The season four finale left House, MD fans breathless with anticipation of the new season. Back in May it seemed that the summer hiatus would last an eternity (well, four months, anyway). But, indeed, summer is over and House, MD returns next Tuesday for the premiere of its fifth season.
Airing in a new time slot (8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT), the season premiere “Dying Changes Everything,” picks up where season four ended, dealing with the fallout from last season’s finale episodes “House’s Head” and “Wilson’s Heart.” Two months (in the story’s timeline) have passed since the events of “Wilson’s Heart.” Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard, who gave a compelling performance in the finale) continues to mourn the loss of Amber; House (the brilliant Hugh Laurie, who will — fingers crossed — get his long-deserved Emmy for “House’s Head”) is recovering from the bus accident, which left him with a serious head injury.
Although not a conventional cliffhanger, the finale did leave us wondering about the state of House and Wilson’s close friendship. After Wilson asked House to risk his own life — undergo a dangerous deep brain stimulation procedure — to recall any information that might save Amber’s life in “Wilson’s Heart,” we learned that Amber had gone to pick up a drunk House. House, not wanting to be rescued by Amber (he had called for Wilson), tried to ditch her. But the persistent Amber followed him onto the bus before it crashed, killing her.
As House began to recall the events that would lead to Amber’s death, he went into a seizure before falling into a coma. Near death, House grappled with whether to succumb to the pain-free “white light” and no longer be miserable and in pain. But House, the ultimate survivor, returned to the land of the living to face life — and Wilson’s expected anger. And when we last viewed House he was lying awake, but staring into space after Wilson stopped by for a brief moment without a word, looking into the room, but saying nothing. Would Wilson somehow blame House for Amber’s tragic demise? Would House blame himself? Does House bear some responsibility for Amber’s death?
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - C/C Fan
I think it's really cool you get to interview people like this. I sure wish you'd ask some Chase and Cameron questions. Many viewers want to know if they're still making little more than cameo appearances beyond the one episode where they supposedly get a little bit of focus. Thanks.
2 - Barbara Barnett
As do I. This was a very quick email exchange, very focused on what he wanted to tell me, rather than what I may have wanted to know :)
I'm a big fan of the Chase/Cameron relationship and personally would like to see it more explored this season.
3 - Eve
Hey Barbara,
thank you so much again for sharing this great interview!
I'm so grateful that you've asked about House and Cuddy! That last 'hand holding' scene from Wilson's Heart has got all huddies wondering about the next stages of House and Cuddy's complicated relationship
xEve
ps. I hope it's ok that I posted a part of the interview on my Huddy Forum. I posted as well the link to the entire interview and of course credited the source.
4 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Eve,
Absolutely post-away. Anywhere you want (just make sure to attribute and link back!) Glad you liked the interview!
5 - Sarah
As C/C fan said, I wish you would ask for Cameron and Chase roles in next season and their relationship with House. It seems the writers just want to talk about House, Cuddy and Wilson.
I'm not so fond of the Cameron/Chase relationship, I'm more interested in the House/Cameron relationship, it'd be good to have an straight answer about the status of their relationship: stalled, completely over or there was never a relationship. Thanks for the interview
6 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Sarah,
The interview by its nature focused on the premiere episode, which really involves Wilson, House and Cuddy. I do promise that if I get an interview of a more general nature I will ask about pretty much everything :)
Thanks for reading.
7 - James
You mean that Elie Attie wanted you to know about House and Cuddy relationship? Hard to believe, unless you asked him to.
8 - Sarah
Thanks Barbara, I know the season premieres involves Wilson, Cuddy and House, but that's the problem I have had with House lately, that I wish the show would include the rest of the original cast in the season premiere and the season finale. It's hard to keep watching the show when your favorite character plays offscreen, TPTB only seem interested in House/Wilson and House/Cuddy relationship and pushing Thirteen down our throats. I have to give Attie credit though, he omitted Thirteen storyline in your Q&A.
9 - Barbara Barnett
James--I asked him about the final scene of the finale. And I asked him about Couples counseling that we've all seen glimpses of.
I also asked him a number of questions (which I'm not going to reprint) that he simply couldn't (or wouldn't answer). That's the difficulty of conducting an interview via email. I am always happy to hear what anyone on the House creative team has to say, even if it's not all I had hoped for.
10 - Gerry
Nice peek into season 5, Barbara. I think the season looks to be wonderful--I'm always glad to see focus on House trying to work out how he feels about things--in a way that we get to peek in on. For C&C, I like their relationship very much, too and hope we get to see more of how it works next year.
"I'm more interested in the House/Cameron relationship, it'd be good to have an straight answer about the status of their relationship: stalled, completely over or there was never a relationship."
I expect that TPTB think all the answers are there onscreen and its up to us to interpret what was and will be presented. Given that Chase and Cameron have been in a committed relationship for a year now, I think it's safe to say we should be taking it seriously at this point.
11 - Grace
Well, he didn't say much, did he?
12 - Pat
Last year's season opener was the first House episode I didn't sit through because I got bored with just House/Cuddy/Wilson. It seems things havent' changed and the addition of 13 into the mix makes it even less palatable.
I suppose I should be bringing my violin to this episode, prepared to play to House's pain. Will the writers ever let him learn that he is responsible for most of it? I doubt it.
Thanks for the heads-up. This show has turned into a true soap opera.
I wonder if Eli Attie even watched the first three seasons because his TWW episodes were more canon consistent than Games or this House episode he describes.
I hope future episodes will bring us Cameron and Chase back, hopefully interacting with the other original cast members and not just as blips on the screen. (And if they break up, that would be a bonus.) I'm not looking forward to more Thirteen and Huddy now that Cuddy has been castrated.
As someone who got hooked into the show because of the interactions among all six original characters, I'm feeling rather cheated these days. I miss seeing scenes with Cameron and Chase interacting with House.
13 - Sue
Barbara,
Do you get the impression when you interact with TPTB at House that they are aware how many fans feel about the direction the show has taken and the cast changes?
Sometimes I feel like fans are stuck on the ice and are spinning their wheels. I don't think TPTB are seeing the same programs fans are seeing. It seems like TPTB think that they can give us all 13 all the time and we will either learn to love her or just accept that she is there and not care. The same goes for the absence of Cameron and Chase. They can only tell the story they want to tell by forcing us to watch untalented actors and boring characters. (I know, no one is forcing me to watch.) Are they oblivious?
Watching Kutner, Taub, and 13, and now Foreman-boring. Watching House, Cuddy, Wilson, Cameron, and Chase-"endlessly entertaining!"
I got the impression Doris Egan is aware of it but she cannot comment on it or acknowledge it. She is not a decision-maker. I can see how great it would be to write for a great actor like Hugh. I can't imagine how it would feel to write for an actor who cannot make their character come to life. Do you detect a difference when a writer talks about character played by a great actor vs. a mediocre actor? This does not have to apply just to House MD.
14 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Sue. I don't get to talk to many of the Powers at House. when I talked to Lerner and Friend last May, they shared many fans' interest in bringing back more of C/C.
A lot of fans do like the new team. I like the new team. I also like Chase and Cameron (not so much Foreman--hopefully they'll do something with his character this year). I like that they're in a relationship; I like Chase's new Zen master attitude (how far has he come from season one?).
Anyway, I digress. I believe that the writers and the powers should not write "to" the fans, because then they have to consider which fans: hardcore House/Cameron fans? Huddy fans? W/H fans? People who only want the snark and not the pathos? Fans who watch for the medical mystery? Once the House team start trying to figure out the fans and write to them (us), what would happen to the characters. Their job is to service the story and the characters they write. Sometimes they're not as successful, but when it works...wow. and it works more often than not.
OF course the writers (and again, I've only talked to two in person and one via email) rave about Hugh Laurie and how wonderful he is to write for--he can do anything. I don't think they consider any of the actors mediocre. But I think they probably consider HL (particularly) and RSL "great."
If I ever get a chance to interview Katie Jacobs or David Shore, I'll ask lots and lots of character questions (time depending). The inteviews (one on one, anyway) have really focussed on a specifici episode.
Pat, Hi. you said "I wonder if Eli Attie even watched the first three seasons because his TWW episodes were more canon consistent than Games or this House episode he describes." What was not canon-consistent in Games? We haven't seen the new House episode yet, and he didn't describe much. What I've read and my understanding from Attie didn't seem inconsistent. Either for House or the show. But we haven't seen the episode yet.
15 - sdemar
Hi, Barbara: Thanks for posting this interview and giving us a glimpse into season 5 from the perspective of Elie A. From everything I have read, he is getting thumbs up for this episode.
And it goes without saying, thanks for asking the question regarding the final scene between House & Cuddy. To see Cuddy holding House's hand and him allowing it is something unique presented to us from these two characters. I think it spoke volumes of their relationship without ever saying a word.
16 - Anna
Barbara-
While I certainly respect your opinion and enjoy your take on the show, I don't agree that the writers aren't writing "to" some fans. I have yet to read an interview with any of the writers or producers this summer where House/Cuddy hasn't been pumped. The "Oh my God! You're sleeping with me!" comment and associated jealousy/love triangle storyline was very obviously written for the House/Wilson fans (not that it wasn't enjoyable). With the exception of the last two episodes, season 4 was heavy on the snark and light on the pathos. The medical mysteries weren't given the screentime or detail they were in previous seasons.
Ultimately, everyone watches this show for the character House. As you pointed out, some favor the snark, others the pathos, some prefer the relationship with Cuddy, others with Cameron or Wilson. House is such a wonderfully complex character that he can be appreciated by wildly different types of people for a variety of reasons. In the first 3 seasons, the show did a great job of varying the angles from which the audience saw House. They did this by having 5 strong supporting characters, an endless stream of different patients with prominent roles and by never making clear the nature of House's (or the writers') feelings about any of his potential romantic interests (or any of the characters for that matter). People could even make the case that House was secretly in love with Foreman or Chase.
At the beginning of season 4, the writers made the brave decision to add more characters (and thus more perspectives) to the show. It was a great idea, but the execution resulted in a cacophonous frenzy of characters, a great many of whom were interesting in their own right, but whose presence lacked the ability to evoke the intricacy and depth that many longtime fans have come to expect from House's interactions with his fellows. The absence of Chase and Cameron and of regular, substantive interactions with POTWs and weighty ethical/medical dilemmas only exacerbated this problem.
I'm both excited and skeptical about the new season. I want new characters, new relationships and new perspectives on House, but not at the sacrifice of the old ones that have depth, complexity and much more to explore. I also don't relish the idea that Cuddy and Wilson (as lovely as they are) will get all of the screentime and important relationship stuff with House. As much as I enjoy those angles of the show (and of House), Chase and Cameron are just as important to me and I want them back on the show, with substantive parts, in EVERY episode. I want to see their growth in full form, not just hints of it here and there. Mostly, I just want them back because I never feel like I'm getting the whole House without them.
17 - Barbara Barnett
Anna, thanks for your well-reasoned perspective. I agree with a lot of what you're saying. the little bits (like the "I'm sleeping with you") may have been a nod to the House/wilson gang, the point they were trying to make in that scene was that Wilson had changed--had found someone who had broken his addiction for needy women by finding a woman (ironically) like House (who is so very needy). She was surficially like House, but, unlike House was able to "change." The fact that Wilson found someone like House delighted the H/W folks, but...she's not House, himself.
Yes, they throw all of the fans little bones, but I don't think that affects the storyline as a whole. I agree with you that some of last season was frenzied and too crowded. But theoretically the most crowded episode of all (The Right Stuff) was one of my favorite episodes last season. So go figure.
I'm curious how everyone will be factored into the mix this season--hopefully with no interruptions in the flow.
Sdemar--Thanks. I,too have read (from the comments of those who've seen the episodes--out there on the 'net--that it's a terrific episode. Less than a week, now!
18 - Sue
Anna,
I agree with everything you said. You made my point about the new actors and new characters failing to find chemistry with House and with their own characters.
Chase and Cameron were interesting characters from the pilot episode on. The actors gave us people we could enjoy and grow with. They never failed to make those characters interesting and to seamlessly integrate themselves into a team. The new ducklings are just three shadows of House. The intensity of the show just drops when the camera falls on any of them. They don't have any chemistry between them.
When I asked about how informed the writers and TPTB are about the way the fans feel, I was talking about how a fanbase that never complained en masse about a single character started complaining bitterly and repeatedly about the new three. There has not been much of a let-up in dislike for them. If the show had started with the new team, it would not have become as successful as it became. You can't put three mediocre actors in the same scene with the best actor ever and expect them to hold their own. I am not talking about playing to 'ships. I am talking about a fan base that has the same opinions on every forum site I have visited. I can't say I have ever seen anyone post that they "love" 13, or "really like" 13. Rarely, someone "likes" 13, most of the time someone "dislikes" 13, and occasionally "hates" 13.
I test how important a character is to a show by what the show would be like without that character. At this point, 13 and Taub would not be missed by most fans, perhaps some would miss Kutner. The quality of the show would only go up if they were replaced by better actors. Cameron and Chase have been sorely missed by fans, and they are still around! We know as much or more about the new characters as we did about the old ones after one season, so we can't blame this on back stories. None of the 30 actors they hired for the survivor arc, othe than Amber, Scooter and maybe Cole was good enough to be on a top 10 show.
19 - Everybodylies85
What do you think would happen if House met detective Adrien Monk? Who would jump out the window first?
I believe this would be a good crossover episode... What is your opinion?
20 - Orange450
Barbara, thanks for the sneak peak. I loved "Games", so I'm glad that Eli Attie is responsible for this episode. It sounds like the beginning of S5 will be quite a contrast to the beginning of S4. House "grappling with his feelings both about Wilson and Amber’s death" should provide a meatier, a more revealing - and maybe a more rewarding - central theme than the antics he took us through during the Survivor arc (although I did enjoy a good number of them :-)).
I may have to rely on your episode reviews more than ever, though. A choral group I recently joined has decided to hold Fall season rehearsals on Tuesday nights, and of course, they have to take place during the House time slot :-( The list of activities that take precedent over watching House when it airs is a short one, but choral group rehearsals are on it, so thank goodness for DVR!
21 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Everybodylies. Hmmm. Interesting proposition. Both characters are among the more uniquely quirky characters on TV. Monk is transparent, while House is pretty opaque unless you're looking closely enough. He keeps his emotional vulnerability carefully guarded. aS to which would jump first? House. Would make a fun fanfiction story.
Orange. I hear ya about the schedule. I see students until 7:30 (CT), so I won't be home from the office to watch until the episode is nearly over (plus side--I can fast forward through the commercials--whihc make me crazy when there's an insane emotional scene break.) But I'll have to write faster afterwards. Good thing Wednesday's my day off ;)
22 - JL
I find people's complaints about thw show interesting. I think that they actually indicate that the characters are indeed progressing.
- I remember people making comments like 'Cameron is getting boring, always the same' during Season 3. Seems long ago and forgotten, now, but I think the writers were trying to keep those characters interesting and moving along, rather than allowing them to stagnate and become caricatured.
- While we miss Chase and Cameron for the depth that they brought, the brief glimpses we've had show them growing in confidence and character, I think (recognising that the short season did limit their time, since the writers are required to focus on the show's namesake).
- Ironically, their progress highlights the opposite problem plaguing House and Foreman, who have not changed but are still stuck where they were. It actually seems appropriate that House seems 'too snarky and lacking in emotion' by contrast with Season 3 - this is what one would expect.
- Having said this, he's now at such a crisis point that he may be able to change at last. I found his 'on the bus' discussion so interesting and see it as not only an acknowledgement to himself that he's miserable but that he's tired of living this way.
- I would like to see House start to make changes this season - and possibly being inspired by the progress of his once-employees. House attempting to make progress in life is so scary and daunting for him (and us, and the writers) that seeing him get it all wrong and back down and try again, etc, could work out quite well and take forever...
23 - radar_blue
Hey I have bought all four seasons of House and I have watched every one of them several times. I am now watching season five on television. One complaint and that is House has to fire thirteen !! I am afraid to tell you that she spoils the show. Her eyes are to far spread and her acting is not all what is cracked up to be. There is just to much of well let us say the ( L )
word if you know what I mean . My husband does not watch House for that reason and I am afraid to say I am getting the same way. That type of life style we do not want it crammed down our throats so I am hoping she gets fired and some other female takes over. A more common type of actor to cover more of the population other than the lesbian community. Thanks
24 - Christopher Rose
So you're made uncomfortable by the suspicion that one character in a fictional TV show might be a lesbian? And your husband is so disturbed by this that he can't even watch House anymore? Interesting...
25 - Claudia
@ radar_blue:
So now that there is an actress portraying a lesbian on the show, you and your husband are all of a sudden not so broadminded as you were up till now ?
Because if you watch House and like it, there hás to be some sort of open mindset I would think ?
Hookers, drugs, internet porn, stripteases: all of that you enjoyed, but now there is this one specific thing that you object to and you immediately want it to disappear from the show.
Just because thát one thing that they are adressing now is not up to your liking, it should just be completely excluded ?
If they did that, it would make a mockery of the general spirit of the entire series.