“We set it up so that we hear about that story early in the episode from House’s point of view.” Later, of course, we learn that House had insisted to him that he wasn’t John’s biological son, something upsetting and incredibly hurtful. “House flung this information at his dad, saying in essence that ‘I hate you so much, I’d rather believe I have this fantasy father than you as my dad.’” Of course House’s father grossly overreacted, Egan quickly added. “The onus is on the parent to act maturely even when your child is not.” But, even if not justifiable, John’s behavior didn’t materialize from thin air.
Foster added, “Diane Baker, who plays House’s mom, says to him at one point: ‘The war is over.’ And even though the responsibility is on the parent (and House’s father bears the responsibility), it was a sort of war where both sides were taking part. It takes two individuals to have this sort of a relationship meltdown.”
In another Egan episode, the wonderful and emotional season three episode “Son of Coma Guy,” the father of House’s patient asks him what he would like to hear his own father say to him before he dies. House, who’s in a particularly reflective mood in this episode, wants to be honest with this man who is prepared to take his own life to save his son. House tells him: “I would like him to say ‘I was right; I did the right thing.’” Now House’s own father has passed away with House never having heard those (certainly healing, and much needed, for House) words.
Egan commented that “the tragedy of this episode and many people’s relationships with their parents is that the parent dies before there ever was any closure if closure was ever possible.” And perhaps, for House, that sort of reconciliation and closure may never have been possible. “But I think,” she continued, “certainly that one of the reasons that Wilson wants House to go to the funeral, in addition to doing it for his mom, is that he believes that House will regret it for the rest of his life — if he doesn’t at least get some sort of symbolic closure by going to the funeral and talking about his father.” Egan added that she had hoped in “Son of Coma Guy,” to “explore a little bit more specifically of what House actually meant by his words. On the other hand,” she continued, “I kind of like leaving something so central to House — being right is everything to him — as something his father never said to him.”
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Houseguest
What a great interview, Barbara, so well-written and insightful - and so timely after the wonderful Birthmarks episode (now one of my all-time faves). House is certainly in good hands with Egan and Foster, and it was neat to read the motivation behind the script. Am looking forward to your review in the next couple days!
2 - Juliabohemian
Sorry -Barbara. This is nothing against you of course. You just wrote the article. I'm not trying to kill the messenger.
The episode was to me, average. But I'm amused at the phrasing Doris used to describe it too-exploring.
They didn't actually "explore" anything. They spent 47 minutes creatively NOT exploring it. We didn't really learn anything new about House's relationship with his dad, that couldn't have been inferred from previous episodes. We didn't learn anything about House's character that we didn't already know.
That John isn't his REAL dad says to me "we're desperate and running out of ideas" which is proven by the promo for next week's episode and the one after that.
Instead of exploring established concepts, they will only be adding new ones to the mix. They drop plots so fast that they're onto the next one before it even hits the ground. Good money says this will be the last we ever hear about House's childhood, or his parents, unless it's for a witty remark, like House's restroom scene where he teases Wilson about The Village People.
The ease with which House and Wilson reconciled is anticlimactic at best. It's not even believable. The build-up and then having them forced together, along with House's father dying, should have resulted in more -way more.
I'm sad for the show. It had such promise. It's just another one hour drama with predictable plotlines and one-dimensional characters. House lacks depth. He's just a smartass now, being clever and making inappropriate comments for comic relief.
Disconcerted to say the least,
Julia
3 - Emma
The quotes from David Foster and Doris Egan are invaluably phenomenal, but I scould seriously do with less editorializing. This did not have to be 6 pages, honestly. Why couldn't it just have been the interview itself? No one cares that you liked House/Stacy.
4 - Barbara Barnett
thanks for your comments, all. Juliabohemian--I'm truly sorry about your disillusionment. I have always respected your thoughtful commentary (and your fanfic) as knowledgeable and sensitive. And I completely respect your opinion, even though I don't agree with it, at least not with this episode. They tried to pack a lot into the episode, trying to tie an awful lot together. But it really had the feel of a good season three episode to me (for what that's worth ;)). I found House petulant and expressing fear about dealing with his dad's death much in the same way he did in Daddy's Boy. But House buries his feelings so deeply that even when they come out they seem ambiguous. Certainly in season four we had a lot more of House's indifference and jokiness. I haven't found that to be so much the case this season.
Emma--there are lots of ways to write up an interview. Yes. I could have just provided a transcript. And may yet do that on my personal site. But I don't generally like to do that, preferring to give a little more context. Glad you liked the quotes, at least.
5 - Lisa McKay
Great job with this, Barbara, as usual. It's very cool to watch the show and then get the benefit of these behind-the-scenes looks at what goes into it all.
As for comment #3, I'd argue that it's precisely Barbara's own spin on the show that adds some depth to the article.
6 - Robin
Barb,
I would agree with your comment about this one being a good season 3 episode, actually an excellent S3. But I am sure my reasons will be different than yours. I agree with Julia that the H/W reunion was anti-climatic. I enjoyed the interview, but sometimes I think the writers try to be too clever instead of doing straight storytelling occasionally so we all can be closer to being on the same page as to what the writers want us to believe. I will say more after your usually insightfull review.
7 - bliffle
I watched the new episode and enjoyed it immensely, and I expect to enjoy many more episodes in the future.
But, at the same time, I've found myself enjoying that other crusty doctor on TV, "Doctor Martin" on PBS. Doc Martin is just as peevish (NO bedside manner, he just blurts out the truth), socially inept, with a medical disability (can't stand the sight of blood) and even uglier, with ears that stand straight out.
And the Doc Martin episodes take place in a Cornish seaside village (actually Port Isaac) that's a treat for the eyes.
8 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks Lisa, for your ongoing support and encouragement.
Robin--You are right about the writers often being cryptic. And that's how we can take so many differing opinions away from the show. Is House a jerk? Is he a knight errant? Is he a hero? Is he evil (as Foreman would say)?
I think the intentionally ambiguous writing is intended to allow us to see House's real ambivalence about his father. His motivations are neither pure nor linear. I'm sure that House felt many differing emotions--and some simultaneously through the episode. My episode review (took a while to write, and it's longish) should be up by morning.
9 - Ann
Loved your article, and loved the show. I read on another forum that the original posters used to say backstory=crack. Hee, hee. I've never heard it put quite like that, but it happens to be true for me. I'm amazed that as the writers satisfy my yen to know more they create more questions. Always something new to hope for, right? I loved this episode and I think it's now one of my favorites. That says a lot considering most of my favorites are from Seasons 1 & 2. I'm looking forward to reading your review of Birthmarks.
10 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Ann--thanks. I'm pretty sure that this episode will go down in everyone's books as a favorite. It had all of the elements: drama, a good patient story (that didn't intrude too heavily on the character story), some humor (but not over the top) and plenty o' pathos. Grieving and bitter House. It gets no better than that :)
More in the review (which should be up soon)
11 - hl_lover
You have done a marvelous job of bring us this interview, Barbara! Comment #5 could not be more correct. Insightful questions and well thought-out answers enrich the experience and enjoyment of "House" and last night's episode, "Birthmarks".
One of House (the show's) hallmarks is its ambiguity, and therefore the rather marked amount of friction between various groups on the House fandom who have differing interpretations regarding relationships and motivations between the main characters. This, as you say, is fully intentional, and likely serves as another way to present this show's story in as realistic light as possible. Very little in true life is sheerly black and white...all is ambiguous to some extent and all is open to interpretation. I give kudos to writers who are brave (and selfless) enough not to put their own personal stamp and interpretation on the storyline, but to lay it out there for the viewer to decide. It has times irritated me to no end, trying to decipher what was really meant, but think of the fun we have had in the trying!
Am looking forward to your episode review, as always. :-)
12 - orange450
Hi Barbara - now that the Sukkot guests are gone, and the (many) dishes are done, I'm just about to watch the episode. Thanks so much for sharing this interview. I really appreciate the opportunity to get an inside view of the creation process. House's character is one of the few things that seem to benefit by being created by a committee. Usually, it's a case of "too many cooks", but somehow here, it seems to work. I would so love to be a fly on the wall during the writers' discussion sessions!
That being said, I've often commented that as much as I love and am endlessly fascinated by House the character - he doesn't ring true to me as an organic personality. IMHO, he's too much larger than life. (Not that there's anything wrong with that :)) But reading your interview reminds me that quite a few powerful intellects leave their traces on him, and I might be reacting to the fact that he really does comprise more than any one real person might reasonably hope to :-)
13 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks, HL_L, Orange.
It was interesting trying to do the interview and complete the writing before the start of the holiday! Phew! Hope your Sukkot has been and continues to be pleasant. OUr 75 degree weather has suddenly turned cold and rainy, but we had a nice couple of days, anyway. The sukkah's still standing. So chag sameach.
House is a bit larger than life. That wasy there's enough for us all :)
One of the best things about the House writing staff is their longevity on the show. So many of the writers have been there, if not from the start, at least from season two. It helps the consistency of the characters and the storytelling.
14 - sdemar
I agree this episode will go down as one of the all time favorites of series. It was rich in so many ways and I love seeing a vulnerable side of our crusty friend as he had to deal with the death of his father, whom he hated, and trying to win back his relationship with his best friend. It was also nice to see HL and RSL being able to share so much screen time together. They click together.
I enjoyed the comments from DE & DF.I think one of the things that keeps me hooked to this show is that so many crucial scenes are left open for interpretation. The writers never hit you over the head with the obvious. They want us, the audience, to be engaged and thinking about the episode long after it airs and it works, at least for me. They enjoy challenging us and I enjoy watching.
15 - Grace
LOVED this episode!! I think I smiled through the entire thing. That is until Wilson threw the bottle through the stained glass window.
Did everyone catch when House told Wilson that the ringtone for him was 'Dancing Queen'??
Oh how they do squeeze them in there! Haha!
I DO think that Wilson made up his mind to come back just a tad too soon. With the way he was feeling about House, I would have thought that he would at least sleep on it.
LOVE the fact that John is NOT House's father.
Never did like that man!!
Maybe someday he'll meet 'James Bond' and find some peace. And may we NEVER see Blyth again.
This episode will tied me over for two weeks since I don't foresee liking anything about 13's episode. I noticed that Katie Jacobs was forcing 13 on us in her Emmy interviews.(EW) I DON'T appreciate that. If we don't like her, we don't have to like her. And I truly DON'T like her. I think the writers need to recognize that and do something about it.
In fact, most fans do not like any of the newbies and that's a fact. I wouldn't mind them so much (except for 13) if they would just let the 'oldbies' have more air time. Well, that's my rant for today!
16 - Grace
LOVED this episode!! I think I smiled through the entire thing. That is until Wilson threw the bottle through the stained glass window.
Did everyone catch when House told Wilson that the ringtone for him was 'Dancing Queen'??
Oh how they do squeeze them in there! Haha!
I DO think that Wilson made up his mind to come back just a tad too soon. With the way he was feeling about House, I would have thought that he would at least sleep on it.
LOVE the fact that John is NOT House's father.
Never did like that man!!
Maybe someday he'll meet 'James Bond' and find some peace. And may we NEVER see Blyth again.
This episode will tied me over for two weeks since I don't foresee liking anything about 13's episode. I noticed that Katie Jacobs was forcing 13 on us in her Emmy interviews.(EW) I DON'T appreciate that. If we don't like her, we don't have to like her. And I truly DON'T like her. I think the writers need to recognize that and do something about it.
In fact, most fans do not like any of the newbies and that's a fact. I wouldn't mind them so much (except for 13) if they would just let the 'oldbies' have more air time. Well, that's my rant for today!
17 - Lisa Solod Warren
Lousy disease, great reunion. That about sums it up for me. I was bored by the illness and riveted by how House and Wilson got back together.
18 - Lucie
I had just one question...did John House know that he was not Greg's real father?
19 - blacktop
Barbara: Thank you for this interview with two of the best writers in the "House" stable. I far prefer reading your write-ups which provide context, excellent commentary, and relevant reminders of episodes past to a bald transcript of a conversation.
I agree that "Birthmarks" will rank as one of the highlights of the entire series. The medical mystery was engaging, surprising, and perfectly designed to support the themes of the character development arc. The script was tightly crafted with every line adding a measure more to our understanding of the meanings of family and betrayal, lies and love.
As others have noted, the strength of "House" is in its careful ambiguity. I find each episode leaves me with more questions than answers, and sparks my imagination in ways that no other television show has ever approached.
20 - blacktop
Barbara: Thank you for this interview with two of the best writers in the "House" stable. I far prefer reading your write-ups which provide context, excellent commentary, and relevant reminders of episodes past to a bald transcript of a conversation.
I agree that "Birthmarks" will rank as one of the highlights of the entire series. The medical mystery was engaging, surprising, and perfectly designed to support the themes of the character development arc. The script was tightly crafted with every line adding a measure more to our understanding of the meanings of family and betrayal, lies and love.
As others have noted, the strength of "House" is in its careful ambiguity. I find each episode leaves me with more questions than answers, and sparks my imagination in ways that no other television show has ever approached.
21 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks for everyone's great comments. Lucie--that is the question, isn't it? And the answer would provide another key, perhaps in to House's upbringing and his relationship with both of his parents. Someone said on a forum (I think--this week has been somewhat of a blur for me) that so many of House's trust issues have to do with his experiences as a child. Can you imagine a family who's existence was built on a lie...with a father who insisted only on the truth. House has first hand experience with the terrible consequences of lies and betrayal--and with the harshness of unvarnished or unsoftened truth. No wonder the poor guy is so messed up.
22 - Sue
Barbara, I appreciate your interviews with the writers.
I have commented previously about the problem with scripts that David Shore is involved with. According to IMDB, David Shore is listed as a writer on the first three episodes this season-the ones that most fans did not care for so much. He has an arrogant attitude about the dialogue. It is usually too wordy and overwritten-he tries to make the script "smart" and he writes in ways that make it hard to understand what is said and what is meant. That arrogance comes out of every actors mouth when they spew out the words-but only because the dialogue is so "sophiscticated." It ends up just a jumble of words that have no meaning and the essence of the story is lost. Three Stories was his best script, which was creatively done and written in a much simpler manner.
Not so with Birthmarks, and every other episode by either of these writers. They gave us a loaded story that touched every range of emotion and character interaction. It was a good medical mystery with twists and turns, humor, playfulness, unexpected events, and dialogue that could be easily understood that was smartly written. The pace was quick but nothing seemed hurried. No words were wasted. They hit on the perfect ways for House and Wilson to interact with each other. They set up not only that story perfectly, but the potential for new characters for House to interact with. House could have a half-brother(s) or half-sister(s)now. I felt like I went along for the ride, and the journey was greatly satisfying.
On another message board, I did not read one negative comment about this episode (aside from the regular complaints about the new actors). This has not happened this season. I was reading comments like "boring," "bland," and "slow" about episodes 1 to 3 this season. Universally, this season was greatly enjoyed by everyone. There were no negative comments about any particular line in the show. It was just great!
23 - Sue
Correction to the above post-
This EPISODE was enjoyed by everyone, not this "season."
24 - Barbara Barnett
sue--Egan and Foster are two of my favorite writers. i think they do get to the playfulness of House and Wilson's relationship--All In, Son of Coma Guy, by Foster and Egan respectively really get that end of it. i also think they "get" House's peculiar humanity.
I have enjoyed David Shore's episodes, unlike you (but everyone, I would think has their own favorite House-writers). But David Shore's hand is actually in EVERY episode. No episode goes out without his wash on it. He reviews and works on every script to my knowledge, as several of the writers have told me, and have said publicly. I am looking forward to the rest of this season with the wish that actors do not strike, and we get a complete season 5!
25 - Mary
Great show! Love their take on our heroes. I'd bet we'd all love to read the transcript of this interview. Is that up somewhere?
Nothing personal, but like Emma above, I'm much more interested in hearing all of what the writers said than anyone else's interpretation of it.
And I do agree with her that the editorializing is not something I'm interested in at all. I'm sorry to say that sometimes even when I agree with the point you're making, the writing still reads like a bad fanfic version of something I really love. And I get that you love it too, but your writing is so, so purple!
Anyway, nothing personal, I wish you well and enjoy hearing what the writers have to say. Just go lighter on the adjectives. 'kay?