Ep 12. Heaven Can Wait

The Private Practice season 4 episode 12 titled "Heaven Can Wait" follows the doctors at Oceanside Wellness as they face a complex case that challenges their beliefs about life and death.

The episode opens with Addison and Jake awaiting the arrival of a patient, Susan, who is dying of cancer. Susan is determined to enjoy her remaining days and requests for Addison to perform a risky surgery that will extend her life. Addison, unwilling to let Susan suffer, is faced with a moral dilemma about whether or not to proceed with the surgery.

Meanwhile, Charlotte and Cooper are at odds over whether to allow their son, Mason, to visit his dying grandmother. Charlotte, who is still dealing with the aftermath of her assault, struggles to come to terms with the possibility of losing her mother.

As the episode progresses, the doctors at Oceanside Wellness are conflicted about the different approaches to end-of-life care. While Addison and Sam want to provide patients with any available treatment options, Pete is hesitant to prolong the suffering of terminally ill patients. This leads to tension among the doctors, resulting in a thought-provoking exploration of medical ethics.

In addition to the main plotline, the episode also delves into the personal lives of the doctors. Violet struggles to balance her career and motherhood, while Sam struggles with his feelings for Addison and his reluctance to commit to a relationship.

As the episode draws to a close, the doctors must reconcile their beliefs about life and death as they make difficult decisions about their patients' care. Ultimately, "Heaven Can Wait" presents a moving and realistic portrayal of the complex ethical considerations that doctors face in end-of-life care.