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I last interviewed Lisa Edelstein mid-season five, just as her House, M.D. character Lisa Cuddy was preparing to adopt a child ("Joy"). That episode began a story arc that led straight (well, maybe not so straight) to where we now sit at the start of season seven.
House (Hugh Laurie) and Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) are poised to move more deeply into a relationship that provides challenges for both heavily-guarded characters, but one for which both seem willing to compromise and build together. Episode four, “Massage Therapy,” which aired tonight on Fox, forges into some of that rockier terrain as both House and Cuddy seem reluctant to move past nice and easy and into the realm of a serious relationship.
The always-gracious Edelstein took a few minutes from her busy schedule to talk by phone with me about the season, the House-Cuddy (or, if you prefer, Huddy) relationship—and an upcoming series guest star.
Although some fans wonder why the show has seemingly once again made a big directional change, Edelstein doesn’t so much feel that it has. It’s less a new direction, she believes, than inevitable development. It's not so much new as a logical next step. “That’s the funny thing,” she told me. “I really feel that we’re exploring the relationship because it needed to happen at some point.”
The first couple of episodes (especially the first) certainly had a different feel, but by last week, said Edelstein, the series seems like it's “back to the normative House that everyone knows. Yes, it’s a newly existing relationship [in the series], but [House and Cuddy] still have their wonderful dynamic. It’s there; we deal with it, and move the story along, getting back to House as we know it.”
I wondered whether she had some insight on whether the new relationship will sustain or (as with so most relationships on the series) crash and burn. Edelstein noted that (of course) “It is House, so nothing really works” with relationships. But it’s also clear after “Massage Therapy” that both are really, really trying. Of course, most of us expect Cuddy to be the serious one, but even House is taking the relationship very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he wonders why he hasn’t yet interacted with Rachel.
That will apparently change by next week’s episode. “There is a little bit coming up exploring family life for Dr. House,” noted Edelstein. Of course, balancing motherhood and House—both as a boyfriend and a subordinate can be tricky. “I think in terms of being able to handle House as a boyfriend, and being a mother,” said Edelstein, “I think Cuddy has that all under control. She really is happy to be in the relationship, so it does enhance her life.” Cuddy has always had to deal with House’s crap, Edelstein pointed out, and she’s used to it; that much hasn’t changed.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Andrea
Interesting interview. So far the talking points seem to be that it's still House, people shouldn't worry that romance will soften House up or change things that much. Given their track record with House and Stacy, Cameron and Chase, Foreman and Thirteen, Amber and Wilson, I suppose it would be more surprising than not if the House and Cuddy relationship did work long term. On the other hand, I expect it to be a disaster so allowing House and Cuddy to actually be a successful long term relationship would be the surprising, different thing. Thanks for doing the interview.
2 - Orange450
THANK YOU Barbara for this terrific treat. Thanks, of course, to Ms. Edelstein - but what a great job you do of channelling her for us!
Being that she's given so many interviews over the past few months, kudos to you for drawing her out on several topics that I hadn't heard.
And even tho' this comment of mine might better belong on your episode review column - I was really glad to see that House and Cuddy have both been holding back. I think their mutual difficulty is important in maintaining the balance between the characters.
3 - Grace
WHY in the world would they NOT turn on the A/C???? That is insane!!
4 - sdemar
Thank you for this wonderful interview/article. I love how you incorporate both so it isn't just a question and answer format.
How lovely that the chemistry that I have always felt between these characters seem to be the real deal. At least that is how I interpret what LE said about how it felt to do their intimate scenes together. She trusts Hugh as an actor and a friend.
I really think this season is really exposing how terrific of an actress that LE is. Nothing over the top but instead it is all very natural.
I am going to join the ranks that believe TPTB are going to allow this relationship between House and Cuddy to work. Lots of drama/lots of angst/lot of comedy but when all is said and done, H/C are the only ones for each other. Otherwise, they are alone.
I sure hope TPTB renew the contracts of both LE and RSL because either of them missing will hold a huge void.
5 - SeraG
Thanks, Barbara!
I always love your interviews and this was a fine one with Ms. Edelstein. To me she is a delight and a treasure. I am glad to see more screentime and emotional depths allowed to her character. Her scenes with House are always amazing.
Should I worry that there are no negotiations for the rest of the cast underway?
Can't wait for your take on "Massage Therapy." It had a much more melancholy feel than "Unwritten." I will have to rewatch (and rewatch) to appreciate it fully.
BTW, did you let her know what devoted fans the show has? I am sure she doesn't read a lot of the online commentary, it might make a person nuts, but I hope the House team realizes that there are really
dedicated fans.
Again, Barbara, thanks.
P.S. Boy, they fooled me. The beach and concert scenes looked realistic. Also, wasn't there supposed to be a scene shot at a basketball game? Those tricky devils!
6 - David
Great interview, Barbara. It's always refreshing to see someone who actually watches and understands the show interviewing cast and/or crew - as opposed to all the crap we've been fed with lately.
I love what LE had to say about her chemistry with HL. You really do see it onscreen and I'm glad it's a reflection of their friendship in real life.
Now, I don't know about everyone else, but I hold ZERO interest in watching the show without Cuddy or Wilson. If they don't renew LE's or RSL's contract - as much as I love Hugh Laurie - I'm gone next season.
7 - Amber
Subterfuge? Sorry, Lisa, don't buy it. House and Cuddy were kissing "in between takes" and looking intimate. You're telling me the show has enough in the budget to set up a dummy beach shoot, to film House and Cuddy macking on the beach, only to be fake? *shrug* To quote House, everyone lies. More likely, they cut the scenes after they leaked so early.
Pretty standard stuff from her; everyone seems to towing the party line. I would like Huddy if they were in the background, but so far, they're eating the show. It's killed my interest.
8 - barbara barnett
In the grand scheme of things what's the significance of the beach shoot? That they altered a script and threw out those scenes? That they went to extremes to defuse spoilers they didn't want out? Who knows their motives?
As far as negotiating for next year, it's pretty early, so I wouldn't sweat it quite yet. A lot seems to speculation with no other basis but I have no clue. I don't imagine that 7 will be the final year however.
9 - sdemar
Oh, I forgot. Kudos to you for asking about the beach scenes.
Subterfuge? Is that the same as "landmine" that LE often referred to in her tv guide interview. She definitely has it down pat.
10 - Michele1L
Amber - sorry to hear that House and Cuddy's relationship has killed your interest in the show, but it can't really be in the background, as you would wish it to be unless House himself is in the background. Since he is the show and he is now in a relationship with Cuddy, his issues will now be explored through how he deals with her and their relationship. Before his issues were explored through his addiction, but, as Hugh himself has said, 'it was a risk, but we had to do it (put House and Cuddy together) because you can't just keep doing the same thing over and over'.
By the way -- I didn't think the beach scenes were real. -- Did you see those stilletto heels? Who wears those to the beach?
I think the only way Robert Sean Leonard and Lisa E's contracts won't be renewed is if they decide not to do the show anymore or Hugh decides he wants to opt out of that eighth season. No way would the powers-that-be drop one of those characters -- unless of course the story goes that direction (Cameron) ... (cringe)
11 - andreec
Yaaaaay, Barbara! Thank you for the excellent interview with Lisa Edelstein. Love this actress. She's the reason I watch House. If she isn't renewed for season 8, DEAR GOD, give this woman her own series! And if there's no Cuddy in season 8, I won't be watching ever again. David Shore isn't stupid. No Cuddy, no House. Please interview LE more frequently. Love her responses. Now how about her private life? Us nosy fans just want to know she's happy off the set too. Thanks.
12 - Jay
Loved this interview. I always love how articulate LE is, but that's probably because you, Barbara, put her words in such a great context.
I think that the show will definitely renew LE's contract for Season 8 (if Hugh decides to do it) since she's been such an integral part of the show since Day 1. And Lisa has always voiced her devotion to the show. Figures crossed!
13 - Somy
I second the poster above who said this show would be nothing without Lisa Edelstein and Robert Sean Leonard. I don't understand why they would leave them in insescurity regarding their contracts, I am not watching this show without them.
I loved last night's episode. It's moving a little fast with the "end of romance" arguments though - there's barely been any romance, only the premiere which had lots of choppily edited nudity, but no passionate kissing or anything... But I guess that's House, nobody stays happy, and when they are, they're happy offscreen, it's kind of depressing to the viewers.
I love how they are giving Cuddy more to do this season though, I hope this means she'll have a more consistent presence throughout, I was so sad last season when we barely saw her!
Thanks for the interview Barbara :)
14 - DOB1234
Nice interview. Sure hope we hear soon about those contracts for next season.
I am puzzled about those beach scenes. Would they really spend all that money to take a crew out and fake filming just to throw a few fans off on spoilers? That just sounds crazy. Why would they care so much?
15 - Nicole
A great and candid interview from Lisa Edelstein, as always. You asked some great questions, Barbara! As for the beach scenes, I don't know, but I was in Redondo Beach when they were filming in front of the club and that was CERTAINLY no subterfuge. They filmed for hours and hours. I left at 10:30pm and they were still at it. There were cameras and everything, and LE and HL were wearing the same clothes as in the beach pics that came out a few days prior. Seems like LE is drinking some of GY's kool-aid on that one. But otherwise, great interview!
16 - Neo_nono
Thanks for this article! What an amazing interview!! :-)
I really liked what she said about how actors can influence the storyline... Really interesting.
I don't buy the 'subterfuge' thing either; from what we've read and heard since last Summer (like for instance what Nicole wrote in the previous comment), I don't understand why they go on with this theory of 'fake beach pics' and why they don't want to (or can't?) say they just wanted to change the storyline afterwards. At least it'd be more credible...
Anyway... It sure is not Lisa's fault! :-)
Thanks again! Great interview :-)
17 - Alex
Huddy sucks. It has taken a edge off this show and those two are boring. The whole friggin show is about them and every episode now has Edelstein's naked ass in it. It's dumping the ratings of this show. The show used to be a top 10 must see show. It is barely cracking the top 30 now. The sooner this relationship dies the better.
18 - Casey
Couldnt agree with above comment more. Huddy has tanked the show and house isn't acting like house he's acting the way cuddy wants because it's easier and cuddy isn't professional enough to leave home life at home. Lisa e is an appalling actress who isn't nearly talented enough to pull off this increased air time. Huddy needs to die because moast fans ans the critcs hate it, have always hated it ans the ratings show just how bad it is. This used to be the most watched show in the world. Now look at it barely raking 4million viewers. Pathetic David shore needs to wake up and see how damaging this is. Ugh
please th beach shots were totally done for the press, to leak the photos so during hiatus all the rabid huddy fans would remeberto watch. It jjust turned the stomach of everyone else.
God let huddy die. And seaon 8 without lisa would be incredible. Rhe show can work beautifully without her. Kill the character for all I care.
19 - Cath
@Casey: If you don't like LE (or should I say, you hate her) and the show, why do keep watching it ?
Thanks for this great interview and I hope that LE and RSL's contracts will be reniewed because without them, House can't exist !
20 - Zay
@Alex and Casey: This negativity is ridiculous and unwarranted. Ratings are not all about one aspect of the show - have you seen Barbara's other article on this? Please, take your irritation elsewhere and leave room for mature discussion.
21 - Casey
@cath. I watch the show because until this season cuddy was a bit player in the background so only a few minutes per ep to put up with her two facial expressions. She turned cuddy into a joke of a professional women with her wardrobe (LE chose to dress her that way so she was hot) and the cuddy as mom arc should have died after le didn't get pregnant. It hasn't made her character more deep it just shows her as a selfish bad mother. She never sees her never semms to care to. Wilson is important. All the critics agree as do most fans even if at the moment he's been pushed To the side. House the show and house himself cannot work withot Wilson. The house Wilson friendship is critical it's the only long term relationship on the show ans the most important.
Just because I hate a character of many I should stop watching? It's huddy that's made me not care to watch and house acting like he's on cuddys little leash were he has to bow to everything she wants, he has to apologise all the time but she never has been called on allthe stuff she's done to him not least of which his leg. Kissing his scar??? God purple prose of mills&boon proportions. House isn't house. And that's killing the show.
22 - Anne
Just want to express my appreciation for your wonderful insights and articulation of them! : )
23 - Diane
Great interview with Lisa E. She is amazing, bright and sweet and I would hope that tptb will renew her contract. I don't think I could watch House and not see her there. She's one of the OT3 afterall ;)
24 - Freya
Thanks Barbara for this interview. Nice to hear LE's articulate thoughts on how the show and her character are moving forward.
I am a fan of the House/Cuddy storyling and think it will take the show House and the character of House in new and interesting directions. Being able to see this talented actress get a little more scenery to chew on screen each week this season has also been a joy.
As to the signing of contracts, I certainly hope if there is a season 8 that LE and RSL will be a part of it. The loss of either of those characters would certainly make the show poorer. I must say if they take the decision to kill off the Cuddy character I would seriously debate if I could continue watching the show, I would be dissapointed in it as an easy and obvious out.
re: The Beach Pics - I must admit to being very bemused by the "subterfuge" line that TPTB are taking in regards to the beach/restaurant/club scenes that were filmed and appear to have been cut from the show. I remember at the time that a number of candid pics (motorbike, restaurant, club), paparazzi beach shots and tweets from bystanders and even Extras on the shoots appeared referencing the filming (over a four day period). Why TPTB don't just say they cut the scenes due to a change of direction/script change seems ridiculous. Their current approach seems quite childish and I am sorry that LE is being made to toe the party line by endorsing this foolishness with the word "subterfuge".
Re: @Casey's comments - Casey I can sense that you dislike LE but blaming the actress for the direction the character has taken is ridiculous. The writers and producers determine the storylines and the direction of the show, they even influence the characters wardrobe (certainly the Director does). By all means comment on the show and the characters but taking shots at the actress for decisions that are outside her control is unfair.
25 - simona
Barbara let me say that only a person like you, who feels House MD with her heart, may be able to give an interview so well done.
Thanks, you are brilliant and not at all obvious and congratulations to LE, so nice.
About the beach pics, sorry but I think that they all are kidding us (and this is sad) or they are money's squandering people. All that money could be used for a 24 episodes season!
I'm obviously hoping for a season 8 with both LE and RSL. OT3 forever :-)