DVD Review: Private Practice – The Sixth and Final Season

Before filming on the sixth season of Private Practice began, the show was on decidedly shaky ground. Just weeks after ABC picked up the series for season six, it was announced that Tim Daly wouldn’t be returning to his role as Dr. Pete Wilder. Further, once star Kate Walsh declared she would leave after the 13^th episode of the season, it seemed clear that this would be the final season for Private Practice, which was confirmed shortly after her announcement. The knowledge that the show was ending gave the writers a chance to tie up some loose ends for some of the characters.

The season premiere, “Aftershock” kills of Tim Daly’s character via an off camera heart attack. Addison (Kate Walsh) decides Jake Reilly (Benjamin Bratt) is the man for her. In a huge turn of events, Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) finds out she’s pregnant, despite her use of the IUD. This set up a crisis of sorts: the IUD must be removed or she will suffer a miscarriage. And if that’s not scary enough, she’s expecting triplets! Meanwhile, Dr. Sheldon Wallace (Brian Benben) gets some troubling news. “Mourning Sickness” finds the staff of Seaside Wellness holding a decidedly unique memorial service for Pete Wilder at his request. “Good Grief” finds too many secrets volunteered. “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till It’s Gone” sees Dr. James Peterson (Matt Long) hired to replace Pete. At the same time, each doctor must deal with a patient with rather serious medical issues.

“The Next Episode” has the doctors of Seaside Wellness all dealing with a camera crew, when Sam agrees to shoot a pilot for a reality show. “Apron Strings” reunites Addison with her mentor, and also finds her receiving court documents over her child. In “The World According to Jake,” Addison asks Jake to marry her, but unfortunately, he doesn’t want to hear it. “Life Support” finds Charlotte having to make some tough decisions regarding the delivery of her triplets. “I’m Fine” puts Dr. Wallace in the middle of chemotherapy and the police. He strongly believes his patient is a child abductor. “Georgia on My Mind” takes us back to Charlotte’s struggle to carry the triplets to term. A lighter episode, “Good Fries Are Hard to Come By” deals with Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) trying to straighten out her frenetic dating life. “Full Release” deals with naming Charlotte’s babies. The series finale, “In Which We Say Goodbye,” presents us with a wedding (guess who!), and reveals which of the characters wrote the book about the way things happened at Seaside Wellness.

Private Practice ended very well. The shortened 13 episode season was the perfect amount of time to give the main actors a chance to wrap up their storylines in a satisfying manner. At the same time, we were left with the impression that each of these characters would live on. Perhaps, this is because Addison or any of her colleagues could show up on Grey’s Anatomy next season.

Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic, this is a new show, so it looks solid. Colors are bright, and debris and scratches aren’t an issue.

The audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. Dialogue is clear throughout. The episodes are subtitled in English, French and Spanish.

The following special features are included: