Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season

"Private Practice" traveled to new heights in its fourth season, available on DVD. It decided to explore the serious issues of losing a parent, addiction and the attack and rape of a main character. Not pulling any punches, the show fought through some of the less interesting and gratuitous plot points to make an interesting show. It also cleaned house by clearing up some loose ends and unused plot points.

The fourth season took "Private Practice" to "Grey's Anatomy"-level storytelling. This season did not feel like the redheaded stepchild but instead felt like a full-fledged series worthy of an avid fan base. Kate Walsh took on some serious storylines. The series revisited Addison Montgomery's quest to have a baby and find a sustainable relationship. Sadly, her sordid family issues with her mother Bizzy (JoBeth Williams), The Captain (Stephen Collins) and brother Archer (Grant Show) all contributed to her romantic and emotional woes.

This season focused on the attack and survival of Dr. Charlotte King (KaDee Strickland). She was raped by a patient (Nicholas Brendan) and the season tracks her coming to terms with the attack. The show does not shy away from the savage and horrifying aspects of rape. Strickland offers a stirring performance that was both gut wrenching and awe-inspiring. The DVD season includes a featurette that delves into the storyline including the filming and acting on the episode.

The DVD also includes deleted scenes and a blooper reel.

"Private Practice" will shock you with its new depths of storytelling and the places it's willing to go. It definitely recruits new members and offers grounded and touching storytelling. It proves that it is more than just a "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off.

Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season
DVD
$39.99
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