Homeward Bound
Updated 2009-01-16 09:21:40
Hi, everyone. I'm your substitute recapper this week, and want to confess right off the bat that this is the first episode of Private Practice I've ever watched. To make matters worse, I've never watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy , either. In my defense, I am a recovering soap opera addict, so I'm pretty sure I can still ride the bike.
We open in on the famous HOLLYWOOD sign and pan to a Spanish influenced condo complex reminds me of the one Laverne and Shirley moved to when they left Milwaukee for California and completely ruined the show . A wet-haired Violet, wearing a colorful floral robe and her glasses opens to the door to find a smiling Sheldon, who shushes her and tells her not to scare the erection. Violet - here's what you do - say, "Okay," and gently shut the door, lock the door, and call the police. Sheldon brags, "It's up, Violet. Full mast." Okay. I was expecting a soap, not Soap .
Inexplicably, Violet leaves the door open and actually talks to him. "I thought you just wanted to be friends."
Sheldon says, "I did. But a week of friendship - and it looks like I'm over my issue. Heh. Heh. Heh....Is this okay?" NO! Not okay. Er...to me. Violet apparently feels differently.
When he starts blathering on about how this is embarrassing and he shouldn't have, I nod vigorously while Violet moves in for a kiss. So... Judging Amy stars and Judgment-free Violet, then? Okay. I pause on the kiss only to realize Amy Brenneman needs a facial, stat. Amy, I get that they wanted to show you fresh from the shower, but talk to the DP about some more flattering light, or something.
Charlotte stands alone in the elevator at Oceanside Wellness - looking down, looking grim, looking hot. Cooper (in shades) hustles for the door, asking her to hold it, and slips in before the doors shut. When the black cloud over her head obscures his view of the elevator buttons, he says she looks like someone died. Charlotte corrects him. "Dy ing . Big Daddy." Cooper makes great hay with this, assuming Charlotte has a Sugar Daddy with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, but Charlotte's Southern, y'all, so she talks like she's straight out of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (which Cooper also references, but I swear I said it aloud in my living room, first). Anyhow, Big Daddy is Charlotte's father - her father who is dying of cancer. As a soap opera fan who's been through the trenches, I recognize the need to disconnect from real people with real cancer so I'm taking a moment. And? (I loathe medical shows) I'm done. Okay. Now. So Cooper feels like ass and he should. Charlotte exits the elevator which allows Coop some cringe time.
Naomi, looking hotter than Hades in her bottle green dress, is in the break room. She's throwing things away, and looking pissed off at the tea. Allison Hannigan walks in, looking like she's aged 30 years since the third season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer . Wait a minute, I know she hasn't . What the hell? That's not age! Willow, that's current-day Kate Walsh! Kate, did you pee in the crew's Corn Flakes? What have they done to you? You have professional hair, make-up and wardrobe people to do your bidding. If you're capable of being all Cadillac-ad hot in the Cadillac spot, then on-screen, in your very own show, you should be all Cadillac-ad hot, too . Get that put in your contract, girlfriend. Addison confesses to Naomi that Kevin is back at her place - and it's all weird negotiations, but "fine." Naomi confides in Kate that Sam has a new girlfriend and that her daughter, Maya, has met her. Vi clomps in wondering why her friends look so unhappy. I think they just caught sight of Kate Walsh's new 'do. When they insist they're good, Vi scoffs. Sam wanders in. Dear me he's pretty. Naomi assures him that his girlfriend is "nice" in that way you say when you don't like someone, while Addison plays dumb. Pete approaches Violet from behind - rather intimately. Oh, dear. So she's got two on the string. Well as someone who has nothing to substantial to base her preference on, let me be the first to jump in the shallow end and say, "Go Pete. Win, Pete!" Cooper enters, grousing about the fact that Charlotte calls her father "Big Daddy." Charlotte and Addison snicker, until he mentions Big Daddy King is dying, and Cooper is the king of jackholes.
Dell, who I'm quite sure I'll refer to as Piz , walks in carrying a pretty little two year old boy named Julian. Sam quips, "Do you have another baby we don't know about?" Dell brushes him off as best he can. Coop tells Sam that this is the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) family. Addison exposits that the family is made up of a single CF dad, taking care of two CF kids. Mom is deceased. Dell adds that the dad doesn't sound so good. In the waiting room with Dad Daron (hey, I think it should be spelled Darren , too, but I'm just going by IMDB) is his 9 year old, Gracie. Cooper takes Julian and Gracie (who's all, "Dad, I'm 9 , as if that's a significant amount of time to have been in this world) for their exams. Meanwhile, Daron will be treated by Pete and... Addison ?! Um...because he's also trying to get pregnant? No, sillies. Thanks to the people in the forums, I know that Addison did some CF research during her genetics fellowship . Try to keep, will ya?
Meanwhile, Sam checks on stroke-patient Cynthia - noting the remaining weakness on her right side and a persistent visual field defect. Her adult son Seth wants Cynthia to move to Florida, so he can take care of her. Cynthia insists on caring for herself, right here in Cali. Sam is concerned, because Cyn is still at risk for another stroke. Seth tattles to Sam that Cynthia hasn't been so great about keeping in touch since "dad died." Cynthia denies that depression is at work and holy crap! Cynthia is being played by Patty McCormack, the original Bad Seed . Whatever you do Sam, don't touch the frigging spelling medal, m'kay? Sam refers Cynthia to Violet, because between her recent widowhood, her current stroke profile and her reticence to move, Sam is just not comfortable with...the fact that she's a lucid adult with the right to self-determination, I guess.
In Cooper's office, Violet confesses that she thought she'd be okay with sleeping with both Pete and Sheldon, but now she's not so sure. The lecture Vi was hoping to get from Cooper turns into all, "This is good and fun," and "Sex is good; relationships are bad." Violet sets aside all semblance of judgment to "exercise her right." Before Cooper and Violet get to the, "Hey Sex, It's Your Birthday," chorus, Pete breaks in, to inform that that the CF family's test results are back, and are not good.
Daron thinks the bad news must be about his own condition and begs for the rip-the-bandage-off approach, but the problem is not with Daron. It's with little Gracie, who has Burkholderia Cepacia . The skinny is this - B. Cepacia is highly contagious to and often fatal for CF patients. It's a miracle that Daron and Julian haven't caught it from Gracie. She needs to go into isolation - stat, and Daron can't take her, touch her, or otherwise be with her - or he'll die. And what they mean by that is that he'll catch it, it may prove untreatable, and he'll live with it for an indeterminate amount of time, but it will likely kill him - however that's not nearly as DRAMATIC as making it sound like he's going to kick the moment he walks in Gracie's room - even though Gracie hasn't kicked. I'm just saying.
Cynthia explains to Violet that she doesn't want to move, can't move, and can't talk to her son Seth about why she can't move. Vi assures her that anything they discuss is confidential. Cyn wants to make sure that Vi won't even tell Sam, because it can't get back to Seth. So...um...clearly, Cyn is gay, has always been gay, and doesn't want to leave her lover, don't you think? Okay, I'm just predicting, but I'm pretty darned sure I'm correct. I am so not joking about being a recovering soap addict.
Back to the CF family - little Gracie is asking Daddy how he can take care of her when he can't even come near her. I throw one of my kid's teddy bears at the TV, but I miss. Daron gives her the old, "We'll work something out, okay" answer that any self-respecting 9 year old recognizes as adult b.s. After doing the clichéd but still moving, touching-hands-but-not-really-because-of-the-glass-wall-between-us thing, Gracie leaves gracefully enough with Cooper, as Daron vents to Pete and Addison that he can't stand leaving her. Pete reiterates that B. Cepacia will kill him and Julian. Daron is torn between his two children and really has no one to whom he can turn for help. He does have a sister, but she and Gracie barely know one another. Daron suggests masks and other precautions, but Addison explains that if they live together, which is the real issue here, he will catch the infection and it's untreatable. Daron's in an impossible position. Gah. I throw my slipper at the TV, because I hate this dying baby crap. My husband leaves the room, muttering something about mental health co-pays and, "TWoP ought to pay spouses; I tell you what!"
Later, Cooper seeks out Addison, who is just wrapping up a conversation with Charlotte. Once she's gone, Cooper updates Addison on Gracie, who is understandably confused, lonely and unhappy. When he asks what's up with Charlotte, Addison tells Cooper she's going to cover Charlotte's neo-natal rounds while she goes to Alabama to be with Big Daddy. Cooper's really hostile to this idea - because of "what she did to us." Damn, I'm going to have to watch some old episodes, aren't I? With just a, "Cooper, her father is dying," and a withering look, Addison magically instills a new attitude in him. Huh. Maybe she is Willow, 30 years hence. Cooper goes to see Charlotte and offers any assistance he can, but Charlotte's being a Steel Magnolia, and good for her, I say.
Meanwhile, Violet's updating Sam about Cynthia, but claims "privilege" when he wants to know sane, non-depressed, Cynthia's legitimate reasons for her decision to remain in her own home. As Vi sweeps out of his office, Naomi saunters in, and informs him that it could be scary and confusing for Maya to meet his new girlfriends, but denies having any problems with Sonia, but wants Sam to think about how "this" affects "Maya." Uh huh.
At the hospital, Addison leaves a sleeping Gracie in her room, and literally bumps into Special Agent Paul Ryan , whom you all know as Wyatt, and why not? When I watched him on Tim Minear's The Inside , I always used to think he looked like the love child of Joel from Northern Exposure and Myles, from Murphy Brown , but here in the O.C., he's is yummy. Hi, Wyatt! He tries for some banter, but Addison says, she's not in the mood. LIAR! As she walks past, Wyatt comments on little Gracie, trying to prove he has a soul. She tells him about Gracie's situation and her father's desperate choice. Wyatt's had cancer patients manifest the same sorts of opportunistic infections and found a way to eradicate the infection. Addison's all, Nobody can eradicate B. Cepacia, not even me, the magical one on this show. They share a look and I pretend I'm watching Xander and Willow however many years hence, but that's not your problem. They decide it's worth a shot to help the CF family, so they decide to try. Together. Mmm hmmm.
Sam and Violet confer with Cynthia and Seth. Vi' backs up Cynthia, and lays out a plan to ensure her safety, with a promise to revisit everything if Cynthia's condition gets worse, but Seth isn't buying. He tearfully tells his mom that promised dad he'd take care of her and assures her that he and his family want her. She warns him not to push the issue, so he does just that. Don't let her hit you with her shoes, dude. Ask Claude Daigle. Cynthia rises to face her son and collapses. Vi runs out to get someone to hail and ambulance as Seth asks Sam if his mom is having another stroke. We flash to the hospital and Sam explains that Cynthia had a T.I.A. - a warning sign for another stroke. Cynthia insists it only happened because she got upset. And Cyn, I'm on your side baby, but that's not your best argument -- it's not like you can avoid getting upset. I know he's your kid, but if you wanted to win, you should have said, "It's just because Seth got upset." Dirty pool? Sure. But he's treating you like a delusional invalid.
Cynthia's friend Annette enters Cynthia's hospital room, and Cynthia assures her she's fine. Seth greets her with a hug and asks her to wait outside while they hash out a few things. He's not done trying to kill his mother yet, it seems. Cynthia insists Annette can stay, because she wants someone on her side, so clearly, Annette's not just her friend; she's her partner. Seth starts threatening (calmly, but it's still a threat) to get a court order to make his mother come live with him. Huh? I don't think you'd win, buddy. At this point, Vi nods at Cynthia and encourages her to talk to her son. "He'll understand." Uh, not so much. Cynthia explains that she has someone and she was afraid to tell him - she was afraid he wouldn't understand. This puzzles Seth until his mother explains that Annette is her someone. Then he totally doesn't understand, and (physically) turns his back on his mother. Are you getting the symbolism, here.
After the commercial break, he's stutter and stammering, and trying to tell his mother she's not really gay - just lonely for his late father. When he's rude to Annette, Cynthia lets him know it's not a new thing, she was screwing around with Annette behind dad's back, for years, 'cause that'll calm him down. He walks out. Sam follows. And the three women share A Meaningful Look.
Addison and Kevin share some Chinese food and wine at her place. He asks her to go to the movies, but when she can't because she's got to do some research, he quickly turns bitter, while she's all haughty about it. He then plays the, I've got other things and people I could be doing card. As she digs into the Lo Mein, Addison wonders aloud what happened to them. "I mean, there was a time you'd eat noodles off of my naked body." Ew. Maybe your sex food choice is what happened to you, girl. Noodles just aren't sexy. Think of the phallic implications. They stare down, off, and everywhere but at each other, or the noodles, lying there in the box, turning colder and limper by the minute. (See what I mean?)
At the hospital, Vi apologizes to Cynthia for her bad instincts on this one. Um,Vi? You're a therapist, right? Is it all that surprising to you that a man, who is already dreadfully concerned about his mother's health, might not exactly take the news that she was closeted for most of her life, and cheating on his late, great dad with a woman he thought of as a family friend? I mean, really. Look at all the storylines this guy's juggling: my beloved mother had a stroke, PLUS my widowed mother has a new partner, PLUS, my mother cheated on my sainted father for years, PLUS, my poor mother has been closeted for most of her life, PLUS oh man, I just came to terms with the fact that my parents probably had to have had sex once, but I don't like to think about it, PLUS no more "lesbian"-porn-for-men for me, because it will make me think of Annette with my MOMMY! Although Seth needs to get there eventually, it's too much to expect he'll just be, "Yeah, whatever ma," instantaneously. Cynthia tells Vi she "knew" when she was 15, but back then, it was not what you did. She found a guy, married him, had kids, and truly did love him, but then she met Annette, and couldn't stop herself. You can see the wheels in Vi's mind spin about her own predicament with Sheldon and Pete, and she commends Cynthia for being honest with herself. Vi promises Cyn that her son will come around.
At home, Naomi quizzes Maya on some science facts. When she gives her daughter the answers without any guff, Maya asks why she's being so nice. Naomi says she knows Maya didn't get a chance to study last night. Maya's a smart kid, so she knows mom wants to know about Sonia and calls her on it. Maya likes Sonia, needlessly adds that Sam does too, and says Naomi would like her too, if she got to know her. The kid is adjusting well to her father's new relationship, which is refreshing. Well played, show. When Maya encourages her mother to have fun and tells her she needs to "get a life" too, Naomi's expression is priceless.
Pete shows up at Violet's door. Poor Vi, this time, she's in an old Oregon T-shirt and looks like she's had the kind of day she's had. Meanwhile, Tim's wearing black leather and looks hotter than he ought to. I'd really like to see the portrait of Tim Daly that he keeps in his attic . He tells her he can't stop thinking about her, takes her in his arms, kisses her, gently kicks the door closed, and moves her against the wall. He makes silk look rough.
The next day at Oceanside, Naomi vents to Addison about how much Maya likes Sonia. Addison says all the right, reassuring things a friend should say, and reminds her everything is still new with Sonia and Sam, which is why it's all so nice, which leads her to comment on her less than new and nice relationship with Kevin. Before Naomi can get Addison to spill on whether or not she'll be ending the relationship, Piz comes in with his review of Wyatt's research on pulmonary infections, and deems it pretty convincing. Gee, it's nice to know that a mid-wife in training is impressed by an oncologist's research. Naomi is surprised to hear Addison is working with Wyatt, and can't decide whether to smirk or pout and Piz and Addison leave to find Pete and Coop.
They tell Daron about their plans, but let him know it's a long shot. It won't hurt her; they're just going to test some antibiotics on some of the junk they've got to clear from her lungs, anyhow. He gives them a box of toy horses to deliver to Grace, and I can't talk too much about this, because it's all so sad. Cooper brings her the horses, and Gracie orders Cooper to make her father stop worrying about her, because when he worries, he starts coughing. Coop sees through all this, and tells her it's okay to miss her Daddy. She cries, "I want my Dad." And Cooper fails to hug her. She just falls back on her pillow, turns her back to him and sobs. I think he puts his hand on her shoulder. Big whoop.
Cynthia's still in her hospital bed, and she's crying too - uncontrollably - according to Annette. Annette is so concerned that she's ready to give up Cynthia, because their closeted, adulterous LOVE IS SO PURE!!!!!!11. She insists that Cyn needs her son and grandchildren more than she needs her, and orders Vi and Sam to say whatever it takes to get Sam back to the hospital.
In the O.R., Piz and Pete fill Gracie in on her procedure and tell her that her daddy is just outside. She just hopes it works. The anesthetist puts the mask over her face, and I wonder at the wisdom of gassing a kid with CF, but I don't know anything - that's just a question.
In his lab, Wyatt explains to Addison that they just need one of the samples to stay clear, and they'll know that Gracie's infection will respond to whichever combo of antibiotics. They'll know by morning. Wyatt invites her to grab a bite, but she begs off, because she has plans. Wyatt says, "Ah, the cop! So, you really think a hot date with fine dining is better than a guy you can barely stand and cafeteria Mac & Cheese?" Oh, he's adorable. Addison flirts back that she does love the Mac & Cheese and we cut to...
Violet's busy front door. She's learning. She's dressed to the nines this time, in a sexy black halter dress. Sheldon's bragging about his erection. He lays in on so thickly while crediting Vi, that I'm thinking there's some Cialis or Viagra at work. Why she is delighted rather than creeped out is an utter mystery, to me.
At the hospital, Addison and Wyatt share some Mac & Cheese. Good, Kevin was a jerkwad over the Chinese food. They flirt back and forth about Wyatt's hatefulness, and then have a heart to heart about his divorce, about which he's still somewhat bitter. Addison calls herself a member of the Bitter Club and then Wyatt asks if she'll go on a date with him, sometime. She walks away repeating, " Date! " Oh, wait, that's Willow. Addison says she doesn't think it's a good idea, but when she won't tell him if that's because of him or the cop, he asks her to at least consider it.
Nighttime: Naomi is on Addison's patio, spying on Sam, Maya and Sonia. Heh. Oh I hope he doesn't catch her. There's no way I can finish this recap if I have to watch from the hall. Only Addison catches her. Naomi tries to convince herself and Addison that she's not jealous - she's just concerned about her daughter. Addison listens as Nai frets about being replaced. Because Addison is magical, she picks up a glass of wine from out of nowhere and hands it to her friend. Naomi asks why Addison isn't out with Kevin. She spews a bunch of I'm an independent woman answers including the fact that she can talk to another man if she wants. When Naomi gets her to admit the other man is Wyatt, Kate vows that she's not a cheater. She won't do that. "Again." But she does want to say yes to the date. As she dithers, Naomi takes a big swig of wine and says, "We are both so screwed up."
We watch a plane land - on a runway - which suddenly seems so mundane . It's not, though. It's Coop, flying to Charlotte's side, to support her as Big Daddy leaves for that tin roof in the sky. Charlotte is speechless, and Coop ekes out an uncomfortable, "Hi," to her blond brothers who are too busy drinking away their pain to return the greeting, never mind offer up any of that famous southern hospitality. After the commercial break, we return to Big Daddy's room at Tara. Charlotte fills Coop in on her father's two year bout with lung cancer, and her mother - who has taken to her room with "the vapors" (that's Southern for drug addiction). She asks Cooper why he's there but doesn't know what to say when his answer is simply, "For you," so she tells him about her useless brothers who can't bear to pull the plug. One can't even enter the room. She says knows pulling the plug is the right thing to do, but you can tell she's talking to herself more than to Cooper.
At Oceanside, Violet comes to Naomi and confesses her sexcapades, and complains of pain and frequent urination. They go to Addison who is wearing a red dress today and has her hair styled better. Thank goodness. Goodbye elderly Willow. As Addison gives Violet an internal, she diagnoses her with honeymoon cystitis , which you detect via urinalysis, but given Vi's recent history, the internal's a good idea. While Addison dispenses with the medical advice, Naomi gets to the heart of the matter, and tells Vi this diddling around with two men just isn't her. Addison, who ought to be healing herself, says it would be better for Vi to figure out which one she'd rather be with. While still in the stirrups, Vi discusses each man's merits. "Pete's all heat. I see him and I melt." And then Addison - I kid you not - props herself on her elbows, between Vi's legs. It looks like she's going to talk directly to her not-so-ladylike-lately lady parts. The whole shot is so funny, I can hardly breathe. It doesn't phase Vi though, who goes on to say, "Sheldon is comfort."
Addison gets all dreamy-eyed and says, "Like Mac & Cheese." Yep. Still between Vi's legs, there.
Being the only person in the room with any sense left, Naomi nearly spits out her, "What?" When Addison just looks at her, Naomi asks her if she thinks what Violet's doing is right. Violet's slightly appalled by this. Addison says she thinks it's hard to figure out who the right person is. Violet thanks her, but she needn't have bothered. Addison's really just talking about herself, and she goes on to dither about Kevin. Naomi blurts that she wants to be okay with the Sonia-thing. Finally, Violet points out that her crotch is not her office, and the impromptu group therapy session ends.
Seth comes to Sam's office to pick up his laptop, which seems like a lame excuse, since I thought Sam and Violet were going to ask him to come back in, anyhow. Sam tells him that Cynthia's willing to move to Florida if that's what Seth wants. Sam is stern when he cautions Seth to think about what's best for her. Sam's still overwhelmed. It's not that his mom's gay, so much as that she betrayed his father, and was screwing around for years with a family friend. Sam makes him look at the situation from his mother's perspective - she was just trying to keep the family together - for his sake. When Seth complains that he feels no connection to her, Sam reminds him of all Cynthia's given up for him.
At Wyatt's lab, he and Addison take a look at Gracie's samples. Bacteria grew in every single one. There's no hope of eradicating her infection so that it is safe for her father and brother to live with her. To say Addison is disappointed sounds so dumb, but it doesn't play dumb. Wyatt tries to comfort her by reminding her that it was a long-shot, but they had to try. She stiffens and with no warning says, "I don't think we should have dinner," and starts to walk off. When Wyatt asks whether that's because of him or because the miracle didn't work, Addison says, "I don't know." Harsh.
Maya approaches Sonia and lets her know that Sam just left for the hospital. Sonia is lovely, and aware that as a mother, Naomi must have some concerns. Naomi thanks her sincerely, and tells her she's very nice. Sonia smiles and says, "Well, so are you." Huh. That was all so mature and healthy. What are they doing on this show?
Back in Alabama, Charlotte fills Cooper in on the "Son of a Bitch" (which is as much a term of endearment as an indictment) that is Big Daddy. She notes how he didn't believe in tears and that he figured his cancer was just his chickens coming home to roost. He loved that she was a doctor and didn't just get married to a Son of a Bitch of her own. No offense, Cooper. Ahem. She doubts her choices now, because if she'd married and stayed local, she would have been here to care for him when he took sick. She figures these are her chickens coming home to roost. She knows she has to pull the plug. Despite sounding a bit like the Little Engine That Could, she just can't. In the end, Cooper does it for her. After her father passes and she kisses him softly, Cooper tells Charlotte it's okay to cry, but she says, "No. It's not."
At the hospital, Dell, Pete, Daron and Julian all watch Gracie through the window to her room. She's sitting up, fiddling with her camera, coughing, and seemingly unaware that she's being watched, which is just weird. Okay, so Daddy can't go in the room with you, but he could like...I don't know...talk to you from the other side of the glass. Or hey, how about the telephone? Even prisoners are allowed that. Sheesh. Addison brings them the bad news. Dell is distraught and poor, broken Daron laments the fact that he can't even be the one to tell her. Pete volunteers for that dirty job. Why they even told the child there was a chance before they knew if there was, makes no sense. You don't do that to kids. I'm sorry to rant right here and now, but I have to stay angry at this storyline. It's how I've kept myself from crying through the entire 5,000 words, so far. I am (seriously and truthfully) going to go get a bowl of Mac & Cheese before I finish this next bit. I hope it doesn't make me think about Violet's UTI.
Pete sits on the foot of Gracie's bed. We can't hear what he says, but Gracie's face tells it all. She tries to hop off the bed to run out to her father, but Pete stops her. Daron is torn to pieces, as he holds his little boy and yearns to be there for his little girl. Addison tries to reassure him, but hearing Gracie cry out, "I want my dad!" is too much for him. Julian plays happily with a tape measure (which is a dangerous doodad to give a little one, Show) as Daron cries and says he can't do this. He hands Dell the keys to his house, tells them where all his clothes and toys are, and instructs them to make sure Julian is taken care of and that he knows why Daddy did "this." They try to talk him out of it, but although he holds Julian more closely than ever and kisses his beautiful little blond head, Daron knows where he has to be. Julian cries as his Daddy walks into Gracie's room, and I'm about ready to throw the remote at the TV when I realize someone took Julian's tape measure from him, which is probably how they got him to cry, because this kid ain't acting. He is pissed to the point of inconsolability. At one point, he even screams for his Mommy, and thank you little actor, and whichever mean, rotten crew member took this child's tape measure away, because it saved me from having to cry any harder over this sadistic storyline. Daron takes Gracie into his arms, and Pete walks out to the others, stunned. Julian continues to scream and I continue to bless his angry heart.
Cynthia packs her things, and tells Annette, Sam and Vi that Seth won't come. She chastises herself from trying to keep separate who she is from whom she loves. She and Annette share a kiss, and after they part, Seth walks in the room. He's crying. He tried to leave - made it to the airport and sat there for an hour, but couldn't do it. He's still trying to understand it all, but he does know that he and his father were happy, and so he guesses it's Mom's turn to be happy. He knows she should stay there with Annette and he'll come visit. When Cynthia suggests that she and Annette will visit them too, he says he'd like that. And this woman's biggest problem she's ever liable to face in her life was wrapped up in 54 minutes. What will you give me for a basket of kisses? Why, I'll give you a basket of hugs!
At Oceanside, Violet comes to Pete and they talk about Gracie. Pete can't get past Daron walking away from his son, but Vi points out what an impossible choice he had to make. They're nice and cozy, when Sheldon walks in and asks Violet to come over later. Pete is not happy about the implications of that. Vi rises, and Sheldon trips all over his own tongue. Violet comes clean about sleeping with both of them, and realizes she just can't let it continue. From the look on Pete's face, honey, I don't think it's up to you anymore. Pete stands, looks her in the eye and asks, "Who are you?" before flouncing off. Sheldon? He's less hot and way less proud and I'm trying not to think too much about this, but I think he's a little turned on by what a mess Vi is. Of course, he's probably aware that's why she's even considering him. He offers that everyone is a mess, and all he knows is that he doesn't mind. The camera lingers on a shot of their linked hands.
Sam and Naomi meet up. He tells her he feels he has a responsibility to Maya to let her know who he is - good or bad. Er...I affirm your right to date, Sam, and get that you're restating the point of the Cynthia case, but what? Naomi confesses that she's afraid Maya likes Sonia better. Sam tells her that's crazy talk. She doesn't like Sonia better. Sonia's just new. Oh, were there layers there, Sam, or am I reading too far into things? If I am - I don't think I'm alone. Nai seems to be chewing over the same idea.
Charlotte and Cooper sit together silently, as they fly back home. When her tears finally come, they come with such force as to wrack her whole body. Cooper places a hand on hers, but she rises up as if she wants to run - which is pretty difficult on an airplane. He wraps her in his arms and pulls her down into his lap, and rocks her as she cries.
Wyatt is working late into the night, alone in his office, when Addison slips in. He turns to find her standing there -- expectantly. When he doesn't speak, she simply says, "I don't know what I'm doing here. He crosses to her, and Addison moves in, takes his head in her hands and kisses him. And he kisses her. Rachael Cantu tells us she's going down with the Devil's Thunder . She's not the only one. I think I've got to watch the damned show next week. And maybe get the season 1 DVDs. Now, I don't like it. I'm angry at it even, but I'm an...addict. I should have known I couldn't dabble. It's soap. I shouldn't even smell the stuff. Throw me some water.
Cindy McLennan weecaps How I Met Your Mother and will start recapping Lost this week. Hopefully, they'll help her get back on the wagon. You can e-mail her with your own 12 Step plans at CynthiaMcLennan[at]gmail.com.
We wouldn't trust the docs of Private Practice with our sick Cabbage Patch doll. Learn why by reading our Private Practice: Reasons to Avoid Oceanside Wellness Center gallery.