I had the opportunity earlier this week to catch up with new House, M.D. scribe Katherine Lingenfelter. Katherine wrote the episode “You Must Remember This” which aired February 14. Before coming to House, Lingenfelter worked on such critically noted series as Pushing Daisies and the Battlestar Galactica prequel Caprica.
Lingenfelter began her TV career as an assistant to Jason Katims (Roswell). Her first mentors included Katims and Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica). She had also worked with House, M.D executive producer/writers Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner. So it seems only natural that Lingenfelter would wind up on a show where Lerner and Friend are executive producers.
There was a touch of irony in the setting for our phone interview. I was sitting in the lobby of a Chicago hospital waiting for my husband to come out of surgery (nothing serious) and here we were talking about a medical series. Somehow it fit. We managed to get in more than 45 minutes of conversation amid the wheelchairs and screaming babies just outside the ER, and Lingenfelter offered her take on the series, its relationships—and what it’s like to be the new kid on a series in its seventh season.
How did you come to write for the series?
When I first started in television, it was as an assistant to Jason Katims, who at the time was running a show called Roswell on the now defunct WB. The [show’s] staff at that time included Katims, Ronald D. Moore (who went on to adapt Battlestar Galactica for SyFy); Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts—and Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner (House writer/executive producers). Friend and Lerner were like the Grateful Dead. Wherever they were, that’s where I wanted to show up. And I just learned a tremendous amount from them, really, really respected them as writers and individuals. When they got on House, I was so envious and just loved the show and loved their work. And so it’s great to be able to work with them again. Being a huge fan of the show (House) and of the writers, I jumped at the opportunity to learn from them and to join the show. So that was last April.
That’s great. Well, I think Garrett Lerner and Russel Friend are just an amazing writing team.
Well, just they’re so good with story. But one thing that they do really well, I think may come from [their experience with] Jason Katims, whose mantra is, “Best foot forward.” So any character that you’re writing about, you just have to agree that their intent is always a good one. You know, we make mistakes and we’re always at odds with each other, but it’s always best foot forward. And I think Friend and Lerner very good at humanizing characters and having respect and affection for any of the characters that they write for. I could go on and on about the awesomeness of Friend and Lerner.
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Article comments
1 - Elisabeth
Excellent interview, Barbara. I was really impressed with Lingenfelter's script and was as surprised as everyone else to hear that she was a new writer. She seems to have a real flair for dialog and insight into the characters. Your questions were great - because of what you asked and in what order, you really uncovered her enthusiasm and warmth for the characters and the show.
2 - Flo
Thanks for the interview Barbara and thank you for having asked questions that we wanted answered.
She really sounds like a huge fan of the show, it's very refreshing.
I like the fact that she's particularly fond of the House/Wilson dynamic because since Doris Egan's departure their particular friendship moments are missed this season.
I agree with you and her about the House and Cuddy dynamic but it does seem a bit too much this season. I like the exploration and I do feel like it is an adult relationship (even if I'm sure a lot of people would disagree on this). However I feel like it is (and particularly now) too much on the forefront. I wished that the relationship would have mold into the show better.
That being said, it is interesting and I like it.
I really like how she wrote Chase and it's great to see that it will be back to a better self little by little. Great trajectory for a great character. Can't wait to see what's in store for him.
Taub and Foreman are fun together. Also it is good to see that apparently Amber will FINALLY be explored a bit more. Maybe her character will be nuanced as it should be.
3 - dvbfan
Great interview.I think there are great writers in House and it is a great advantage to have creative and professional writers who knows how to write stories and keep the series enjoyable .
I hope we can see more exciting and challenging episods .
4 - LizzieE
Thank you Barbara. A very interesting interview with a newbie House writer - calmed my trepidation for the remainder of this season. A bit OT but the fact that Lingenfelter, as well as Friend and Lerner worked with Jason Katims on Roswell made my day. If you have never seen that show, take a look. I still miss it and I'm not a syfy person. To this day, I will watch anything Katims is involved in (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, etc.). If those 3 writers indeed come from the "best foot forward" Katims school, then I have renewed confidence in the direction House will take for the rest of this season and a possible season 8.
5 - Orange450
What a phenomenal interview!
Your questions prompted Ms. Lingenfelter to provide tremendous insight into her's and the show's processes. I'm super impressed with your questions and her answers! I deeply hope (and sincerely believe :)) that there WILL be a season 8. And I think that we'll be in very good hands if Ms. Lingenfelter provides her share of the episodes.
6 - barbara barnett
Thank you all. You know that I usually do not publish my interviews in Q/A style. I like to discuss, paraphrase and pick the best quotes. I realized as soon as we'd finished talking that I needed to publish an (edited) transcript of our conversation.
7 - Sdemar
Love all your interviews, Barbara, especially this one. I think for her first episode, KL hit on all cylinders.
I was hoping she would comment about what was going on in Houses's mind in the final scene but they probably like to keep that open for interpretation.
8 - Sera G
Hello, Barbara,
Add my thanks for a really fine interview. Ms. Lingenfelter is an impressive writer. She wrote a strong first episode. Not a small feat on this show. I look forward to future stories.
I very much enjoyed her take on House/Wilson as well as House/Cuddy.
Please let there be a season 8! Please let them not fall back to doom and despair. I for one, am loving seeing the other shades of Greg House.
9 - DebbieJ
Barbara, just a huge THANK YOU for this interview! Loved your questions to her and love that she was so giving in her responses. Just a great, great interview!
10 - Muldfeld
Finally, I get to hear from the woman who penned one of "Caprica"'s best episodes, "There Is Another Sky", ...and she talks exclusively about "House"? I wanted to hear her thoughts on what went on on "Caprica" and what she wrote and who rewrote her stuff, if at all. Darn it.
11 - Grace
Everything Flo said except for Taub and Foreman being together. I don't care for Taub AT ALL.