The big question, of course is how House and Wilson’s relationship will suffer and play out over the first half of the new season. We know (cover your eyes, oh spoiler virgins!) that Wilson resigns his position, and that he needs to “get away,” maybe out of New Jersey altogether (no stereotypically snarky remarks about New Jersey, folks!). At the start of the season, Wilson has been on bereavement leave for several weeks. There are other factoids and rumors out there about what will be, but I’m not going there. Just the facts, guys. But you might want to take a peek at this new season five preview video, courtesy of FOX.
So without further ado, my season five wish list:
More introspective and thoughtful House (you must have known this one): I’ve generally believed that if anything was sacrificed during season four it was those incredible quiet moments — just Hugh Laurie and the camera. I could swear you can hear House thinking in those moments. You can see House feeling, hurting, agonizing… in other words, being human. And I want them back (and I think we’ll get our share this season). House has a lot to think about. As he hovered (again) between life and death, House (also again) chose life. It was a brave move, as the comfort of the white bus (“there’s no pain here”) beckoned him to end it finally, he fought his way out of the coma to face his pain, his misery – and Wilson.
An exploration of House and Wilson’s complex relationship: Way back in season one, Wilson said that his friendship with House is an “ethical responsibility.” Why? What is the origin of that statement? Where did Wilson and House meet? How did they become friends? They are superficially so different from each other, but somehow their friendship works — or it has until now. Is it simply that House is needy and Wilson “feeds on neediness?” I’m intrigued at Cate’s long distance assessment ( “Frozen”) of the (outwardly) nice, affable, and straightforward Wilson, and the complex, enigmatic, and (outwardly misanthropic) House. And I do believe we will get some insights this season.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Bek
My wishes: House and Wilson exploration. Loud declarations of love and need would do for me.
And more Chase. I miss Chase. But mostly I want the House & Wilson love.
2 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Bek. I wouldn't be surprised if we get quite a bit of realization (on both of their parts) that they are necessary in each others lives.
More Chase is always a good thing.
3 - sdemar
Barbara, your wish list pretty much mirrors mine. While I do love the House/Wilson relationship and both of these actors, I hope that is not all they center on this year. I agree I want to know how it all began for these two characters and what drew them together. What was it that made House want to open his world to Wilson and vis-a-versa?
I also really want more exploration of the Cuddy/House relationship and definitely more screentime for LE. I am disappointed when we have an episode with only one scene involving Cuddy. I feel cheated. As you point out, Cuddy is the only one that House will knowingly allow to enter his personal space and seem comfortable with it. I love his sexual remarks to her but I would be happy to sacrafice some of that (I know he lusts after her and thinks she has a zesty bod) for even more insightful and honest conversations between the two of them. This is my ship so I want as much as I can get.
And I agree with more Chase. I have always felt that Jesse was a decent actor and his subtle acting is what caught my eye. He is not a scene chewer but I always notice him. I also liked the development of the relationship between him and House last year and want to see this explored more.
With respect to Cameron, I would be happy to see her play more of a role with Wilson and helping him get over his loss of Amber. This is certainly an area where she can relate and could be a comfort for him. No, I am not thinking a any type of relationship other than a friendship. Based on the interaction we have seen with them, they appear to have an honest enough relationship with each other that I think she would be good for him during this time.
I also enjoy the newbies and don't have a problem with them but I also enjoyed the old ones. My only fear is that 13 is going to dominate more of the scenes than the other 2. I don't mind learning about all 3 equally.
And finally, I would like to see House in a romantic relationship again. You know my wish here and I will continue to wish it. But in any case, it is time.
4 - Sue
Champagne wishes and caviar dreams?
I wish that either 13 or Taub is gone by the end of the season. If it could be one, I hope it is one of them. They can't get rid of all 3 at once anymore, so I think they will get rid of one them this season. It is not the characters' backstories that I don't like, it is the actors themselves. They haven't made me care a lick about them yet; I doubt I will care when I find out more about them. It is the job of the actors to make what they are given interesting and believable. So far, they haven't even come close to doing that.
Better actors as patients--When the actor is cast well, like the patient in Mirror Mirror, or the magician, the episode is much better. They have to make me believe they have the disease, and make me care what happens to them. That aspect has suffered seriously this past season. I did not like or care about Mira Sorvino's character this season. Her acting was amateurish. Her gaze at the camera when Wilson said "No wonder he likes you so much" was what I would expect from an inexperienced actor trying to fake an expression.
More consistency and fewer dropped story lines--Several times, the writers have gotten careless and started themes that just fall flat. Examples are Cuddy's pregnancy, House's failed attempt at psychological help in Half Wit, House's interest in Cuddy sexually, House and Cameron's attraction, House's desire to learn about the afterlife, dates and times that make no sense. I understand that in real life these things come and go, but when you write for an audience, loose ends don't leave the viewer satisfied. Truly great writing doesn't leave the viewer hanging, wondering what happened with a situation or character they have emotionally invested themselves in.
More for Wilson to do than just to lecture House and tell him how he should act. We were given a treat when we saw how talented Robert Sean Leonard is. He can add so much to the show if they let Wilson develop into a more well-rounded character. I don't find it believable that he is always hanging around House and always available for House to torture.
More development for Cuddy. She became a one-liner this season in many episodes. She can't just be someone who lectures House and takes all his sexist lines. That was old two seasons ago.
More atypical episodes. I like it when they shake up the formula like they did in the season finale. They do it only a few times a season. But, they have to be clear in what they are doing when they do it. I still don't understand the Cameron with the dying patient thing in One Day One Room.
I hope I am drinking the bubbly and eating lots of fish eggs by the end of the season!
5 - Claire
Your wish list is right on target to me, especially the thoughtful moments for House. One addition: I would like an episode focused on Kutner. He's my favorite new character, I find him fresh and intriguing. Kal Penn has done a terrific job. His line delivery is superb; his subtle facial expressions give us hints of a fascinating mind and unique world view. Plus, this may be the one mind among all the fellows that rivals that of House in brilliance. But what a filter on the world! My favorite line was to the recent convert to Orthodox Judism, "Does that mean you can never see Star Wars again?" There is something blindingly bright about him with a pragmatism about life's pain. However, he also has the clueless innocence of the overly focused. I want an episode with his back story.
Finally, have you noticed that House has near-death experiences in about the same frequency that lead characters in other series have romances? Or for House, perhaps that's the same thing.
6 - Grace
If I get to see HUGH LAURIE act in HOUSE for several more seasons, that will be enough for me.
That being said, I have no desire to see 13 ever.
And NO Tritter-arc-like episodes.
7 - Jazz
My wish list is simple.
More Chase and Cameron.
Less 13 and Taub.
Oh...and clinic patients!!!
8 - Barbara Barnett
Barbara, your wish list pretty much mirrors mine. While I do love the House/Wilson relationship and both of these actors, I hope that is not all they center on this year.
I think it will frame the first several episodes until they get back on an even keel, but then move on.
I agree I want to know how it all began for these two characters and what drew them together. What was it that made House want to open his world to Wilson and vis-a-versa?
this would be such a great reveal to happen (at least part of the story) after four years, its time imho
I also really want more exploration of the Cuddy/House relationship and definitely more screentime for LE. I am disappointed when we have an episode with only one scene involving Cuddy. I feel cheated. As you point out, Cuddy is the only one that House will knowingly allow to enter his personal space and seem comfortable with it. I love his sexual remarks to her but I would be happy to sacrafice some of that (I know he lusts after her and thinks she has a zesty bod) for even more insightful and honest conversations between the two of them. This is my ship so I want as much as I can get.
I certainly know that Sdemar! I'd love to see more of LE as well this season. And I think, again, this first story arc may be the vehicle for it!
And I agree with more Chase. I have always felt that Jesse was a decent actor and his subtle acting is what caught my eye.
He's really gone from my least favorite character to my favorite of the six fellows/ex-fellows.
With respect to Cameron, I would be happy to see her play more of a role with Wilson and helping him get over his loss of Amber.
I believe you may get your wish on that one!
My only fear is that 13 is going to dominate more of the scenes than the other 2.
I don't share your fear--although she may get a bit of that as her Huntington's story progresses.
9 - Barbara Barnett
I apologize for answering these in individual responses, but you guys write long, thoughtful, wonderful comments, and I feel responding to them in one long tome would be too much :) (Re: response to sdemar above)
Sue:
Better actors as patients--When the actor is cast well, like the patient in Mirror Mirror, or the magician, the episode is much better.
I agree. I love when the patient (or is as compelling as House--well no one's quite that compelling, but you know what I mean :)) Gabe in Son of Coma Guy, Dave Matthews in Half-Wit. The series has had lots of great guest patients.
I did not like or care about Mira Sorvino's character this season. Her acting was amateurish. Her gaze at the camera when Wilson said "No wonder he likes you so much" was what I would expect from an inexperienced actor trying to fake an expression.
Here I would disagree with you respectfully. Mira (or rather Cate) was not looking directly at Wilson, she was looking at a Web cam, so the gaze would look weird. Her "mark" would be different than if she was looking directly at him. I really liked Sorvino. So it's a YMMV issue sometimes.
More consistency and fewer dropped story lines--Several times, the writers have gotten careless and started themes that just fall flat. Examples are Cuddy's pregnancy, House's failed attempt at psychological help in Half Wit, House's interest in Cuddy sexually, House and Cameron's attraction, House's desire to learn about the afterlife, dates and times that make no sense.
I think some of that is stylistic of the show. They dropped Chase's dad, but picked up that thread the following season. I believe that Cuddy finally gave up (like women often do after a long time--especially someone who's unmarried.) House is still interested in Cuddy sexually, and I think that will continue to simmer this season. Cameron's crush is over (as crushes do die out). I love her with Chase. I don't think House went for psychological help in Half-Wit. He did pursue radical therapies in a lot of the latter half of season three, including half-wit, Insensitive, etc., but the episode left him at the brink of the pub's entrance. Did he or did he not go in? I think house's fear of relationships and is a hallmark of the series and very consistent.
As far as dates and times--I'm with ya there, girl! I've tried my hand with the timeline and come up with something, but I'm working on something more definitive. But it's got some chinks in it for sure.
More for Wilson to do than just to lecture House and tell him how he should act.
AMEN!
I don't find it believable that he is always hanging around House and always available for House to torture. Well, I think they torture each other--But Wilson's torture of House is less obvious.
10 - Barbara Barnett
Claire:
I would like an episode focused on Kutner. He's my favorite new character, I find him fresh and intriguing. Kal Penn has done a terrific job. His line delivery is superb; his subtle facial expressions give us hints of a fascinating mind and unique world view.
I really am enjoying Kutner. He's a puppy on one hand, but very, very bright -- the staff geek--on the other. I like the reflection of House in him, as well as that unique world view (bred of tragedy)
Finally, have you noticed that House has near-death experiences in about the same frequency that lead characters in other series have romances?
LOL!
Grace:
If I get to see HUGH LAURIE act in HOUSE for several more seasons, that will be enough for me.
another AMEN from me!
Jazz--I think we'll get more of the clinic this year, I really do!
11 - Tina
I basically agree with your views Barbara. I just don't want any more out and out sexist, obnoxiously lecherous and rude plot lines for House. I thought it was totally out of his season 1-3 character. I am fine with the usual sexual tension and jibes between him and Cuddy (or others) but it went totally over the top last season - please fix it in season5 TPTB! I also want more angst involving House as in previous seasons, and more "human, caring moments" with lots and lots and lots of close-ups of Hugh's great expressive eyes.
12 - blacktop
Barbara:
I agree with your entire wish list, especially the request for more answers about Wilson. Please let's have some resolution to the question of his long-lost brother and where was Wilson during House's infarction anyway? If the first few episodes of season five tackle the altered interaction between House and Wilson I will be delighted.
I hope that the major arc of season five will give us a thorough exploration of the House/Cuddy relationship. I greatly enjoy the fact that, like all the other characters in this great show, Cuddy has evolved from the superficial cliche of season one when we thought she was just going to be another hard-assed administrator set up to constantly foil the maverick hero. We have learned that she has significant character weaknesses, especially where House is concerned, as well as hidden strengths. I hope her character, as well as her complex past and future with House, is explored in much more detail this season. After the brave and delightful fantasy dance in "House's Head," LE deserves a major story arc featuring her full range of acting talents.
I am a fan of the new fellows so I hope we learn more details about their characters and their histories. In particular, I enjoyed season four's scenes between Taub and Foreman. These two played well off each other with expertly delivered elements of humor, conflict, and respect that I hope will be elaborated upon this season.
I too enjoy the fact of Chase and Cameron's ongoing relationship and I hope that this is maintained through season five. Please no break-up drama for these two! I don't know that the show will go there, but an unexpected but welcome pregnancy for Cameron would have strong dramatic repercussions for Cuddy, House, and of course Chase as they each contemplate the news through their own optics. However, I want Cameron and Chase to remain largely in the background as they did in season four with a few signal scenes alloted to them every so often. I find that with this couple, a little goes a long way.
I am excited for season five to begin and for Hugh Laurie to win his long-deserved Emmy.
13 - Tina
Barbara I would also like to add that I really look forward to your blogs - and find them extremely insightful and intelligent. I have just been lurking for quite a while, reading and digesting!
14 - action kate
My season 5 wishlist, besides more House/Wilson interaction and more clinic time, would be less Kutner. I find him impossibly boring, and Kal Penn's uninteresting performance does him no favors. Kutner's epiphanies are so out of left field they feel painful -- the character was literally assigned to say the words; he's not a person coming up with ideas on his own. There's no evidence to me that he's smart enough or insightful enough to come up with the bizarre and creative diagnoses he spouts.
I like Thirteen as long as she stays a bit mysterious, and Taub's relative fearlessness is refreshing. Kutner is dead weight. I would much rather have kept Amber and ditched "Kumar."
15 - Barbara Barnett
Tina--thank you for your kind words, welcome out of lurkdom--just in time for the new season!
I agree that House was a bit over the top in his comments (especially in Whatever it Takes). He was just acting out his adolescent male side, which then translated into his teenage boy problems in Ugly! But yes, yes, yes---more thoughtful moments.
Blacktop--
I do think we will at some time get some Long Lost Brother answers (if you recall from my interview last season with Lerner and Friend, this plot point is far from forgotten.
I so agree about Lisa Edelstein. That fantasy scene was great. House is so into Cuddy! And Hugh is adorable when he's not snarky to her. That whole sequence in his apartment in HH was great!
Hi, actionKate. It's interesting how people have such divergent views of the characters--who they like of the new (and old) fellows and who they'd just as soon have done with.
In my opinion, I think Taub might be a real threat to House (not as far as leading the department) but to his job and livelihood. He is fearless regarding House. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
16 - sue
I know that Cate was looking at a webcam. What I found amateurish was that Mira Sorvino's facial expression looked "pasted on" rather than "natural." She did it again at the end when she thanked House. What does "ymmv" mean?
I would like Foreman to poop or get off the pot. This season he became dead weight on the show. He lost what made him unique, showing no emotion or interest in the patients. He did not contribute to the DDxs. He did not represent any challenge to House that was worth having him there for.
I agree that in life things come and go in life, but in television, viewers like to see resolution to story arcs, be they major or minor. The Tritter story could not be dropped; it needed a resolution. They complete the major arcs; they leave the minor ones hanging.
If you can make sense of the Hector/Wilson/House timeline, have at it. According to TPTB, House and Wilson have been friends since House came to PPTH, about 8 or 9 years ago.
17 - Barbara Barnett
Sorry. My bad for using Interet-ese. YMMV--Your mileage may vary. It's a sort of "we all see things from differing points of view." Sorry, bout that Sue.
I agree about Foreman. I'd like to see him better utilized. Why did he come back on House's service? Why is he happy to be back as he confessed in Mirror, Mirror. What does that say about how he really feels about House and medicine?
I will (when I have time and energy maybe undertake that one -- complete with every twist, turn and machination necessary to make it all fit. It's what the fandom call a "fanwank." :)
18 - Sea
I wish for Cameron to find another position far from the ER, she's an immunologist and a diagnostician, she's being misused. I want Cameron playing a doctor again and out of those pink scrubs.
More House/Cameron moments, TPTB are wasting away their chemistry.
For Wilson to have a storyline that has nothing to do with House.
For Thirteen, Kutner and Taub to disappear.
For Chase to run his own department and out of those ugly yellow scrubs.
For Cuddy to take charge of the ER and wear the ugly pink scrubs in every scene and finally realize there's life beyond House.
And for House to grow up and be the man he was in season 1 and 2.
19 - Judith
I want more Cameron.
Seriously. :( As I see it, Chase will have his coming out and is getting married with Kutner in LA. Wilson realises that Cuddy is his new Amber and they will end up together.
House will get the insight, that he is just as damaged as Cameron and that Cameron IS indeed the female Wilson, so they will end up together. Cam gets pregnant and after a mysterious disease he diagnose her and saves the love of his life and his unborn daughter.
Ah, and they will find a cure for Huntington's disease so even 13 will have her happily ever after. And she can marry Foreman who gets his own department at Princeton General.
Something like this would be perfect. ^^ Welcome to real life~!
Lovely greetings from Germany
20 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Sea,
Personally, I wish they'd all get new scrubs! I think the colors are keyed to the sizes somehow. (although I've seen House wear yellow -- and pink--scrubs, so who knows?)
House and Cameron's scenes have been pretty frosty on her part this season. don't quite know what that means, but I'd like to see them work together a bit more--and more civilly. As far as wilson and his own storyline, we may have one yet...but pretty much everything revolves around House anyway, since that's the focus of the show.
House was pretty childish in one and two, but I have to admit, he had some pretty wild moments last season (and I think because he was a bit at sea -- no pun intended.) I've been watching again from the beginning, and I'm intrigued by how childish he was in the first season in so many epsiodes.
Judith--thanks for your lovely grettings from Germany--same back to you from Chicago.
Interesting scenarios! Kutner and Chase? so, in the fandom, that would be dubbed "Kase?" "Chutner?" Cool.
21 - Sea
Barbara,
House and Cameron's scenes have been pretty frosty on her part this season. don't quite know what that means, but I'd like to see them work together a bit more--and more civilly.
I think this is the first time that I agree with you on something. And watching the promos, Cameron's bitter behaviour towards House keeps going on season 5.
22 - HOUSE-fly
Barbara I would also like to add that I really look forward to your blogs - and find them extremely insightful and intelligent. I have just been lurking for quite a while, reading and digesting!
I couldn't have said it any better!
Now when someone asks why I like HOUSE so much I can point them in your direction.
Barbara thanks for putting my thoughts in to words!
23 - Barbara Barnett
Hey, Sea! Agreement. Yay! I definitely don't like Cameron's "I don't care"-almost nastiness towards House, and I'm not sure where it's coming from. I hated when she said to House that she missed the job but not him. She's supposed to know House so very well--she had to know that it would really hurt him (even though he would never admit it).
House-fly--thanks for your kind words. It's always a pleasure to read everyone's thoughts (and know that someone's reading mine).
When I posted that trivia quiz a couple of weeks ago and no one took (seemed to) have taken it, I thought everyone had stopped coming by here!
24 - Robin
I was really pissed with Wilson for putting House thru the DBS. I hope its not ignored, and House will have a good reason for wanting Wilson back as his BFF after he was willing to electrocute him. My feeling is the first 3 shows will be emotionally hard for several characters, but will have a lighter touch than the Tritter Arc. Which I am glad of. Then a slow rejoining of H/W that is suppose to be satisfying. It will be quite a feat since it seems so impossible at this moment. I think Huddy will be fun. And there needs to be a drastic change for Forman. He is just dead weight taking up space.
25 - Barbara Barnett
Wilson asked House an impossible favor, playing on his guilt--and his friendship. That was actually built up subtly during Wilson's Heart. When Wilson comes in telling House he can't raise Amber's temperature (when Cuddy's there too). House shoots Cuddy a look asking for her help silently. House turns away subtly, unwilling to say no to Wilson, and asking Cuddy to intervene. it's subtle and done with a look. But House can't say no to him. When he comes back into the office (and Cuddy is no longer there), House is stunned that Wilson's asked this of him (as we saw), but couldn't say no to him.
Wilson cannot forget this. I agree that the first three or so eps will be very hard emotionally on both Wilson and House.
Agreement about Cuddy and Foreman.