Private Practice Review: Hit by a PMS Truck
Don’t you just love Thursday nights?
From Amelia’s unbearable request from a friend to Addison’s head-on collision with the PMS truck, "Step One" felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. And quite frankly, I didn’t want the ride to end.
First, I’m always down for continuity in storytelling and appreciated Amelia’s heartbreaking storyline. However, I couldn’t stop thinking: Poor Amelia, especially when Michelle returned needing Amelia’s help to end her own life.
While both Pete and Sheldon reminded Amelia that she took an oath to do no harm as a doctor and that euthanasia is considered murder in California, Amelia was deeply conflicted as she had promised to help Michelle. Isn't that what friends do?
I just knew all would not be okay once Michelle was released from the hospital after the unsuccessful assisted suicide attempt. Yet I didn’t expect for Michelle to actually go through with the suicide and leave Amelia in an even darker place than ever. Maybe it’s time McDreamy paid a visit to Seaside Health and Wellness and stepped in to help his little sister out. She really needs someone, as the worst is yet to come for Amelia. I hope Charlotte will be the one to help her pick up the pieces and that they’ll be able to rekindle their friendship much sooner than later.
Speaking of hope, Addie was finally learning to have some. It was hilarious seeing her go through a whirlwind of emotions due to her starting her vitro fertilization treatments. With every passing episode, I grow more and more excited for her and her future as a mother.
Then again, I also continue to wonder how AddiSam will make it if the latter continues to state he is not looking to be a father again. Sure, he admitted that he will always love and support Addie, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.
One thing is for sure, though: Addie and Jake’s undeniable chemistry. As much as I love Cooper and Charlotte’s scenes together, I absolutely adore seeing Addie and Jake together almost as much. How much longer do I have to wait to see something happen between these two?
As for Cooper, I enjoyed the father-son bonding. Although I would have much preferred to have Charlotte included in his newfound family, it was kind of fun seeing Cooper and his Mini Cooper fishing and watching Phineas and Ferb together.
I can’t help but question, however, how long Mason and Erica will be sticking around and whether or not Erica will ever forgive Charlotte for last week’s incident. What would you like to see happen?
I thought this week’s medical case was well written and have always enjoyed stories without an entirely happy ending. Private Practice always has a way of giving you a chance to weigh options and then realize that there isn’t always a right or wrong answer. And this week a mother gave her son exactly what he thought he needed regardless of the circumstances and what the doctors ordered. She loved him that much.
Finally, I’ve saved the best for last. As most of us would agree that Violet exists solely to meddle in others’ business and to annoy the crap out of us, I’d like to formally introduce the Violet Annoyance Scale (VAS). Following every review, I’ll examine the ever-so-popularly irritating, infuriating, frustrating and aggravating Violet and give a rating (based on a 1-10 scale).
So, to get things started, I’m rating last night’s episode a - drum roll, please! - solid 5 on the VAS.
Violet has been much worse, but this week we saw her baking with Lucas and she wasn’t her usual narcissistic self. Let’s not forget, though, that she wants to sue the medical board now, and even admitted to Addie that she feels as if, since Pete’s surgery, her only purpose is to be solely a perfect wife and mother.
For starters, what’s wrong with that? Secondly, shouldn’t those roles always be considered top priorities anyway? I get that she misses her job, but let’s face it... we hardly see her interacting with her son. As for the wife part, I think she she’s got a lot of making up to do. Both Lucas and Pete deserve better.
Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to see your rating and hear your thoughts on "Step One."
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Addison: Then slowly, over time, everything changes. And you're no longer this young thing, and you don't believe in fairytales and "perfect" isn't in your v...
November 3rd, 2011 2:38 PM
I'm alright with the VAS as long as this isn't a rally to get her kicked off the show :) just like Vanessa on Gossip Girl and her Uselessness Scale.
Rank: Extra
November 3rd, 2011 4:06 AM
Love the Violet Annoyance Scale. I do agree with this she was at a 5
November 2nd, 2011 8:27 PM
I don't like Cooper's long-lost-son storyline at all. it's been done to death already on so many other shows. Can't he and Charlotte be happy and on the same page for once?
Rank: Extra
November 1st, 2011 5:23 PM
If there'd be a Precious Addie Annoyance Scale I'd laugh loud and valorate it. Seriously @MissKitten you should get a REAL life
October 31st, 2011 11:23 AM
I cannot believe someone is taking the Violet subject so damn seriously! Even if it's your favorite character, she is damn fictional! She does not exist. So to take VAS almost personaly is pretty insane.
October 31st, 2011 6:01 AM
OMG did everyone miss the cameo made by the wonderful ladies from Cougar Town!!!!
October 30th, 2011 4:45 PM
first off, I must give a HUGE Brava to Shonda Rhimes and company for the amazing job they did last season and for the incredible job they did last season. this was only episode 5 and its making me feel like this is leading up to the seasom finale or something...I LOVE these reviews and the comments-waayyy better than the Facebook comments, its so nice to see positive feedback imstead of all whiney negative nagging comments...it was a great episode I love how they have multi story lines dealing with each character. It was good to see Cooper interacting with his son(BTW, that kid is soooo a 'mini Cooper') the Addie/Sam/Jake Riley triangle is heating up-I like Addison and Sam together(those sex scenes are HOT) but Im starting to think like everybody else:how the heck's their relationship gonna work out should Addie get pregnant/have a baby? I kinda like(and the like is VERY remote) Jake and Addie togther...the VAS scale-Brilliant!!! Sheer Genius!!! Ive ALWAYS thought Violet was annoying-s
Rank: Staff Member
October 30th, 2011 1:40 PM
For the most part, it looks like we got the VAS kicked off to a great start! Thanks to you guys! Please keep your VAS ratings and opinions coming. :)
@Jocelyn - Yes, thanks for your suggestion! I thought an Annoyance Scale vs. Uselessness Scale would be more appropriate though. P.S. Clever judging Amy comment.
@Miss Kitten - I can ensure you that my intention was never to "screw" the Violet fans. When credit to Violet is due and she is not as annoying to me, my VAS rating will reflect it.
October 30th, 2011 12:01 PM
Hello Christina! I see you incorporated my suggestion about Violet. teehee. I'd give her a 6 this week though; she's getting a little bit out of hand. She isn't able to understand the severity of the situation, instead wanting to aggravate it. Suing the medical board, reeeallly?
@MissKitten, I think that's a bit harsh. At the end of the day, this is a review, not a recap ;) Who says we're not allowed to judge amy? ;)
Rank: Regular Character
October 30th, 2011 10:16 AM
Really good episode and an appropriate review! I think the only thing that I didn't appreciate about this episode was the lack of Charlotte; but in her few minutes she was great.
Cooper's arc with Mason took a back seat in this episode but the airtime for it was good. I'm still not completely on board with the idea of him having a son but it's getting easier to watch. It was sweet when he defended Charlotte to Erica but I'm waiting on him to apologize to Charlotte herself. And I hope they show Cooper and Charlotte really talking about the situation they're in and what there plan is to move forward.
Addison was great in this episode because she brought back the humor that the earlier seasons of Grey's had. Seeing her freak out about paperwork and indulge in donut holes was great fun to watch. It was also nice to see the balance of that humor and the endearing moments between her and Sam (even if I'm not an AddiSam fan) and her and Jake.
Amelia was absolutely great in this episo