According to a FOX press release, the post-Super Bowl episode of House was “the show’s highest rated episode ever across all demos and the highest rated on any network in two years among Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers. Additionally, the episode was FOX’s highest rated scripted series telecast in over 10 years in Adults 18-49 as well as in 11 years in Total Viewers.” This comes as no surprise to me.
As a fan of this series, I expect House to dominate the ratings every week. I will defend the show from its detractors and will happily try to usher in new viewers who are unfamiliar with the character and intricacies of Dr. House. While “Frozen” was not the episode intended to air after the football frenzy prior to the writers’ strike, it was chock full of all of the elements that make House special – a compelling medical drama combined with amusing bits of comedy; a number of subtle psychological glimpses into the depths of its main character; plenty of visuals of blood, guts, needles, and internal organs to make the hardiest of viewers squirm; an engaging script; and, of course, brilliant acting by Hugh Laurie.
The patient of the week, Cate, was played by special guest star Mira Sorvino. Cate is a psychiatrist stationed at a drilling station at the South Pole. From the beginning, we see that she is something of a medical genius herself. We first see her coming to the rescue of one of the mechanics at the pole who had lacerated his femoral artery in a freak accident. Exhibiting House-like ingenuity, she uses glue to stop the bleeding, before succumbing to some illness of her own that renders her immobile and in need of the brilliant diagnostic skills of Dr. House. Unfortunately for her, she cannot be moved from the South Pole, and has to be treated via webcam.
House is presented with Cate’s case while he is preoccupied with the restoration of cable in patients’ rooms, not for the patients’ sake but for his own viewing pleasure. The hospital cut cable as an expense, so he sends his team away to pressure Cameron, a member of the budget committee, to bring it back. That leaves House and Foreman to diagnose and treat the patient.
Article comments
1 - Billy-Ace Baker
I am a fan of House and I am also a member of the Old Antarctic Explorers Association (OAEA)and we have 1300 members. Many of us watched the episode of House because of our own Antarctic Experience. Many of us are also in our 60, 70s, and 80s. Interesting to note that the Weather Channel is airing reruns this week of the real South Pole doctors breast cabcer illness that required consultation by satellite and the plumber who assisted with her breast biopsy.
2 - Susanne
I loved "Frozen" main reason was less sights of the newbies. I loved Cate in this episode but don't think she should return..there has been rumors on it through but house has too many love interests on ths show already and there is way too many people on the show already. I really don't want to see a sappy soap opera I have had enough of that sort of stuff already. She seems to be a forgettable character though because she seemed too perfect. I feel very bad for house though.