When I interviewed Lisa Edelstein a while back, she said there were still negotiations going on between Universal and Fox about next season. But are you guys talking about what’s ahead for season eight?
Yes. We’re always looking ahead, and we’re always trying to chart the path for the characters and what they’re going to be coming up against. So the end of this season sets up a whole new dynamic for the next. We definitely have ideas for season eight and what that season would [explore]. I’m hopeful that there is a season eight because we definitely already have a treasure trove of stories ready to go.
Can you tell me even a little bit of how next season’s dynamic is set up?
Unfortunately I can’t speak specifically to what that will be. But it certainly would behoove the studio, the network to have a season eight because there’s a lot there. There’s still a lot left to explore.
I have one more question. I’m always fascinated by the multiple meanings of the episodes’ title. There’s always a deeper meaning than it simply being catchy. So the title “You Must Remember This,” obviously refers to the patient, who has a perfect, but emotionally destructive memory stuff. And it’s a great title, but can you expand on it a bit?
I did a lot of research on memory and the way that our memory actually can betray us—or can benefit us. And, in fact, the original intent of the episode was to underscore the importance of forgetting in our lives—we forget by design.
I think a lot of people focus on loss of memory and the holding onto memories, but in fact, forgetting is a crucial element of being able to have relationships and being able to move forward. But in a lot of ways we stand in the way of that for ourselves.
So when you’re filing memories away, you create connections and associations that allow you to recall a memory. So, for example, if I’m trying to remember the word “lemon,” I think round, yellow, and I get to lemon. Those are the associations [to access]. We create associations that lead us back to the same memory again and again and again. That’s not healthy in a lot of ways. So what we choose to remember, every time we remember something, it becomes stronger. That association becomes stronger and it’s fixed. But also in my research I learned that we can’t trust our memories because each time we retrieve a memory, we change it a little bit before we put it back. So the only memory actually viable is the first time we recall something. And then each time we put it back, it’s changed a little bit.
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.