I’ve interviewed them a few times. And one thing that I always make note of in their episodes, is that they really understand how to find House’s (Hugh Laurie) humanity.
It is, it is. It takes some very delicate storytelling to find it. And especially now, I think, because the show has been on just so long, and people are so familiar with the characters that I think fans are so able to say to themselves, “Well, that doesn’t seem like House at all. That doesn’t ring true at all.” So it’s a very tricky thing to pull off.
Speaking of Garrett and Russel. Where have they been this season? We haven’t seen anything episodes written by them. Or do they just have a hand in just everything these days as executive producers?
They do have a hand in everything. They’re incredibly busy. As a fan, too, I’m like, oh, they should write the episode. But they work with the writers in developing all the stories. They give notes; they help break stories. They are part of the notes process for all of the outlines for all of the scripts. They work very closely with David (Shore), helping to bring the episodes to fruition. It’s a big undertaking to keep the machine rolling. So they’ve taken on that position, and as a tradeoff, you don’t see them writing their own episodes. However, they will be writing episode 22 with Seth Hoffman, another new writer this season. He’s very talented.
So, how does it feel coming on board to a show in its seventh season—one with a writing staff many of whom have been around almost since the beginning?
Terrifying. It’s incredibly intimidating on many levels. One reason is just the caliber of the writers and what they’re able to pull off. And two, you don’t want to be the one to take out mom and dad’s car and bring it back with the fender smashed and vomit in the back seat. You want to take care of it; you want to represent the show well. The bar is very, very high.
But luckily, I moved around a lot growing up. I went to six elementary schools, three middle schools, so I’m well versed in being the new kid. And everyone is so generous and great and cares about the show. You know, a lot of things are said about Hollywood—about the industry. And one of the things so wonderful about writers in this industry is the sense of mentorship. And writers—in my experience, as a whole are very generous. I’ve been working closely with Peter Blake (“Massage Therapy,” “Family Practice” in season seven) who was a huge help in my first episode. And, in fact, we’re co-writing [my] next episode.
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.