Is House, at the end of last week’s “Bombshells” back to “square one” as David Shore is quoted as having said in response to a question about the House-Cuddy breakup? I’m not convinced. On the other hand we don’t know to which “square one” Shore referred in the comment. Is he acting as he did after Stacy left him? Is this why Wilson is so worried about him? Is that “square one?” That all remains to be seen, but Wilson is there as he was after Stacy to “pick up the pieces.” He sees House falling apart, and even if House doesn’t see it (yet), he is falling apart. But the collateral damage of House’s crash may be spectacular (hey, we still have seven episodes to go!).
There has always been the suggestion that perhaps House doesn’t have it in him to care about anyone but himself. And, although that is an incredibly harsh assessment, House is grieving about his loss, in an insanely destructive manner, with little or no thought to anything but his own pain. House is self-absorbed; he’s selfish.
The writers call him a jerk. David Shore and Hugh Laurie have also talked about House in those terms. And he is. A jerk. There are lots of House fans who see House as nothing but a genius jerk who can say the things they only wish they could. (I actually sat on a panel with two professors the other night who would argue that House’s humanity is the minutest aspect of his character—and yes, they are both fans—and one was a physician!)
But I don’t believe that’s all he is, because if that’s all there is to him, we wouldn’t give a flying frack about him after one year, much less seven! (At least I would not!) Underlying the self-centeredness, the narcissism and the neediness is a person of deep humanity and not an insignificant romantic streak.
It is clear from the many conversations I’ve had with the series writers over the past three years that there are differences among them in how they perceive the character. That difference of opinion helps to texture the character, keeping him from getting to be either too much of an ass—or too nice.
There are, of course, basics they all seem to agree on: he’s brilliant, he’s emotionally damaged, he has an addictive personality, he is self-absorbed and he suffers from depression and narcissism. But I believe that where they differ is in the question of House’s humanity. Is it, as House says to Daniel the priest in “Unfaithful” that the good he does is “collateral damage?” Or that “people can do good things even if their intentions are not good?” Or is it that House responds to Hugh Laurie’s suggestion that “House has seen a great deal of human suffering in his lifetime?” Do we believe what House says, or what we see when no one else can?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - sherlockjr
I absolutely agree. I also believe that at least some of the writers put that humanity into their scripts. Or at least they include House's exuberant romantic streak. Let's not forget this is the man who restored Cuddy's desk, who wanted to take her to France, who admitted he was terrified of getting involved again with Stacy, for fear of her hurting him again.
This is the same man Wilson feared for when Cameron wanted to date him. And the man who was willing to risk his life for Amber, so his best friend could be happy. And the man who was devastated when he lost Hannah at the end of Season 6 and the patient a few weeks back.
His humanity seems clear to me, and certainly that's why I keep watching. He's endlessly fascinating, with depth and layers and deeply felt emotion covered up by that surface jerk.
2 - tauwja
Absolutely brilliant article. Totally spot-on. Thank you so much!
3 - TVTherapy
Thanks for articulating what fans are feeling and have been frustrated by, especially in the last couple of episodes. I'm with you. I couldn'thave latched on to this character so completely if he didn't have humanity. He feels, loves, and hurts deeply. And I'm hoping that all the writers acknowledge this and don't pidgeon hole him as "just a jerk" for the rest of the season.
I often have to defend this show and why I love it to those who say House is just a mean guy. It's very clear to me (and obviously to you) he is so much more.
Well done!
4 - Committed
Barbara I totally agree with you. I hope the writers understand this. I'm not totally sure of that right now.
I think this is the whole reason why many fans have the doldrums. We see it and what we read about what is to come does not compute. Now GY is out with his doomsday prediction - just not sure why this has to be. It would be easier to watch it unfold without knowing ahead of time that things were going to get darker.
5 - barbara barnett
Sherlock--I agree with you. Would a man without an ounce of humanity have reacted as he did to the break up?
I think there is a definite semantic dissonance going on between what the writers say and what they write (same can be said for Shore, I think...)
6 - DebbieJ
Right now, I feel like Wilson did at the end of Merry Little Christmas. He was so disgusted and fed up with House's self-loathing and self-descruction. This is how I felt after watching Out of the Chute. I really, really hope this arc doesn't last any longer. From the previews for next week, it doesn't look it but I really do hope that House comes to some sort of redemption BEFORE the end of this season and not have his state of mind be a cliff hanger - again.
7 - sherlockjr
Barbara, I agree about the semantic dissonance. (Great phrase, by the way.) On some level, I think at least some of the writers don't even realize what they've created. Maybe they think it's only the character's outre behavior that has kept people watching. Or else they're just bullshitting us.
Personally, I think it's the humanity under the asshat-edness that Hugh Laurie responded to in the first place. He's repeatedly said his favorite episode is the one from Season 1 with Andie, the little girl who has cancer. (Is that Autopsy? I always get confused on the titles of episodes.) The scene at her bedside is one of the best illustrations of his humanity in the entire series, one that catches me emotionally just thinking about it. There's no logic, no puzzle, no science. Just a pained human being offering another the opportunity to shorten her pain. And accepting -- if not totally understanding -- her wish to continue that awful existence just a little bit longer.
8 - eileen
Barbara, in the past I've seen where people have commented about your being a "Huddy" --and it's not always come across as being positive. You have generally answered that you don't label yourself as a Huddy, but that you do very much enjoy the interactions and potential loving relationship of House and Cuddy because that is where the writers have taken us.
Yes, the humanity issue is certainly important and will dictate the mood for the remaining 7 episodes of the season. But what I'd like to know is how YOU feel about how the House/Cuddy relationship has been handled and how YOU feel that we are being told there is no more hope for that relationship (it was doomed from start). Doesn't this make you sad?
I initially started reading your blog right after that amazing article you wrote several years ago about House and Cuddy's interactions/relationship called "House in Love, Part 2: Cuddy - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate". YOU had brought out SO MANY things I had not seen -- so many things that were said between them or not said between them and what each one may or may not mean. It was actually THAT article that got me rooting for a long term romantic relationship between House and Cuddy. You beautifully showed us the deep level of love and respect these two had for each other. From that point on I watched the show in a different manner and realized that this show could go from good to great to fantastic while the writers took us on a journey through House's life and eventual relationship with Cuddy.
So, again, after spending so many years watching these characters finally make their way towards one another only to have it quickly go up in flames...doesn't that affect your emotional outlook on the show right now?
9 - Val
Brilliant article Barbara. Your best one yet and I couldn't agree with you more, so I won't add anymore. As hard as it can be sometimes, I will see what unfolds...for better or worse (but I am rooting for better).
10 - Laura Saxon
I think House and Cuddy will get back together. She will probably do something at the wedding and they will get back together. I can't wait to see what happens next.
11 - LynnfromBC
Hi Barbara,
I really enjoyed your article, thanks you for such insight into this show. I interpreted House's jump to be like the eight seconds the patient was talking about with bull riding.
When the patient told him he would find something else to fill the eight seconds, it seemed like a light went on in House's head. I have heard of people taking up skydiving for the same reason. Apparently it works for adrenaline junkies, why not him?
Thanks again
Lynn
12 - Jane E from PA
I really liked this article. House does care in his own way and no one can suffer that much without caring. I love this character they have brought us for the last 7 years and you made such a good point about Laurie's portryal of him.
13 - Amber
Barbara, I am very relieved to have read your outstanding review. I hated the episode and knew you didn't (from the initial forum) and was worried I would feel alienated, but you masterfully captured the many lenses through which people are viewing this episode (and season).
I do, however, still fear for the show and the comments of a LJ post really hit home for me, so I'll quote rather than paraphrase: "Whatever the reason, the subtlety is gone. He no longer appears nuanced and layered, but more like simplistic caricature ?" a sad, pathetic man whose intelligence and wit no longer complicate that image, but seem incongruous with it. He is no longer believable, intriguing, or compelling. And that is so, so heartbreaking for me. You have written his tale with moments that have made me ache for him, angry with him, side with him, hope for him. But you never truly broke my heart until your craft was so poorly executed that you actually destroyed the character and made him into a punch line."
Last night's episode did make me feel this way too, but your review has helped to temper my sadness. So thanks.
14 - Sneaky Microbe
Thank you, Barbara. Fans care about House. We see what lies beneath, and we like what we see. With recent developments, watching the show is like watching someone torture a puppy. It's wrong, and it's painful to watch, and I can't intervene. I never wanted the show to turn into a sappy romance, but House deserved an ounce of happiness.
15 - smk46
but it doesn't just go back to the leg. it goes back much further to the abuse and rejection house suffered as a child. that is the foundation of his misery...the sense of his own worthlessness. every other unhappiness is built upon that original one. imo, anyway.
16 - fatOlady
GY is up to his old tricks on twitter. Huddy RIP. I want you all to think about this and if you agree pass it on to as many fans as possibly as "quietly" as possible.
ALL BUZZ IS GOOD TO TPTB. NO BUZZ IS BAD. Savvy? :)
17 - eileen
fOl #16: Sorry to seem thick headed, but what do you mean? The Huddy RIP was tweeted 9 days ago.
18 - Baby Seal On the Run
I don't think she meant that it only went back to the leg. I think she meant that's how HOUSE sees it. But at the same time, I don't think that's quite accurate either. Obviously there is a lot in his past that he hasn't ever dealt with. House can't be ignorant of that. And Stacy said he wasn't that much different before the leg. So I would have to think he KNOWS it goes farther back than that - that his problems go beyond the leg. Especially because for a long time there, he managed without the Vicodin and so it wasn't like the pain was out of control and causing him to go over the edge. I think House knows very well that the leg ISN'T where it all started going wrong for him. He just... isn't willing to go back and drudge up the past because it sucked the first time and he doesn't want to let those feelings,emotions, etc. out into the light of day. I would imagine now he REALLY doesn't want to. Things are bad ENOUGH. He's hurting ENOUGH. House doesn't choose heaping on pain. I think it would truly have been easier for him to face if he'd had no choice but to face it with Cuddy pushing him along (and I believe he would have if it had been the ultimatem - this or me). But she's ceased to be that person. And I DO know it's not like it's her responsibility or WAS her responsibility to be that person for him. It wasn't. But all the same, I think it's true that the end of the relationship takes away all potential incentive - at least until he deals with THAT. Obviously now's not when Wilson can push and actually meet with success either.
19 - Derdriui
TBH, I reckon the approach with GY is more 'the lady doth protest too much.'
The week before House and Cuddy broke up, he was twatting about 'Lobing' things (really guys? Lobes are many things, but turning them into cutesy verbs is a bit nauseating) and generally setting H/C fans up.
Now I think he's setting up all of us who are kind of relieved the H/C arc is over, twatting away about how much Huddy is not happening. I reckon next week's wedding thing will have quite a lot of H/C. She looks upset in the promo and GY's 'provocative' twatting does indicate a bait and switch, for all of us who were happy that the suburban love arc was over.
Anyway, Huddies, should be a good one for ya'll next week. 'Game-changing' perhaps.
This episode was interesting though, it showed how little meaning House has in his life.
He loved Cuddy and he was trying to be this... suburban guy, and find meaning through love etc. and that didn't work out. He doesn't find meaning in his work as much anymore (... no idea why, he's supposed to be Holmesian, but it's their show so wtv) and the material pleasures and adrenaline rush don't do it so much for him either.
And he scared the crap out of Wilson; I think he's pretty much destroyed that friendship.
He spiralled, but I think that began in season 6.
I think a more holistic type romance is possible with Stacy, them both being problem-solvers in their jobs, their interesting dynamic etc. House was more empathetic etc. then. I don't know why they've written away his core.
Was once a great show, anyway, and there were good parts of representative character this week, a great deal of what House did could work as metaphor.
20 - fatOlady
nope..new today
21 - fatOlady
Also, he is quoted in TV guide 03/21/11 edition as saying, "Huddy fans have sent more hate mail than I ever thought possible. But that shows they care."
He also says "Houses pain ripples through the rest of the season. Pass the vicodin!"
22 - NLF
It's an interesting piece. I hated Out of the Chute, and have decided to walk away from the show at this point, because I'm just not interested in what the writers have to say about this character any more. It's a hard decision because, as you say, how he's played and how he's written are quite different, and Hugh Laurie has made this a complex and interesting character (and the same, for the record, can be said of Lisa Edelstein and the character of Cuddy, who was written certainly initially as wall against which House would repeatedly ram but who proved to be much more compelling and complex). It just seems to me that the show's writers/runners have run out of ideas except the old reliable crash and burn, and it's such a shame because they actually took House on journey, finally, from hallucination to the fight for sobriety to the attempts to find happiness. And while character doesn't change, people do work hard and change their lives and that was what has been interesting about watching House in recent seasons (even the dreary season 6), and what gave it new life. The insistence on this idea that "people don't change" and therefore House is a jerk and will always be a jerk and we will always end up back in the same place with him, he will never learn any different approach to live, continues to seem bizarre to me, especially when it's House's journey that has been so credible and interesting. People change and grow all the time, House had seemed to have done so without changing who he was - but that's been completely obliterated by the new/old direction they're taking. Not exactly on the same point as you were, but it speaks to the differing views, I guess of the character as written and performed. I'll admit to having been somewhat addicted to this show, but people change. When the show isn't good any longer, you go find a good book to read.
23 - Committed
#22 NLF - Don't walk away from it yet. Give it until the end of the season and then decide. I know it's hard, I really do. I usually watch the shows a couple of times after they air and I have not been able to rewatch the last two in their entirety. As much as I am perplexed at the writers, producers, etc.. I am sticking with it for a couple of reasons, a trust I can't explain and an admiration for one of the best actors I have ever watched. They have earned it and I still believe in them.
Try to give it until the end of the season.
24 - Sera G
Sorry, I'm with NLF and Amber
25 - Committed
#25 Sera G. - Believe me, I understand. At least come back and read the posts.