plans.

Violet's legal problems continue.  In tonight's episode of Private Practice, Katie returns and believes that Violent should be sued for breach of confidentiality (see photos here).  That feeling doesn't go away in the May 5 episode and an investigator is sent to question Violet about her possible breach of confidentiality surrounding the book.  Violets friends and fellow doctors at Oceanside Wellness are given a tough choice: either protect the financial stability of their practice or protect one of their own.

You can view photos below for the May 5 new episode of Private Practice.  Grey's Anatomy will be running an extra minute long that night, so Private Practice will start at 10:01 p.m.  New episodes of Private Practice continue on May 12 and May 19.

123727_0445

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 14

(ABC/RON TOM) MARK ESPINOZA

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Photos: Cooper & Chalotte Marry in 5.20 "Something Old, Something New"

Amanda Foreman returns as Katie Kent on an all new episode of Private Practice on April 28. Katie returns to threaten legal action against Violet about her book.  While Katie thinks that Violet should be sued for "breach of confidentiality", Violet doesn't think she's done anything wrong.  But it becomes clear that she'll have to defend her actions.  Not only to Katie, but to other people as well.

Cooper becomes concerned that Charlotte might still have some feelings for her ex-husband Billy.  But he's later surprised that Billy has some hidden feelings as well.

Grey's Anatomy will be running an extra minute long on April 28, so the episode of Private Practice will actually starting at 10:01 p.m. ET.

Below are promo photos for the April 28 episode of Private Practice, courtesy of ABC.  New episodes of Private Practice will also air on May 5, May 12 and May 19.

123543_1114

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 14

(ABC/ADAM TAYLOR) CHANDRA WEST, GABRIEL OLDS, KATE WALSH

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Photos: Katie Returns in 5.19 "What We Have Here..."

The big news of tonight is the fact that Grey's Anatomy is airing a musical episode (view sneak peeks here).  But a new episode of Private Practice will also be airing after Grey's tonight.

Cast member Paul Adelstein directed this episode and Oscar winner Louise Fletcher (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) will be making a guest appearance as Peter's mother, Frances.

Peter's brother, Adam, will be bringing their sick mother in for a consultation, and Pete eventually discovers that Adam might be responsible for their mother's illness.

Violet, meanwhile, is celebrating her book's success, and inadvertently walks in on Sheldon, who's about to take her nemesis on a date.  And Cooper deals with his own difficulties when he has to treat a kid who's a young musical prodigy.  But his brain tumor could result in him never playing the piano again.

Below are four sneak peeks for the episode.  Be sure to tune into an all new episode of Private Practice tonight (March 31) on ABC.

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Sneak Peeks: Episode 4.18 "The Hardest Part"

I really love Private Practice, so please don't make accusations about being a mole and trying to turn people against the show or some such nonsense when I say that I was disappointed in "A Step Too Far."  There were too many uninteresting (self-involved) patient stories for me to really enjoy the group I know and love.

Breaking it down:

• I hate that Addison isn't pregnant. Not that I wanted there to be a bunch of drama between her, Sam and Naomi, but just because I know how much she wants a baby. For the "star" of the show, she spends a lot of time getting the short end of the stick. We knew Sam didn't really want Addison. After one kiss with Naomi, he was practically begging her to tell him it meant more than it did. Addison is NOT a cheap substitute for Naomi. Here's hoping Benjamin Bratt is her knight in shining armor. They are head to head both physically and in terms of talent. If he's a good guy on the show, she deserves him.
• Even one bad review of an otherwise lauded book can send a psychologist spiraling out of control. Violet's book was very well received, but she only focused on the negative. Funny thing is, when she was sitting on the couch with Pete analyzing herself, she was right. If it took a negative book review to give her that understanding, then good for her. Not to mention, I'd bet every one of us would lose sight of all the other reviews in light of the negative. It's human nature.
• I didn't quite understand the fuss over Cooper wanting to go back to school. I hope he pursues it. While I liked the support Charlotte gave to him, it just seemed strange that she would even question his motives. If he wants to learn more to feel better prepared to help people, how can that have any negative connotations?
• The surrogate pregnancy just annoyed me. It was an ugly story about how people can lose sight of their good intentions and think only of themselves, everyone else be damned. It did end well, but the babies birth was surrounded by misfortune instead of joy. No fair.
• Wrestling and a getting a full scholarship with a bad heart is more important than being alive, healthy and getting school loans. I don't know what else can be said about that story.
• Sheldon got a little action with the "evil" book reviewer. Cooper had the nerve to say he shouldn't do it. Easy for him to say when he got Charlotte. Sheldon was after Charlotte and Violet and came out empty handed. Good for him for finding an intelligent, sassy, attractive woman to spend time with. I hope she sticks around for a while.

There you have it. How did you feel about the episode? I just wanted more of my Private Practice family. I'm looking forward to a little happiness for my docs, how about you? Think we'll see any? Next weeks Grey's Anatomy is going to be full of singing during an uber depressing episode...we can only hope Shonda placed something a little cheerier in our path afterward!

Private Practice 4.17 "A Step Too Far" - Or Not Far Enough?

A new episode of Private Practice will be airing this week on Thursday, March 24.  Alex Kingston will be guest starring at Dr. Marla Phillips.  This week the group celebrates the release of Violet's book with a launch party.  At the party, Sheldon will be attracted to Dr. Phillips, who gives Violet's book a bad review.

Addison and Pete will have a strange situation on their hands when one of their patients is caught in a love triangle with her brother-in-law and sister, while she's acting as a surrogate mother for the pair.

Cooper and Sam will also get entangled in a patient's private life when they try to convince some parents that they should focus more on their son's health than his wrestling career.

Below are four sneak peeks and promo photos for the upcoming new episode of Private Practice.  Expect a few weeks of new episodes, with new episodes also airing on March 31 and April 7.  ABC also set the finale dates for its Fall shows.  The Private Practice finale will be airing on Thursday, May 19. To see more ABC finale dates, click here.

123368_6422

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 7

(ABC/MICHAEL DESMOND) AMY BRENNEMAN, TIM DALY

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Sneak Peeks & Photos: Private Practice 4.17 "A Step Too Far"

I apologize for the delay in this week's review. I was going to go ahead and skip it but finally got the opportunity to watch last night, and damn if it wasn't worth talking about! If you care, I was at a Craig Ferguson comedy show on St. Paddy's day. It definitely trumped Private Practice!

Addison came back to the office. Crying. Constantly. If she isn't pregnant, I'll eat my hat. Not that I have a hat. But if you have one, I'll eat yours. Seriously, did anyone believe she was going to wrack up that kind of emotion over Bizzy? Not on your life. For goodness sakes, she basically found out that Sam and Naomi did SOMETHING and THAT didn't bring her to tears. Those are not normal emotions.

So, what do we know? We know Addison has been jonesing for a baby. We know that Sam doesn't want more children. We know that Sam and Naomi did a little sumthin' while Addy was at her MOM'S FUNERAL and we know that (spoiler alert!!) Naomi is leaving the show. What an absolute perfect time for Addison to get pregnant. So we can spend her entire pregnancy in a will they or won't they be together scenario, with Sam only committing once he sees the perfect little face of his newborn baby. Story for an entire season! All I can say is that if Addy is pregnant, I hope she gets to be happy during her pregnancy, because she deserves it.  As an aside, do you think Naomi will leave with Gabriel? Amazing that she hasn't been without a man since the show started.

Do you know that there are only an estimated 30,000 people nationwide who have Huntington's Disease? If we were to believe television, at least one of our friends will encounter someone who has to suffer the possible fate. Thankfully (although not for the families afflicted), it is mainly a hereditary disease. In spite of the face that the Huntington's story is way overdone, I didn't mind Amelia's involvement. She is such a tough chick, and in her position my story would have probably played out the same. How do you tell someone you love they have a terminal disease, right after they tell you they will kill themselves if they find they have the gene? Ouch. Finding that out just as she was drawing blood left her in a no-win situation. The practice has a little bit of everything, and no shortage of people who have been through similar pain, as well as professional therapists, so Amelia lucked out and saved her friend, even by telling the truth.

Finally, I'm not really sure how I felt about the fertility case. I could understand every side they threw at us. Addison's reaction in the end, when the parents didn't want to see their baby even once, just solidified my thoughts that she is pregnant. She and Charlotte are usually all for the science of a procedure, and making the future a better place. But seeing the baby alone, without an ounce of love before undergoing a procedure proved too much for her. It fit perfectly.

After four seasons, I am still enjoying everything Private Practice. I daresay it continues to grow and get better. What do you think?

Private Practice 4.16 "Love and Lies" Review - Seriously Delayed!

A new episode of Private Practice will be airing this week on March 17.  The episode will be airing at a special time of 9:00 p.m. EST and will run an extra minute long (so be sure to adjust those DVRs!).

The doctors of Oceanside will be divided in the upcoming episode and will clash when an expectant mother asks them to harvest the eggs of their unborn and ill-fated baby.  Desperate to have children, the expectant mother and her husband feel they have no choice but to go this route.  But the doctors aren't sure whether this course of action is the right one.

Amelia is going through her own crisis when a friend gets tested for Huntington's Disease and threatens to kill herself if the results come back positive.  Fife also returns to the hospital to tell Naomi the truth of how he feels about her.

Below are five sneak peeks from the upcoming March 17 episode of Private Practice, as well as promo photos for the episode.

123287_9839

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 11

(ABC/ADAM LARKEY) KATE WALSH

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Sneak Peeks & Photos: The Doctors Are Divided

Maybe this just isn't my season for Private Practice, but it was another episode I didn't like.

I really felt for the mother of pregnant Down's daughter. She knew in practicality that any child born to her daughter would be hers by proxy. Whether healthy (normal) or another Down's child, it would be her responsibility.  She knew she didn't have it in her to raise another child when she was already raising one into adulthood. I liked that she treated her daughter with respect, and let her know she was pregnancy. She could have kept it from her, but she didn't. The reality of the situation is that no matter what she did, someone was going to think she was wrong, so she did what was in her own best interests. After a lifetime of looking out for her daughter, I can't say I would condemn her choice to terminate the pregnancy. In the end, the entire storyline had something to do with Sam and Naomi and their granddaughter. Because they kissed. And, well, based upon that kiss, probably more. Right after Addison's mother died. I never bought Sam and Addison as a couple, so I hope this separates them for good.

Violet, meanwhile, has given out the manuscript for her book to all of her friends. She was obviously hoping for a better reception, and the one she received initially was a bitter pill to swallow. Most of them hated her portrayal of them, as would any of us who are not perfect. My friend actually wrote a fiction book with a character based loosely on me, and it's not a read I recommend to many friends. Violet's friends didn't have benefit of knowing she took artistic liberty, because her's is a memoir. It would be difficult to let your ugly bits be published for the world to read. She did, however, let them have the final vote on whether to publish as it was just as much their story as it was hers. Given time to adjust, they all gave her their blessing.

Finally, we have Charlotte and Cooper, still trying to get things back in line. Just as she wears the ring again, Cooper tells her he kissed Amelia. After she was raped. Charlotte and Cooper weathered the storm as they always do. The sad part of this is that Charlotte and Amelia have become close because of their past addictions and attending meetings together; they've become friends. You find out just how much of a friend Amelia is when Charlotte confronted her about it, and instead of telling Charlotte how she pushed back and, in doing so, would have laid just a bit of the blame onto Cooper, Charlotte said none of it mattered. She protected the feelings of Charlotte instead of herself. I thought that was Amelia's best moment to date.

@modwild on Twitter
carissap@tvovermind.com

Private Practice 4.15 "Two Steps Back" Review

A new episode of Private Practice will be airing on February 24 and we have four sneak peeks and promo photos for you below from ABC.  Here's a short description of the episode from the network:

CHARLOTTE AND COOPER MUST LEARN TO FORGIVE AND FORGET AS THEY LEARN EACH OTHER'S SECRETS, ON ABC'S "PRIVATE PRACTICE"

Liza Weil ("Gilmore Girls") Guest Stars

"Two Steps Back" - Charlotte and Cooper look to forgive each another after revealing secrets during couples therapy, Violets seeks the forgiveness and approval of her fellow doctors after they learn her novel-in-progress will make all of their personal lives public, Sheldon treats a patient who claims to have multiple personality disorder, and Sam and Naomi team up on a case involving a pregnant teen with Down's Syndrome , on "Private Practice," THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

123025_1589

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 7

(ABC/RON TOM) MATT ROTH, JENNIFER ASPEN

Private Practice Sneak Peeks: Charlotte & Cooper Reveal Secrets

There were two pieces of Private Practice tonight. Because I found it distasteful, I'll first deal with the execution story involving Violet and Sheldon. I really had hope for the story. That the husband, after 17 years, came clean and admitted he committed a murder he had denied until then gave me some hope. So many execution stories come down to the person being innocent and everybody gets to talk about how right they were and how horrible the system is to ever use execution under any circumstances.

But then it was in the open, and his wife was confronting the wife of the murdered man, and I was let down. I know what it is like to want to explain away someone's crimes. I've made excuses that I cannot believe I have made when defending a guilty person. But to ask the wife of a murdered man to petition the governor for a stay of execution was just going too far. I can only think of the years of grief she had undergone, with just 48 hours left to what might be the final step in her grieving process (because as long as there is a chance the outcome can change, it is always on your mind), to be assaulted like she was just assaulted me.

Stepford Addison (even Sam noticed the similarity) was much more understandable. And agreeable. I hate her mother for putting her in the position to lie to everyone she loves, testing her one final time with her family loyalty. But Addison dealt with it. It bordered on humorous, at times, the way she greeted her friends when they showed up in Connecticut, the eulogy she delivered - it all worked. Addison was fighting back at her mother, the woman she doesn't want to become, in the only way that made sense to her.

Just months after Addison inadvertently came to the rescue of Charlotte, Charlotte was facing the same fate with Addison. I can only hope that their blossoming friendship, based upon the worst of times, is something explored in the future. When Charlotte and Violet were hanging out, it didn't seem they were equals.  Not that one was less than the other, but that they were so incredibly different. Addison and Charlotte are both beautiful, strong and private women, seemingly kindred spirits. Naomi is leaving, so Addison will be in need of a new best friend. No matter how much in love you are with your significant other, you need someone else to share with your darkest and brightest moments, sometimes before they are shared elsewhere. The potential of this friendship would be ripe with possibilities, so I hope someone who cares gets my message.

If you read my review of "Blind Love" last week, you know I wasn't pleased. In spite of my opening paragraph above and the assault on my sense of justice and redemption, "Home Again" felt like the Private Practice I have loved these three and a half years. Adults who face problems, share their love and friendship and experience life. Some of them have been in each others lives forever, and some are newer to the family, but each has his or her place and when it all comes together, it can hum like a finely tuned instrument.

My grade is B+. If they had left the execution for another episode, "Home Again" would have earned an A.

Private Practice 4.14 "Home Again" Review - Stepford Addison

A new episode of Private Practice will be airing on February 17. Addison decides to return home to Connecticut to deal with a recent family tragedy.  Sam and the rest of her friends decide to head to Connecticut as well to help her deal with her personal issues.

Sheldon and Violet get into an argument when the death row patient Sheldon is treating confesses to a crime that his wife, a patient of Violet's, believes that he didn't commit.  Grant Show will be making a guest appearance as Archer Montgomery and Stephen Collins will be appearing as The Captain.

Below are promo photos and 7 sneak peeks for the upcoming episode.  Don't miss a new episode of Private Practice on February 17.

123170_1859

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 10

(ABC/JORDIN ALTHAUS) STEPHEN COLLINS, TIM DALY

Private Practice Sneak Peeks & Photos: Addison Copes With a Family Tragedy

I may be alone in my assessment of "Blind Love," but I thought it was tired, and devoid of originality. Nothing about it was satisfying, amusing, tenderhearted or unexpected. Charlotte's rape storyline was done beautifully, don't get me wrong. They didn't pull any punches, they showed what a huge mistake it is to withhold a crime from the police. All of the repercussions of being raped, as well as those of not reporting were well developed and although horrid to watch, made for exemplary storytelling. I was riveted. The "conclusion" of the story, revisiting something that has already been done on the show this year was unacceptable.

In the first episode of season 4 we were still dealing with the after effects of the auto accident that put Naomi and Sam's daughter, Maya, and her newborn baby's life in jeopardy. And the drunk driver responsible? His life was in the hands of - Sam. How many times are the people of Oceanside Wellness Center going to be put into these same positions? Charlotte runs the hospital where her rapist is now seeking treatment for a knife-wound to the chest. All of her friends work there, everyone knows what he did and who he is. Does she want to let what he did to her change who she is and what she stands for for eternity? Exact same position Sam was in when treating the drunk driver. A disappointing end to an otherwwise well executed dramatic story.

Speaking of disappointing endings, let's chat a moment about Addison and Bizzy. We knew Susan wasn't going to survive. We could guess that the person who would be held accountable for her death was Addison. The type on the script was so large I could read it from Denver. One moment, Bizzy was angry and the next she had forgiven Addison, come to grips with her situation and was ready to move on and planned a lovely day with her daughter. But, being Bizzy, she killed herself. Not only did she do it, she left a note demanding that Addison not embarrass her by telling everyone how she died. Nice one, Bizzy. Mom of the Year to the very last second.

Addison deserved more, the viewers deserved more. More was deserved all around and it was not delivered. What we got was a failure of epic proportions. Two thumbs down. What do we have to look forward to next week? Oh, this will be great! Everyone wondering how Bizzy really died, Addison hurt and not wanting to betray her mother by telling the truth. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Shonda dug herself out of the monstrosity of "Blind Love" with the next episode, "Home Again," but somehow I'm expect more of a mess to clean.

Private Practice 4.13 "Blind Love" Review - There Was Nothing Lovely Here

Private Practice is going to be short one doctor when it returns next year. Series regular Audra McDonald has announced she is leaving Private Practice to spend more time her family, but she hasn’t ruled out coming back for the occasional guest spot. “I have spent four amazing years working with the best cast and crew on television at Private Practice,” McDonald told TVLine.com. “Though I am stepping away from the series as a regular in order to spend more time in New York with my family, I am not closing the door on Private Practice or the character, Naomi. I am beyond grateful to Shonda Rhimes, ABC, and the team behind the show.”

Audra played Naomi Bennett on Private Practice, a founder of the Oceanside Wellness Centre that serves as the backdrop for the show. Since a fellow founder of the practice is her Ex-Husband Sam Bennett, played by Taye Diggs, Naomi’s story-lines often contributed to the dramatic complexity of Private Practice and serviced a dynamic that will be missed by fans.

While the news is no doubt saddening for Private Practice fans, it is exciting in another regard – giving us something to speculate about, feverishly. Just because Audra has sworn to return doesn’t mean Naomi couldn’t wind up permanently written out of the show. Dealing Naomi a death card is probably a bit too cliché a maneuver for the Private Practice writers room, though – that said, it should be very interesting to see how they deal with such a major shakeup in the Private Practice layout. Could it be that Naomi’s exit will make room for a new series regular? You can probably bet on it.

Breaking - Audra McDonald Leaving Private Practice

Buffy alum Nicholas Brendan will be making a guest appearance on the February 10 new episode of Private Practice as Charlotte's attacker Lee Henry.  He turns up at St. Ambrose Hospital after being injured by his girlfriend and in need of medical assistance.  Sam and Charlotte are put in the position of deciding whether or not they should help save his life.

Susan's health also takes a turn for the worst during the episode, prompting Addison's mother, Bizzy, to beg her daughter to help Susan and do whatever it takes.

The February 10 episode of Private Practice is schedule to start one minute late, at 10:01 p.m. EST, so don't freak out if the show before runs over.  Below are 4 sneak peeks from ABC for the upcoming episode.

clarissa @ tvovermind.com
twitter.com/clarissa373
twitter.com/tvovermind

Private Practice Sneak Peeks: Charlotte's Attacker Needs Help