Fall television is off to a running start, and with that comes the return of NBC’s fifth season of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Following closely to the veteran prime time hit is the baby of the medical-drama family: The “Grey’s Anatomy” spin off, “Private Practice.”
Last season’s sob-worthy “Grey’s Anatomy” finale left Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) finally giving in and letting herself love Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). Yes, there were candles and sappy love speeches involved. It was hard not to have high expectations for season five. However, after a disappointingly boring season premier in which the only exciting events included Dr. Christina Yang (Sandra Oh) getting stabbed in the chest by an icicle and Meredith constantly dreaming about the death of Derek it became clear that this would not be the same “Grey’s Anatomy” that viewers fell in love with in previous seasons.
After the premier things have become somewhat more interesting at Seattle Grace Hospital. But after four seasons of raging emotions, dramatic medical conditions and complex love triangles that left me crying, laughing and yelling “oh my gosh!” at the television screen, I remain disappointed. With the exception of Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) and Dr. Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) finally admitting their feelings for each other in the steamiest ways possible and the surprising turn of events that led Dr. Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith) and Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) into a lesbian relationship, the romantic drama has been at a lull. In fact, other than a domino-like surgery involving 12 kidney transplants, for “Grey’s Anatomy” standards, the medical drama hasn’t been very intense either.
With the lackluster episodes, I have turned to “Private Practice” to help fill the void I have been feeling. “Private Practice,” now in its second season, is the “Grey’s Anatomy” spin off starring former Grey’s star, Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). The show, which focuses on Addison’s move from Seattle to Southern California, combines the romantic details and medical drama that made “Grey’s Anatomy” a hit, but adds the more intimate setting of a private practice. The result? A perfect combination of sex, medicine and fiery emotions. The season premier had everything from a child whose parents wouldn’t tell him of his HIV diagnosis, the controversial delivery of a premature baby, a feud between Dr. Naomi Bennett (Audra Ann McDonald) and Addison and the startling revelation that the practice has been run in to the ground and is out of money. Needless to say, the season premier (unlike “Grey’s Anatomy”) set the tone for a tumultuous season of romantic dramas and high-stress medical situations that leave one questioning their day-to-day decisions and own moral dilemmas.
And while I wouldn’t write-off “Grey’s Anatomy” just yet, it is safe to say that “Private Practice” has stepped up its game and has increasingly become the better show.
“Private Practice” will air its fifth episode on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 9/8c on ABC and “Grey’s Anatomy” will air its sixth episode Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9/8c on ABC.
