Ep 1. A Death in the Family

In the season 3 premiere of Private Practice, titled "A Death in the Family," the doctors of Oceanside Wellness are dealing with the aftermath of Dell's devastating loss. While Naomi and Sam try to console him, Addison struggles to keep her emotions in check as she deals with the news of her own mother's worsening health. Meanwhile, Pete and Violet find themselves at odds over a patient's course of treatment, leading to tensions between the two friends.

As the episode unfolds, the doctors at Oceanside Wellness are forced to confront the fragility of life in the face of death. While the loss of Dell's wife has left him reeling, he finds solace in the love and support of his friends and colleagues. As he struggles to come to terms with his grief, Naomi and Sam offer him a shoulder to lean on, reminding him that he is not alone.

Meanwhile, Addison's personal life takes a turn for the worse as she grapples with the news of her mother's dire health. Despite her best efforts to remain stoic, Addison finds herself overwhelmed by emotion as she faces the possibility of losing her mother. As she struggles to keep her personal life from affecting her work, Addison finds herself turning to unlikely sources for comfort and support.

While Dell, Naomi, and Sam are dealing with their own emotional turmoil, Pete and Violet find themselves butting heads over a patient's treatment plan. As they debate the best course of action, tensions rise between the two friends, ultimately leading to a confrontation that threatens to jeopardize their relationship. Forced to confront their own biases and assumptions, Pete and Violet eventually find common ground and work together to provide the best possible care for their patient.

Throughout the episode, Private Practice explores the complex emotions that arise in the face of loss and grief, highlighting the importance of love, compassion, and empathy in difficult times. As the doctors of Oceanside Wellness struggle to come to terms with the death of one of their own, they are reminded of the fragile beauty of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with the ones we love.