Providence

Dr. Sidney Hansen returns home to Rhode Island From Los Angeles after tragedy strikes.

In this season's opener, an out-of-control Mercedes smashes through a wall of the clinic; Molly, a mentally disturbed and dellusional young woman, holds Syd (Melina Kanakaredes) at gunpoint because she thinks she kidnapped her baby; and Helen contemplates a new career, away from the clinic. Meanwhile, Joanie hires Doug Dog Boy Boyce to help her out at the Barkery.

Syd is about to go and will need therapy to help her leg heal from Encephalitis. Syd finds out her therapist is a man not big on machines. Syd begins working out and over works. Jim takes in dogs that came from Chicago because the owner wasn't found. Andi is stalking Robbie because he wouldn't cheat for her, Syd ignores her body's needs to rest while driving Izzy home and hit a tree. Joannie learns that Bert has girl friend. Syd doesn't feel normal and thinks about quitting medicine.

When Jim returns home to recuperate from a serious head injury after being shot in last season's finale, Syd, Joanie and Robbie clash over each other's reactions to the changes in their father. Syd believes Jim needs more help than they can provide at home, Joanie thinks he needs to be surrounded by loved ones in his own environment while Robbie is detached and angry over the ""loss"" of the father he knew. Besides trying to keep the peace in her family, Syd must also deal with a neurotic patient who believes television characters are real people.

Syd must face the challenge of working with a new boss Dr. Bil Augustine at an acute care clinc while trying to rasie money to rebuild St. Clare's. Owen asks Syd an important question.