House, MD showrunner Katie Jacobs discusses the 100th episode, star Hugh Laurie, and music in this exclusive one-on-one interview.
Warning: Very mild spoilers ahead…
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
A Conversation with House, MD Executive Producer Katie Jacobs - Comments Page 2
Part of: Welcome to the End of the Thought Process: House M.D.
Article comments
26 - barbara barnett
Alex--I really don't think you say that with absolute certainty. Please do not bring that sort of presumed and very specific spoiler here--especially without absolute verification and ample spoiler warnings. This isn't the place for it. Sorry.
27 - barbara barnett
Sue--I wanted to address your remarks about biting the hand more specifically. It has never occurred to me that my obtaining an interview had anything to do with how critical I am of the show. I requested an interview in October with KJ, and was not granted it until now. It serves the show's PR purposes to get publicity for the show coming up on episode 100. So they offered me an interview. It has nothing to do with helping the nice commentators, it has to do with promoting the show--critical or supportive. I doubt even the most critical television writers would be denied an interview they think would publicize the show.
I like the show. I wouldn't waste my time watching it, much less writing about it if I didn't, because I simply do not have the time to waste. I think (and I hope) that the powers that be feel that I'm fair and try to see what they're trying to accomplish and am not knee-jerk reactive to every change in the show. But I'm no one's mouthpiece, neither the fandom's nor the show's.
On the other hand, my access did allow me to ask MY questions (and a couple of things that fans had been wondering about that had never been addressed before in other interviews).
28 - barbara barnett
Sue--nothing prepares you for motherhood exactly, right? I remember trying to arrange a meeting with a client the day after coming home from the hospital with my youngest. Here I was talking to a CEO from my living room, baby nursing away. It was insane (and it was my second kid). Then I had to scramble to find someone to look after him--after I'd already committed to the project and couldn't be with him 24/7. Eegads. I totally feel Cuddy's pain.
29 - Sheelagh
Thank you Barbara for asking all the questions we wanted answered......for for Ms. Jacobs for taking the time to answer them.
Now....how do we set about a petition to stop the the 'six-split' of our favorite show. Can you tell us how to let TPTB know that in no uncertain terms that we want them to stop messing with House & go back to the four split? Perhaps we can all help?? Who do we contact? How could we best acheive this aim ?
I love the music of House, particularly "Gravity'(Caine & Able), "Are You Alright'(Fetal Position) and 'Whisper' (Joy To The World). The choices move me to tears at times.
I saw on a video that RSL says Wilson's homeless LLB has schizophrenia. The writers can do a lot social good with this deeply emotional storyline. I've always thought Wilson's childhood wasn't the cake walk he presents it as & that he was the de facto 'partent' or 'care taker child'of his siblings and perhaps his Mum.
And am I surprised Hugh Laurie is so modest and declined his EP screen credit, absolutely not. The man lets his talent speak for him...and it fairly shouts.
30 - sdemar
Congrats on landing this interview, Barbara. This is truly a feather in your cap.
Do you know that the song, Gravity, has always been one of my favorites that were played on this show? And I will never forget the scene when House opens his closet and pulls his cane from the golf bag while this beautifully written and sung song was played. It made the tears well up in my eyes.
I loved all of this from your confirmation about Hugh's modesty by not allowing his Executive Producer title to be displayed on TV to Katie's assurance that my favorite relationship of House and Cuddy remains fully intact to the wonderful surprise of a forthcoming musical composition by Hugh.
Thanks for this wonderful treat.
31 - Elaine
Barbara, does anyone know why the six-act format was implemented? I always tape the shows "live" and carefully edit out all the commercials. It seems to me as if we still are getting approximately 42 minutes of the show, with the rest being commercials. If we're still watching the same amount of advertisements, why are they broken up in such an aggravating way? How can that possibly benefit the network? Inquiring minds want to know!
32 - sdemar
One thing I forgot to mention: Yea for the confirmation that House was the one that brought Cuddy's old desk out of storage. I know some had speculated that it was Wilson but that never made sense to me. That House, what a romantic!!!!Now the last question I have about that desk and I know we will never find out is whether they had sex on it? That desk has special meaning, enough for House to bring it back, so I would say "yes".
33 - barbara barnett
I want to clarify one thing about Katie's comments re HL's exec producer status. I say it in the interview, but want to make sure you all noticed that I used the word "probably."
Although Jacobs isn’t involved in that part of the process, she explained that, true to very modest Laurie’s nature, “he probably doesn’t want the double credit up on the screen. He’s much more demure about these things. He is an executive producer, and rightly so. I don’t think that Hugh even knew it was going to be there; and when he saw it said…no, no, no…don’t want another credit up there!
She obviously speaks from authority, but it's not necessarily the definitive explanation, just what she believes probably happened.And it makes sense, given what we (and she even better) know of HL. Just wanted to clarify.
34 - Luisa Borges
Barbara, thank you so much for this great interview. I´ve just come back from my vacation and this was a great "welcome home gift".
You asked all the questions I would have like to see answered.
The insight about the music was precious. As music is such a major element of House. And they never seize to amaze me with song choices, they are varied, never follow an expected pattern and are always perfect for the scene.
Loved the bit about the desk, that really shows how right the concept of House as a romantic is. We get bits throughout the whole series where we can see glimpses of House´s romantic nature and the greatness he shows in these gestures is, IMHO, akin to the greatness he shows as a brilliant doctor.
The fact that he is a brilliant doctor, someone with supperb analytical skills and master detail attention capabilities, as well as a romantic and wounded soul is an important part of what draws me to the show. The other, which is in no way second to the first, is the witty writing of the scripts, the dialogue in this series is just great. Grand at that.
Even in episodes where the plot line (i.e. POTW) doesn´t get me going I can always marvell at the dialogues, and the one liners, and the great acting that is done in this fantastic show.
And for that I should thank Katie Jacobs, David Shore along with everyone involved with produtction, writing and direction of the show.
It is a consistently great show, with great actors, and I know this is what this Globe nomination surely meant.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this Barbara, loved it as I love all your writing.
35 - Eli
Many thanks, Barbara, for the article and for the news: a new Hugh's musical composition! ... I can't wait to hear it!
The Jacobs's words about his role as executive producer and his "modest nature" confirm how humble but so marvellous person Hugh is.
36 - marie
oh wow thank you so much Barbara, I too was exstatic about confrimation of the desk *swoon* and the music in a future episode *swoon again *...great interview , well done to you for getting it in the first place , it just seems so much better when ( and I hope you take this the way its meant.... a real Hugh lover .) one of our own asks the questions , we are sure that the answers and info we are getting is true and straight from the horses mouth and not chinese whispers ha ha ...xxxx
37 - orange450
Sue wrote:
"Someone commented that Cuddy should have been prepared with child care before she got the baby. Remember, in Joy, Cuddy said she was done with the quest to get a baby. This baby came to her so unexpectedly, she did not have time to prepare. Plus, even if she had a perfect plan in place, no new working mother can anticipate all of the problems that can arise."
Hey Sue - that was me. And I said that I wondered why Cuddy hadn't lined up some good childcare options when she was planning to adopt. Don't forget that she was expecting to take Joy home - the adoption fell through unexpectedly. So I'd think that the Dean of Medicine at PPTH would already have the numbers of some crackerjack, upscale nanny agencies on her speed dial - even if the nanny she had hired originally is no longer available. I only had a brief maternity leave when my oldest was born, and I spent the entire time interviewing prospective babysitters. I was very lucky - the person I eventually hired became a third parent to our children for 16 years. And I was not a Dean of Medicine, and was NOT earning what Cuddy does, and could not afford the kind of agency that sends a steady stream of applicants to one's door - like she can.
I also said that it's not fair of me to make any assumptions - and it's not. And there's no question that bringing a newborn home is fraught with tension. But I also wouldn't be surprised if some of the frazzle is laid on thick for the added drama. No matter. I'll enjoy watching IAC. With a sigh of relief that mine are now grownups, and can feed themselves when they wake up hungry in the middle of the night. :-)
38 - Abby
Is Chase and Cameron not being in the 100th episode a spoiler? I thought it was an anti-spoiler, something is not there rather than something it is. There were far more specific spoilers about what's going to happen in the episodes than that. The only harm it can do is that those who watch for Chase and Cameron won't tune in but if the show is good without them, that won't matter.
It's good to know that the desk came from House rather than Wilson but I'm having trouble seeing it as a positive for their relationship because it's about their past rather than their future.
39 - barbara barnett
Abby--I'd call it more a rumor (unless anyone has seen the complete script, it can't really be spoiler). But not to go all semantic on you, it's a rumor until the episode airs (or you've seen it). I do see the gift as a positive, as it took a lot of thought and planning. He told no one about it. It was incredibly sentimental (something that House absolutely can be) and sincere. What can be bad about that?
But you are of course correct in that if the episode's good, who's in it and to what extent means something only to those who watch only for those characters.
40 - Paul
Well, someone has seen it and confirms what Ausiello also confirmed, Cameron and Chase are not in the 100th episode. As Abby says it can only affect those who watch for those characters.
41 - barbara barnett
Well, then, what will be will be, and I will reserve any judgment on the episode until after I've seen it. Which goes for all episodes. Of course ;).
42 - Val
Thanks for the wonderful write-up on the interview with Katie Jacobs, Barbara! I always enjoy your articles.
I enjoyed the focus on the music and think it has the best soundtrack on TV. I've discovered many a fantastic group via the House soundtrack. If I recall correctly Hugh Laurie has done small compositions on past episodes, but if there is a longer one...wow, can't wait!
43 - barbara barnett
Val--
Katie gave me the strong impression that Hugh's musical contribution would be a more full-fledged composition than the bits he's given up from time to time. I can't wait either.
44 - JL
Thankyou for this, Barbara - very interesting to read. :)
I especially appreciated getting a little more info on Cuddy dealing with new motherhood. I'm reading so much about this and many fans seem angry at the thought that Cuddy will be portrayed as incompetent or naive for struggling with her responsibilities.
Speaking as a young mum, I'm currently panicking at the thought that Baby Number 2 might decide to turn up early rather than a little closer to his due date. I know it's going to be hard. And, back before Baby Number 1 showed up, I knew that that was going to be hard, too.
But that didn't make it any easier!
And I got pretty irate at people who suggested that my difficulties indicated that I was naive / incompetent.
Babies are just HARD WORK.
I hope Cuddy's struggles are portrayed sympathetically. Just because she's a competent, mature woman with access to babysitters, childcare or whatever shouldn't negate the fact that the first 12 weeks are a burden on anyone's general sanity...
45 - Eve K
More about the music.
I love that HL have been composing an original piece! AND that he gives suggestions for songs to a musical archive.
I love that Jacobs is so involved in choosing the soundtrack. Using both the music AND the lyrics to work for the story line.
The music editor on a show that I think also did this, The Sopranos Kathryn Dayak, told that they used their creator David Chase and other member of the staffs personal records as an archive when choosing the soundtrack.
They however didnt have composers on the show - as a rule -, solely relying on choosing music from our (their) cultural heritage. They did mix the songs up a bit technically sometimes, to make them fit into the show.
They also did strive to use the music as much as possible in a natural way (out of a radio, television, someone singing and so forth) This I think, is often the case on House, which makes it more real.(Or else it can turn into an MTV music video) Since the character House is a musician and loves music and maybe expresses his moods in music, it will be an element easy put into the show in a natural way. (example: House listening to "Beautiful" on his ipod before trying the motorcycle and then the music goes from inside his earplugs and then "out to us".) Cant wait to see in witch way they choose to use HLs piece.
The music editor (on Sopranos) was also seated next to the editors in the cutting room (which is unusual), so that they would get the music just right. The higher the music people (if they are good) are in the hierarchy, the better the show gets. Over at House it seems like the music is on top.
46 - Kyrpio
Wow, so many things to respond to - thanks again Barbara for such a great article. I'm probably just gonna repeat what others have said...
It was fantastic to get confirmation on the desk! I too am worried about how they'll portray Cuddy over the next few weeks, but more interested in how House will react to her supposed inability to cope at first (bearing in mind he was first telling her she would be incapable before U-turning to admit that he thought she'd be a great Mum).
I also love the music used on the show, and have chased down both individual songs and albums from some of the artists featured, makes for very peaced out listening (I haven't included Lime in the Coconut in this playlist...). I agree that it can move me to tears, Gravity and 'God doesn't limp' probably more than any other.
Can't wait for the next few episodes, I had a mini House marathon yesterday re-watching the Tritter arc, good to have a new episode to watch though!
47 - Doris
Barbara, I'm curious about something, do you know when Thirteen, Kutner and Taub's fellowship is up? if you ever had the chance to speak to Katie Jacobs, could you please ask her this? And if once their fellowship is, are they going to bring in new fellows? Thanks
48 - bliffle
I used to enjoy this program, but it is sinking into conventional Soap Opera. It's lost it's punch.
I don't give a damn about the House/Cuddy relationship.
In fact, the personal lives of these characters is unimportant. Dwelling on such matters will doom the program.
I've been watching "The Mentalist" a little, and it's pretty good, but even now in the first season it's sinking into Serial Cliche. I suppose that pretty soon we'll be wondering when Jane and Lisbon will be clinching. Ho hum.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the dramatic success of cop, lawyer and doctor programs depends on the fact that these people are the ones who interfere in other peoples lives, and that what is interesting is the OTHER people! It's not the cops, lawyers and doctoors, who can be expected to argue and rut just like anyone else. The interest and variety comes from the "face in the crowd" nature of the Others.
The most famous series in TV were sustaining, not because of their insipid lead characters, but because of the rich panorama of outsiders. "Dragnet" was not carried by Webb, "Route 66" could have had anyone besides Martin Milner, "The Fugitive" had a remarkably inept actor in the lead.
What made those series interesting was the phenomenal ablities of the BIT actors, whose talents were honed by years of making an impression in small supporting parts, who were at last able to create a full persona in a few minutes.
49 - bliffle
I used to enjoy this program, but it is sinking into conventional Soap Opera. It's lost it's punch.
I don't give a damn about the House/Cuddy relationship.
In fact, the personal lives of these characters is unimportant. Dwelling on such matters will doom the program.
I've been watching "The Mentalist" a little, and it's pretty good, but even now in the first season it's sinking into Serial Cliche. I suppose that pretty soon we'll be wondering when Jane and Lisbon will be clinching. Ho hum.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the dramatic success of cop, lawyer and doctor programs depends on the fact that these people are the ones who interfere in other peoples lives, and that what is interesting is the OTHER people! It's not the cops, lawyers and doctoors, who can be expected to argue and rut just like anyone else. The interest and variety comes from the "face in the crowd" nature of the Others.
The most famous series in TV were sustaining, not because of their insipid lead characters, but because of the rich panorama of outsiders. "Dragnet" was not carried by Webb, "Route 66" could have had anyone besides Martin Milner, "The Fugitive" had a remarkably inept actor in the lead.
What made those series interesting was the phenomenal ablities of the BIT actors, whose talents were honed by years of making an impression in small supporting parts, who were at last able to create a full persona in a few minutes.
50 - Sheelagh
Re comments by "biffle: you are clearly watching the wrong show. You want a straight forward procedural and House has always been a character driven drama. What is interesting about House MD, and will always be interesting about House MD , is House as played by Hugh Laurie.There is more then one type of underline theme for a TV show & you appear to have wandered into the wrong for feild for you. House without the full focus on the character & heart of our anti-hero would be like going to Mount Rushmore and examining the pebbles instead of the cliff face. In fact, that may just be the problem this year...way too many 'pebbles' on screen. When the focus wavers from House/Laurie the show looses its soul.
51 - barbara barnett
Bliffle (and thanks Sheelagh for your response)--at its core House isn't a conventional procedural. The procedural is the comfy formula upon which the rich character study can be hung. House is a character drama--telling the story of Dr. Gregory House. Sheelagh is right on the money. CSI, it's not.
52 - bliffle
Procedural? Why on earth would you think that a procedural such as CSI is the only alternative to Soap Opera?
It's pretty weak to hang all the interest of a program on one character and the actor who plays him.
As time goes by House becomes more of a petulant child and that becomes even less interesting to any viewer who has actually had to raise petulant children.
Besides, I think Hugh Laurie was much better in the "Jeeves and Wooster" series about 15 years ago when he teamed up with his pal Stephen Fry for the Wodehouse classic. His comic obliviousness was brilliant. It still comes out sometimes in scenes with Wilson.
The House episode I'll tune in for is if the producers bring in Fry for the kind of psychiatrist role he's been playing lately on US TV. That would be a hoot.
53 - fhmd
Thankyou Barbara for another well written article. Most of the questions that lingers me had all been answered. I look forward to more great new episodes of House in 2009. I think DS, KJ and company are still doing a beyond wonderful job after all this time. After 4+ years, it still remains the only must watch show for me.
No show will pleased all its audiences and I,for one, am glad TPTB have stick with their guns and continue with the visions that they have for the show. I don't love all the episodes and there are even a few lemon episodes (for me), but they are far and in between the many many great epsiodes: S1's Paternity, The Socratic Method, DNR, Three Stories. S2's Autopsy, Failure To Communicate. S3's Lines In The Sand, Finding Judas, One Day One Room, Half Wit, Fetal Position. S4's Mirror Mirror, Frozen, House's Head, Wilson's Heart. S5's Birthmarks, Joy, Last Resort ... just to name a few.
54 - housemate20
loove it that the huddy saga continues to soar high! thanks for not disappointing us! =)
thank you also barbara for the article! i loove it swear! =)
55 - Alessandra
Hi Barbara! I'm here just to say hello and thanks for the article: if I could only speak on the phone with KJ! Wpw!
bye again from Italy and see you soon (I'm waiting for the next review because I desperately would like to discuss with someone who has seen the ep, too, and in Italy we are very, very, very few, since they are at 5x01 now). :(((
56 - ann uk
One of the many things I have to thank " House " for is introducing me to groups like The Who ,which I missed in my youth , being too much of an intellectual snob at the time ! I agree that the subtle use of music is one of the great strengths of the show.
That said, I still wish we could have more classical music, especially played by Hugh. I have heard snippets of him playing Chopin and would love to hear more. I am sure House would be a lover of the classics as well as jazz and pop.
57 - blacktop
Late arriving at this party, but many thanks Barbara, for this excellent interview with Katie Jacobs. Her first-rate intelligence and creativity shine through in her comments here as they do in the show itself. I am delighted with the direction she, Shore, and Hugh Laurie have taken "House" this season, focussing on the twisted dynamics of family and loss. The death of Amber, the loss and recovery of Wilson's friendship, the death of House's father, Thirteen's internal conflict over the cruel death of her mother, the loss of hope and then sudden discovery of joy through Cuddy's baby, the looming threat to House's complicated relationship with Cuddy, all these storylines play closely into this season's theme. The writing and acting have been superb this year.
As you and others have noted, this show is a character study of one relentlessly complex man. The medical procedural is the bare skeleton upon which the real meat and soul of the show is hung. We are indeed fortunate that Hugh Laurie has chosen to give his time, energy, and terrific talent to developing "House" for our enjoyment.
58 - Amie
Thanks again for sharing this interview, Barbara.
I love the music in House, always so fitting and the songs are really great. I don't know if this is appropriate to post this here so feel free to delete my message if it isn't, Barbara, but I've started a play-list on this (completely legal) website.
I'm only halfway through season 3 at the moment but I'll complete it when I have the time. Just trying to make a small contribution to the house fans community...
Can't wait for your review on Painless ;-)
59 - Louise
Thank you for confirming that the desk in Cuddy's office was arranged by House. What a interesting discussion of the music. But, most of all, the Executive Producers of House have avoided what those on St. Elsewhere did not--in trying to keep the program exciting and new, they haven't gotten mean toward their characters. I feel like the people running this show care about their characters and are protective of them. That's why we, the fans, love the characters so much but also why we trust them not to lose the edge . . . and not to let our honest, insistent clammoring for things that might damage the balance of the show. Bravo!
60 - barbara barnett
Hi guys, thanks for the nice comments. Painless review will be up later this morning. Sorry it's so late.
Blacktop, like you, I've liked the theme they are exploring this season and feel this is has been a very strong season.
Annie--sounds great. i love the music of the series. i remember taking a long trip overseas towards the end of season three (16 hours of travel). I downloaded from iTunes every "ending song" from season three (and a few from other seasons). I kept the episodes very much in mind as I listened to those tracks (of course with the three thousand or so other tracks on my iPod)
Louise--I agree with you. They do still love their charcters and haven't made them mean or silly. they all have an edge--even sweet Kutner for all of his Zen-ness. There's something very three-dimensional about each character. No one's all good/all bad (well--there was Vogler ;)). But the main cast are fantastically drawn.
61 - Anna (from Italy)
Barbara thank you for your fantastic interview.I think I share your preferences because the episodes of season 2 that you mentioned were exactly the ones i liked least. It's really impossible to please everybody when it comes to shows like House, especially when the audience is composed of educated people ready to be critical to any faults, and not of enthusiastic teenagers. I adore the show: there have been changes, some for the better, some for the worse, but this season is full of poignat moments. I am looking forward to your Painless review!.
62 - PATTY
I can't read the entire article either because of the picture of House holding Cuddy's baby, but I must protest anyway. Undeniably, there have always been sparks between House & Cuddy (and quite frankly I am sick & tired of the "Huddy" acronym. It's childish, to say the least), and there probably always should and will be. BUT in real life as in the fiction world of TV, it is never a good idea for co-workers to get involved, especially when that person is also your boss. Invariably, something happens & work relations become awkard. And invariably when that happens on TV, the show is doomed. Sometimes, the sexual tension is what keeps viewers hooked. The show has definitely taken a day time soap turn to be sure. In my opinion, the story lines aren't really getting a chance to develop, and everytime I watch, I think about the TV Guide interview with Hugh Laurie & Robert Sean Leonard & how the show was going to begin to explore their friendship. Haven't seen much of that yet. I will continue to watch the show because it still holds my attention & to drool over Hugh Laurie, of course, but the writing has definitely gone down hill starting towards the end of the 3rd season, through the strike-shortened 4th & of course this season.
63 - barbara barnett
Hi Patty--
I tend to agree about "Huddy" "Hameron" "Hilson". I seldom, if ever, use those tags in my articles, but I've seen them everywhere--even in the mainstream media. So...everyone has their preferences, and who am I to say. The practice goes back a long way.
I do disagree with your assessment of the show at this juncture. And this season, I've liked Wilson better than I ever have (after "Not Cancer," anyway). There have been clunkers (minor) in all seasons, but I've really liked this season, but we all look for different things in the series, so mileages may vary.
64 - Debbie
As much as I love the House/Cuddy "will they, won't they" I like many fans still prefer the House/Cameron will they "will they, won't they" Hopefully we can see more of that in the future with an aim to them getting together. That would be so funny and thnk of the storylines!!