Nearly five seasons later, House, M.D. is still great TV!
House, M.D. is heading into the home stretch of season five. The new fellows, approached with wariness by a large segment of the show’s considerable fan-base, grew on people over the season. Enough so that Kutner’s (Kal Penn) suicide was met with shock and sadness. Like any series several years into its run, fans have found fault with a variety of things from screen time to storyline; and no television series is perfect. But as the show marches into its final three episodes, we await with anticipation, knowing that the series central character, Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is suffering hallucinations and worrying that he’s lost his medical mojo; and wonder what is to become of him by season’s end.…
Article comments
26 - Sera G
Beautiful, Barbara, beautiful!
I have intensely loved a few shows over the years, M*A*S*H, Hill Street Blues, The West Wing. However, I think my adoration for House tops the list. I started watching from the pilot on, and was hooked. Yes, I thougt G. House was a jerk, couldn't believe what came out of his mouth, etc. and yet, he was so compelling and fascinating. The way he thinks is intriging, his attempts to shock and startle do just that, when you stop laughing! When the audience gets to see below the surface, then he breaks your heart.
I agree that all revolves around and about House, but I must respectfully disagree that this is not an ensemble show. IMHO, the audience loves House all the more because we see how much his 'family' loves and protects him. If Cuddy (my second favorite character) and Wilson didn't care so much, I wonder if we would. The fact that they worry about, protect, and genuinely care for him, influences how the audience perceives him.
Hugh Laurie is a genius, about that there is no discussion. I think Lisa Edelstein and RSL can more than hold their own with him. IMO, the scenes between any combination of the three are worth the entire episode.
About the writing; I think season 5 has had some of the most intense storylines. Perhaps because I have watched all four seasons on DVD,(more times than I can count, and still love them) I feel the stories in the present are keeping me on the edge of my seat. Of course, what has gone on with House, Cuddy and Wilson, has been pretty earthshaking.
My feelings for the new fellows was lackluster at the beginning, but I must confess that I have grown to care about them. I will miss Kutner and his slant on the cases. My favorite was comparing TPOW to Harry Potter. He and Taub had the makings of a great team. I am accepting 14, but I am thrilled that Chase/Cameron are committed and plan to marry. I just watched INSENSITIVE and smiled to myself when she offers him only a sexual relationship because, "Of all the people I work with, you are the one I am least likely to fall in love with." Perfect!
Sorry this went on too long, but what can we do when there are still 6 days until the new episode.
Thanks, again, Barbara for this wonderful place.
P.S. I loved The Man from Uncle, too. I thought Illya was far more attractive than Napoleon Solo. I must have been about 9, also
27 - weezy
Barbara,
I must admit I am disappointed that you would put Scarecrow and Mrs. King in the same paragraph with the other tv series like MASH, Xfiles, Star Trek etc. Seriously, Scarecrow and Mrs King???? While it was a cute series it is no way in the same league as the other legendary shows. Otherwise as usual, thoroughly enjoyed your article. Thanks.
28 - Nate
Consistently, from week to week, you are the best reviewer on the internet Barbara, and I thank you for that. I love coming to this sight and seeing smart people actually appreciate my favorite show instead of criticizing its very minor faults. I'll admit that I missed Chase and Cameron, but the show is House and it's always been that. It seems like it's only been on for a short time.
I remember the first episode I saw. I was thirteen and was recording American Idol for my mom. Back then I liked that show; now I think it is a way of looking down at other people. Anyway, I saw a promo for Heavy. The idea of a ten year old having a heart attack seemed very interesting to me. I watched the whole episode, and was already caught in House's hold. Ever since that episode, I have watched religiously. It is my favorite show, and always will be. Unlike many people, I think this season has been one of the best. Not only has Hugh Laurie outdone himself ten fold, but he has once again peeled layer after layer off of our favorite damaged doc. It takes a lot for a show to stay my favorite. There has been steady competition, especially this year. Breaking Bad has been flawless, but House is still my favorite. As an aspiring writer, I have learned so much from House. I have learned that your characters are like an onion and slowly you peel layers. I have learned from the best character study in the history of television, and still religiously watch House. Kutner's death shook me deeply; only the best TV shows can make you hurt inside from the death of somebody. And to be completely honest, I think the Amber arc is a brilliant turn of events. It reminds me of Six Feet Under. The father had such an impact being a figment of their imagination because he was their conscience. I'm sure this season will end with another life changing finale... Thank you David Shore for creating something beautiful, complex, sharp, and never dumbed down. Oh and thank you Barbara for seeing the show in all it's brilliance, and not just looking at minor flaws. You are a very smart woman...
29 - Roo
My affair with House MD has been pretty recent, but had been long in coming. Sort of.
I remember seeing adds for House a few years ago, and being intriged, but being a busy girl and not a big tv watcher, I never saw an episode until last october, when my sister (a channel sufer) stopped for an episode occasionally. The first one I remember seeing was Heavy, and I didn't like it very much, too much medical grossness. THEN I saw Three Stories, and I was hooked. I watched all the episodes up to Lucky Thirteen in a little over two months and then got to experience the joy of waiting a week or two between shows. And thats where I am now, of course supplementing with Barbara's wonderful blog and various articles and fanfics. Oh well I'm obessed , what can I say.
Great review of House's effects on its fans through the years. It was interesting to me, being a relative newbie. Thanks again
30 - sdemar
Thank you for another great write-up, Barbara. Started watching from the beginning and will be there until the end. Great drama, writing, acting and directing. We are treated to some of the best drama intertwined with some of the best comedic lines delivered perfectly by the cast especially Hugh. The man is an acting genius. He can make me laugh out loud at times while other times I feel tremendous empathy for him. Add in his musical talents and it really doesn't get any better than that.
I started watching because of RSL, who I had a crush on from Dead Poety Society days. I was quickly taken with Hugh and by the time Season 3 was over, I was bulled over by the relationship between House and Cuddy, which continues to be my favorite relationship on the show. Hugh is definitely the rock but RSL & LE are pretty solid, too, and can't imagine the show without either of them.
I'm excited to see how Season 5 finishes.
31 - Andree
Barbara, thanks for this great essay.
Even if the Dutch tv has started showing season 5 episodes but then abruptely started showing random episodes through the various seasons, I like reading your recaps so I have something like an "avant-goût" of what is coming. I wait patiently to see the eps on tv and I buy the DVD seasons anyway as soon as they are on the market.
I got hooked right away in season 1. I think it was episode 4. I watched it and found the episode a bit weird but interesting and decided to watch the next one to see if my first impression was a good one. And then I really got hooked and I still am a huge fan of House. And Hugh Laurie at the same time.
Yes, Man from Uncle was a series I liked, too. Then came Star Trek (the original), and later on X-Files, Stargate and Stargate Atlantis. And now House.
I too have had discussions with colleagues about House, that he is such a jerk and how I can watch something like that. I get told that if I want to watch hospital series, there are others, better ones, like Grey's Anatomy (my goodness, help!). How can you put Grey's Anatomy at the same level, even higher, than House? I don't get it. But okay, people's tastes are different. Their loss! I remain a House fan!
I am really wondering how season 5 will end. I guess it will be a very impressive cliffhanger... sigh.
Any idea for how many seasons the actors have signed already?
Have a nice Spring day out there.
32 - JL
Hi, all.
Barbara, I hoped today might bring an article from you! Hooray! Your non-episode articles are always so refreshing, letting us take a step back from scrutinising details (or quenching an insatiable House thirst in an arid week - whichever you prefer. :) ). I loved your summary, and will have to ponder it some more; but thought I'd join the 'Where did we come from?' party while it's in full swing.
Soooooo...
I've been a Hugh Laurie fan about... 15 years? I loved 'Blackadder', 'A bit of Fry & Laurie', and 'Jeeves & Wooster'. I avoided 'House, M.D.' when it arrived. I hated the idea of HL with a US accent, plus, I was teaching drama that night and missed the start of the episodes anyway. But I must have caught the tail end of enough episodes to realise I might get into this show. I definitely remember seeing the second half of 'Three Stories' and wishing I'd seen the lot.
Once Season 2 came along, I wasn't teaching, I was sitting on the couch very pregnantly. And watching lots of TV. By the end of S2, I was hooked.
...albeit slightly confused, due to *STUPID!* Channel 10's propensity to randomly schedule repeats without warning. During the Tritter arc, we were interchanging one new S3 episode with one S1 repeat every other week! It was MADDENING. However, it did mean I got to see S1, so that cleared up some confusion I'd had as to why people believed House and Cameron had had a 'thing' (I'd never seen ANY chemistry. Still haven't. But at least I knew what they were referring to.).
I loved the second half of S3. I watch it over and over.
I loved the start of S4 and was impatient for the writers' strike to end. I started looking online to see whether things were on track yet.
THEN, I was even more furious that *STUPID!* Channel 10 didn't bother showing the new episodes that I knew the US was getting! So I'd keep an eye on the net through boredom.
And, as we finally got our new episodes, the S4 finale happened, and the US was sobbing about Amber, and House/Cuddy was clearly going somewhere and... well, forget it.
By that point, I'd gotten knowledgeable about where to look for spoilers and a leetle too excited and heartbroken and nervous and desperate for more...
I doubt I'll ever manage to watch an episode unspoiled again. I'm still trying to leave my friends unspoiled for Kutner's suicide this evening. And I enjoy this online discussion too much. Thank heavens for this coterie of people wanting to discuss the same magnificent madman.
Well, that's me. *sigh* I love this show.
...
Since I started (today's) rant with how I'd been a long-time fan of Hugh Laurie, I thought it might be apt to conclude with a (borrowed) quote which I'll adapt to the occasion.
"I always thought Hugh Laurie was quite attractive.
Some of the other characters he played were quite cute, in their way.
But that Dr. House...
... that's sex on legs."
(With a cane.)
33 - kathy b
When The West Wing ended, I was in mourning. I'd never become emotionally involved with another TV show. I would NEVER fall in love with a TV character again (Josh Lyman, cough cough).
A week later, a friend invited me to go to the "Inside the Actor's Studio" taping with Hugh Laurie. (I had loved the House pilot but really had the energy for one TV obsession at a time. I owned Season One and had plans to watch it that summer.)
Hugh was handsome, charming, funny, witty and articulate. Between the two hour interview and the overview of all his work, I was hooked. I watched Season One and Two in a week, and once again, I was in love. I have devoured all of Hugh's past work as well. His range and his talent fascinate me, but House is his best work. I can watch his scenes over and over.
My husband, a casual viewer, thinks the character of House is getting old and too one-note. I have given up trying to explain more about the layers, depth, and subtle humor that Hugh Laurie brings to this role. Instead, I just come here to read your detailed analysis every week, and I am so happy to see how beautifully you express so much of what I feel.
(I laughed at your childbirth/Scarecrow story....I had to miss part 3 of The Thornbirds to go to my first Lamaze class, and it was 10 years before I ever saw the missing part. Oh, those pre-VCR days!)
34 - chen
Great articles Barbara, I've been following them almost as religiously as I watch House. House is the most brilliant show, and character I have seen on tv. Started watching from season 3 and since then I have bought all the seasons on DVD and watched it right from the beginning. It's inspired me so much that I've made a career change (I'm a university study) from engineering to medicine. This show has definitely made one of the biggest inpact on my life, and so far I'm enjoying every bit of it.
Thanks for a great blog!!!
35 - Tony S
This question is asking about the set.
So I noticed somewhere during Season 2 or 3, the hospital interior which shows the lobby and the reception have a second story to the set. For a while, they had scenes that patients would jump off, a pan shot on a character looking down to the lobby and on the second level, there was a small church which various patient's family would go to pray or get insulted by House. Anyway, it was cool to see transition from House entering the hospital and then tilt upwards at the second floor.
And then it was I think after the David Morse's arc and into the current season (which is amazing by the way), the whole second floor was gone. Not a trace of any character mentioning the church or scenes from the second floor. Now whenever a character walk into the hospital, it's just show as a one floor building. Do you know what happened?
36 - Clare
Barbara,
Thanks so much for this wonderful article. I'm just sitting here reading all of the comments, going "I second that!" "Ditto!" It's great perspective with everyone's comments and opinions... which then leaves me at a loss for words!
I'm a dedicated House fan, and always will be. I started watching at the start of season 3, and have since backtracked a bit to catch up. Since then, I haven't missed an episode, and I've loved every minute. My favorites overall were of course season 4's finale - twin episodes House's Head and Wilson's Heart. I think we were all amazed with the writing, acting, and incredible emotion portrayed!! I remember crying my eyes out in the final moments. Wow. And this season continues to keep me coming back for more.
On the note of some distaste of the show, e.i. writing has gone downhill, (which of course I do NOT agree with!) I do know some people who have actually stopped watching the show - they aren't happy with some of the characters, think the story lines are old, I don't know. It's frusterating, because House md is still such a wonderfully deep show.
Definitely still in love - after all of the these years!
37 - Meena
Barbara, thank you for this article.
I am a very recent fan of this show, but I have fallen fast. Yes, I had heard of House when it first came out, but at the time I wondered why the world needed YET another show on medicine. To be honest, I can't stand most medical shows, as I feel they derive their drama and pathos by putting their characters in the most preposterous situations, when the practice of medicine, even on a dull day, is quite a challenge to begin (though I am not even remotely medically inclined, my mother was a nurse).
I am not a regular TV watcher, more a reader, and have never watched another series in its entirety (in fact I continue to watch new episodes over the internet). But sometime in November 2008, I just happened to watch House's Head on a repeat on a Friday night, and I was blown away. I figured out that it was not a 'usual' episode for the show, and I had no idea who Amber was, but I was so deeply moved (emotionally, intellectually, amusedly). I couldn't believe there was a show that wanted to combine wit, philosophy, ethics, idiocy, the meaning of life, and even desire all in a blender. And I wanted to watch.
I proceeded at breakneck speed, and within a month or so, I was caught up. It was fantastic - I was in my own little House bubble. I just fell in love with this character, though even to this day I am not exactly sure who he is. Yes, he makes misanthropy downright sexy - but there is so much more to it. I loved, and continue to love, the blatant contradictions of this character, and the negotiations of those contradictions. He doesn't like people, but knows an awful lot about them (and lets the people around him know that he knows). For someone who wants to believe that his life "simply isn't a test", his modus operandi is to perpetually test those around him. (And I could go on...)
Regarding the show's style, I love that this show isn't an ensemble, but something else entirely. I can't imagine the show without Wilson or Cuddy, and yet we haven't really been 'introduced' to their lives, per se - only the parts that overlap with House. I find it remarkable that we, as the audience, are not omniscient viewers, but are only able to know what has been revealed to us. Every scene between these characters is not demonstrated for us, even important ones, past and present, are left to our imagination (like good literature).
I commend Hugh Laurie on his exquisite acting - he acts when he doesn't even need to, with such relish - I still chuckle at him recently stuffing potato chips in his mouth at Wilson in Saviors, not necessary and yet perfect. For a man with a cane, I love the crazy physicality of House, which I find is just as 'informative' to his character as his snappy dialogue. For instance, in the same episode, while talking to Cameron he leans in to take in the smell of lilies sitting on the ER desk. Just the way House closes his sad eyes in doing so - just took my breath away. I wonder why I can't imagine House of season three or four doing that at all. As much as I love the writing, direction, and acting, it is moments like these that keep me coming back.
Joy to the World was the first episode I watched in 'real time', and by then I discovered how much other people love this show, for their own reasons. I find the ways in which fans attach themselves to this show almost as interesting as the show itself. So now I am stuck waiting, with everyone else, for new episodes:)
Flo, by the way, I loved your analogy to chess with this show. It reminded me of the quote by Richard Feynman, the renowned physicist, who likenened science to observing a game of chess where you didn't quite know the rules.
38 - Shine
Thank you so much, Barbara for this wonderful article. I couldn't agree more with everything you said, and IMO, House will remain to be one the best shows ever made :)
39 - j.i.m.
I love the show House MD as well, but like any ongoing story one becomes invested in, such as "1001 Arabian Nights", emotional reactions vary from delight to dismay, hope to despondence and back to elation. And, as Meena wrote, the way different viewers attach themselves to the show as well as their myriad reactions are as interesting as the story of the show itself. That is what makes the comments of other invested viewers so fun and enlightening to read.
I find House endlessly fascinating and Hugh Laurie a magical delight. But I am not attracted to his character. Neither do I feel sorry for the House character, as yet. There was one scene that constituted a (too) quick exception that seems to have proven the non-attraction rule for me. I was momentarily smitten by House in this scene, but then it went away again! In "Ugly", near the end, House is being interviewed by the documentarist and she asks him about Cuddy's interference in his cases. He evades the question. When she calls him on his evasion, his RESPONSE to her was all kinds of Sexy! for the first and last time for me. Then House went back to his usual persona that I care about but am not smitten by, whether he is showing his human side or not.
I am confident that an artist as intelligent and ambitious as David Shore, now that he has the assurance of 8 full seasons or more, will take his 1001 nights and continue to describe a world that reaches beyond the pilot, although that is the solid foundation that he builds upon, his framework story for his characters. Actually, I think he started a more rapid expansion of his characters in season 3 when he knew that House MD would go the distance of 7 to 10 years. He then reached beyond the neighborhood in season 4 when he included new characters for House to play with. Season 5 has been a reassessment, a time to take stock. It also included some unforeseen, ungovernable events. 13/14 as a storyline-arc was a gamble that didn't pay off artistically, in my mind, and Kutner left. That makes the show less perfect but more human. In season 6, I am looking forward to more Cameron and Chase but not too much (remember the lesson of 13!). And, after the mental breakdown that House is obviously heading for, a rebuilding of his psyche that might show us something lost and something gained in the process.
I expect season 6, 7, and 8 will have very clear but not obnoxiously obvious goals for the House family of characters because I think Shore and Co. want to be able to look back on their work 20 years from now and still be satisfied with it. As Meena mentioned with such insight (thank you), I also couldn't imagine a season 3 or 4 House casually sticking his nose in a bunch of flowers as he corners Cameron. He is continually revealing, learning, and developing. Now, House is more personally, emotionally, and consistently engaged with a select few than we have ever seen before.
On another subject, a commenter, Chris, recently wrote an extremely interesting and engaging summary of Cuddy's character and House and Cuddy's relationship in the "Let Them Eat Cake" review comments. It was well worth the read. :-)
40 - Jair
I'm a from the first season watcher, and I knew I'd check out the show because Hugh Laurie was starring--I adore Jeeves and Wooster as much as House--it was a seminal show for my husband and I during our grad student days! I was a little leery of the idea of Hugh Laurie with an American accent--it just seemed so wrong, but in fact I fell for the show from the opening shot. And I'm still in love with it.
For me, the draw is House--the character, the journey, the layers, the failures as well as the successes. I think your point that the show has revealed more of House rather than showing changes is key--we've seen more of the positive characteristics and we've more of his negative ones. Some fans criticise the character for not being the same as he was in season one, but I think he had the same mix of characteristics then, but we were freer to imagine how he would respond to different situations. Now, we have more info on how the character is capable of acting, and sometimes that's touching and lovely and sometimes it's infuriating. But that's House.
I think the writing is as sharp as ever, though I agree that the writers do tend to overstress arcs and Thirteen was the latest victim of that. But turn down the volume on that story and it's fine--not only am I enjoying Thirteen, but I'm liking Foreman more than I ever have. I embraced the new team from the start and simply loved Kutner. He and Chase are (sob, were) my favourite duckies. I think PJ is wonderful as Taub--I will so miss his and Kutner's friendship. Considering DS had no choice on writing Kutner out, I think he made a brave dramatic choice to have House react to something over which he had no warning and therefore no illusion of control. I'm stoked for the rest of the season.
I miss Chase, but I'm willing to go along with DS's vision on when he comes forward in the story again, because I love many of the relationships on the show. Wilson and Cuddy's stories are also important. I can wait for Chase to come back just as I've been able to wait for Cameron to recede, as I've never enjoyed that character as much. But the writers are constantly able to surprise me, and they have made all kinds of things work that I'm surprised by, and that may include Cameron. I been surprised by the way the writers have been developing House and Cuddy, but I know to wait until the arc is fully realised before deciding on how I feel. It takes House writers a long time to paint their pictures.
All in all, still a unique and wonderful show.
41 - Iwa Iniki
House MD is a made-up show. It is not real life. The fun of the show is wondering what the writers are going to do next. If nothing unusual happened, it would be a boring show, right? I like the show very much and look forward to each episode. I have liked Hugh Laurie for a long time. I have also long enjoyed his British shows.
42 - blacktop
I started watching "House" from the pilot five years ago and haven't missed a week since. As someone wrote up-thread: I am as hooked on Hugh Laurie as House is addicted to Vicodin.
For me season five has been by far the most coherent and enjoyable of all. I like that we have not had the insertion of a disruptive and unsettling "arc" ala Vogler, Stacy, or Tritter to shake up House's world. Rather in this superb season we have seen House shaken to the core by changes in the people that matter most to him: his father's death, the shock of Cuddy's decision to adopt a baby, the residual anger that has shaped Wilson's behaviors, the pathos of Thirteen's plight, the uncharacteristic ardor of Foreman, and above all the discovery that a deeper relationship might be possible with Cuddy.
As the final blow in the string of devastating changes, we now have Kutner's suicide and the staggering recognition that its meaning is forever shrouded is threatening to push House beyond the breaking point.
Fans who judge the quality of an episode by the number of scenes in which their favorite character appears are sadly missing the joy of this complex and rewarding show.
This is the only TV show I can think of in which I find myself laughing out loud, then moved to tears, then shocked into silence, then enlightened with an undiscovered insight, all in a single episode. The writers are an amazing collection of talents marshalled by the off-kilter genius of David Shore. But all of us are fortunate beyond description to have Hugh Laurie embody House. Nobody could do it better.
43 - AreKay
Barbara,
Thank you so much for reaching inside my head and heart (no pun intended) and expressing with much more eloquence than I ever could my love and obsession with HOUSE and Hugh Laurie (for which I offer no apologies).
I am very proud to include myself among the show's legion of fans, especially after reading the comments above (yep, all 42 of them).
I guess I could be considered a "johnny-come-lately" to HOUSE, as I only discovered it last fall via the USA network reruns. But in no time at all, I was hooked! I haven't been as passionate about a TV show since M*A*S*H and MOONLIGHTING.
I didn't know anything about Hugh Laurie but now I find myself cruising the internet for more information about him. I bought, read and thoroughly enjoyed THE GUN SELLER; I love the Band From TV's DVD and their CD of HOGGIN' ALL THE COVERS plays continuously in my car.
I hope the writers will not listen too closely to what the fans say they want (ie. MOONLIGHTING) and continue to give us the brilliance of their creative writing talent.
44 - Cinnamon
I believe the first episode I saw was the 3rd one of the 1st season. I now own all the DVDs. I am hopelessly in love with House and Hugh! He is endlessly talented and undeniably sexy. I love the complexity of the show and its central character. You can expect to laugh, cry, scream, and stare in disbelief at almost any episode.
I too am excited to see how the House/Cuddy relationship plays out. These two have been dancing around each other for 5 years now. They have palpable chemistry and their love scene is sure to set our hearts on fire! :-)
45 - Kate
I got excited about this show even before it started and from the pilot I was hooked. I thought it was one of the best shows I'd ever seen, smart, innovative, well-connected writing. I don't think I've ever been as excited about a show or got as many people involved in watching it.
Then something happened in season 3 and I started to feel dissatisfied. Since then, there have been a number of roads the writers have taken which has made the show less complex, less adult and I think less intelligent. It's no surprise to me that the grade 3 kids at Peter Taub's son's school love it.
The actors are still good (with the exception of a certain number) but the writing has been woefully inadequate. Plot points are brought up and dropped, characters are changed (leading to the often labyrinthine fanwanks to attempt some sort of consistency), the jokes became increasingly crude rather than truly witty,
I was also disappointed at the selection of the final team. Amber, Henry and even Cole were truly different and could have brought a new dynamic to the team but they picked the characters played by the most well-known actors, not the best or even the ones who could have driven new storylines. Now House's team consists of three cynics who prefer the puzzle to the patient and think everybody lies plus House, the original cynical, puzzle-preferring "Everybody lies" guy
Of the original characters, Chase and Cameron have of course been ill-served by being off the canvas but Cuddy has also taken a huge hit. From the smart, confident hospital administrator she's become a hapless, neurotic girl who appears as if she scribbles "Mrs. Gregory House" in the margins of her school books.
I strongly disagree with your comment that there is "a weekly exploration of ethics". There was, in the first three seasons. But since Cameron left the scene, there is no one who cares about ethics. Now Taub may point out that House is behaving unethically but he does what House tells him to just the same. Cuddy's priority is the hospital, as it should be, and Wilson's is House but the show did itself another disservice in not replacing Cameron with someone else who cares both about ethics and about the patient first.
I think that fact that House never changes and that Wilson and Cuddy never change either has contributed to my overall boredom with the show. It's the same thing each time, only different patients. After five seasons, either House needs to change or we need to see more of the rest of the characters other than Thirteen and Foreman.
Bones does a better job of writing female characters and incorporating new characters onto the canvas, ER did a better job of examining an addict and of ending a ship while keeping the shippers on board (when Luka started seeing Sam, Abby started a great professional arc instead of hooking her up with someone she'd already rejected and then thrown off the show as Cameron was), and I think Castle/Beckett have more chemistry than House and Cuddy these days.
I loved the show almost too much for 2 1/2 seasons. I'm happy for those who enjoy the show. But for me, it's been a huge "bait and switch" not only in terms of the current team but also in how all the characters are used and how the story lines written. I've had a hard time getting through most of the season 5 episodes because I don't care about the characters and the writing doesn't do it for me any more. I'm watching till the end of the season but if the show I fell in love with isn't back by then, I won't be for season 6.
46 - Eve K
sdemar, blacktop, j.i.m.,jl and all you others that are here most every week, and of course Barbara, I almost feel like I know you. The insightful comments, and little tidbits of what you are doing in life, Its nice.
Anyway, I find that there are many similar stories of how people started to watch House - many almost by chance. And often we need to see a couple of episodes to "get it". (so I guess theres still a lot of people out there who don't know what they are missing)
When we are hooked, we work our way through the whole series. Often more than once. And many of you, like me, also work your way through most of the work of Hugh Laurie as well.
Hugh is a true renaissance man, and a great inspiration on so many levels. As are you. As are the show after all these years - here's hoping it stays that way. (-:
47 - Sally
Hi Barbara, I enjoy reading your blog a lot and I have something to add to the discussion, I think. (I hope this hasn't been mentioned yet). In Unfaithful, when Cuddy can't get a grip and ask House to come to the ceremony at the end of the episode, House mentions her sister and how he thinks Cuddy can only hope her sister will think the roads are too dangerous to drive on and Cuddy, with a knowing look, (even a slightly flirty one) replies, "Fingers crossed."
I think this shows that their common story goes beyond Med School and their professional relationship and friendship. It's in House's nature to find out a lot but my question would be why was Lisa Cuddy so interesting to him? Back then and now? (We know how he met Wilson so we got that question figured out.)
48 - L.Lilly
Barbara, I agree with most of your review, and definitely EVERYTHING you say about the wonderful Hugh Laurie.
I admit that I'm one of those who feels the writing has slipped in the last two seasons. One example that immediately comes to mind is in "The Softer Side" which should have been all about the fascinating storyline of House's potentially life-changing decision to take Methadone as a pain management program, yet more time was spent on Thirteen and Foreman's relationship and her important shoe decisions instead. I also felt that "Last Resort" was one of the worst episodes of the entire series. It's not just a few disgruntled fans who labeled this season as "Thirteen, MD" or complained about her overexposure. There were some popular TV critics as well. That may be good writing for a show about Thirteen, but not about House.
I would also like to say a word or two about your comments that the new team "has been embraced" and "most viewers adjusted to the new team." This show has lost MILLIONS of viewers for some reason, and it started losing them in Season 4, after the changes were made, and even more in Season 5. I understand that there is a change in time and then a change in days, but they've weathered those storms before, just as they've weathered intense competition. I think a lot of people left because of the changes. In the two years that Chase and Cameron have been sidelined, there is still a great deal of anger and angst filling the forums. The main forum has new people joining on a regular basis to ask where these characters are and when they are coming back. They continue to play a vital role in the show for a large number of fans who have been hanging on, waiting for their return.
On the other hand, Kutner died only a couple of weeks ago, and after the initial shock and outrage, the complaints have trickled down to practically nothing, and he seemed to be the FAVORITE among the three newbies. I can't imagine there would be two years of upset and anger if Taub left, and most forums would throw an all-out celebration if Thirteen left!
The last episode felt more old-school House to me, and that's what I enjoy the most. I loved the interactions among the old team and House, and the House/Wilson scenes were to die for. THAT's the show I love; I hope it continues. If so, I'm in for Season 6.
49 - hl_lover
In reference to the above post, I would like to point out that the 'millions' of fans lost from "House"'s viewership did not have to do with dissatisfaction with the show. This decrease in total viewership came about last season due to "House" losing the American Idol lead-in, which gave the show many casual viewers in addition to the regular 'fans' of the show who watched faithfully.
Additionally, "House" has been opposite "Dancing With The Stars" for the past 2 seasons, a very popular though mind-numbing show, and again it is apparent that "House"'s current viewership numbers reflect the true fans who seek the show out, regardless of what night or time it airs. The move from Tuesdays to Mondays hasn't helped, either, but again, that has nothing to do with the quality of the show.
That said, I agree that season 5 has been well-written, well-acted, and "House" and Hugh Laurie both deserve a repeat nomination for an Emmy. There is no other show on the air which has demonstrated such ongoing consistency of writing, acting, or vision. I too, Barbara, am a fan who is still in love with the show and will continue to watch for as long as it airs.
Thanks for your great article!
50 - barbara barnett
Been insanely busy the last day, so I haven't had a chance to bop back into the discussion till now. Great comments all, and I'm really enjoying reading your House "love stories." It's fascinating that so many of us come to House via XFiles--and even UNCLE! cool.
I wanted to address a couple of comments in particular. HL_L addressed one of them already, regarding the loss of viewers. I really don't think the loss of viewer has had much to do with the content of the show so much as the move to Monday, the time switch to 8 ET and the competition with DWWTS. Personally, I can rarely watch House while it airs. I have to TiVo it to watch later in the evening when I get home from the office.I'm sure I'm not alone.
Sera G--Illya was my first ever TV crush! I hated the fact that Solo was the "star" and had most of the screen time. I'm having fun DL'ing and watching the episodes from Amazon!
weezy--I plead being hormonal during the Scarecrow days. I lived for the UST. Stopped watching in the final season when it got too ridiculous to even imagine.
Nate--you are very kind. (And thanks everyone for your kind words--I'm blushing).
Tony--Regarding the set question. The second floor is still there and was used throughout season four. can't recall if it's been used this season much if at all.
AreKay--I agree with you. I hope the writers continue to follow their own path and write their stories. They could lose their collective mind if they followed all the diverse wants, needs and desires of the fandom. I like the path they are on.
Sally--great question. Maybe it's something we'll find out at some point. I think he finds her smart, sexy and possibly it's simply that unknowable thing that attracts us to our "one and only."
L.Lilly--I think we'll have to agree to disagree. I do think after much resistance, many fans have embraced the new team. While I'm not incredibly fond of 13 (and I've never liked Foreman, particularly), I know many people who love 13 and her story (and 14, too). Although not universal, I do think lots of fans like the new team. I really liked Kutner alot (more than either Cameron or Foreman). Same with Taub.
I do want to talk about what I said regarding ethics. I do think the show continues to explore ethics. I don't think that the only way they have been explored has been through Cameron and her "crazy moral compass." House has his own ethical framework and it's been explored in several episodes this season. the issues with the clinical trial, whether to euthanise a patient who is likely to kill himself anyway, etc.
I disagree also, Kate, with your assessment of Cuddy, who is having the anxiety and fears that a lot of women (of a certain age) begin the feel. She handles her private life poorly; she definitely not a example for the professional women of the world. She's flawed and far from superwoman. I like it, and her.
51 - L.Lilly
hl_lover, I said that millions of people have left the show, and the ratings back me up. I also said, "I think a lot of people left because of the changes," and I know this is a fact from reading hundreds of posts to TV writers such as Mo Ryan, who gave up on the show herself this season. I know that many factors are involved. One of them IS the loss of American Idol as lead-in as you said, but that would only affect the last half of the season anyway. What seems the most worrisome to me is when the show is on at the same time on the same night, facing the same competition week after week, and drops a couple of million viewers from one week to another. I think ALL factors need to be taken into consideration, including drastic cast changes.
I know Barbara has always been kind about opposing viewpoints, (as long as they are respectful, of course) otherwise I wouldn't have posted. I only brought up the ratings to illustrate my point that the new team hasn't been "embraced" by everyone, and not everyone thinks the writing is as good as it used to be. And I only brought these two things up because they were mentioned in the article.
I find Barbara's columns to be often helpful in viewing certain scenes or episodes that I previously did not understand. I may not always agree, but I enjoy reading a different take on things, and the opinions of others that follow each column. That's why I come here. I don't usually post, but sometimes I feel that I want to represent a different view.
52 - barbara barnett
L.Lilly--always feel welcome to post. Honest debate is good. We don't all agree on everything, which is healthy. Thanks for posting.
53 - L.Lilly
Barbara, I just wanted to let you know that Tivo'd viewings DO count in the ratings. Of course, you have to be a Nielsen family for it to official count.
Totally agree on "The Scarecrow and Mrs. King." The first season was very cute, but the last season was completely unbelievable. It almost seemed as if the two characters switched bodies somewhere. I liked her better when she was a little on the ditzy side.
54 - cj_housegirl
L.Lilly - Tivo'd shows don't count in the overnights/next day ratings but in the 7-day, weekly ratings they do. Tivo's help keep House (on average) a Top 10 scripted show on American television, which is important to remember because the two most popular shows aren't scripted, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars who arrive during winter. In the fall, NFL games, pre-shows and post-shows also boot their way into the top 10 ratings as does a news show like 60 minutes. Considering all of that I think House holds up pretty well. There seems to be a rather large core fan base of around 12 million - 13 million viewers that follow the show no matter its time slot/day with a lot of other variables contributing to increases in ratings over 13 million-plus. For example, the last half-hour of the Kutner suicide episode drew one of the highest ratings this year but the first half hour was about standard.
I'm one of those hard core fans. I'll follow Hugh Laurie anywhere, any day, any time. I love House. I started watching mid-season 2. I was channel surfing one evening and stumbled across the show on Global (Canada - where it is still the #1 show in the country). It was Distractions and I was completely and utterly shocked by it. My jaw hit the floor when I saw House injecting himself with an illegal medication. There are a lot of anti-heroes on television but not too many of them are doctors. I just find House to be a complex, funny, and at times, really weird character. There's so much depth there and we still have only been shown the surface. I too would love to know more about his past. We know so little about him really. We have been shown insights into his character but I agree with the producers there is a lot left to reveal.
I have never watched a television show with as much dedication as I watch House. There has never been a show that I have watched regularly past season 4. I was a fan of X-files and Buffy but after season 4 I would only catch an episode here or there. With House, I'm there every Monday (or Tuesday) night and have been since mid-season 2. I will be there until the end.
Still very much in love with the show, House and of course, Hugh Laurie, but I also very much love Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer, and Peter Jackson, really all of the cast, including 13, Foreman and Cameron. Season 4 is one of my all time favorites. I loved the Survivor arc. I was watching the S4 episode Alone tonight and I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. I've also really enjoyed the much more intense and character-driven S5.
Thanks for posting Barbara. I'm looking forward to next week's episode with great anticipation. It looks...interesting.
55 - tigerfeet
Thank you Barbara, for this wonderful article. We really are on the same page about this fantastic show. Never have I followed an American series this religiously.
About the casting and viewer numbers. There are obviously many reasons for a decline, and I agree with L.Lilly that new cast members might contribute. And I must admit that I was shocked and disappointed when two of the original ducklings were essentially written out of the show. In the beginning I really missed C & C, and in a sense I continue to hope that they will come back in full force as House’s minions.
BUT " I’m still watching, and I’m still loving the show as much as I ever did. And one can wonder if the die-hard C & C fans who are active in the forums also watch. Why would they be there otherwise? (I’m on thin ice here because I never visit these forums.) Bringing in a new team (either permanently or for a period of time) has created new possibilities for the show and the exploration of House the man. Even losing Amber which I understand upset many fans created some of the best episodes so far. Maybe the show would have lost even more viewers if we’d been stuck with the same old team, season after season? (Hey, it’s still one of the most watched shows in the US, and around the world, isn’t it?)
So I do believe " like you Barbara and many commentators above " that the show is a whole, where all the bits count. And I am among those who were happy with the new actors/characters they chose, and have grown to like them more and more. Different actors, different storylines " who knows if that would have made any difference viewer-wise. There will always be different opinions, leanings and sympathies - thank heavens. But there is one exception, I might be going out on a limb here ;-), no matter how clever the writing, I do believe it wouldn’t be as successful without Hugh Laurie in the main role.
56 - blacktop
I agree with hl_lover, cj_housegirl and others who have pointed out that "House" continues to rank among the top scripted shows on TV. This despite shifts in broadcast time and day over the seasons. "House's" ratings have remained remarkably strong, which is a tribute to the patience of their fans and to the consistently superior quality of the writing, directing, and acting on this show.
"Millions" of casual fans have indeed tuned in to see "Dancing with the Stars," but I don't find that troubling in the slightest as it does not offer a commentary on the content of "House" at all but rather on the interests and tastes of those viewers.
I would be truly appalled if David Shore and Co. were to abandon their own vision of the show to fit the whims of fans or the fancies of newspaper critics who are notoriously fickle, interested in promoting the latest fads, and are easily dazzled by the newest gimmicks.
I want Shore to continue in the direction he has chosen for his show this season. I am deeply entertained and intrigued, and yes, still in love after all these years.
57 - Flo
#37 " April 22, 2009 @ 08:08AM " Meena
"Flo, by the way, I loved your analogy to chess with this show. It reminded me of the quote by Richard Feynman, the renowned physicist, who likenened science to observing a game of chess where you didn't quite know the rules."
Thank you meena, I didn't know about this link between chess and science. It is interesting.
As for the chess metaphor, for me it really is the only way to watch a show. Watching it as a whole, not only makes you less biased but also gives you the necessary hindsight to really see how it is greatly written. You can see how the scenes follow on from one another, how a scene leads to another one and so on. It’s the same things with the arcs. Each ones brings new information leading us to another arc.
For example, the House/Cameron arc of season one was created to lead us to the Stacy arc in season two. Cameron saw something else in House than the cold, insensitive bastard the others were seeing. She is damaged herself and married a dying man so she knows better. She got the guts to provoke House on a personal level and he was uncomfortable with it. She questioned House on love and on relationship with women. Remember the scene when she said she would take her job back in exchange to a dinner with him? The way she stood and looked into his eyes: it was practically a dare.
The House/Cameron thing revealed a different kind of House to us: yes he has feelings and yes he can love and he already has been in love. It was a great way to prepare the Stacy arc. This one would have been different too sudden without the ‘hameron’ arc.
The Stacy arc left House with a severe pain in his leg and the interrogation ‘is the break-up with Stacy has something to do with it?’ That led the story to the season two finale and the ketamine treatment.
Ketamine treatment means a healthy drug-free House. The treatment’s failure led us to the drug addicted/Tritter arc.
I could go on and on.
On the other hand, the writers have a great ability to leave us unbalanced and always unsure of what’s going to happen. The episodes and arcs are very well written and are beautifully linked together like I just say. All of this is very coherent but, at the same time, the writers manage to surprise us: ‘House is supposedly incapable of love?’ Bam! You get Stacy. ‘House just got his leg back and is nice and not a drug addict?’ Bam! You get the ketamine treatment failure and Tritter. ‘You like Foreman, Chase and Cameron as ducklings? It’s been 3 great years having them, you’re used to them and don’t want to change them?’ Bam! Everyone get fired or quit! New people! ‘New ducklings, you think everything is settled?’ Bam! Kutner commits suicide.
The way the writers are keeping us as unbalanced as the characters is pure genius. It is something you can fully appreciate only by seeing the show as a whole.
In my opinion the fifth season is really good. It goes deeper into the characters stories and fears. It is still amazingly interesting. The actors are all great. Hugh Laurie, of course, but we all already know this. He’s been great since day one. Robert Sean Leonard is excellent (He should have had an Emmy nomination last year) and Lisa Edelstein is amazing too (I hope she will get nominated this year just for what she did on “Joy” or/and “JTTW”. She deserves it). All the others are pretty good too and bring something special to the show.
For all the people who are disappointed and find the fact that some fans are lost and disagree with the changes in season 4, I would reply by quoting Oscar Wilde: “When critics disagree the artist is in accord with himself.”
58 - cj_housegirl
Flo Totally agree with looking at the whole of House as a chess board and the insight that each of the arcs led into another arc. I was thinking about that myself today so it was funny when I checked in here and saw your post.
The Cameron arc led into the Stacy arc and her leaving led to House experiencing breakthrough pain which contributed to his decision to try the ketamine treatment because he was already pushing morphine. We get a brief moment of happy House before the ketamine treatment fails and so begins his descent back into pain. I can't imagine what that is like. To be free of pain only to spiral back into it. His struggles with that led to a desire to look for alternative pain methods, a desire to change something in his life so that everything that he went through wasn't just to return to the pain.
That all led to his team leaving and the survivor arc, which led to the introduction of Amber and so on an so forth. There really is a continuing journey to House which is one aspect that I love about it. The consequences of all the above has led us to where we are now. It's amazing to think back on it all now.
59 - ann uk
While waiting impatiently for series 5 to be broadcast here I have been watching all the series on DVD from 1 onwards.It has been a great experience , like rereading a superb novel that one has only read in parts. I am sure that ,like the greatest novels ,many of us will return to it over and over again and always find something new in it.
The show raises so many issues, not just of medical ethics but of what makes a good man, the inevitable conflict between the rights of the individual and the demands of society , etc. that I find myself arguing with House about them !
As for House himself, he has become an extra friend whose fate concerns me seriously - I can hardly bear to watch again as he walks blindly into Tritter's clutches, or envisage what his ending might be.
And what could I say about Hugh Laurie that most of you haven't already said ?
Greetings to all my fellow House addicts and special thanks to Babara for giving me the chance to talk about House !
PS. A friend has just given me a copy of Rousseau's essays in which he expresses opinions much like House's on the falsity of conventional society. He says " One does not dare to appear what one truly is " How like House !
60 - Kim
Thanks Barbara. I had really enjoyed the journey through the 5 seasons you had taken us just reading your beautiful article.
I have been a fan of the show since the Pilot (which is one of my favorites). I have watched all the 4 1/2 seasons dubbed into spanish religiously. Then it came the famous strike and I didn't know when my local TV was going to release the last four spisodes. So, finally I decided to watch it in VO subtitle and my surprise was that I get to see the two best episodes of House(HH/WH).
Since then I follow the US rhythm of the show, which allows me to come here and discuss with you guys.
In conclusion, I am still in love with House(and Cuddy) after all these years.
61 - Meena
Flo - great minds think alike! or at least agree:) I love your analysis of how the writers shake this series away from any complacency, so spot on.
BTW, this is a total aside, but you should you tube Richard Feynman's chess monologue, so in line with your (and Barbara's) use of chess as an analogy for this show's plot and character development (and life in general I find).
This blog is like House Anonymous, or something - but instead of ending the addition, I get to find other rapacious users. Brilliant:)
62 - Flo
Meena, I saw Feynman's talk about chess rules on youtube. Thanks very much, it was, indeed, really interesting. As you said it is relevant to "House" and the way we ca watch it.
It's particularly relevant to House himself! He loves to discover new things and understand their workings and what's behind the rules.
"Flo - great minds think alike!"
So true ;)
"This blog is like House Anonymous, or something - but instead of ending the addition, I get to find other rapacious users. Brilliant:)"
LOOOOOOOOOL! It's a little like that yes!
63 - barbara barnett
I love that: House anonymous.
64 - Debbie
I started watching House in Season 1 with the episode Honeymoon.
I must thank American Idol for introducing this incredible show to me. I saw an ad for it during AI and it looked very interesting to me. Little did I realize it was the last episode of the season and I was completely hooked! Not only did I have to wait for the show to return with Season 2 in the fall, but I had to wait until Season 1 came out on DVD to catch up. When it finally did, what a treat it was to watch each episode, commercial free, one right after the other. And what a treat that the last one for me to experience was Three Stories (I unintentionally saved the best for last!). That episode has got to be the best written and well acted in the series. Shame on Emmy for not awarding Hugh Laurie just for that episode alone!
While I love the medical aspect of the show, it is the character of House and the people in his life that kept me coming back for more and more. Like someone said above, I love how we get just a smidge of House revealed to us little by little, like peeling the layers of an onion.
I don't remember ever being as invested in fictional characters as I am with Dr. House & Co.
I can't say enough about Hugh Laurie's performance and portrayal of this complicated, complex anti hero. The man has the most expressive eyes I've had the pleasure of losing myself in ;)
I feel Season 5 is probably the most powerful yet, but I have a soft spot for Season 1. I have to thank the USA Network. It feeds my addiction like House having a never ending supply of Vicodin! Almost anytime I turn to that channel, it is on. Gotta love it!
I cannot wait to see what the end of this season has in store for us.
It may sound cruel, but I love House, MD when it is at its angsty best. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love the comedy and light sides of the show, but a tortured House just slays me.
65 - Debbie
Bravo, bravo, Flo!
(re: #57)
66 - alyssak
I've never commented before, Barbara, but I've been reading your blog since this summer, and I absolutely love your analysis. I'm the creative writing type, fascinated by characters. House's complex character is the main reason I watch. He completely intrigues me as a writer and critic of characters.
My first episode was "Insensitive" in Season 3. I was stuck for a semester in a 1 credit science course (I'm not the math/science person!) I needed for my liberal arts core curriculum so I chose Human Parasitology because it sounded the most interesting... my professor was hooked on House, so a few of us got together and decided to check it out because he was an awesome guy. It just so happened my first episode ended with House pulling a gigantic tapeworm out of the girl who couldn't feel pain. It ended up being one of my prof's all-time favorite episodes, and I was hooked.
I missed a few episodes here and there for the rest of the season, but at the end of the summer I bought the DVD for season 1, and then it wasn't long before I was completely caught up due to marathons with my roommate that sometimes had us up until 3am. Because of when I really started becoming an obsessed fan (season 4) I kinda missed the whole wave of anger at House's new fellows. I have come to understand everyone's attachment to Chase and Cameron for sure, but I'm kind of glad I came in when I did.
I'm pretty sure House is my all-time favorite TV show. The characters alone bring me back week after week and drive me to the DVDs for multiple revisits when I have a spare evening. I don't usually have time to comment, but I wanted to take this chance to thank you for your column, and as long as you write it, I'll be reading. :)