Think "Huddy" is going to happen? Vote in this Blogcritics poll!
As you all know, Dr. Gregory House (the inimitable Hugh Laurie) and Dr. Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) have been pursuing and sniffing each other out for nearly two seasons (or longer, if you count the years since the pilot). They are clearly into each other, and even Chase (Jesse Spencer) is asking about the relationship (he asked Cuddy in last week’s “Saviors” if she is in love with House). Wilson and Cameron have both nudged encouragement from the sidelines and several recent patients have remarked about the clear attraction between Dean of Medicine Lisa Cuddy and Dr. Gregory House (most recently in “Unfaithful” and “Locked In”). Interviews with David Shore, Katie Jacobs, Hugh Laurie, and Lisa Edelstein have all pointed to the inevitability of something significant happening between Drs. House and Cuddy (collectively known as “Huddy”).…
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— go to most recent comments26 - DrD
First of all Barbara, thank you for allowing us to speculate on this. I do think location and setting will be so important to this monumental occassion as will the reality of it. With House experiencing so much irrationality right now, an intimate evening with Cuddy may be the only rational thing going for him right now. This season, as in subsequent seasons, Cuddy has played a pivitol role in helping House through many a crisis from his infarction to Tritter to his rift with Wilson over Amber....the list continues. No matter what has happened, she's always been there for him and I see no reason for her to stop now. Given the current circumstances of House's fledgling mental state, Cuddy may very well come to his aid in private at his apartment. It's House's sanctuary and his soul lies there. I feel the consumation of their relationship will be as a result of comfort but one that does involve this love building slowly between them. Even if things don't pan out, as mostly likely they will not right now, House will no longer take for granted her dedication to him and her worries about him for these are the things which help him get through those difficult times in his life and allow him to never feel alone.
27 - maya
Barbara, your description of House and Cuddy "sniffing each other out" is both hilarious and accurate.
Great comments as usual, blacktop and j.i.m.
My guess is that neither House nor we, the audience will know whether the sex is real or a hallucination. Only Cuddy will know what happened and she may or may not choose to share the truth with House depending on his reaction and his mental condition.
28 - Jair
"It's just that we've seen no canon evidence that House "wants" Cuddy in any way that isn't superficial. Yes, he thinks she's hot. But he's also make similar comments about Cameron, Chase, and twenty or so other random people who have found their way onto the show. Does he want them all?"
The writers have very clearly been pointing House as seriously considering a relationship with Cuddy the way he hasn't since considered since Stacy. He kissed Cuddy and that rocked his equilibrium. He was the one standing outside Cuddy's window, looking in, not vice versa. He sent the desk to Cuddy as a sign of their shared past.
That said, I would be very surprised at a happy relationship being the outcome, as I'm sure many fans would be. But I won't be surprised at the two having sex this season.
29 - C&T
Hi Barbara!
This is fun. =D
Love the options you have chosen. Had a great laugh at "in the MRI". Wonder if that'd be feasable. LOL!
I find blacktops reasoning very good and interesting, but with that spoiler pic in House's appartment and insomnia and the restlessness that accompanies it, I'm opting on HOuse's app.
30 - sandra
@ Italian Huddyfan:
It is good to know that not all Huddy fans are delusional, you obviously are not, but there are many.
"We're just having fun racking our minds on Huddy and to put it bluntly you guys are the ones acting all worked-up and raining on other's parade. Just a piece of advice: chill out!! :-))"
Honestly I don't really care, there's more important things to do in life than worring about, so don't worry about me ;-)
31 - Sally
"his admiring her legs and the way light hits them in Human Error"
Barbara, that scene is probably one of my favourite House/Cuddy scene ever because it's very enigmatic and it is something that was very much unexpected from House. It was a genuine compliment and it felt so intimate and sexy, I really agree with you on that.
32 - KC
Hi Barbara!
I have been reading your articles religiously ever since season 5 started and I just love everything you have to say :)
I have no idea how the sex will happen, but I know it will most likely be full of angst and passion. I also think those who have said it could be real but House thinks its a hallucination (or vica versa) may be correct, especially since DS claims he found a "really cool way" to do it.
"It's just that we've seen no canon evidence that House "wants" Cuddy in any way that isn't superficial."
Seriously? So going through all the trouble of bringing back her med school desk, spending time writing an incredibly accurate performance review about her, keeping her IVF a secret, protecting her job (Living th Dream), in general just observing her intently (stalking), etc. were all just schemes to get into her pants? Hmm, I guess I've been misreading his actions the entire time.
I'd also like to point out that the striptease in House's Head was not a pointless scene to simply show that House is sexually attracted to Cuddy(as I believe the scene in No Reason was pointless). They were participating in a DDX, and of all the people House could have chosen to bounce ideas off of, his subconscious chose Cuddy. The fact that it was a striptease is sort of irrelevant. Yes he is sexually attracted to her, but he is even moreso attracted to her mind.
I think if he just wanted Cuddy for her body, he could have gotten what he wanted in "Joy," and been done with it. The fact is, the kiss opened the floodgates of all the emotional feelings he had been supressing for her(for quite some time). In the Itch, House did not deny feelings for Cuddy when Wilson called him out on it, he simply gave excuses as to why a relationship wouldn't work. Both House and Cuddy have been grappling with their feelings ever since the kiss and the fact that they are being so cautious does mean they are more than just sexually attracted to eachother.
All this said, I will not delude myself in thinking they will have an even remotely happy or functional relationship in the aftermath of this, but the inevitable blowup will be interesting to watch.
33 - Jen
I just love this site! I read all of the posts and it is a great compliment to each episode! I think as someone said already, it will be real but House will think it is a halucination and be asleep when she leaves and only Cuddy will know for sure. Whatever happens, I don't want the playful banter to change or the dynamic of the show to change. I love House, HL, Cuddy, LE and the entire cast. I love this quiz and all the fun this website has given me. Barbara, I look forward to Mondays, and then later in the week to your recap and all the comments! The final 3 episodes have been torture waiting for! Thanks again Barbara, see you Tuesday or Wednesday!
34 - Val
Ahh speculation...so much fun.
I thought they have been inevitable from the very first time I saw them in S3 "Words and Deeds". I remember thinking that this guy must really mean something to her if she's willing to lie for him; the rest of S3 illustrated that they both meant something to each other. And, the pilot confirmed it for me (some of the BEST Huddy scenes ever, imo).
I hope it is real, in House's apartment (as every other step forward has been on her turf so to speak), and I wouldn't be surprised if he had trouble believing it was real...perhaps Wilson would be the only one really believing it happened as Cuddy may deny it if House didn't believe it happened. Ok. I am going to stop now...getting too speculative.
Whatever Shore and Co. have done, I have complete trust that it will surely be unforgettable (just like the kiss in "Joy").
35 - blacktop
All the comments here are so interesting! On the question of whether House will end up in bed with hallucination!Cuddy, I am not at all sure which way David Shore will go.
But I do think it is possible because the show has been careful to demonstrate over the seasons that Cuddy occupies House's mind in all its states. In "Top Secret," sleeping House was visited by Cuddy in a dreams in which she told him she was "always there." He was awake and consciously fantasizing about Cuddy during the striptease diagnostic scene in "House's Head." He also told Wilson about his shower fantasies which star Cuddy in "Top Secret." Back in "No Reason" we learned that even while in a coma, House had Cuddy (along with others) on his mind. From "Unfaithful," we know that House also muses on Cuddy when he is composing at the piano.
So dreaming, fantasizing, comatose, or awake, House is preoccupied with Cuddy. It would not be surprising if we add hallucinations to this all-encompassing mix of House's mental states. Cuddy is indeed always on his mind.
36 - maya
Barbara, I have an idea for how the sex will happen but it's based on spoilers. Am I right in assuming that you wanted spoiler free speculation?
37 - barbara barnett
Thanks everyone for voting! Never tried anything like this before...just for fun. So tell your friends to hop on over and vote.
Maya--I'm trying to keep this pretty spoiler free...thanks for asking and respecting that ;)
As far as the comment regarding the absence of canon of House's interest. I respectfully disagree. Why get her the desk? Why be so shy at her front door? Why pine away at the piano like that during "unfaithful?" So many other things...
38 - Amy
"So dreaming, fantasizing, comatose, or awake, House is preoccupied with Cuddy."
Well, actually it's Cameron he's been fantasizing and halluzinating just as much if not more so far, I wouldn't be so sure of that. In fact, his mind preferred diagnosing over watching Cuddy strip, that tells a lot. And he's often just as caring towards Cameron.
"As far as the comment regarding the absence of canon of House's interest. I respectfully disagree. Why get her the desk? Why be so shy at her front door? Why pine away at the piano like that during "unfaithful?" So many other things..."
That's how you see it from your shipper's POV, you should at least be that honest to yourself. Every shipper sees what he/she wants to see for their ship. I bet every shipper - no matter which ship - could think of a lot of scenes and details proving House is in love with Stacy/Cameron/Wilson/Nurse Brenda/Hector/whatever. It's a fact that DS is currently pushing Huddy, but interpreting Huddy into every little detail is simply wrong. And it can be over just as soon, you know.
For example, look at the scene in Saviours - House looking hurt at Cameron's declaration that she wants to marry Chase but not at this time. So that's proof he's in love with Cameron? Hameron shippers say yes, you might say no. Or House caring for Wilson's diet - he's in love with Wilson too?! He cares for all of them, these guys, Cameron and Chase as well as Wilson and Cuddy are his friends, his family. And sure he's attracted to the beautiful women (Cameron as well as Cuddy, and I guess even Thirteen) around him, which guy wouldn't be?! Of course he is, he wouldn't be normal if he wasn't! Shippers are so irrational, it can be really annoying.
39 - Mary
Contradiction, much, Amy? It's amusing how the bitter ones crawl out of their little holes to lay their frustrations on the table every single time they see folks who are actually enjoying the show well... enjoying the show.
40 - David
That's how you see it from your shipper's POV
I'm sorry, but I'm not a shipper and I, too, saw those things. They were all canon. No one had to gasp at straws to fabricate it, there's a difference. Generalization is irrational.
41 - Lucia G.
I think it'll be a hallucination because David Shore said that they had found a "really way to do it". Sounds to me, cool as in they give in to raving/screaming(?) House/Cuddy fans but the same time since it really didn't happen they don't have to deal with consequences for Cuddy/hospital or House or story lines. And DS & co are not known for their continuity. But that is malady these days in Hollywood/TV-land, not exclusively of House's.
Hallucination = the easy way.
42 - Orange450
Barbara, thank you so much for the clips! They are absolutely amazing, and it's going to be even harder now to wait until Monday. (When ignorance is bliss, 'tis indeed folly to be wise :-))
Regarding the Huddy sex. Oy, I don't know how I got to be such a buzzkill. I was seriously considering not participating in this discussion, but in the end, I couldn't resist, so everyone should just feel free to ignore me, or disagree, and I won't take offense.
I honestly don't like this season's emphasis on Huddy sex. Not that I have anything at all against sex. Far from it. It's an incredibly important part of a relationship. But that's just the issue - it's a *part* of a relationship.
I think that in hands other than David Shore's (because he doesn't like happy people :-)), House and Cuddy would have great potential together as a well-matched, albeit somewhat unconventional couple. That probably can't happen. But IMO, given that House and Cuddy each have way more than their fair share of relationhip-impedance issues, I would have found it much more interesting during this past season to see how their actual capacity for a sustained, more-or-less healthy relationship with each other either developed or didn't develop over time.
I want to hark back to House and Stacy's "penultimate moment", not to dwell on the past, but to use it as an example of what I think was an effective way to portray a complex couple's physical relationship. It took us by surprise; it was almost an afterthought. Its purpose was to provide fallout that would have to be dealt with, as the relationship was propelled to a new and urgent level. We were not voyeurs - indeed, if we blinked, we would have missed it.
I don't see the point of Huddy sex if it simply results in their thinking that it was a bad idea. After all, they've been there and done that. We already know that one night, House gave Cuddy everything she wanted, and apparently, they didn't repeat it. (I know it's different now, but still...)
I could see it happening if the intent was to indicate that their relationship has now moved on to a different stage. But as the focal point of the story? As the object of all of this intense speculation? I can't help feeling that for me, it devalues some of the really significant issues that both of them have been dealing with this season - separately *and* together.
Oy again. I really don't mean any disrespect. Just offering my opinion, FWIW.
43 - Kim
Wow...for sure this is my favourite blog...and that is all your fault Barbara :D
Do you think House and Cuddy will have sex by the end of the season? Yes.
How? She will hint to House that she is ready to move forward. And he will reach her in her home.
Where? Cuddy's Home
When? Next Episode (5x22)
Background Music? I'm Yours; Jason Mraz
44 - Flo
I am not a shipper. I mean, like I said on the last topic, I watch the show as a whole and I'm interested in every characters and every interactions between all of them.
I am not more interested in a particular pairing or ship or whatever than to another. That's why I didn't wanted to post something here. I'm more interesting in kind of subjects brought by Barbara's previous essay but I feel the need to say this as a "just wait and see" viewer:
I agree with you Amy when you said that shippers can be irrationnal and overanalyzing. On the other hand I disagree with you on the fact that seeing House having feelings towards Cuddy is just a shipper thing.
I'm not one and I do see canon evidence of his interest in her.
Now of course seeing a proof in every move of the character is too much. Some shipper really overanalyze and greatly exaggerate some facts and yes it can be really annoying.
That being said, even if Barbara likes Huddy, I don't think that she is an "irrational shipper" as all her essays and reviews prove it.
I don't want to be rude to anyone but people who refuse to see any evidence of attraction and affection between two characters (whoever they might be) are not just biased but also in denial. However, considering that a viewer can't be completely objective, accusing all 'pairing fans' of being " just biased shippers" can really be annoying too.
ps: You can now go back on topic or/and ignore this. Sorry for the digression. All my appologies to all of you.
45 - Celaeno
All I can say is that I will be one unhappy Huddy fangirl if Shore & Co. cheapen the big moment by either
A. having House hallucinate the whole thing, or
B. having House BELIEVE that he's hallucinating (whether or not he realizes afterwards that it was real).
If he's hallucinating - well, it would just be anticlimactic. The fallout's half the fun! And if he believes he's hallucinating, the actual act won't mean as much. You know?
I quite like the idea of it happening under the same emotional circumstances as the kiss, but the recent interviews ("We've found a cool way to do it!") make me doubt that it will happen in such a conventional way.
46 - Alexandra
I'm just gonna give a big thumbs up to Flo's post as I couldn't have said it better myself, but AS a 'shipper'. However, for the rest there's no speculation on my part. I don't care how it happens, when it happens... so long as it does. I have faith in the writers that they won't go counter-character with the fall-out and they won't 'change' them so much as peel back their layers and show realistic growth.
47 - Amie
Wow! More than 650 votes! Great idea doing a poll!
Since you're trying out polls, it could be nice to do one about who your readers are? A triple poll "gender/age bracket/continent where they live"
Thanks for the sneakpeeks! Everyone was getting desperate and now every spoiler website has links to your videos!
Barbara, you have saved the day!
Actually, I don't really care about the sex happening but I do care about them taking their relationship to another level.
Since it is clear for everyone that "this relationship is doomed to blow-up", it would be a really cool stunt if DS took everyone by surprise and made it work out (but not too much either). THAT would be unexpected!
That said, I like the idea about him thinking it's a hallucination while in fact it is real (but of course, he has to find out it's real latter on, otherwise, why bother, as someone said). The hallucination part is just what trigger's it, he wouldn't have his barriers up.
About when the sex will happen, it reminds me of the "pop quiz paradox". If the sex is meant to be a surprise to us, and it is meant to happen before the end of the season, then it won't happen.
Explanation: suppose it happens in episode 24, then after the 22nd and 23rd episode, knowing it didn't happen in those, we would know for sure it happens in the 24th. It wouldn't be a surprise so it doesn't happen in the finale. So, it can only be in the 22 or 23. Suppose its in the 23rd. After episode 22 on Monday, since it wouldn't have happened, we would know for sure it's in the 23rd since we already excluded the 24th. Since we know this, it won't be a surprise, it can't be in the 23rd. So that just leaves the 22nd. Since we know this, it can't be a surpise and so the sex doesn't happens.
I don't know if I made sense. If I didn't, just ignore what I just said. This is my Math/Logic brain in overdrive, waiting for the last 3 episodes to air.
That being said, I think it'll happen in the finale. How else have us come back in september (well, at least for those interest in seing the aftermath of the sex). That, and my interpretation of some vague spoilers...(so my guess is as good as another's).
And just a last word to those who think that "being in a relationship" = "getting married + kids + a station wagon", well, all I have to say is "come and join us in the 21st century!"
I really don't think anyone (that is, shippers, anykind of shippers even, Cuddy/Cameron/Wilson/Stacy/Hector(LOL by the way)/etc...) expect or want this for House...
Thanks Barbara for helping us making it through till Monday!
48 - Sue
I think it will be a mirror image of what happened in Joy. House came to Cuddy when she was vulnerable. This time, Cuddy will come to House when he is at a low point. He has insomnia, hallucinations, and he will lose his diagnostic mojo. He will be at home, and she will come to his house to help him. I think he will think she is Amber, and he will think he is kissing Amber rather than Cuddy. He will think he is having sex with Amber. When he finally realizes it is Cuddy, she will be so angry, she will storm out of his place, and their relationship will be over.
If it happens this way, House will not have given in to his emotions and acted like a real person. Wilson can't find out, but if he does, he will be upset. House will be so upset, he will go crazy and end up in the funny farm with Wilson's brother. He will detect that Wilson's brother has a medical problem causing his mental illness, and the brother will end up being normal again. They brought Wilson's brother back into the story so House can cure him. But, they have to be in the institution together for that to happen. Curing Wilson's brother will bring House back to his normal self, and he will then return to the hospital.
49 - barbara barnett
Fascinating speculation Sue. I like it (even if I don't completely agree that it will happen that way--or even hope it does.)
50 - Chrisden
Barbara! Great idea for this article but unfortunately a post like this always brings out the claws :)).
The spoilers are brilliant (hope i get to watch the ep)and i enjoyed reading 80% of the comments.
MY OPINION: I think the sex will be real, it's at House's apartment, in the episode "Under my skin" 5X23. But maybe Amber taunts him afterwards telling him Cuddy loves him and he is incapable of loving her back or he can't perform because Amber is there (highly unlikely but with David Shore and Co you never know).
She was in the DDX taunting him.
I also think they'll leave the/lack of relationship on a limb (because of House's inevitable mental breakdown being more of a focus) and let the obvious break-up go on into season 6.
51 - sdemar
Similar to Matt Damon, I think it will be on the bed, on the floor, on the towel bar by the door, in the tub, in the car, up against the mini bar--
I love this relationship and the beautiful and twisted way that Hugh and Lisa bring to their roles. It is deep and complicated and filled with a great dose of sexual attraction & protectiveness toward each other.
The "event" will take place at House's apt. I have spent enormous amount of time trying to figure out the "cool" way that they will move forward and can only come up with it being real but House will think it is a hallucination. Cuddy won't tell him because she will leave before he wakes up after 6 days of not sleeping.
In season 6, it will slowly creep back to him and he will casually ask her "did we have sex" and Cuddy will only smirk until one time she leaves his office and he will say she has a mole on the small of her back, which will stop her dead in her tracks. He will get up and slowly lift her shirt to reveal that mole. BUSTED. And they will continue on as they always have-banter filled with sexual overtones with a mutual love and respect in their own twisted little world that only exists for House and Cuddy.
52 - sdemar
I forgot to include when I think it will happen. I believe it will be in the finale because Lisa said it was her favorite episode other than the last few from last season.
53 - Grace
I really only have one thing to say. I wish they weren't going to have Cuddy and House do the 'deed' while House is so messed up.
IMHO it's not going to mean much to either of them if House is half out of his mind.
I still don't understand WHY they can't give him something to put him to sleep?
Does anyone know?
54 - Sera G
Hi, Barbara!
Fun, fun, fun!
Since it is our chance to fantasize, here goes:
There has always been such intensity in all of their dealings that however it happens, the event should be passionate and REAL. Please, Mr. Shore, no hallucinations or thinking it might be so. Also, I do not want it to be under the influence of any substance. That gives to much opportunity to pretend they didn't mean it. They mean it!
With Rachel,(where has she been anyway?), Cuddy's house might not be the most conducive. I do agree with the poster who said that is where some of their best/most heartfelt moments have occured. However,I think it would feel fake when they send the baby to visit her grandmother!
Please, not at the office, that just feels furtive and cheap. It worked for Cameron and Chase in the supply closet because they are young and wanted the danger of being caught.
For House and Cuddy I want it to happen in an emotionally secure place where they can feel free to express what has been repressed for sooooo long. That is why I think it will be at House's apartment. Cuddy has not gone there too often and it would be an interesting dynamic to have it more on his 'turf'. Maybe he will serenade her later.
I have nagged on and on that I think their relationship has the ability to work, contrary to some opinions about how that changes a TV show. House and Cuddy are far from the typical romantic couple and I think the writers could have great fun exploring what being in love and being part of another person's life could do for these two. They would never be boring, they would snipe and squabble as much as they always did. The added element of their acknowledged love as a backdrop to the bickering would reaffirm that the sniping is mostly protective covering. I would love to see TPTB give it a fair shot.
When will it happen? I am hoping for "House Divided" so I have 2 more episodes to watch it happen all over again, but I am sure it will be the last 2 minutes of the finale. Then I will agonize all summer.
Again, Barbara, thank you for this wonderful place. I love reading your thoughts and those of fellow House fans. Even when we disagree, it is always in the spirit of enthusiasm for a show we all clearly love.
P.S. Trying desperatly to stay spoiler free!
55 - Johnna
Hi Barbara!
Oh, boy, you've given permission for us to speculate...am I the only one who thinks this might be slightly dangerous? LOL.
Well, here's my two cents. I definitely believe I can trust the writers to be real on this. They've been true to the "Housian" style of all the other episodes, and as a person who has been watching steadily, I have faith that the Huddy Arc will be no different.
While a Huddy Halucination makes me put my tongue in my cheek and smirk a little, I don't think it will happen that way.
The whole of Season 5 has been about exploring the emotional side of all the characters, including House of course. I think it's interesting that in these last few episodes, House is having hallucinations...because hallucinations are anything but rational. Irrational phenomena for our favorite "Rational Man?" What could fascinate and frustrate our dear House more than that?
I think House will keep having these hallucinations, and Cuddy will once again have to "rein him in." She will have to explain to him that not all things are rational, including emotional responses. House will become vulnerable again in front of her, and only her...and we all know what that leads to, don't we?
This is only my opinion based on what I have seen so far this season. I believe House will struggle mightily with the rational versus the emotional, but that Cuddy will be the one to begin putting it into perspective for him.
And yes, I sincerely hope that House does NOT become sappy, but again, I trust that the writers know how to make this believable and real for us. They've been doing that for five seasons--why stop now?
56 - Anna
Even if it does happen, it won't be anything remotely permanent. I think they're making such a mistake by this. The only people that are happy with it are the die hard huddy fans. I use to ship Huddy back in season 1 & 2, but during this season it's been turned into something forced instead of just natural feeling flirting.
House at this point is not in his right mind anyway. I don't think his been completely in his right mind since Amber died. I don't think much can be said if he sleeps with her due to that. Cuddy has a child that she should be concentrating on instead of trying to get with House.. As House has state many times, he can't work when he's happy or not in pain. So even if he's happy with Cuddy, he would leave because, as we saw in House's Head, solving the puzzle rules over everything else.
57 - Sole
I've been questioning if it might be a dream or not, but the writers have been mentioning that the relationship will not last long. This seems to be hinting to the fact that it might be real.
58 - Louise
Barbara, you are David Shore's gleeful accomplice in pulling our strings! What a delightful poll!
Yes, I think the "deed" will be done, but I think it will be "out-of-town." That's where the rules don't apply and "just this once" can justified. I do like the idea that House may be left with some uncertainty as to the whether or not it happened. No way will it lead to something stable and boring!
I keep smiling just think about how they will set us up and pull it off in a "Housian" way. The writing has been so good this season--it is difficult to imagine a television series that gets even better in Season Five. I think the House team has managed to do that!
59 - j.i.m.
By DrD, "Even if things don't pan out, as most likely they will not right now, House will no longer take for granted her dedication to him and her worries about him, for these are the things which help him get through those difficult times in his life and allow him to never feel alone".
I think that this fact of Cuddy's dedication, loyalty and protectiveness towards House is one of the main supporting beams of the House MD framework story. And this protectiveness is reserved for House alone (Saviors). But what emotions inspire her actions? That is slowly being revealed even as it changes. As Val mentioned, "Words and Deeds" was a redefining episode for House and Cuddy. She risked almost everything meaningful in her life for him and she had a lot to lose. This knowledge changed how he perceived her and himself. He was worth risking everything for and definitely not alone. Physical intimacy with Cuddy at a time when House would think that he had lost much of his "value" for her and in his own eyes as well, would again redefine how House perceives Cuddy and himself. I imagine that is the underlying reason for all the excitement about the sex. It will be a further canon revelation to us and to House about why Cuddy stands by him, this time even when he has seemingly lost his superpowers (mojo). (Lois Lane?)
Thanks maya, for the compliment. I enjoy reading your posts over at HHOW. The more you write, the more I like it!
Kim provided her choice for background music which was "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. I was thinking of "At Last" by Etta James but now I'm not sure if it would fit with a confusing hallucination scenario. Etta might have to wait for another season. :-) (The music would most likely be inserted during an ending montage rather than while House and Cuddy are together.)
60 - JL
Well, I wrote a terrific bit for this last night and it didn't post! Hmph!
Right. I would just like to say to any remaining 'Huddy shippers are delusional' people:
"HELLO?! HELLO?! The song was, 'I'm in love with a girl'! While HOUSE was looking through CUDDY's window! (oh, and Chase and Cameron were clearing out drawers together) ANVIL ALERT! He's in love with her! It wasn't exactly subtle!"
Ahem.
I have no problem with people not being into 'Huddy' and I don't like people over-analysing Huddy into everything - it's not the main theme of the show, House is - but I really think that debates about whether House *has* feelings for Cuddy are really irrelevant at this point. TPTB have worked so hard to leave no doubt on that one whatsoever.
So... where were we?
Oh yes, my opinion. I'm going to be terribly predictable and agree with Orange. :)
After the above-mentioned scene in 'The Itch', I wanted to murder David Shore. A casual House/Cuddy fling would have been easy to get past, but NOOOOOO! he had to go and make me CARE about it! He's given us plenty enough reason this season to invest emotionally in this relationship, so he'd better make sure it's not dealt with perfunctorily (we're trusting you, David! you've got hearts in your hands!).
House and Cuddy can have sex if they want to. They can even have a Relationship and break up if they like.
But if things are just allowed to return yet AGAIN to 'House is forever miserable and unable to change Ad Infinitum' then I'll be disappointed.
When people say, "Of course, it can't last," I hope they mean that, if these two try being a couple right now, they will break up. "Sex = Huddy ever after" would, of course, be ridiculous. And very boring, to boot.
But having complications and break-ups does not preclude these two from ending up in some sort of relationship in the long-term. It just means the show's trying to keep it real and interesting.
"The course of true love did never run smooth" is an *ongoing* maxim; life doesn't suddenly become straightforward after the kiss / the sex / the relationship / the break-up / the wedding / whatever, etc.
I find it both heartening and disheartening that people are on both sides of this one. David Shore saying that, "if House can have a relationship with anyone, it's Cuddy". Katie Jacobs saying she can't make up her mind whether it could work out or not. Keeps it real.
My basic hope for this storyline is that House's relationship with Cuddy continues to be treated as an important and ongoing part of his life. And I hope that, however The Sex happens, it is used to this end. TPTB have tried very hard, so far, to maintain artistic integrity (my opinion) - I look forward to see how they'll play out House's story.
61 - JL
Oh, right - the predictions:
Episode 23, House's apartment (H/C are private people), enough pain to give them an excuse for caring about each other, enough alcohol to give them an excuse to everyone else the next day (she for doing something she doesn't think is sensible, he so he can pretend it was *just* sex).
62 - barbara barnett
Been enjoying the predictions and reasonings, everyone. I would agree that H/C being very private and guarded people they wouldn't say "oh what the hell, everyone expects us to do it, let's just do it." There's a lot (A LOT) of emotion going on there between them beneath the surface and it is clear from "Joy" that it would take very little for it to be unleashed.
If it was "just sex" House would not have been so reticent in "The Itch," he would not have taken his own words to the reclusive patients to heart--or thinking about it so hard when he got home and was playing the guitar. He willed himself to be impulsive and go to Cuddy's House. The fact that he peered in her window and left so disappointed in himself tells us (that and the song) how deeply invested he is.
He sits in his apartment plays what is clearly a piece played thinking about Cuddy while she is celebrating. Maybe his staying away was his gift to her. I think had she really said at the end that she wanted him to share this, he would have stayed away anyway, but come right at the end--or while she was cleaning up afterwards. But I think he truly believed that she didn't want him to be there and bring the celebration down with his cynicism.
63 - marina
my pick is episode 23, the ballerina can't dance anymore just like the 2 of them can't keep playing games and doing their oh-so-famous dance any longer..if it happens in the finale it would be annoying cause we have to wait 4 months to see how it plays out..finally i don't think huddy shippers are biased, it's kinda obvious these characters care for each other and have quite a history together so probably it won't be 'just' sex.
64 - andree
I expect House will be so exhausted from his insomnia that he'll slip up and say something revealing to Cuddy. She won't know what to do and he'll make the move. He's too tired to keep his own defenses up and will inadvertently be himself, say what he thinks and tell what he wants. Cuddy will be stunned at his emotional vulnerability but charmed and feel the need to be open too. The deed will likely happen in House's house. Cuddy will awaken shocked at finding herself in bed with him and bail out fast. She'll question herself for taking advantage of House when he's weak and recognize he now has "dirt" on her (sleeping with your underling?) and she'll deny it ever happened and claim he was hallucinating.
House will have found some sort of personal undergarment she overlooked in her haste to leave and have his proof. She'll wonder but hope he'll confuse it with a prostitute's past visit. He'll know because he doesn't hire prostitutes just claims he does because he likes how it makes him look like a bad boy who cares nothing for others opinions.
House will become obsessed mulling over the puzzle of why Cuddy doesn't want him to remember what they did. Complicated, right? My guess is that Cuddy remembers the sex and passion but wants to forget it ever happened because she's afraid of being vulnerable and rejected by House, fearful that she took advantage of him in his exhausted state and played her hand before she should have with no idea if House was being randy. The other side of the complicated coin is that House can't remember the sex and passionate details but wants to remember and needs to know if Cuddy was doing it out of pity or out of love. He'll start to question his grasp on reality and perhaps doubt his sanity and end up at the psychiatric hospital on some patient matter (Wilson's Bro?) and find himself learning about his personality issues and that happiness is not a mutually exclusive condition to genius. He'll begin to make strides in season 6 towards getting Cuddy to admit her feelings and when she won't he'll presume she's not in love with him and he was projecting his thoughts onto her.
Cuddy will continue to deny it and he'll continue to say they did it. It fits their pattern of play - him bragging he "hit that" and her telling him "in your dreams!"
House will tell Wilson in some unusual way and ask Wilson to observe Cuddy and try to find out why she won't admit it. Cuddy will know to expect this and convince Wilson House has lost his grasp on reality. After all, she has a child and needs to keep her job as well as her self-respect and dignity. She's as complicated as House.
House won't know how to react and that will make for some very angsty episodes in season 6. And who doesn't love that?? Hopefully, House will start to recall specific images and feelings of that night based on some dreams or patient related cases and put the pieces together and eventually realize he told her loved her that night. That ought to freak him out and he won't know who to turn to. Then of course he'll wonder why Cuddy is rejecting him after he told her that.
That would be a fun path for the show to take. Especially if the viewers aren't really sure right along with House. As for the undergarment or possibly an earring or whatever, it may be the proof the viewer needs to know to connect what actually happened that night in some long off episode from now.
Okay, back to reality and my yardwork. Looking forward to Mondays!!
65 - barbara barnett
OK, Andree. I gotta say I love that scenario. It won't quite happen that way (I don't think) but I can surely see it happening!)
66 - Ariel
Your comments are always much more lucid and thoughtful than the show itself has been, I am sorry to say. I used to love the idea of House and Cuddy hooking up, but the children inhabiting their characters in season 5 - not so much.
Watching this so called courtship has been cringeworthy. So let's just get on with it, get it over with and I'll hope the writers summon their mojo back next year. Although that seems to be asking a trifle much given the dreaded possibilities that seem to be popping up everywhere I look. Jumping the shark? Maybe. Flying over the cuckoo's nest? Mother of Mary say it ain't so. Even Hugh Laurie won't be able to save me from toppling over on my living room couch. After all, how many times can a person's eyes roll to the back of their head without some consequence.
I do appreciate your thoughtful pieces about the show though. You are an abashed fan and have a wonderful forum as well as the talent to present your analysis and insights. TPTB are fortunate to have someone as passionate and articulate as you writing such positive articles.
As for me and my increasing frustration with what used to be my favorite show, I cannot tell you how many times I've read "Hugh could read the phone book and I would love it." That about says it all for me. It is easy to ignore poor writing when one is enthralled with a performer.
I know it is easy to say "don't watch it if you don't like it," as though there is no room for frustration or discourse about the direction and quality of the show. If I didn't care, I wouldn't get so exasperated. But I do fear the day will come (sooner than later) when I won't care anymore simply because I won't be able to tolerate the ridiculous anymore. I hope I am wrong.
67 - Debbie
This? Is awesome!
Thank you so much, Barbara for giving us a forum in which to speculate the inevitable get-together of House and Cuddy.
I had to laugh at one of your choices as to where it will take place being the MRI machine! LOL Well, if it did, it would be the first time something positive happened in there. I affectionally call it the MRI machine of Doom.
There's only one way that it would happened that I would be extremely disappointed in; in this week's episode, there will apparently be A LOT of alcohol flowing. And I would hate it if they finally got together while either one or both of them were drunk.
I speculate and hope that it will happen in House's apartment. Cuddy will go there, worried for his well-being. And comfort will turn into passion. Very heated passion.
P.S. Funny, of all 67 posts above me, I've not come across one that someone speculated that the impending consummation is going to lead to a walk down the aisle, white picket fence, a minivan with a car seat. :/
This is House (and House, MD) we're talking about. Of course this isn't going to lead to happily ever after. I for one anticipate the inevitable fall out, whether it's in the next scene, the next episode, or the next season.
See, I told you I love angsty!House!
68 - j.i.m.
The following is a fanciful and unlikely scenario of hallucination sex punctuated by a more satisfying "real" ending, or "the best of both worlds".
House hallucinates sex with Cuddy that is intensely passionate, interspersed with the occasional comical touch. He thinks the sex was real and broadcasts the news loudly at PPTHospital the following day.
That night, Cuddy knocks on House's door in high dudgeon and demands an explanation. He invites her in. House's explanation, a description of his hallucination, turns into an inspired, unintentional form of sweet talk. Cuddy succumbs in raw fictional reality this time. We see both versions, the passionate-comical and the raw-real.
69 - Gobiworm
Wilson: It will all be because of Wilson. Wilson gets drunk at bachelour party, dances with guy, passes out drunk with guy or more. House gets jealous seeing Wilson with guy, realises why he was jealous has to prove it to self he doesnt feel that way. Jumps Cuddy.
70 - carolyn
my bet, even though I completely don't want it to happen this way at all, is pretty much what everyone else has been saying: he'll sleep with her at his apartment in episode 23, think he's hallucinating, and not know whether it was real or not in episode 24. Then Cuddy will tell him she's pregnant at the end of 24, which will be the comment that shocks him into realizing that it did actually happen
but I really hate that scenario, it seems to soap-operaish and I can't even picture the show when House was a legit father. Everything would just be sooo dark and depressing all the time, especially if things were too tensioned between House and Cuddy to have those momentary respites of humor between them. Plus Cuddy already has a baby, and I don't think they would make her pregnant, you might lose a lot of believability from the show . . .
I think the fallout is inevitable, but I do think there's potential for House and Cuddy in the long-run. I could see like the very last episode of the very last season, they're finally together in a happy relationship - not necessarily married, but with a good conclusion somehow. At least that's what I'm hoping, because I really would like to see House happy in the end, and I think Cuddy is probably his best shot for that. Plus Hugh Laurie has said (more or less, I don't remember the exact quote), "I know as a viewer I would like to see them (House and Cuddy) have some sort of a happy resolution together."
can someone please reassure me that the Ausiello blog has been wrong before? because I was trying to remain spoiler free, happened to see one of his headline's by accident and really didn't like it and now am kind of freaked out that it's definitely going to come true
71 - barbara barnett
Carolyn and others who think Ausiello is referring to House. For the record, I don't. Although I don't watch Grey's Anatomy (tried it once, didn't care for it), I'm told that ausiello's scenario fits that show even better and is far more likely since one of the parties involved is actually pregnant (and it would be a good way to work it in).
I don't think cuddy will get pregnant as a result of whatever happens between her and House.
72 - Kim
Cuddy pregnant? that would be too much and too soon..and I'm a Huddy shipper.
j.i.m --> Loved your last scenario. That will piss off most of the viewers, because at first we will think that it was a hallucination and that's all what we are going to see.
So when the people will be disappointed. They'll be catch us out by surprise, making it real.
Well today is my Birthday! Yep!24 years of living and craziness. And one of my best gifts is to have found this place and the beautiful people which take part in it.
Thanks to all of you,
Kim
73 - maya
Barbara--Thanks for confirming that this is spoiler free speculation.
Like some of the people here, I haven’t been happy with the way some parts of the House/Cuddy arc have been written this season. But I am sure DS realizes that it's an important moment for both these characters and I am confident that he must have put some thought and care into the writing. The kiss, for instance, was written perfectly and I wouldn't change a thing about it even if I could. I am looking forward to seeing what they will do with the sex.
The show likes paralleling and mirroring previous situations so it’s likely that Cuddy will end up going to House’s place to check on him. I do think that he will be confused about whether it happened for real because his mind will have lost the ability to distinguish between reality and hallucinations by that point. He’ll be desperate to know the truth but will be too proud to go and ask Cuddy for the answer. For her part, Cuddy will tell him nothing happened between them but we won’t know for sure if she’s lying to him because of his fragile mental state. They'll keep us guessing all summer about what really happened. We may not even find out for sure next season because Cuddy may decide not to bring it up with him in order that things return to normal between them. And so their relationship will get yet another layer of mystery and complexity.
j.i.m. -- I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before but the music playing in his mind could be “Got You Under My Skin”. The lyrics go nicely with the idea that House wants to give in to her despite his doubts and fears, in particular the lines:
“I’ve tried so not to give in
I’ve said to myself this affair never will go so well
But why should I try to resist when I know so well
That I’ve got you under my skin”
74 - j.i.m.
Kim, Happy Birthday! I found "I'm Yours" on youtube. It's a beautiful song and fits House and Cuddy in so many ways.
maya, Thank you for the great call on the Cole Porter song. He was such a brilliant genius and the sublime creator of music infused with scintillating wit, sophistication, and divine romance. "I've Got You Under My Skin" is almost too perfect for the occasion. I found several versions on youtube. I like Michael Buble's live version the best, even better than Sinatra's.
75 - XJK
I'm late to the comment party!!
Firstly - Barbara, I'm doing my best to stay spoiler free, and yours is the only site I trust to be that way at the mo - thanks for providing an outlet for the speculation!
MRi machine - only if you want them to end up with the back of their heads exploding, bleeding out of every oriface, going into cardiac arrest... patients do not have the best of luck in that machine! But had a laugh at the image :)
I have ideas on how it should/could happen, but I'll tell you what, I'm just having a marvellous time watching it all unfold! Whether they attempt a relationship, have a hallucination fueled one night stand, or are just caught up in the moment after an argument in the lift (there's one Barbara didn't think of)... I'm just gonna be on the edge of my seat laughing, crying, or screaming at my TV!!
The hallucination idea seems to be strongest at the mo - what a lovely way to wind up a lot of viewers :)
Sorry I've not had much to add, but looking forward to the next episode and the speculation that will follow