It’s a typical day in the life of Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein), Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital’s dean of medicine and chief administrator on House, M.D. Up at 5:00 a.m., she starts her morning yoga routine, only to be interrupted by the screams of her baby Rachel, who is apparently sick. It is a mere harbinger of her day to come.
Running later and later, Lucas comes into the house after a nighttime stakeout with House (they must’ve made up since “Moving the Chains”). Lucas convinces Cuddy to be late in order to indulge in a “quickie.” And, yes, I do mean that in the literal sense of the word. Cuddy goes off to work sexually frustrated, but Lucas’ may have another agenda—a bet with House with fifty dollars at stake.
But Monday’s episode of House was a peek behind the scenes at Princeton-Plainsboro, a place where Cuddy lives between the usual lines of script and in between the goings on in the hospital’s diagnostics department. This day, like all days, Cuddy must deal with House and his innovative yet high risk medical practice—like trying to diagnose a patient by giving him malaria. Defending herself against charges of favoritism of House, Cuddy must also fend off the chief of surgery, upset because Chase has left his service to go back to work in diagnostics. (And, he argues, after he only gave the job to Chase as a favor to Cuddy). But these are the least of her problems.
By the opening of “5 to 9,” Princeton-Plainsboro is in the end-stage of negotiations with a major insurance company over reimbursements. Being dealt what she believes is an unfair “final offer” from the insurance carrier, Cuddy has decided to play hardball with the corporate negotiator. Not believing that Cuddy is tough enough, the (rather sexist) negotiator refuses to deal, but he is wrong as Cuddy threatens to terminate their contract entirely—a game of brinkmanship of which she’s not entirely confident.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - kat
I am so sorry for your loss.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Thanks for a great review too.
2 - Nat
Yes, sorry for your loss. the review was more than fine. grabbed every detail necessary.
3 - Jacquelyn
Barbara, my deepest condolences. I look forward to your column ever week almost as much as the episode, and love your writing style and thoughtful observations. I'm very sorry for your loss.
4 - 60 plus
Barbara,
Thanks for even thinking of doing this in the midst of such sadness--and, as usual, doing it so well. Your mother not only gave you the gift of and passion for writing, through you she gifted all of us who share the fruits of that gift.
You have my heartfelt sympathy.
5 - PH
Our deepest condolences Barbara.
6 - Belle
Barbara - my very deepest condolences. Having also lost my mother very recently I sympathise with your pain and saddness at this time. Thankyou for your professionalism and grace in completeing this review in such a difficult time for you. Take care of yourself. Belle.
7 - Meena
Barbara, I want to extend my deepest condolences. There are no words, really.
8 - Ruvy
Barbara,
I rarely ever look at these reviews - "House" is a meaningless TV show to me. But those who do read them testify to your professionalism as a writer.
I caught the part in the comments section about your loss and wanted you to know that a good mother leaves good children to follow in her footsteps - as you evidently do.
May you hear no more bad news, and may G-d console all the mourners of Israel.
9 - Jo (housian daze)
Barbara,
I really appreciate you writing this column at this difficult time. I lost my own Ma only a few months ago.
I wish you long life.
x
10 - Grace
So very sorry, Barbara. Somehow I don't feel like discussing Cuddy right now. :(
11 - shel
Sorry for your loss, and thank you for this review of a brilliant episode
12 - Sue
My deepest condolence for your loss. It must be very difficult to concentrate on a medical show when you are in the midst of one yourself.
I wonder if at any point in your mother's illness you wondered where was her Dr. House? I know that several times over the years I have wondered this myself when relatives and friends were ill.
I hope that you will not read these comments until you are in a better stage.
Two small corrections: the episode is "5 to 9" and the drug that was pilfered was ephedrine, which is used for making meth.
Will we ever see Huarani's face?
Seeing Cuddy's daily routine makes me believe House would never fit in to her world. He is too complicated. Dealing with him is like walking on marbles-you never know the stability of the next step you take. He may be supportive and he may have her back, but she would have that whether or not she was in a relationship with him. What she needs is a more emotionally stable, more predictable man who will be supportive of her and will not complicate her life.
We actually saw a facial reaction from 13!
It will be interesting to see where they take this window into Cuddy's life. Will they take us down the road that will favor Huddy or Luddy?
Would anybody watch a day in the life of 13 or Taub? Nah!
I'd love to see a day in the life of House.
13 - Andree
Barbara,
sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathy. It is never easy.
Andree
14 - jules
I hope you are doing alright.
15 - Epiphany
Sincere condolences for your loss and my deepest sympathy.
16 - nc
Deepest sympathies for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
They always are with us, but inevitably they leave us too soon.
17 - Orange450
I am so sorry for your loss, Barbara. My thoughts are with you and your family.
18 - Debbie J
Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Excellent review, as always.
19 - Mally
Dear Barbara,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I lost my mom when I was 15 and I know what a difficult time it might be for you.
I hope you have plenty of memories to keep with you and still have her near to you forever.
my deepest sympathy.
thank you so much for putting up this review anyway. you're a real pro and I always love reading you.
much appreciation from a faithful reader!
20 - Heather
I am very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. A wonderful synopsis of the episode and I agree with what you said about the way that House and Cuddy relate to each other. It is very touching.
21 - Donna
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
22 - pao31
Barbara, from reading your insightful columns, I feel as if I know you and were so saddened by the loss of your mother. She must have been quite a role model to have produced such a strong, talented daughter. My sympathy is with you.
23 - DJ
I lost my mom 2 years ago as well. I hope you are well. Thank you for still writing.
24 - Ruth
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
25 - Celia
May you be surrounded by the love of family and friends to comfort you at this time of harsh grace.
Our Mothers are engrained in our very DNA and never really leave us. They are always that 'wise voice in your head' when you need them. Take care.