But more than change, the character of Gregory House has been revealed. House, M.D. is the story of a remarkable man. Deeply flawed, but equally heroic, House is one of the most complex characters written for television. Neither “nice” nor conventionally “good,” House is (sometimes despite himself) an extraordinary healer, whose blunt and honest approach to medicine can be annoying to everyone except his patients. As Wilson put it in “Merry Little Christmas,” House is a “force for good in the universe.” But to find the hero, you have to look beneath his armor and past the mask. Casual viewers who are put off by House’s “jerk” persona miss much by not digging even slightly deeper within the facets of this rough-hewn diamond.
As more of House’s heart and soul have been revealed, so have his less attractive facets. He’s sometimes smug, crass, arrogant and belittling. And with any other character, I’d have stopped watching long ago. But along with those traits, we’ve seen his dedication even when in severe pain, we’ve seen him be generous, humble and compassionate. Even noble. We’ve seen him as a fierce patient advocate and in honest and emotional dialogue with patients on the brink of death. We see him as a brilliant teacher and flashes of what makes the reclusive House a world-renowned doctor and chief asset of Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. We see what he colleagues cannot; what House won’t let them see.
But so much of what makes House is the nuanced performance by Hugh Laurie. His natural humanity tempers House’s sharper edges, and without a word spoken he can express in his eyes and body language what House feels but cannot (or will not) say. After so much success, so many awards and now becoming an executive producer on the show, Laurie could be phoning in performances after five years; but he doesn’t. He brings 100 percent to the performance and some of the bravest and emotionally raw performances on television today.
Clearly, House is not an ensemble show. It’s not about a group of doctors and the their lives and loves at Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. It’s the character study of a single doctor—Gregory House. But we learn about House through his relationships with those in his orbit. None of his relationships are straightforward. And they shouldn’t be; relationships are seldom “storybook.” They are messy and fraught with emotional danger. Especially when the characters are smart, overachieving workaholics.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Nina
Watcher from day one. And yeah...what you said...all of it. I actually think this season has had the most consistently brilliant writing. And each and every week we are treated to an award worthy performance from Mr. Laurie.
2 - wackjob
Wonderful essay, Barbara!!!
I had only watched a few times until I caught "House's Head/Wilson's Heart" right before the start of season 5, and I was completely hooked. Earlier this year, during an illness (I have a semi-chronic condition that sometimes makes me cooped up and having to walk with a cane), I bought the first two seasons on DVD and loved watching them. And yes, I did tend to like the old shows better than much of Season Five. I have consistently disliked Thirteen, but recently I discovered a site where I could watch the episodes I missed this season, as well as re-watching earlier episodes again (for instance, Dying Changes Everything and Birthmarks). Today I watched Let Them Eat Cake for the first time, and it gave me a new appreciation for her character, although I still think Olivia Wilde leaves a lot to be desired as an actress.
Also, seeing episodes I've missed fills in a lot of the gaps (for instance, I've never known what anybody wrote about Cuddy's desk until now). I've bought season three and am working my way through it (I prefer to watch the DVDs rather than the replays on USA...no commercials!). The only thing I would change about the show is the darn six-act format--a commercial every five minutes, it seems!
Thanks for all of your insightful writing, and for helping me feel less alone with my obsession! :)
3 - Ellen
I couldn't agree with you more. From the very beginning, the patient was never the thing which made me watch. It was the writing and Hugh, Hugh, Hugh! The man is so brilliant, I would watch him stand there for an hour and read the phone book!
4 - wackjob
By the way, watching the show has told me some very cool moves with my cane!
5 - Flo
I've heard about the show but didn't watch it until my sister told me I might find it interesting. I'm a cinema student and am naturally drawn into movies but not into tv shows.
I don't really watch tv. The only shows I really liked and followed were "The X-Files" and "The West Wing". I tought it was beautifuly written and directed. Especially "The X-Files" wich, until now, remains (in my opinion) the most technically and aesthetically beautiful show ever.
I just knew that House was a misanthropic, genius doctor addicted to his vicodin. My sister told me the character was more complex than that, that the show was fun to watch and that I might find it very interesting as a screewriter and student.
At that time the show was in its 3rd season in France and the 4rth in the US. I Watched 20 minutes of a 3rd season episode but it was in a french dubbed version and even if it wasn't bad and I found the show and the character, indeed, fun, I thought it would be better to watch from the start.
So I did. The pilot was really good. It tells you what you need to know for a first episode. I liked the humor, the dialogues were good and the scene between House and the patient was great. Unfortunately the rest of the first season was a little bit annoying. It was a little too formulaic for me especially that I didn't find the stories and the 'House study" that great. The other characters weren't that interesting either. That being said, I decided to take a look to the second season as the last episodes on the first were good, intriguing and conniving.
After that I litterally seen the rest in 2 months. I think I was hooked at "Three Stories". I think that's really when the show took off to become this fantastic journey into somone's mind.
House is one of the most interesting and profound character, irrespective of tv shows.
I watch for him and how the interactions with the other characters affect and reveal him. It is not an ensemble show but all the characters who gravitate around House are important. I love how the writers make the characters specifically precious to one plot and the exploration of House.
That's why I don't watch for one or two three people and that's why I'm not a shipper. Ensemble show or not if you really want to appreciate it, you have to watch it as a whole.
This show is about individuals and how they interact.
I really believe watching a show is a little bit like playing chess: if you want to have a chance to win, you have to see the whole board. It is the only way to be as less biased as possible and to really appreciate the show as it is (and not as we think it is or want it to be). That's the only way analysis is possible too.
And naturally that's why I read your reviews every week! You succeed at having a very good mix between personal point of view, critics and analysis. I know how hard it is to find a balance between those three. I think you do it really well. That's what make them so interesting.
Your enthusiasm for the show and for sharing your thoughts is highly contagious.
Thank you very much for that and thanks for this new essay that will help us to wait for the next episode!
keep up the good work!
Flo
6 - Alessandra
Hi Barbara... I haven't commented here for a long time, but I've always enjoyed your articles and now I come and I find what is in my opinion your best one. Seriously. I find so interesting when people talk about how they've been hooked to House MD and above all why. So that reading YOUR "love"story has been a pleasing surprise! :)
I agree with everything you said, in particular as regards House's revealation_ what's really hooking is that we can not see everything at once. Not only you have to re-watch the episodes to understand the different layers, but most of the time it isn't enough: the writers show us a little piece, the shadow of a feeling, a fear, a relationship (I'm thinking of House and Cuddy clearly strong affction for each other, but also House/Wilson, for example). They show us a concerned, human, caring House, but they never do it completely. That's why I continue watching him coping with life and death, love, friendship, sorrow. You can't simply forget it, once you are bond to this show.
As a side note: I started watching from middle-season 3, when I first came here in Pisa for my Bachelor Degree... I was so lonely here at the student house, and one evening italian tv was running Half-Wit: I went downstairs with a roommate and we watched it. That evening two things were born: one of the most important friedships in my entire life and my love for House. The latter, to tell the thruth, came up after some other episodes: at the beginning I only thought House was an incredible jerk and nothing else than that! Then, something happened and the magic took me by hand :) And if I had a dream, a real impossible dream, it would be working as a writer for House MD (I'm a linguistics and literature student and here my fanfiction are quite appreciated ;)).
After season 3 I purchased the other seasons and started watching from the beginning till season 4 started. Now I'm able to enjoy the fifth series in English, which is the best thing to really appreciate Hugh Laurie's master, quality acting.
Oh, Barbara, really thank you for this beautiful article. :) :) :)
7 - Marianna
First episode i ever show was "Poison" (ep08s01), last year, in a rerun in a greek tv channel. Although i am afraid (and mostly hate) doctors in real life as well as in television, i was hooked, right from the teaser. TV doesnt do that to me. But this, wow. I was glued. What was wrong with this boy? How many wrong moves until he is healed? And why this cruel jerk with the cane looks so kind to me? And why don't they just let him do his job -i mean, he is a genius!
I went straight to the dvd store and asked for the first season of this new found series. Only season 2 was available at the time. I devoured the dvds in a weeks time. Went back for season 1. In the meantime, a friend had already ordered online for me the season 3. Finished that in less than a week, then watched online season 4, just in time for the beggining of the season 5 -which i enjoyed probably more than any other season (but i do have a weeks time to rethink and distil each episode, which is elememntary for the show).
It's definitely the most emotional season, each episode explores deeper and deeper each character.
House, M.D. has definitely NOT lost his mojo.
Couldnt agree more to everything you say Barbara, thank you for your wonderful work every week.
(i am preparing a little comparison of House, MD and ancient tragedy -an idea that occured to me from a comment i read here some weeks back :) will try to finish it asap and post it here, since it's a general post)
8 - Taryn
Hi Barbara,
Like many of your readers have said, my House experience is not yet complete until your insights (and those of your commentors)have been posted. I wait on pins and needles for your reviews after each episode. I've never shared my thoughts before, but after this wonderful article, I couldn't help myself!
I've been a fan of the show since the Pilot, but became absolutely hooked and fell head-over-heels in love with House (and the beyond brilliant Hugh Laurie!) during season one's "Control" (which still remains among my favorite episodes to date). His heart-wrenching speech to the POTW and the way he risked everything to get her a new heart, not to mention his "victory dance" to The Who's "Baba O'Riley", was simply breathtaking. From then on, he was much more to me then an incredibly intelligent, hilarious albeit cranky doctor--he was, and continues to be a man of great beauty and humanity. I continue, more and more obsessivly so, to be enthralled and amazed by the marvelous writers and the intricate story they weave. I'm afraid I can't say enough about how wonderful the show really is.
There are far too many people who ask me how in the world I can watch House. "He's just so rude", they say, or "There is no way a jerk like that would still have a job". I find it folly sometimes to try and explain that House is SO MUCH MORE...but I try anyway.
9 - Val
Great five season overview, Barbara and I couldn't agree with you more about everything from writing to characters to the use of music to reveals rather than changes to Hugh Laurie's brilliance and even your early choices for quality TV (M.A.S.H, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, X-Files are all shows I'd rather watch in reruns than most of the new stuff out there)!
I began watching in the middle of the third season, post-Tritter and was immediately intrigued and taken in with this amazing character and those who surrounded him. I still rewatch every episode once a year right after the lastest season arrives on DVD. It's like re-reading my favorite book (which happens to be a Victorian novel) every year.
I had known and enjoyed Laurie's work from movies like Sense and Sensibility and 101 Dalmations, but through House discovered more. Watching the development of other actors (old and new ducklings)and showcasing fine performers like Edelstein and RSL is a weekly treat.
As season five comes to a close, I can say it has been my favorite. Though not all episodes where as powerful as the acclaimed HH and WH, they have been consist, strong, interesting individual episodes with interesting insights to our favorite doctor and his, I would say, "family".
On that note, I would say that House MD is indeed an ensemble. Though he is the main character and the driving force of the show (we all agree there would be no show w/o House or Laurie), the scarcity of Chase and Cameron, the loss of Kutner or Amber, and the importance of Cuddy and Wilson are felt the by audience. Without all of them surrounding House, it would be difficult to tell his amazing story.
10 - Judy
Got hooked via USA network's repurposing. I have a different take on the desk from "Last Resort." When the patient enters looking for Cuddy, House is busy tinkering with the drawer. Near the end of the episode, House is talking to Cuddy in her now ruined office. He pauses as he leaves because she is opening the drawer. In his tinkering, he turned the drawer upside down so that everything would fall out when she opened it.
11 - GMF
I look forward to reading your comments every week Barbara. You always give such amazing in sight to the world of House. I have also watched since episode one. I have grown to care and feel for this character of Greg House and his life. I must admit though the 1st half of season five had me lost. I still feel there was a big missed opportunity surrounding the fall out between Wilson and House over the death of Amber. But more so over the death of House's father. I really wish they could of spent a few episodes dealing with this. Seeing him spend time and talking with his mother, finding out more about his childhood, and the big question, if John House was not his dad who is?? I found myself becoming very frustated with the amount of time being spent on 13, to the point I thought the writers where totally loosing it. However, they have totally redeemed them selves with these last few episodes. It was pure genius the way they wrote the sucide of Kutner, that just had me reeling with shock. I am at the point now I am worried yes really worried, about what is happening to House and what could happen to him, especially now he is having hallucinations! I have NEVER! felt this way about any tv show or character. That is all down to the amazing Hugh Laurie, like you said he could just phone in his performance after five yrs, but not him. There are good actors on TV, but not many great ones like he is. It angers me that he still has not recived an EMMY for this role. Maybe this yr I really hope! If the whole point has been taking the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster this year, they have more than achieved their goal!
12 - Kelsey
First of all just a wonderful, wonderful article. It really made me smile and I am happy to learn that House MD's brilliance is still beloved by many.
I find people who complain about the show because of relationships or even screentime, are not appreciating the show for what it really is. The level of depth to each episode, "Painless" from this season comes to mind with the broken pipe as its extended metaphor just struck me with awe because of the pure intelligence that backs this show. People seem to think that they understand what's best for the show, and pout about what's wrong with the show right now, rather than opening their minds and watching the show for what it is.
I too was not wild about the relationship between Thirteen and Foreman, but I accept it and now even find it interesting on how it parallels the House and Cuddy relationship.
Of course Hugh Laurie and his wonderful portrayal of House is a huge reason I come back over and over again, his acting truly blows me away with each episode. I'm constantly treated to a new emotion everytime I watch him.
House/Wilson- need I say more?
Much of my love for the show comes from my personal favourite character, Lisa Cuddy. I'm not sure quite why I've grown so attached to her character, but I guess her striving idealism appeals to me. If not for everything else, Cuddy brings me back week after week.
I embraced the new team when they came and found season 4 to contain a large number of favourite episodes for me. Ridiculously old fraud, Cole and Amber are characters I won't forget for some time. Taub is by far my favourite fellow ever. He brings so much to the show that has never been played with before and I find his story one of the more appealing ones of the show.
On the whole I just wanted to thank you for reminding everyone how wonderful this show really is.
13 - Jen
Barbara, yet another great job! I said before I am as addicted to Hugh Laurie as he is to vicodin. I started watching in Sept 08 when I flipped past USA. It was "Control" and I was in love. I started my internet search for anything HL. I had no idea he was British and had no idea what I was getting myself in for! I purchased the season pass from itunes, the S1-4 DVDs as I couldn't get enough of HL. I fell in love with his piano and singing. Bought the House Soundtrack and The Band from TV CD, as well as a tshirt from the Band from TV and House "everybody lies" which benefit good charities. I had to watch 101 Dalmations and bought "A Bit of Fry and Laurie". I have "House's Head", "Wilson's Heart", and "Three Stories" on my ipod and watch them whenever I have even one moment free! I have read his book "The Gunseller" and can't wait for "Paper Soldier" to be released later this year. HL is truly a gifted man and I can't remember ever, a tv hero melting my heart the way he has. I run 4 miles each night to my favorite episodes from all 5 seasons, and am even teaching myself to play piano and have just about got "Cuddy's Serenade" down! I love the spoilers but don't get to excited when something else happens. I enjoy your write-ups and re-reading past ones of earlier shows. Each time I see an episode I notice something I missed. Oh, and I just started reading Sherlock Holmes and it is so facinating how it does tie into House. I am so glad to be part of this wonderful network of "House Guests".
14 - Cate Malone
I look forward to your columns so much, thanks for writing. I discovered House in season 3, went back and bought all of the seasons and have been in love with show ever since. I'm with the show until the end, in fact, I have it SO bad, that although it is the only hour of television I watch each week, I bought a huge expensive TV, so that I could see Hugh's eyes in HD! :) I agree, it's still the best show on television, after all these years!
15 - Sam
I think it's easier to keep loving House after season 3 when your favorite character is still on the show on a regular basis and some of them are even getting more screentime than before, more easier if you're one of the lucky shippers whose favorite couple's relationship is being featured more prominently, and even more easier to accept the changes, embrace the cast shake up and think the writing is still brilliant when it doesn't affect your viewing. It's definitely easier.
16 - barbara barnett
Thanks everyone for your terrific comments and kind words (as always). Sam, I think you're right in a sense. But I agree with whoever said up there that you need to accept House on its own terms. For what the story is, and how the universe is revealed.
It's as Flo said: I really believe watching a show is a little bit like playing chess: if you want to have a chance to win, you have to see the whole board. It is the only way to be as less biased as possible and to really appreciate the show as it is (and not as we think it is or want it to be). That's the only way analysis is possible too.
I understand when people are disappointed because they think a character is being dismissed or underused, or that character is being written poorly. I've been there myself (but not with House). to me the show has not lost focus and hasn't lost its edge. House is still the most interesting character on tv (and like someone else said up there) if not in literature.
17 - Jen
Cate, I love that you got a huge TV, since I started running and watching HL I too am looking for a 50" to see HL and his blue eyes too.
18 - Orange450
What you said, Barbara. Every word.
Like you, I haven't watched all that much TV over the years. I share your love for Man (I also liked Stephanie Powers in G.I.R.L.) from U.N.C.L.E. (Illya Kuryakin was one of my first crushes - I still remember how bitterly disillusioned I was when I discovered that he was played by David McCallum. What a disappointment that he wasn't actually Russian!)
Most of the shows that I really got into were from the earlier part of my life, though. Years of working full-time while raising two children didn't leave time for anything except the news and the occasional Olympics, and I got out of the series TV habit almost entirely.
I stumbled into House (oh, how I wish!) totally by accident during the summer re-purposings (why can't we say re-runs??) on USA, after season 2. And perhaps because I was unfamiliar with most of the critically acclaimed series of the 1980's, '90's and early 00's, or perhaps due to the violent feelings of one to whom true love comes late - I fell head over heels.
My first episode was Honeymoon. My introduction to Cameron was inauspicious - I wondered why she was being so cruel to an obviously suffering House outside Mark's room. But even so, I was caught by the writing, the pace, the unusually (to me) attractive sets, and of course, the phenomenon of Hugh Laurie (I'd seen Sense and Sensibility, but Mr. Palmer didn't make much of an impression at the time! Too busy enjoying Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson.)
Maybe TPTB put some really good drugs in the water, because I made it my business to watch more episodes, and I became totally addicted. I bought the S1 and S2 DVDs - I couldn't IMAGINE doing something like that before House - and learned them by heart. After seeing Three Stories for the first time, I said that I didn't know that TV like that existed. I started trolling the internet for background and info, and found the Fox forum. And by the start of S3, House had become my alternate universe, just like everyone else. I even started a short story about the whole experience to submit to New Yorker magazine (as yet unfinished, but it could still happen...)
For sure, there are episodes I like less than others, but I'm pretty sure that the worst episode of House is better than anything else out there. I think that RSL and LE are wonderfully gifted actors, and I think that JS has grown immeasurably over the 5 seasons, closely followed by JM. OW is getting into the groove, and I'm finally getting over my disappointment in PJ. The writing is beyond compare. There are incredibly smart people behind the scenes, and boy does it show. I have a feeling, tho', that if Hugh Laurie didn't play House, it's definitely possible that I wouldn't still be watching. (This is not a feeling that I want to have confirmed, however!!)
Thank you for a great, thought-provoking article.
19 - Houseguest
Barbara, you've outdone yourself with this one. Absolutely brilliant. I hope the powers that be take notice of your intelligent writing and intuitive interpretations. You have, in a sense, become our voice, and your "love story" is ours, as well. Kudos to you, and to Hugh and House Season 5!
20 - Jackie
Great recap about the first five years of House. I started watching during season 3, just after the Tritter arc (caught the last few minutes of "Words and Deeds"). My love of classic films, "Casablanca" being one of my all-time favorites led me to a thread about House doing a parody of a scene in "Lines in the Sand" - season 3/episode 4. I was able to view this scene via the internet, and in those two minutes fell in love with House, both the character and the actor portraying him. I caught another scene (the garage scene in this very same episode with Lisa Edelstein) and not even knowing who I was watching, had me hooked on the show from then on. I went to my neighborhood video outlet and began watching two and three episodes a night, so I was caught up on seasons 1 and 2 in no time. "Three Stories" was the most difficult episode to track down...seemed as if everyone was renting it at the same time. I now own seasons 1-4 on dvd. House would not exist without Hugh Laurie. If ever there was an actor born to play this role, Mr. Laurie is the man. How fortuitous that he submitted that audition tape from the Namibian desert that day and began this journey as he so eloquently stated upon receiving his second Screen Actors Guild award. I too researched Hugh Laurie's filmography and have numerous dvds, including the phenomenal "All or Nothing at All", and his comedic turns in "ABOFL" and his other British series as well. The costars on House, Ms Edelstein, Morrison and Wilde and the incomparable Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer and Omar Epps make this series must watch tv. I cannot tell you how many times I've watched the reruns on USA and the other stations, even though I know what the outcome is. For a series to grab hold and not let go is something that Shore and Company can truly be proud of and acknowledged for creating something this special.
21 - Chrisden
Barbara! I am in awe of how you brilliantly explain (as explainable as can be) this oh so complex character.
Not being a big Television fan (in recent years)i had read about the show several years ago in a newspaper which described Hugh Laurie as playing a misanthropic and heartless doctor who was also a genius with whom America had taken to their hearts and were so impressed with his portrayal of the accent that Americans thought he was...well American. It was the accent bit that intrigued me because having grown up with A Bit Of Fry And Laurie & Jeeves and Wooster (though not really a fan of sorts) i couldn't imagine Hugh playing an American. I was not intrigued enough though to go seeking out episodes of the show and it just came by chance one night (not even a year ago) that i decided to watch something on Television and noticed they would be showing several episodes of House (season 2) afterwards and decided to watch (probably less than a year ago).
I wouldn't say i was an instant fan though. I found the dialogue was delivered way too fast (still have that problem now & sometimes have to watch an episode twice to fully understand it)that i couldn't figure out what was going on properly for it to make perfect sense.
I decided to persevere though because i found Hugh's portrayal of House was intriguing and mesmerizing and felt the need to at least try and figure the character out.
My interest grew from there. I went though (stupidly, thinking it wouldn't matter) from season 2 repeats straight to season 4 which was then being shown on television in the UK and did not know what the hell was going on (new team etc).
I have since bought seasons 1-4 box sets but stupidly again started watching what i hadn't seen from series 2 before starting from the pilot. I am now watching series 1 and am up to "The Socratic Method" and have learned so much of what he is like in these earlier episodes i feel like slapping myself for believing i could start from season 2 and it wouldn't matter.
I've only been able to watch several of the last episodes of season 5 (on a particular site) because it's not yet showing in the UK but we've had good news this week(got the info from reading spoilers-i never would have read spoilers but the anticipation has got to me aaahhh) that Sky One has gained the rights to the show in the UK so we don't have to wait until September for season 5, it's going to be shown in the summer yippppeee.
22 - barbara barnett
You guys are too kind. My first episode (as I think I've said somewhere along the line) was Cursed--not even an especially great episode. But it was enough to have me seeking more. the next week was Control, which I forgot to record, but borrowed from a colleague. That's the episode that got me.
I sought out the fandom because I had done that with XF after getting hooked mid season four. I found someone who helped me get what she believed were the Essentials (pilot, detox, sportsmedicine, socratic method, dnr). Then I craved more. By the time we got mid-Vogler I was a goner. Sucked in by the pathos and compassion I saw beneath the off-putting crass behavior. And I'll always believe that's why House works when other derivative shows fail. They just don't get that House isn't just about a misanthropic asshole of a genius. It's only half the picture. It's not about how cool House is and how women love a 'bad boy.' Cause, I don't.
23 - Ann
Count me in, Barbara. I've watched since the Pilot was repeated the first time. I've watched on FOX, on USA, I own the DVD's and have seen each episode more times than I care to admit to. And after all of that I always learn something new when I read what you have written. For that I thank you. Through the years some of the people at work will say they don't like a medical show. I tell them they're missing the best part. For me, the medicine has always been secondary to the character study of House. What a fascinating character. I was one that wasn't all that thrilled about David Shore's decision to mix up the cast the way he did at the beginning of season 4. However, I grew to love Amber and what the writers did with that character. After 5 years the show still leaves me slack jawed at times. For example, the end of the last episode. Kutner grew to be my favorite. A sad ending of that storyline for us, but what a wonderful opportunity for the actor. My favorite relationship is that of House and Wilson. I am trying so hard to remain spoiler free. And, although it will be another long summer with no new House to watch, I can't wait to see how the final three episodes play out. Now, if Hugh Laurie would just win that darn Emmy!!
24 - Donna
I have to say Barbara, I’m as addicted to your review and discussion board as I am to House, Md. It’s the only tv show I watch regularly and Tivo it too (was also a big X Files fan for several years). After first run epis, I’ll check at least twice per day awaiting your fresh review. As others have said, an episode of House isn’t complete until your next commentary is up and I can reflect on the compelling discussions that follow. I literally jumped for joy when I found your new essay was up this afternoon.
My House journey began very late in season 3. I believe with The Jerk followed by the one or two remaining episodes for that season. I found myself craving more of this very unlikable and tragic central character’s story and what made him tick. Even though he’s a brilliant doctor how is it he’s still able to remain employed at this hospital (I mean we’re not talking ‘Dr. Warm and Fuzzy’ here)?
Well, like others here, I bought seasons 1 & 2 via Amazon, to watch during the summer (I’m a teacher with summers off) which I consumed within 2 weeks (w/some repeated viewings of some episodes). Then bought season 3 that summer and completed it’s viewing in a few days. Could not wait for season 4 to begin. Frankly, (and understanding it was a strike disrupted season)I was disappointed for most of S4 (‘Survivor’ arc for choosing new ducklings could have wrapped in 3-4 eps, imho, and Chase/Cameron could have integrated better into the storylines. But the writers certainly made my S4 regrets go away w/Frozen, HH, and WH. WOW! So memorable. And yes, I have season 4 on dvd!
I think season 5 has been very strong especially since they’ve now have House’s story center stage vs 13’s (way too much focus for too long â€" very much like my feelings re: the ‘Survivor’ arc). Very distracting from our main man’s story. That’s why I watch. I want to see what new facet is revealed about House as the layers are peeled away. And it doesn’t hurt to watch the mesmerizing performance of Hugh Laurie. I could have never imagined him as House. Now, there’s no one else who can be Dr. Gregory House.
By the way, have already pre-ordered season 5 dvd set.
As always thanks for this wonderful place to discuss House, Md.
25 - Jaim
I think what has always drawn me to the show is that House is such a living contradiction. He is a recluse and socially awkward person, but at the same time he is very renowned and sought after. I like that he is a genius when it comes to medicine and figuring things out, but he's also very inept at interacting in relationships. I like this character for the same reasons I like Temperance Brennan from Bones and Dr. Cal Lightman from Lie To Me, his rationality is both his biggest strength and his biggest weakness.
I hope that in the end of the show his character finds some source of peace after all the hellish things the writers have put him through. Alot of people think he'll die in the end from liver failure due to the vicodin abuse. Others think that he'll leave PPTH. A small minority think he'll find a woman that brings him happiness. Personally, I wonder of he'll just lose the bad leg. What if he's in an even worse accident and his bad leg needs to be amputated? I'm not completely sure that this would elminate all pain, but what if he could finally live without the vicodin? I would like to see him with maybe a prosthetic leg and finally walking without the cane. I think that it would be an interesting scenario.