The show is far more than window dressing to his performance, with strong writing, compelling plots, and intriguing secondary characters. But when Laurie isn't on screen, a lot of the spark is lost, and while the supporting cast ranges from fine to exceptional, they are often given little to do but feed the character of House.
But what a character. If that were all this show got right, it would be enough to make it appointment television. House is an endearing mix of brilliance and boyishness. He plays piano and loves monster trucks. He reads Portuguese medical journals and People magazine. He makes jokes about Socrates and sex. He loves jazz on vinyl and soap operas on TV.
He's miserable in his personal life, and while he supposedly hates people, the difference between his misanthropic image and the sensitive idealist we very occasionally see peeking out from behind that image is what makes him so compelling. While he has no use for humanity as a whole, he cares about the individuals he lets seep into his consciousness ... which is why he doesn't let many in. We see flashes of that caring with Wilson, Cuddy, and his team, and in his connection with some patients. But he doesn't need to care about the individual to work his medical magic on them. He's taken away the personal while fighting for the person.
Lisa Edelstein takes the underdeveloped role of Cuddy and makes a vivid impression with her. She's pitch perfect as the one with the unenviable task of keeping House's eccentricities and ethical lapses reigned in, while trusting his instincts to save the patients others can't. Robert Sean Leonard, who is both a former teen idol thanks to his role in Dead Poet's Society and a Tony award winner, brings a quiet charm to House's only friend, oncologist Dr. James Wilson. He has regrettably little to do except inexplicably follow House around even when cancer isn't in the diagnosis, but when Laurie and Leonard share the screen, we are treated to a beautiful, complex portrayal of male friendship, usually conveyed through the exchange of mocking barbs and the simple fact that they voluntarily spend time together, but also dipping into emotional territory in “Histories,” where we learn more about Wilson's family, “Detox,” where Wilson fights to get House to acknowledge his Vicodin addiction, and “Babies and Bathwater,” where House's recklessness nearly costs Wilson his job.
Omar Epps is a standout among the young doctors, with his Foreman going toe-to-toe with House. Arrogant but with a decent bedside manner, Foreman is horrified to think he might be more like House than he cares to admit, a gag that is played out in “Poison.” Jennifer Morrison does what she can with an inconsistently written character, but her girlish manner and the lack of chemistry between House and Cameron taints the attempts to create a romantic sublot between them. Chase is laden with enough tragic backstory to sink a stronger character, and Jesse Spencer comes across as petulant in situations where he should be sympathetic.
Article comments
1 - Doreen
This is a most brilliantly written review.
I am absolutely mesmerized by this show and the phenominal acting of Hugh Laurie.
In my House, Tuesday is HOUSE.
This is a not to be missed show, and your review perfectly captured the essence, and brilliance of this remarkable show.
I am practically in grief counseling until it comes back on 11/1.
2 - deekay
Thank you! Yes, October is a cruel month, but I'm grateful Fox didn't make us wait until November for the season premiere.
3 - Rosemary Rimmer-Clay
I think Hugh Laurie would have made a wonderfully interesting Bond...
In 'House' he is everyman struggling with the cruel lessons of life, with only music and his intelligence and barbed wit to deflect the slings and arrows! If only Hugh Laurie could understand how magnetic and compelling his performance as House is.No other actor could reveal the flawed humanity in all of us, in the way he has.
I hate the way the press are hounding him in his private life, so that he can't even go for a quiet stroll with his wife and dog!
He is a very fine actor, and I am very grateful to him for his dedication to his craft, as a sensitive and thoughtful actor he has made a lot of people feel genuinely happy, as they engage with the character of House. Well done Hugh!