Much more to come during this summer hiatus: an Emmy discussion, a few "revisited" reviews, flashing back to seasons past, and a few (hopefully very exciting) surprises. So, please stay tuned.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Much more to come during this summer hiatus: an Emmy discussion, a few "revisited" reviews, flashing back to seasons past, and a few (hopefully very exciting) surprises. So, please stay tuned.
Barbara Barnett is Blogcritics co-executive editor and author of Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.. Barbara writes on an everything from politics to technology to all things pop culture. …
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Orange450
Absolutely great summation, Barbara. And I'll go back and read it in greater depth, because I've just had time to skim, but I still couldn't resist the temptation to at least have a quick look!
I agree that this was probably the most cohesive season in terms of overall structure and progression. The word that comes to mind is "polished". Yet in terms of the clues - it seems to me that until pretty close to the end, things could have gone either way with House - except for the fact that he's not ready for a happy ending yet. For much of the season he definitely seemed to be taking the "baby steps" that you mention. He often seemed to be poised for some sort of emtionally positive breakthrough - indeed, us viewers regularly commented on his growth and progress during many episode discussions. So it's true that in retrospect, the steady process and clues of his descent become easier to see. But for quite a while there as the season went along, it seems to me that he could just as easily have gone in a happier direction.
That may be one of the greatest accomplishments of the writing team. To get that "poised on the head of a needle" effect, where either of two opposite outcomes could have happened, and would have made sense if they did. That takes quite a special talent.
Thank you for a great article. It's been too long :-)
2 - Barbara S Barnett
Thanks, Orange. Real life (and some other pretty exciting things) has conspired to give have given me little time over the past month to write extensively. But I'm back and on vacation this week. I'm planning a week of lots and lots of writing (not all for this column) after my son goes off to camp on Tuesday for the summer.
3 - simplethings
I'm so glad to see you back and with such amazing analysis to boot! I'm with you. Someone should have seen this breakdown coming, but hindsight is 20/20. It's much easier for us to look back now and see these signs than those in the thick of it to be putting it together.
I do think after Kutner's suicide, those closest to him should have been paying more attention, but at the same time, House also threw a bachelor party in the midst of his breakdown. It wasn't exactly the picture of going off the deep end.
Barbara, I'm lucky enough to live in Los Angeles and I'm attending this event where an episode of House is screened, and David Shore, Katie Jacobs, and Hugh Laurie will be there to discuss the show and probably take audience questions.
I'd love to ask an intelligent question and am busy formulating some, but would love to know if you have a question that you'd love answered because I'm guessing it might be more articulate than mine.
Of course, I'm forever curious about the relationship that got me into the show to begin with between House and Cuddy, but I don't want it to seem like they're the only reason I watch the show.
It's funny. I started watching House in November because I saw a brief moment on USA between House and Cuddy and had to know their history. Between then and January I had devoured most episodes and was caught up.
Now it's hard to escape wanting to understand their dynamic and if the show will continue exploring the roles each of them plays in the other one's life.
I think it would be unrealistic to drop their storyline with it being so clear to me that House considers her his savior in one way or another.
At any rate, thanks for again allowing this venue to be such a great place for viewers to discuss such an amazingly well-written, multi-layered show.
4 - tigerfeet
Thank you Barbara, for this comprehensive and (as always) well written analysis of the last season.
I can safely say that I didn't see House's final break-down coming. Not even through the last few episodes where it was more and more evident that he was in more trouble than usual. I assumed that he would deal with whatever it was by himself (or with a little help from Wilson), like he always does.
I see his acceptance to be treated in a mental hospital not only as a confirmation of his severe condition, but also as another example of methods he's willing to try to better his miserable existence.
The next question is of course if the treatment will have a (lasting) effect on him, and those around him. I can't wait to see what the creators of this fantastic show have in store for us next season!
And I'm also looking forward to further House-treasures from you, Barbara!
5 - Alex
Great Article!
Sadly, it only shows how the writing was a bit off this season. It feels to me that another scene in every episode you mentioned could have delivered the point much clearer, like it was in previous seasons.
Furthermore, there were quite a lot of episodes where the diagnosis didn't come from House, but from Kutner, Taub, 13 and even Cuddy, hitting a record in "Both Sides Now" where the girlfriend (and the left arm) deliver the answer.
In other cases House contributed next to nothing to the search for clues and just delivered the answer at the end (most notably, "The Softer Side" and "Dying Changes Everything"). Given his emotional state, and his state of mind, his lack of participants makes sense but it could have been slightly more realistic to allow some patients to die because it feels that the team doesn't really need House and that they can solve cases on their own (not all of them obviously, but a fair amount). Which means, that if House needs a team of newbies for teaching purposes (remember that he fired Chase under the pretense that Chase has nothing left to learn) he is bound to fire the current one (and remember that at the end of season 3 he said that he was surprised that he had the same team for more than one year) because they are able to stand on their own.
Regarding season 6, I hope that what the writers put their emphasis on at least during the first couple of episodes in what Amber said to House while he was in the bathroom in "Under My Skin" - "if you take this pill you don't deserve her, if you secretly take it you don't deserve anyone" - well, guess what, he took a whole bottle of them - so I'd like to see how this affects his cat-and-mouse game with Cuddy.
Just hit me, maybe this could also apply to Wilson? Given that he killed his girlfriend, ruined a marriage or two, got him to lose his license, get fired and borrowed ridiculous sums of money?
6 - Maud
i loved your article, you really analyze without doing it according to you view, and so stay very objective towards your comments! great!
all i know about the finale is that there was a scene in Under My Skin that made me think that everything afterwards could be a hallucination: right after house says " go home to your baby that makes feel good about yourself" and she says "screw you", you first see her walking out to the door from house's back, and then you see house's front, and cuddy is supposedly behing him, opening the door, but really you can't see any sign of her. Any i watched it in the week before Both Side Now, i knew there was something not normal: you don't see any sign of her, and then she kind of re-appears.
but i can't pretend that i perfectly knew what was coming!
what i'm really exicted about season 6 is that, since the beginning, we've had house's point of view on LIFE, because he wants to be so grounded and realistic; but now, everything is biaised, and we'll ahve house's point of on REALITY, and i honestly can't wait to see that, especially coming from such an excellent crew!
7 - JL
Hi, Barbara! I enjoyed your summary of the season. You’re so helpful in looking back and gaining an overall perspective. Thankyou! Looking forward to the ensuing discussion… :)
tigerfeet wrote:
“I assumed that (House) would deal with whatever it was by himself… like he always does.”
Except… well, he doesn’t, really, does he? When does House ever deal with anything? Does dealing with something mean ‘coping " i.e. putting it away somewhere and going on as though nothing had happened? Or does it involve actually resolving things in some way?
The first sounds like a continued criticism that many have levelled at this show. If, however, House’s past refusal to ‘deal with’ things has now culminated in a total breakdown, then that counts as good writing, I think. It only heightens the importance of the ‘dealing with’ that has now become inescapable.
Alex wrote:
“Sadly, it only shows how the writing was a bit off this season...Furthermore, there were quite a lot of episodes where the diagnosis didn't come from House, but from (his team)... In other cases House contributed next to nothing to the search for clues and just delivered the answer at the end. Given his emotional state, and his state of mind, his lack of participants makes sense but it could have been slightly more realistic to allow some patients to die because it feels that the team doesn't really need House and that they can solve cases on their own (not all of them obviously, but a fair amount).”
Actually, Alex, I don’t think having House starting to become irrelevant is bad writing. I think it’s brilliant writing.
One constant in this show is the notion that House is unique and essential to solving cases. Cuddy can’t fire him. The team can’t solve cases without him. House can get away with his outrageous behaviour and drug addiction because he’s brilliant and necessary to the hospital. It’s the main assumption that drives everything and it’s accepted by the viewers as a defining characteristic of House, the man and the show.
In Barbara’s analysis of ‘Both Sides Now’, she noted that House subconsciously fears Cuddy cares for him only inasmuch as she wants to ‘protect hospital property’. On the one hand, he defines himself by his brilliance and sees it as non-negotiable, even if that means a life of pain; on the other, he wishes that Cuddy could care for him as a person.
A few weeks back, I noted this show was due for its next big shake-up. After the first three seasons, once we, House and his team were all comfortable, TPTB pulled the rug out from under everyone by removing the old team and changing everything. Lately, the new team have shown signs of settling in and the show has started to feel comfy again. The question is, which rug can get pulled out away this time?
I am most excited by the idea that the shake-up, this time, may involve removing the ‘House as essential’ element. His declining relevance to diagnoses as his team have come into their own has brought this into question. His absence from the hospital will bring it into sharp focus. Cuddy’s definite statement, “You’re fired,” shows her willingness to remove him if necessary.
If House’s team become able to solve cases without him, and Cuddy is both willing to fire him over his antics and has told him she does not believe they could have a relationship, and even Wilson has experimented with the notion of excluding House from his life " what ultimate relevance does House have to anyone?
It’s terrifying. And it’s brilliant. And it’s anything but comfortable.
8 - JL
(My word. What a gigantic comment I just posted. We need the Preview function back!)
9 - tigerfeet
"tigerfeet wrote:
“I assumed that (House) would deal with whatever it was by himself… like he always does.”
Except… well, he doesn’t, really, does he? When does House ever deal with anything? Does dealing with something mean ‘coping " i.e. putting it away somewhere and going on as though nothing had happened? Or does it involve actually resolving things in some way?
The first sounds like a continued criticism that many have levelled at this show. If, however, House’s past refusal to ‘deal with’ things has now culminated in a total breakdown, then that counts as good writing, I think. It only heightens the importance of the ‘dealing with’ that has now become inescapable."
JL - thanks for asking these questions. My comment was not meant as a criticism at all! The right word is really coping, or trying to cope by himself, if you like. Until his breakdown and subsequent realization that he needs outside help - to deal with his problem. So I second your second interpretation...
Thanks again for making me aware of this potential misunderstanding - I'm as far as you can possibly get from critcizing the writers of this show!
10 - Alex
JL:
My comment on House not taking part wasn't related (not directly, at least) to the strength of the writing.
I think that the writers are doing a brilliant job at reflecting House's interest in a given case, whenever he appears not to care I don't care either and when he does take on an active role I feel much more engage. That was my intention when I talked about House's participation. In previous seasons I was much more interested in patients stories and the writers did a better work at balancing and connecting the patient arc with the personal arc.
11 - nc
When I think about the people I know who are survivors of abuse (both in childhood and in adulthood), I'm struck by how poised they can appear while at the same time having almost no self esteem. They've armored themselves to survive something no one should have to go through, and they can't discard the armor because their self esteem lacks the strength to take over the job.
When we learned that House is a survivor of abuse, so much of his character and so many of his actions made sense in light of that fact. The inability to let others in, let alone allow them to help. The need to fix things (and people). Perhaps seeing Cuddy adopt reminded him how dangerous the parent-child dynamic can be, and how much joy Cuddy would help her child experience, joy that he was denied.
I don't know those stresses from firsthand experience, but I've seen their effects play out in people about whom I cared deeply.
No wonder House wants things to change. No wonder he finds change so difficult.
"How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the light bulb has to be motivated."
On top of that, the light bulb has to believe that the help actually helps.
12 - Alex
(what an idiot I am, forgot the bottom line - please don't half quote this)
and given that this is a procedural show, not a melodrama, not being interested in the medical stuff means that the writing is a bit off.
13 - Rhoda
"given that this is a procedural show, not a melodrama, not being interested in the medical stuff means that the writing is a bit off."
But it's not a procedural show, Alex. David Shore has clearly stated that there are elements of a procedural to it, but it's about the character, and what drives him. During various interviews the writers have stated that merely having a case isn't enough. They have to be able to tie the case to individuals.
And in terms of "making the point much clearer," as you say the writers should have done ... well then you kill the shock of the final episode. I don't want anvils tossed at me again and again. I love subtlety, and the fact that the trail was there -- but hard to follow until we'd reached the end point -- to me is a testament to how well the thread was laid, without giving away the final -- or ultimate -- twist of the season.
14 - Barbara S Barnett
Rhoda (and all)--Yes, you're right. The thing about House is that it's character drama structured around a procedural. That makes the show unique. It's actually a character study of Gregory House.
The point should not have been made clearer during the season. Pointing the way to House's crash would have made it over the top and much less tragic. I didn't see it coming (until I was spoiled). How sad for the great, rational man, who has defined himself by his rational mind. "Rational man" he has called himself, to no longer be able to trust his own mind. That's something that would shake his foundations to the core.
The fact that his meltdown happened in Cuddy's office rather than when he was home alone or riding his bike, or sitting in his office probably prevented him for attempting suicide in a mirror image of Kutner's death.
House's words: "If he thought like me, he'd have known that living in misery is marginally better than dying in it." I wonder if House still believes those words.
15 - Eve K
Barbara - thanks again for a very good "looking back" article. I think season five was a very special season, and had a more complex story telling technique. It may not have been so easy to be a first time viewer this season. We oldtimers are use to watch an episode several times, plus read your reviews and the comments aftr.
nc - it has not been profoundly established that House is a victim of abuse. There was some hints in ODOR. He had a tough "father". But in Birthmarks the abuse theme was toned down, I think. House said that there was a reason for John House to treat him this immature way, he told him at the age of twelve that he had found out that was not his real father.
I guess that lead to estrangement on both parts. John House was not a very good person, but not that different from the men of that time and age. The lack of love and the lack of clearing the air could not have been a good thing, though. But abuse?
People who have really been abused (physically or sexually) have been through much worse traumas and incidents. It is not everyone who has a "Housian personality" who has been abused. That is dangerous to assume, and could lead to wrongly accusations of abuse.
And to se everything that happens/happened in Houses head in that light (of abuse)is not the key to understand the show.
16 - blacktop
Thanks, Barbara, for this cohesive untangling of the threads that led to House's breakdown at the end of season five.
What is most intriguing for me about this remarkable season is that it is equally valid and instructive to pick out the clues that point in the opposite direction. These counter-themes begin in the season four finale when we see House working in tandem with Cuddy (in his fantasy as well as in real life) to solve the mystery of the bus crash. We also find in the finale the wrenching scenes of Cuddy twice sleeping beside the stricken House, in mute testament to their bond. So as season five unfolds there are many instances, almost one in each episode, in which we see House taking a small, but significant step toward unmasking, toward dismantling the high barriers he has erected around his tender romantic's heart, and making an emotional connection that he knows can save him from an otherwise bleak future.
Among these many steps are the frank acknowledgement to Wilson in "Not Cancer" that he really does value and need his friendship, a confession that is repeated at the end of "Birthmarks." Through the comic story of the non-forged cheerleading picture, House reveals to the detective Lucas that he is ready to tell a new story about himself and let someone dear see him in a new light.
These moments of opening and connection continue in "Joy" when House admits to Cuddy that he doesn't know why he negates everything and plunges headlong into the affirmative action of their moody, raw, and passionate kiss. House is remarkably open and vulnerable to Wilson during their discussions in "The Itch" when Wilson asserts that House is afraid to pursue a relationship with Cuddy for fear of losing her. I don't know that we have ever seen House so willing to expose his inner feelings to someone else (Wilson) and so ready to share his life with a third person (Cuddy). At the end of "Emancipation" House is fired with a new determination with regard to Cuddy and a new resolution concerning the direction he wants his life to take.
Cuddy, who is just as screwed up, guarded, and emotionally inarticulate as House is, throws several major wrenches in the works with her misguided assumptions and clumsy gestures. But for me the remarkable thing is to watch House come to a peaceful inner resolution and acceptance of the arrival of Rachel in Cuddy's life ("Joy to the World" and "Big Baby").
We also see House in a remarkable testament of friendship and subtle understanding, refuse to rise to the bait of Cuddy's disasterous emotional breakdown. He gets that her harmful pranks are not malicious ploys but rather an outpouring of her distress and helplessness in the face of the immense changes in her life wrought by the sudden arrival of the baby. House has grown in emotional strength and comprehension this season and the breakthrough for him is quite touching and resonant, I find.
"Painless," "Unfaithful," and especially "Softer Side," and "Locked In" do show House teetering on the brink for sure, but the precipice is not a collapse into insanity, but a leap into the unexplored territory of emotional connection and fulfillment.
These fragile but real threads of connection and emotional possibility are frayed by the abrupt suicide that launches the final downward trajectory of the season.
Now the show runners have dismantled House completely; will they keep him undone or re-construct him? It remains to be seen if season six re-works the hopeful transformative patterns of season five into a new story for House or if he reverts back to the emotionally constricted, bleak, and barricaded persona we met in the pilot episode.
17 - nc
Eve:
"it has not been profoundly established that House is a victim of abuse"
I'm going to have to beg to differ with you on this, as well as on the contention that the descriptions of House's father's behavior toward House are "tough" rather than abusive.
This strand in his history may not be the most important, but it certainly informs the character's outlook.
Plenty of room for differing perspectives. Let's agree to disagree.
18 - Barbara S Barnett
I also think House was victim to abuse, if not technically, then emotional abuse. No wonder House wanted a different father. It sounds much like House lived in a sort of fear of pissing off dad. I'm sure he was plenty of push-back when he was older, but what impact would that have on the very young Greg. Especially if daddy suspected Greg wasn't even his kid.
Blacktop--I agree, this was a season of baby steps for House. He reached out, and even mentored his fellows on a personal level (not so's they'd notice, of course :))
He showed that he cared about Foreman, 13, Cameron, Wilson, Cuddy, Chase, Kutner (and even Taub in a sort of twisted way). He was willing to show his vulnerability and be open in a way he has not be able to since who knows when.
It could have gone either way, certainly. It was a brilliant season. The writing, the directing, the performance and the tight cohesiveness of the series (which is a testament to DS' and KJ's vision).
19 - Orange450
blacktop, you expressed in beautiful detail exactly what I meant (and said in one garbled sentence ;-))
Since Kutner's suicide seemed to precipitate House's spiral out of control, I wonder if the season might have ended differently had Kal Penn not decided to leave the show. I honestly don't know what to have wished for!
On one hand, it would have been lovely to see House's baby steps lead him in a more positive direction, even if the requirements of a good season finale dictate that he be left in some sort of tenuous situation. (And of course it would be wonderful if Kutner were still with us!)
On the other hand, the Amber arc brought out such chillingly good performances from all concerned, the writing was so far beyond compare, and House's experiences will of necessity have to be so rich come S6, that it's hard to wish that the season had ended any other way.
Every TV show should leave us with such dilemmas!
20 - hwl40
Hi Barbara,
Amazing synthesis as usual. Thank you.
It seems to me that House has finally jumped. This time, surely, something has to change, at least on the drug front. It's too dangerous to go back to the old pattern completely and I think House has seen this.
I hope the writers continue to have the courage they showed this season and allow House to develop rather than churn. Oddly enough, I think we are all growing with him, baby steps (pun intended) and all.
Again, many thanks. Also love the fanfiction and hope you can keep going.
21 - savta
Hi Barbara, Thanks for your interesting analysis of season 5 and to the rest of you who shared your well written insights. The show's writing throughout season 5 has been exceptional.
Blacktop, I agree with many of your points and find them really compelling.
Maybe one of you can clear something up for me. I haven't been able to discern what Cuddy is saying when she is yelling at House in fury after the railing incident in Both Sides Now. She says " This is beyond _________." I can't understand what word comes after beyond and before she says "You have the luxury etc." Can you clear it up for me? Thanks.
On another note - I saw with excitement that tickets were available for the special event at the Paley Center and would have loved to be in LA for the panel discussion with DS, KJ, HL and the others ( and to visit my grandsons) but the tickets were gone almost before it was publicized. Simplethings - you are pretty lucky to be able to be at the event.
22 - Anne
Is Laurie using his cane correctly? It does not seem like it to me, or at least that is not the way I was taught for a left leg injury.
23 - Barbara S Barnett
savta--She says "beyond asshood" (which I don't think is actually a word).
If I lived in LA, I would have jumped at the chance to go. But alas, Chicago is too far for a short trip. good going simplethings. Full reports are expected!
Anne--this is an issue that's been discussed a lot over the years. And one episode even made a comment on it (through a physical therapist). House can't help being "different"--and maybe the cane gives him balance he can't get using it on the right side. He actually has a right leg injury.
24 - Amy
I am a first time poster, but I must say that I love your analysis. I thought this was a brilliant season, and it is great to go back and see the signs of House's breakdown. Also see the baby steps he had taken over the season. I am really looking forward to next season, and reading more of your well thought out analysis.
25 - JL
Loving this discussion.
Alex - FWIW, I shared your concerns during the mid-part of this season when I fonud myself not caring about the patients. The best episodes of this show always make me care about the case and the patient, as well as the characters I love. However, I felt that, by the end of this season, the writers had found their groove and I was completely engaged again. It was so much fun!
Hence my conclusion that the shake-up was due...