“It's a grey area, and it's worthy of discussion,” Kaplow acknowledged. “House is an advocate for his patients, not all patients.”
By presenting complex issues about transplant ethics, clinical trials, and patient rights through such a compelling character, we see his point of view. But one of the most impressive feats of the writers is allowing viewers to make up their own minds. There is something noble but also shortsighted about House, who often lands on the side of individual good over greater good. It's possible to admire the character without buying completely into his actions, because we understand his motivation to fight for his patients (whether they want him to or not), but we also get Wilson, Cuddy, or Foreman credibly challenging his position.
House's Vicodin use, flamboyantly used as punctuation in many scenes, is one of those issues that has been challenged, leaving the audience satisfyingly unsatisfied. When the writers deftly delve into the intricacies of House's warped psychology, such as his drug addiction, they ensure a question is raised for each one answered.
“He takes drugs because he's in pain, not to get high. That would be his argument,” reasoned Kaplow. “I think it's a defensible argument. There are lots of people who need pain medication in order to do their jobs, and if they are in pain, they can't do their jobs.”
“Now, does House take advantage of that?” he continued. “Maybe.”
In “Detox,” we learned that House is dependent on Vicodin physically and, probably, emotionally – he admits the first point, but it's Wilson who implies the last before backing off. Still, we do see him frequently pop pills before bracing himself to see a patient or his ex-girlfriend Stacy. And since she came back into his life late last season, a suspiciously empty bottle of alcohol has made a few appearances, too.
“We're going to go deeper with all that stuff as the season goes on, and try to get at the core of what his drug use is – is he just getting high, or is there something else going on,” Kaplow promised.
He is currently writing an episode called “Happiness” – safe money is on that being an ironic title – to air in the new year. “House does some pretty outlandish things in this episode, and it raises the question: is this only about addiction or is he self-destructive?” he revealed. “Does he have some sort of death wish? What does House want in the end?”
Article comments
1 - vikk
What a great . . . interview, essay, article, oh, all three. I thoroughtly enjoyed reading this.
2 - S. Savage
I suggesting the writer could have a seen with "The Rock". Dr. House's character it seems like no one could stand up to him but, I think the Rock could. Write something about how The Rock has to have surgery but really doesn't becauce Dr. House mis-diagnosed him and The Rock wants to Slam dunk him. Something like that. thanks
3 - May
Great article. It's really fun to hear from the writer's perspective and delve into the characters deeper than most of the interviews I read, it shows such a good insights of the house character of the writers. I noticed when the 2nd season starts House did act more recklessly than before, Hugh's performance more animated, and wonder where that will lead, now I got a peak, nice. I do agreed that because the medical elements are mixed with character elements, it makes the show so much relevent, and that's what makes it so great. Love the part that he can't praise high enough for Hugh either. He is "The Man".
Really love the article along with the Q&A. Thanks, and keep it up.
4 - treacle-a
Excellent interview.
It makes me sad though that Kaplow is willing to get out there and trawl the net to find out what the fans are thinking, but ends up at TWoP?!
It worries me because TWoP has a history of strong bias against Cameron, the writing of whom Kaplow has been criticised for in the past, and the idea that word might leak back that 'the fans are ANTI-CAM' fills me with dread. Maybe if Laurence reads this comments, he'll consider moseying on over to an LJ community like house_cameron and experience the flip-side :)
5 - deekay
Thank you, all! treacle-a, he mentioned a few places and I'm not sure it was a comprehensive list. TWoP stands out because I asked some follow up questions to it. And not everyone hates Cameron. As I said in the Humpty Dumpty review, I love one of her - I just think she's been inconsistently written. When I said she was "overly emotional" in this article, I meant that's what House was calling her by his comment ... though she was actually great in that particular episode (Autopsy).
6 - Phillip Winn
Since I see now that House is available on DVD, I think I need to check it out. Such devoted fans tell me something!
7 - deekay
I believe part of that "something" is "get the DVDs," Phillip, but the other part is "Tuesdays at 9." It's not a hard show to jump into midstream, since the episodes are largely self-contained. What you've missed in character backstory is made up for in viciously funny sarcasm.
Uh, really, I'm not employed by Fox!
8 - jac
Superb writing for a superb actor. For someone who rarely watches TV, then usually only views those old,wonderful English comedies on PBS, I am not qualified to critique TV dramas. But the few episodes I saw of the first year were so great I bought the DVDs, and actually remembered to watch the first of the season tonight. Now, I am afraid House may not be the man I thought he was. Tonight, he had lost his hair and his honesty! Please, don't make him physically unattractive and dishonest and lose the poignancy of his love scene with his lost love that everyone wants to see more of this year.
9 - mel
great interview!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the show house but i live in australia so we're only up to da carmen elektra one but i still love the show. OH and i need 2 know DOES HOUSE LOVE CAMERON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10 - AR
I have a great idea (medical case) for a show- which actually happened to me. Where can I submit this??
11 - Corrine
The show sometimes gives me sparks on how to making the life eaiser and how to achieve any goals in your mind. Just look how House made it.