House reacts to the break up with Cuddy while the team treats a bull rider with a neurological problem.
I’m going to be adding an extra House feature weekly, so that you all don’t have to wait to express your opinions about each week’s episode. Part of Blogcritics new “TV Open Thread: For All Your Rants and Raves” feature, I’ll be posting a short episode summary write-up to start the discussion. I’ll follow up a day or two later with something longer and hopefully more considered “End of the Thought Process” piece as well. I hope you like this new approach; so let me know what you think! Now on to “Out of theChute.”…
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
76 - ruthinor
The writers on this show appear to be either unwilling or unable to write scenes between 2 adults in a serious, sustained relationship. As I said before, I think this is because they have never written a "complete" female character. I have no idea why this is the case since they have several female writers on their staff.
Cuddy went into this relationship against her better judgment. She was in love and didn't want to think about what she was getting herself into. With House sobered up for an extended period of time, I don't think she wanted to think about the possible pitfalls. Cuddy now blames herself. I don't get this hatred of Cuddy from some fans. What do you want her to do, set herself on fire? This idea that House really, really tried is total BS. Treating her like crap and then begging for another chance is not my idea of trying.
Of course I would love to see them together. I love the two characters, but not as written this season. They've both been castrated. I would have much preferred them getting into serious arguments which led to brief separations but back together again.
They love each other but they are both so dysfunctional isn't it really asking too much to expect them to live together as a couple? If they became friends with benefits I could live with that.
77 - Committed
#74 Debbie J - I am a fan of the couple but I totally agree with you. This goes beyond them - this is the disintegration (temporaray or otherwise) of what has happened with House the last two seasons and as a fan of the show, that is disappointing.
As far as Greg Y is concerned - his mail would not have been near as bad had he not sent the twitter messages out. If you don't have respect for the fans, Huddies (really dislike that term) or not, have respect for your work. No need to make this worse. I really lost tremendous respect for him. He obviously underestimated the investment all fans have in this show.
78 - Flo
54, about your message on the atmosphere and the change, do you perhaps feel that the episodes are more writtien as single entities rather than part of a hole season?
Do you feel something was/is lacking in the episodes chain or sequence? Perhaps making this season so far slightly less cohesive somewhat? Or less cohesive with the other previous seasons?
If that's the case, I will only say that every season made fully sense once it ended. Remember all the critics that the past two seasons got from the fans at the times? However, once they were complete, they made sense. Each season is to be judged and regarded as a whole. 7 episodes to go!
If that was not really what you were talking about, then my mistake. I'm just asking here.
I too, was missing the good use of the music. It was indeed great to have that again in the last episode.
79 - eileen
Susan #71 - Thanks for your acknowledgement.
80 - DebbieJ
#76 - ruthinor - I don't hate Cuddy. I just hate the way she has been written this season. She is like tin foil. The writers bend her, shape her, anyway they want her, I don't even know what is OOC for her anymore!
When Wilson said to her last night, "you said you didn't want him to change." And she replied, "well I thought that was true, but it's not." (paraphrasing) It wasn't as if SHE said it, it was as if the writers were speaking to the fans through her. Does that make any sense? How many comments in just Barbara's blogs recently complained that "she said she didn't want him to change but that was all she tried to do during this season."?
@77 - Committed - I'm not anti-Huddy, nor do I ship House with any other character. I just thought Cuddy was a natural choice for him since that's they way IT WAS WRITTEN since from almost the Pilot! They had more sparks, more chemistry in the first 5 seasons than they did since they've been together.
Regarding GY and Twitter - I've always thought having too much access to the fans and vice versa was a slippery slope. I agree with you, I think he very much underestimated the fans as a whole.
The rest of the TV Guide blurb says:
Somehow, it's reassuring to have House's Dr. House back as his crabby, drug-addled self. House's snuggly romance with Cuddy couldn't have gone the long haul. "We knew when we brought them together we'd have to take them apart," says GY of Huddy's breakup. "House in a stable relationship? It was unsustainable." What happens now? "Despair, sarcasm, devastation - at least for House," GY says. After all, there's only so much happiness a curmudgeon-by-nature can take. Cuddy expresses breakup guilt in the March 21st episode, but [House] must stay true to House. "We're back to everything hardened and cranky about House that fueled him the six seaons before he and Cuddy got together," adds GY. Perhaps he'll crack a smile when 13 returns on April 11th. Or not. Says GY, "House's pain ripples though the rest of the season." Pass the Vicodin!
Really? Are they at a dead end and don't know how to move House forward, that they resorted to him returning to his "crabby, drug-addled self"? The line that says: "Despair, sarcasm, devastation - at least for House", I was so hoping it said - "at least for now". I even read in incorrectly as such, that is my wishful thinking.
Why not explore the REASON House is a "curmudgeon-by-nature"? I think it's more that he is a curmedgeon-by-nurture and would LOVE to see THAT explored. C'mon! This will be the only way he can find redemption and some contentment in his life. Why can't they write that?
81 - Flo
#70 crosseyed, I couldn't help but wondering the same thing watching the epi. I liked this last scene for what it was and the dramatic effect asmuch as the meaningof it. It worked for me.
But yes it was highly unbelievable. No credibility at all. It was simply unrealistic. It was just one of those moments when the writers and the director overlook realism and credibility over dramatic effect and metaphor. Happens a lot on fiction work such as this.
But yeah, even I couldn't help but be like "impossible!!!!" adrenalin rush or not (sorry Barbara, poor explanation).
82 - DebbieJ
@Flo #78 - That is my hope and wish! I hope once the season is complete, it will make sense - as a whole. Here's hoping!
About the music - great songs, but again, it was bop-you-in-the-head obvious instead of something subtle as they have done so beautifully until now.
83 - susan
Just noticed on my night table the TV Guide copy from months ago with the title "House and Cuddy Together at Last? How ironic.
But I'll leave it there......
84 - barbara barnett
New, longer article...conversation continues there if you wish...
House, M.D.: Finding House's Humanity in "Out of the Chute".
85 - 54
Flo, you make an excellent point about each season not making sense until the finale. Thanks for reminding me.
The atmosphere and change I was referring to was not referring to the episode sequence (though, as I said, you have an excellent point!). It was more the atmosphere of each individual episode.
PH, just commenting on your post, I don't think that previous seasons had "soft" atmospheres. I do think that they were more layered and complex in their approach. That didn't make the themes they dealt with any less brutal. I think the way they examine things now is at times frenetic and at times obvious, IMHO. That's the harsh glare that I'm talking about. That harsh glare may be emblematic of a House that is more self destructive and so dangerously near bottom than was ever seen before, and I fear for his character as a fan. I mostly fear that the show is going for the obvious angles instead of the unexpected angles.
I am disappointed in GY once again, because I really do think that he likes to jerk people around. (He tweeted again today. I unfollowed him.) While I loved House with Cuddy, I was more upset about House's character development and was not a shipper--and even I get angry with his tweets. I wish he'd just not say anything. Why give away spoilers, anyway?
GY's tweet today particularly bothered me because--totally my personal opinion--I think that ANY type of marriage, even a vengeful one by House, is crazy OOC. I can't watch it.
On another note, if, according to the TVG interview, H&C were doomed from day one, I guess the "they're really going to give it a go" message at the beginning of the season was a half-truth, designed to rein people in. Well, that's the nature of tv, I guess.
I'm still so invested in this show that I can't help but be part of it in some way, but I think that I'll read the summary for future episodes before deciding whether or not to watch it. I find myself sadly thinking that I'm having to justify my own reasons for watching the show, and that's a feeling that I do not want to have for *this* show.
Maybe I've become too emotionally invested in House's journey, and his devastation after trying so hard to grow as a person strikes me too deeply, on an irrational level. Maybe I'm guilty of that. All the more reason to take a break, I guess. It really does hurt too much to see House like this after seven years, and, after reading GY's interview, I think I may hold out until the season finale before I watch again. I need to know that there is a point to all of his pain. Since that will come to a head (or won't) in the season finale, I guess I'll have to wait.
I have to say, the commentators on this blog are so intelligent and illuminate the show in ways that are incredible. I have so much respect for all of you.
Good night.
54
86 - Sherlock
Hi
I thought last nights ep was ok its a good job they have good actors as there are more holes in the story than ever. I still was hoping it was a dream.
I think House will probably marry Dominica next week and then maybe that sends cuddy running away for a few week, I trip to see her mum perhaps.
I was thinking they might even make Cuddy pregnant the future episode titles could fit with that and it would open the door perfectly for house to get with his farther issues.
I also agree that the season finale can normally bring everything together so fingers crossed it happens this year.
Cheers
87 - housecomelately
Ok it's my first post, so don't shoot me for supporting Cuddy... '-)
What I find more dismaying than House's self-destructive display, are all the knives that have been sharpened for Cuddy! Yes, she was the one who ended the relationship, but can you honestly say you would be happy if your partner wasn't there for you when you were seriously ill--even if he admitted he was scared? And it amazes me how quickly people have forgotten all the many times that Cuddy HAS supported House both professionally and emotionally all these years. Not that she expected it, but shouldn’t there be a little emotional payback from House?
And I don't believe for a second that she 'lied' to House when she said she didn't want him to change--as she said at the end of 'Bombshells', 'I'm sorry...I thought I could do this'. If she's guilty of anything, it's of wearing rose-tinted glasses at the beginning of their relationship--not an uncommon occurrence for people in love.
I agree with Jaim and Dmcky who said 'Wilson needs to respect her decision and stop enabling House'. This is well-said and perhaps a key to Cuddy's decision to end their relationship.
I also agree with Ruthinor that 'we don't get much insight into her because everything is centred around House'. Sure the show is called 'House', but what is interesting are his dealings with the other characters, and this for me has been a big problem this season as most of the supporting characters have been reduced to caricatures with no inner life of their own.
I don't remember who said it, but yes, the most powerful image this episode left me with was of all three friends and colleagues, House, Cuddy, and Wilson ending up being quite isolated and alone (OK House was surrounded by frat kids, but...) -- House pushing Wilson away, Cuddy being criticized by Wilson, and Wilson ending up seemingly disillusioned by his friendship with House. Very sad, lonely, brilliant peopleâ€"and still fascinating.
P.S. What I miss is the smart, witty and sexy banter among the House-Cuddy-Wilson characters. After recent events, I don't see how these relationships will ever be able to recreate that frothy intelligent dialogue again seeing as they are drifting apart. Hope I'm wrong.
88 - ruthinor
Thank you House come lately for not leaving me out there on an island!
89 - Sera G
Hello, all.
Barbara, add my thanks for this quick rants/raves column.
As I said last night, I did not watch. After talking with friends at work (who, sadly) thought it was well done, I am glad I didn't. Interestingly, one friend's husband said, "It's okay with me if we don't watch this anymore." (He is not an emotional guy, not really into Huddy one way or the other.)
I understand all of the symbolism, the need for House to numb himself or heighten himself, what ever the %&*4 he was doing.
I am sorry, this whole story line is about ratings! If they truly cared about the characters that THEY created, or the audience, THEY have lured and now disparaged, this would not have be happening.
TPTB are hoping to attract the 'gawkers at an accident' audience. House has never been about that, no matter his sarcasm, or juvenile behavior or even the drugs and alcohol. I must agree with whoever said it, "DO these people even know their charcters?" I ask if they even care about the show anymore? To me this is all about craft and nothing about soul.
House has a soul, he has a heart and he has a twisted view of the world, but with all that we cared about him. He wanted to get better. We wanted him to get better. Who's stupid idea was it that we wanted to see him "...hardened and cranky" again? TPTB spent 6 years telling us that there was more to the man than that. They spent 6 years making us hope for him and gave him 15 measly episodes, written with the intention that it wouldn't work. I am really sad, sick and disheartened.
I won't even start on the promises that were made at the end of "Help Me" and the beginning of "What Now?"
I want to add a few hellos before I go:
Jill, #7, my thoughts exactly.
Debbie,J. #46, I agree with you, too.
eileen, #59, you said it perfectly.
susan, I read your post last night, great! I have that TVguide, too. :(
Here are the saddest things to me and then I'm done:
1. They are killing what used to be the best show on TV in a long time. There has really been nothing like this before.
2. They lied to the audience, led us to believe that they were going to give an unusual couple a real shot at a life together.
3. Now, I don't even have the desire to watch the old DVDs, as I know the heartbreak and manipulation ahead.
4. I have really enjoyed this site, Barbara's wonderful, deep writing and all of the comments and commaraderie.
I will probably continue to peek here just to see how it's all going, but I feel the need to distance myself as I continue to mourn what I have loved and lost.
90 - Baby Seal On the Run
Carpenter - Sorry I made you cry. :(
I'm beginning to think this IS going to come down to the last minute of the season. And... I'm beginning to wonder if the writers even know what David Shore has up his sleeve. Think last season - last episode - last few minutes. Few on the set knew before it was filmed and even then... Still think this is a bait and switch but I could be wrong. That to me though would mean they waste a lot of time planting clues for us to question a conspiracy. (I.E. add the watch reference in Bombshells and the lack of a watch on his wrist since the beginning of the season). I'm way too curious for my own good and way too obsessive now too. But if he marries this girl, I don't know what I'll think of watching from here on out. It really SUCKS to be this emotionally involved in a show that kills you. :( If they keep hurting each other (and now seems to be House's turn in this), I guess we'll have more reasons to expect Arlene's appearance. Hope she brings some good to this mess.
91 - housecomelately
88 Ruthinor, you're welcome! Yes, no man or woman is an island--not even House!
92 - susan
#89 - Sera G - in case you don't look at the blog for a few days (But I hope you do -we need your input - there are, according to your Fan Post poll or whatever, not enough House and Cuddy lovers out there).
Anyway, rent Pride and Prejudice w/ Colin Firth immediately, and I recommend to you my favorite book "Zemindar" by Valerie Fitzgerald. Keep in touch. Are you on FB?
93 - Sera G
Thanks, susan,
I will rent P./P. No, I'm a dinosaur, not on FB. We have been plagued by viruses, so I am banned from giving out e-mail address.
(Does anyone but me still use that?)
Anyway, as you can tell, my addiction is not cured, as I keep peeking in here.
I look forward to reading what you write.
(I will look into "Zemindar" as I will have an extra hour now. :(
94 - susan
#93 - Yeh, I cracked up when I saw you were still here, peeking.
95 - Alia
By far, the best episode of the season. I literally held my breath when he leaped and the conversation with Cuddy was truly brilliant and felt deeply authentic. The whole romance arc felt out of line with the whole 'House' setting. It felt so unnatural to see House say sappy things (see episode 'Recession Proof') to Cuddy and act like a tamed kitty at times. This episode was wild and thrilling. I do not understand why so many people were offended by the sight of prostitutes, alcohol and Vicodin. We've seen them all before in House and I find it natural that he would resort to his old shenanigans to get over what must be a severe blow for him if not THE most severe blow for him so far. Did anyone expect to see him go to a counselor and talk about his feelings? To wallow in his apartment playing sad piano songs? Of course not! And when all the Vicodin and the booze and the prostitutes can't do a damn thing to jump start him he'll do something extreme. Some people cut their hair short, dye it an awkward color, drink their minds off, tattoo stuff on themselves and so on, but some, if not many, people who suffer some sort of heartbreak will do at some point something stupid and/or extreme. House is definitely not one to act with moderation and have a sensible and mature attitude towards such things.
Hugh Laurie was pure genius in the scene when House is talking to Cuddy. The portrayal of ego and the defiance are amazing. I can’t imagine someone saying ‘Why no, I would have acted completely different in such a situation, I would have admitted how hurt I actually felt to the person that left me, I would have let them see how they've broken my heart and at the same time be all pathetic and obedient.’
Another great moment was at the bar and before in the OR when it dawns on him that despite all his tricks he’s wounded so badly that he’s numbed(it may be a pretentious assumption but that’s how I saw it). The expressions are so genuine and his pain so real.
I wish people could see past the hookers and the booze that are so offensive for some and enjoy the awesome acting and what is a damn accurate portrayal of how people react and feel after a significant break-up.
96 - Boeke
I think many "House" fans (especially women) thought that the adventure would end with Huddy and now they are disappointed.
But there is much more remaining in House's life before he stops kicking and lays down to die.
97 - espejoses
Boeke, Wrong, what many fans have seen was the adventure, as you call it could continue going along with or in the hands of Huddy and not as you suggest a fairy tale ending. Let's not think that all fans are hysterical teenagers huddys
98 - Committed
Here, here #97 - espejoses. I am in no way at hysterical teenager. Cuddy always seemed to me a stop in the road for House - whether he chose to stay or not was the story that needed to be told. It wasn't told very well - at least up until now. Six years of build-up, six months of the story. Not sure that is true telling of the story ....
99 - espejoses
#98 Committed Sorry, I did not want to offend anyone, just that there are many people who think of the huddy shippers in that mode. Perhaps not well expressed, and again I apologize but I am Spanish and speak in English does not always go as I wanted. You have said that whenever you think that Cuddy was a stop on the road for House and if he chose to stay or not a story to tell. "I do not disagree with that, but, following your anologia of the road, it was not just a stop to it, but a constant in that their highway. A constant that has not been a walk in the park and yet there was. And so that leads me to believe there could House continued his search in the road of her life but her.
100 - exfan
According to Yaitanes latest interview, they knew they had to split house and cuddy up as soon as they got them together. `i think the whole relationship was written in as a way to get house back on vicodine and prostitutes.
Their relationship felt very superficial. too bad. 20 yrs. for this??
101 - andree c
Folks, I agree with so many of you and disagree with an equal amount as well. Here's my take, bullet-styled:
1. House and Cuddy will be back together -- eventually.
The writers enjoy the angst. As much as GY and DS love to jerk us around, these guys are just as much into the romantic angst as anyone. It makes for good drama and the tortured soul they see in themselves (likely these powers that be just are a little immature to recognize they need to man up now and then and stop making the women out to be the heavies in the drama).
2. House needs to fix himself before being worth any woman's time. Remember Stacey saying how alone she felt when she was with House? She left House for a reason. The tortured soul business gets old after a while and either the guy evolves, resolves to mend himself or ends up alone. House ended up alone. Enter Dr. Nolan who explained House had the control to make himself better and he deserves to be happy but not at others expense. House's behaviors after the breakup prove some important facts. He is dead inside without Cuddy. She is what he wants, needs and choses. She rejected him and he goes off the deep end hoping to feel something inside (drugs, booze, prostitutes). I saw the plunge off the balcony as House finding himself still capable of feeling something even if it took risk and danger to feel it. I do appreciate Cuddy's guilt for the realization that she did expect House to change just enough to make it work and when it became too disappointing, he became work, not happiness. The only way these two come back together is for House to fix himself before she can take the chance to be with him. I do hope to see her help him fix himself but not while they are together. I wish some of the anti-Cuddy readers here would realize she is a human (character) too and has her own doubts and fears. The best thing she does for House is refuses to enable his self-destructive ways which is why he respects and trusts her and will always chose her. I think in the long run, the break up is a wake up call for House.
3. Cuddy is RIGHT TO DUMP HOUSE. She gave him several warnings that things weren't satisfactory. Him always screwing with her as foreplay is acceptable. Not showing up when she needs him is not acceptable. Dying changes everything. Almost dying changes nothing. Cuddy almost dying gave her the chance to see House won't change as things are. That told her she either accepted it or rejected it. I respect Cuddy's character for leaving House because he simply isn't open to others needs. She needed him, she really had every right to expect him to step it up. After a while, she had had enough and realized it wasn't what she deserved. I respect someone who draws the line in the sand and refuses to cross it. Wasn't it House who told her not to make threats she can't live up to? Well, this time she did it right. And it was House who crumbled. Wasn't that what House saw in Cuddy? She doesn't let him slide. She holds him up to a certain standard and he knows it, craves it and respects it. I am worried about the wedding promo. I also wondered if this is House being a jerk or just the opposite. What if House is pulling this wedding mess just to help Cuddy end her guilt trip? Help her move on without him since he's incapable of being what she deserves? That would be the ultimate proof he puts her first. Mean on the surface but deeply romantic underneath. Sounds like House. Then again, he could be just lashing out at her. Who knows anymore.
4. Lastly, Barbara, thank you for this R&R blog site. I'm pleased to see others opinions and I'm hopeful that your insightful reviews stir up so much comment. What a fun job you have. Keep up the sterling job you do!
102 - ruthinor
Andree c: Enjoyed your post. Hope you're right, but I don't hold out as much hope for these writers as you do!
103 - Committed
#99 espejoses - You did not offend me, not at all. I was agreeing with you. Sometimes I do feel that if you are a fan of the couple you are labeled a hysterical teenager. I'm middle aged, far from a teenager. I see this House character as a very complicated, troubled, but loveable guy. He is an ass sometimes yes but he does have the ability to love and he does love Cuddy, always has. We shall see what happens with them. I hope they are a constant, I really do.
104 - asdlfkj
Jumped. The. Shark.
105 - fatOlady
Where is the open thread for tonight?
106 - Barbara barnett
Will be posted after the west coast airinG
107 - Donna Anderson
I seem to have a completely different opinion than anyone else. I never thought House and Cuddy should have gotten together to begin with. I thought the whole relationship smacked of nothing more than a romantic hook to keep viewers watching. Cuddy is a strong, intelligent, self-supporting woman who is also beautiful and could have any man she wanted. So why in the world would she fall for someone as damaged, irresponsible, weak, and manipulative as House? In real life, to me, this relationship never made any sense. House, even though he was clean at the beginning of their relationship, has abused his body for far too long. There is no way he could possibly be good enough in bed to make up for all the disrespectful crap he heaps on Cuddy. She deserves so much better.
108 - Nickel
Everyone who thinks that Cuddy "had every right to leave House" really needs to remember when she "joined" him. She pounced on him at his absolute lowest moment of his life. He had said goodbye to her in Help Me, but with the death of his patient Hannah he feared he had lost the only thing that he ever truly knew he could count on....his medical ability. So out of the kindness of her heart Cuddy swooped down on him like a vulture (knowing that she could control him like this) and then just when he once again hit the same level of emotional trauma she swooped down on him again and broke his heart. Looked to me more like she was angry that he made a decision on his own (without her approval) to deal with the possible loss of her with the vicodin. Gotta love controlling women....they smell like pus.