The pivotal set piece (and one of the funniest) in the episode takes place at Cuddy’s birthday celebration. Arlene does her best to antagonize Cuddy (not so much House), but when she pushes one particular button, it’s one too far. I love that House had really tried to play nice (sort of), but feels he has to step in when he perceives that Cuddy’s really under attack. But before he gets a chance to get a snark into the conversation, Arlene—and Wilson are knocked out, victims of House’s slipped Mickey.
Although House’s solution to silencing Arlene is underhanded (and oh-so-Housian), it has its own sweetness. It buys House and Cuddy a little domestic downtime together: washing up the dishes and sitting together on the sofa. I really like House’s birthday present to Cuddy—a ribbon-wrapped bottle of more sedative. It’s a funny, lighthearted gift that demonstrates undoubtedly how much House cares for Cuddy. And in the end, Arlene sees that as well. Showing herself as neither as intimidating nor as much of a dragon as she suggests at first, Arlene wisely acknowledges that no matter what she personally thinks of House, she understands that he loves her daughter. I love that Sara Hess (the episode’s writer) stepped back from complete stereotype to make Arlene more reasonable—and real—than she appears at first.
I really enjoyed the interplay between Cuddy and House, and between House and Wilson. We do not need to see House and Cuddy snogging and pawing each other to know they care about each other. They have quibbles with each other, and even snipe a bit. But that’s pretty real. And I really like how the series writers are exploring this latest challenge to House on his quest to “not be miserable.”
Each season House faces new challenges and obstacles on his journey. In season one it was simply interacting with people outside his immediate circle; in season two, it was dealing with the reappearance of someone who he deeply resents—and just as deeply loves. Season three House grappled with the failure of the Ketamine treatment (and getting shot at the end of season two), and in season four, he learned how to adjust to a new set of fellows. Season five saw House dealing with multiple losses—other emotional traumas, while in season six he struggled with learning to live a life free of narcotic painkillers.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Housecall
Loved your article- especially your "summations" of the challenges [H} has overcome and still battling with through the 7 Seasons of this remarkable show.
I would like to speak to the "Caricaturization" (if there is such a word) of Arlene Cuddy as the OTT Jewish Stero-typical mom.
Like you, I am and have known countless Jewish mothers in my lifetime and yes, I have known MANY Arlene Cuddy's or close facsimile's thereof in my lifetime...Arlene's up there with the best of them.
Making a caricature of a caricature causes for great comedic moments and while she does seem more similar to Rhoda's mom, as you referenced, she also brings parallels of "The Odd Couple", "Plaza Suite" and many other Neil Simon comedies to my mind. it's this very "over The Top" that becomes so hilarious.
I even found Hugh Laurie's and Candice bergen's hard fought Yiddish pronunciations too hysterical for words. They sounded so "theatrical" to me and that made them all the funnier. I am not nervous or afraid that anyone would take Arlene Cuddy as a serious representation of what a modern day Jewish mother is like still.. what's so terrible? (said with typical Jewish accent there :)
She loves her daughter. is fiercely protective, Cares what her grand daughter eats and wanted to check out the new BF. She only wants what is best for her daughter and grand daughter and any means necessary....
In the end, it seems clear that Arlene has many more wonderful qualities than bad ones- at least to my mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. The House/Cuddy/Wison/Arlene scenes were all classic "House" as was the ending with House sitting on his couch watching "The Housewives of New Jersey".
Huge smile:)
2 - Orange450
How I missed your reviews, Barbara! Now I know that House is really back - because you're back on the beat. What a relief :)
I'd forgotten how wonderful the show is - in every respect. Sara Hess delivered a phenomenal script, and everyone was at the very top of their game.
Add me to the list of those who've had and are Jewish mothers. Candice Bergen is simply wonderful - what perfect timing she has, and how well she inhabited her persona! I watched with my mouth wide open in disbelief as she dropped one "Jewish mother" bomb after another. But even my own Jewish mother, (may she rest in peace) who was nothing if not completely outspoken, would save the worst (best?) of her comments for after my boyfriends had left for the evening. Oy, did I get earfulls :) I'm more of the modern kind. Sometimes my kids even ask for my advice ;)
I can empathize with House over his quest for some space. Everyone needs some, and he needs more than many. No easy task to go from being the consummate loner to being the loving/supportive boyfriend of a woman with a young child. It would be a positive sign if he were able to fulfill his need without subterfuge, but hey - baby steps are good, as long as they go in the right direction.
3 - HouseMDFan
Loved the episode. It was incredibly funny, and the dinner scene was one of the best things ever. (It's also good to know that HL couldn't keep a straight face either, according to Sara Hess. XD)
Beautiful performances all around, HL, LE, CB, RSL, PJ... just great.
Re Arlene: Wonderful. I think the three scenes we got and CB's performance made sense in giving her a personality beyond simple cliché, and I was absolutely expecting that she would push extra hard during the dinner scene to test House.
As for Taub: I don't think that he ran away from the felt thread of "the other guy", I rather think that he finally realized what a coward he was being. Trying to keep a marriage going without actually committing to it, hurting his wife in the process. Rather similar to the patient, but unlike him, Taub had the guts to do something about it in the end, and after getting a nice talk from Masters.
Loved the intimacy of the House/Cuddy couch scene (which by the way wasn't after the dishwashing, but a whole day later) as well as House's need for alone-time. I like to see that he is still a loner and does enjoy being on his own sometimes.
4 - barbara barnett
Jewish mothers are a particular breed. Mine (may she rest in peace) saved her best words about me for her friends and my colleagues. To me she was hypercritical (tho never quite so over the top). I loved Arlene. I thought she was funny as hell. And was a great push back for House.
I'm not like that (and, like you guys) of a different generation. Glad you liked the review.
5 - ak
tbh, I was disappointed in how cold House treated Wilson. As funny as it was, it was kind of a dick move for him to drug wilson since he didn't even do anything. Last season when House drugged him, he caught his head before it hit the table and set it down gently, but this time he just let it slam into the table. It shows how much their relationship has changed this season compared to the previous seasons, and I dont like it
6 - barbara barnett
They certainly screw with each other. I think House was anticipating Wilson ganging up on him with Arlene--self preservation: House style.
I don't think their relationship has changed. House has been trying to be there for Wilson and felt bad when Cuddy's birthday thing interfered...
7 - ak
Yeah, but he didn't want to go, he would have rather stayed home than going with Wilson, even though wilson said that he had had the tickets for months.
and he wasn't being very nice complaining about Wilson's "whining". last season he was ready to kill Sam if she hurt Wilson again, and she did, now he's complaining about his whining
8 - HouseMDFan
@ak - I don't think House was that cold, he had obviously been spending a lot of time with Wilson after his break-up. We also know that he has his special kind of caring - just look at season 2, where he made Wilson do the dishes etc. and almost threw him out after his divorce, because Wilson was just as morose and "mopey" then as he seemed to be now, according to House's words. Also, he apologized, honestly thinking Wilson would be worse during dinner.
In addition, there might be a small off-screen reason for not catching Wilson's head: according to Sara Hess, Hugh Laurie had to leave that particular shoot, because they would never have made it through it otherwise. *g*
Barbara: House didn't feel bad when Cuddy's birthday interfered with his Wilson time - he was trying to get out of his "movie date" with Wilson, too.
9 - Zay
Yay! Barbara's back! A much-needed return to routine; this hiatus drove me half-crazy.
This episode was equal parts fun and serious and I really liked that; a nice return to form. Plus, as a kid, I watched the Scooby Doo live-action movies, so was supremely thrilled to recognize Matthew Lillard as POTW.
As everyone stated above, Arlene was hilarious and I enjoyed her scenes with House. Cuddy's mortification at her mother was really cute; LE did a nice job with all the facial expressions, not overbearing but still hilarious.
I was intrigued by Taub's paint-throwing at the end of the episode. A self-loathing, grimly humorous move on his part; I think he's finally realized his guilt and grown up a little bit. I like that; I'd wondered for ages why Rachel stuck around if she knew she was going to be disappointed. Both Jennifer Crystal Foley and Peter Jacobson portrayed the dissonance really well - the way she had to resort to excessive physical intimacy just to let her steam out and keep her marriage going. I wonder if they will follow through on that divorce - if Taub will ever be even close to life-size.
Random: That addition to Taub's ad that House drew, with the Hitler moustache and hair, was absolutely priceless. And even slightly accurate!
I agree with the people above though - I'm a little disconcerted by the lack of air time RSL gets these days. & I was surprised House hasn't egged Sam's car or anything; as someone above said, he had threatened Sam before if she'd hurt Wilson and not only has he not done anything about Sam (which, with his track record, he would do) he has been kinda off with Wilson too. I get the need for space, but I'm missing the development and warmth (however dysfunctional) that relationship used to have, even in Season 6. RSL is brilliant; he should be used more. While Taub's story was interesting and all, I would've traded it in for House/Wilson friendship scenes in a heartbeat. -sigh-
Anyway - those are my two cents. Lovely epi. Lovely review. Lovely comments as well - I always love reading those.
10 - barbara barnett
HouseMD Fan--you are right of course...but I did *sense* a bit of remorse ...
11 - ak
Thank you Zay, that's what I was trying to say (on house/wilson) I really miss their scenes together :(
It's only been one episode since Sam broke up with Wilson so *maybe* House will do something about it, but I highly doubt it, he's too wrapped up in Cuddy right now
12 - BeeJ
YAY, HOUSE IS BACK...Barbara's Reviews are BACK!!! Lol...I just wanted to shout that! 2 months was ridic! Fox needs to change it's schedule for next year...2 months w/o House and Bones makes me shake.
Having got all that out...I really liked this episode. I loved the feel of it, the aesthetic, camera work was just exquisite. I don't recall the director (too lazy to look up haha) but loved how he filmed it. The scenes where Taub was driving in his car were beautiful and raw. The dinner scene was shot beautifully as well. Haha, I'm sorry I'm really dwelling on the film-making of this episode, but it was really different...kind of reminded me of "Help Me." Just a lot of amazing angles and color filters. Just a wonderful and calm energy throughout, nothing seemed forced.
Great performances all around by everyone. Wilson's facial expressions throughout the dinner are too funny lol. The House/Cuddy couch scene was so comfortable and after a rocky (rather awkward) start to their relationship, they are a way believable couple to me at this point and super cute. I hope the writers aren't setting us up for something devastating here *wink* lol.
Okay, I rambling! Loved the epi, loved Candice Bergen, Loved the directing/editing. My favorite episode since "Help Me" and "Now What?" Can't wait til next Monday.
13 - bigHousefan
***I hugely respect those who do not want to read spoilers, (I try hard not to either,I stumbled onto this one) so be aware I've made mention below of a recent David Shore comment that could be defined as such :}
I loved the episode (I can't think of many I haven't) and even though in Small Sacrifices House promises Cuddy that he wouldn't lie to her again, he's back to predictibly lying and manipulating Cuddy and Wilson. That they anticipate and forgive this is their way of loving him for who he is.
I loved the fabulously funny scenes of House/Cuddy/Arlene. I sense from David Shore's recent comments that we (the audience) should not bet on this relationship lasting, unfortunately. I just wonder how the writers will manage to sell us on the idea that House lived with Stacy for 5 years until her decision to (save his life?) remove the dead muscle tissue crippled him and consequently caused House to resent Stacy. But he is unable to remain a couple with Cuddy who it seems he's shared a much deeper, and trust-based long devoted friendship. Cameron asked Stacy what House was like before his surgery and Stacy answered 'pretty much the same'. Granted, there was no child involved. I would love to see House and Cuddy remain a couple, even if marriage isn't something House can do.
14 - DebbieJ.
Way to go, Barbara, for putting a positive spin on this well written, well peformed episode ;)
Regarding House revenging against Sam for hurting Wilson. We should remember that a lot of time has passed in canon since we last saw the good folks of PPTH. And we've only seen one episode so far. Something could have been said/done by House that we haven't been privy to yet. Or, it still could happen in a future episode.
It is such a joy to watch this show with 2 of my adult children, who like it almost as much as I do. We laughed hysterically at the dinner scene. And I am so thrilled to read above that Hugh Laurie himself was having a hard time keeping a straight face during the shooting of it. :)
I agree with Zay's (#9) assessment of Taub. I almost feel sorry for him. Almost! I'm interested to see what happens between him and Rachel. BTW, didn't Taub say they were married for 22 years, not 11? I could be mistaken but that's what I thought I heard.
It was fun to learn what the Yiddish words meant that House and Arlene used. (My daughter googled them as we were watching!)
And so glad that House got his time alone at the end just as he had imagined it, with The Real Housewives of NJ and all!
15 - Sera G
I second, third and fourth the Hurrah for Barbara!
Glad to have you back, Barbara and VERY glad for a new episode. BeeJ #12, you are so right Fox should rethink its scheduling.
I posted on the preview column, but can't resist chiming in.
I really, really loved this episode. I like how comfortable House and Cuddy can be with each other. As we discussed years ago, they have always had the give and take of a long time couple, now it is just official and you know that it is enjoyed by both. The dishwashing scene was beautifully done. The pleasure of being together, even doing a mundane task, was evident. Her smile was perfect.
The couch scene was delicious, too. I love how their bodies connect. Her comment of calling him a "sweet, sweet man" was too adorable; as she knows that he is not and yet the protectiveness and concern of his gift was sweet.
My take on the Wilson situation is that weeks (or at least a few) have passed since Wilson and Sam broke up. House has probably listened to more sad stories and "Why did she leave me?" than he would have tolerated in the past. Even sober and trying to change, he can only bear so much. House's response to pain and disappointment (as we know) has never been to talk about it. He stuffed it down and anesthetized it away.
I think the stereotypical Arlene was a bit of a facade. I think she wanted to see how far she could push House and even Cuddy. We don't know how much Cuddy told her mother about Greg House from Michigan over 20 years ago or how much she told her about what he put(s) her through at the hospital, etc. All Arlene knows is that her daughter broke up an engagement to be with this man. Any mother would set out with all her ammunition ready to do war.
I thought that it was terrific that she talked to House privately, acknowledged that he loves and cares for Lisa, but also let him know she would kill him if her hurt Cuddy. House had to respect her.
Now...spoilers and controversy;
Barbara and anyone who might know, TV Guide wrote that all of the cast has signed contracts for next year, but that no decision has been made by the networks. Any insight? Rumors? Thoughts? I guess I was caught off guard, since the show and HL/LE all won the People's Choice and that, as I mentioned, it is #3 with Facebook followers. It can't be a ploy to negotiate money, as the contracts are signed. I am not ready to say goodbye!
#13, bigHousefan, I don't read spoilers, and you did warn me, but I read yours. How in the world are they going to write an ending to this love? We have spent 6 years and 9 episodes watching it grow, stumble and settle, now we are to anticipate the end? If LE were leaving the show, (the hospital) maybe they could make it work, but what other rationale could they present. I hope DS is just trying to stir up talk. (Fingers crossed!) I think the fan response, as well as the critical response has been very positive to the relationship. It will be a hugh cheat if they 'take it back'.
16 - Janine
@Sera G
I wouldn't worry about the show being renewed. The contract with the network is up and they are negotiating money, the same is happening with Bones. I don't think however, that the cast has signed for next season yet though with the exception of HL who was already signed through season 8.
17 - bigHousefan
***I hugely respect those who do not want to read spoilers, (I try hard not to either,I stumbled onto this one) so be aware that I'm answering a post that made mention of a recent David Shore comment that could be defined as such :}
****Sera G*****
I agree with you 1000%!! It will break my heart if TPTB choose to go down that road. I can't understand the critics who are against a House/Cuddy romantic relationship. As you rightfully stated, the 6 years and 9 episodes invested would not otherwise make sense! Perhaps they will write more stumbling, that would be like House, but ultimately these are two characters who have been a couple for years IMO and seem undeniably devoted to one another given their incredible history. I'm happy to hear that the response to their relationship among fans and critics is mostly positive.
re: If LE were leaving the show, (the hospital) maybe they could make it work, but what other rationale could they present.
Little else would make any sense to me!
Fingers crossed here, too!
18 - Sera G
Hi, Janine, #16, I, too, thought the contracts were up in the air. LE said at the People's Choice that she wants to come back if invited, but nothing is being said yet. The latest TV Guide, with SuperBowl cover states that all actors, including HL, have signed on. (Of course, his contract already extended to year 8.) I guess we shall see. I know it is always a money game. I have seen it with Mariska Hargitay on Law & Order and some of the cast from CSI. I always worry about House being renewed until I read it for sure. :)
bigHousefan, #17, thanks and thanks back to you. It would break my heart, too. I have loved their dynamic since season 1, episode 1. Rarely do you see such well matched personalities, talents and natural chemistry. I think the people who are against the relationship, either didn't like the idea from the beginning, for whatever reason, or they like him as the miserable loner (which I completely do not understand) Don't get me wrong, that character was compelling, but I am ready for my 'friend' to be well. Another speculation on my part is that we are so conditioned to characters in the movies and on TV as not having long standing, commited relationships. The writers either contrive to break them up, over and over or they write out a love interest, fearing the audience won't respond without the sexual tension. I think we might be seeing something unique with House/Cuddy. At least, I hope so. I am enjoying this stage of House's journey. He is truly commited to making this work and last.
One last question, a few posters have stated some things that Sara Hess said. Where are you reading the comments? Thanks.
Looking forward to Monday! (Then another rerun!)
19 - ak
@ Sera G - Regarding the thing about the cast all signed on for next year, what exactly did it say? I just tried looking around online for anything about them signing on but I couldn't find anything
20 - Sera G
Hi,ak #19,
I am quoting from TV Guide, Jan.24-Feb.6 issue. (Super Bowl cover).
Written in the caption next to Hugh Laurie's photo (pg. 8):
"House's cast, including Hugh Laurie, has already signed on for next season."
The article then goes on to discuss that Fox has yet to make a deal to air House next year and that there is speculation that NBC will air the show (even though it is very expensive, $5 million per episode)
I don't know what it all means to House. All I know is that I hope there is some loyalty to a show that garnered a lot of respect for Fox as well as served as a big ratings grabber for several years, not to mention world wide fans and acclaim. But then, this is business and as we all know, there is not a lot of loyalty there.
That was my cynical rant for the evening.
21 - ak
Thank you! I was worried that Robert Sean Leonard wouldn't sign on for another season if there was going to be one, so that makes me happy that if there is a season 8, it won't be without Wilson :)
Oh and about the things Sara Hess said, I'm assuming it is from this video here.
22 - Sera G
ak #21, you are welcome and thank you for the link. I enjoyed the interview with Sara Hess.
*******Spoiler*********
It sounds like they are going to put more stumbling blocks in the way. Fine, reasonable, understandable, but please writers, don't feel you have to make things difficult every few episodes. They give us peaceful and 'happy' (Unwritten) and then make us suffer for 3 stories after that. House is complicated, difficult, unsure and basically selfish and immature; HOWEVER, it's time they let the man have moments of growth and to recognize that if you want to "not be miserable" you have to make sacrifices and think of others once in awhile. I think they showed that with Small Sacrifices and again with Larger Than Life.
I know that he is House and will always do things the Housian way, but then there is writing complications just for the sake of creating conflict and I feel that is manipulative. One thing this show can't be accused of is manipultive writing. I hope they don't go that route.
23 - Jane 2
Sorry folks spoilers ahoy**************************************
*******************************************************
Here is a link to a twitpic of the Tv Guide article. Personally I don't trust it. They don't specify who or what they mean by "House Cast" and they may be confused by the fact that HL already has a contract for season 8 in place.
I will be biting my my finger nails until I hear that LE and RSL are locked in.
24 - j.i.m.
Thanks Barbara for the summary of House’s struggles through seasons 1-7. And your parting paragraph was brilliant with insight. I especially like your increasingly editorial style.
House is back! :-) Emotionally, his poor face appears more pinched than ever as he continues to compromise for love. The important mini-moment when House characteristically acknowledged to Cuddy the truth of the enemy’s (Arlene’s) perspective, that Cuddy doesn’t communicate, was ‘telling’ even though it was glossed over or intentionally ‘unheard’ by Cuddy.
A simplified theory full of holes…
The show has reversed its focus as it seems to be making its return trip, covering the same ground but perched in the opposite direction on its journey home. BM (Before Mayfield), the back stories (patients) reflected House’s own demons which the patients proceeded to attempt overcoming while House remained grief-stricken in his inability to move. It left me begging for House to simply 'Do Something!' many times. AM (After Mayfield), the back stories pursue a replication of House’s vigorous attempts at a struggle. But where House achieves a tenuous and precarious ability to overcome, the patients fail. Or will House eventually fall short too (like Taub)?
In this last episode, a train is heading straight at House and Cuddy. He's able to save both their lives in the short term but he fails at a consistent family life. Is Cuddy expecting House to eventually integrate meaningfully into her family life? She does expect him to "average out her misery"! :-) I love it.
25 - hazel eyes
I love reading your take on the episode Barbara, so thanks for that. I am concerned about how TPTB will not even give a hint if Wilson will be around for the end of this season never mind next season, so I am starting to think, and I'm not on my own in this thought process, because other Wilson fans are feeling the same, that Wilson is about to crash and burn in a big way and RSL is going to be absent from a lot of episodes from Episode 15, because that is when GY said House the show is going to change and will never be the same again.
Just to also back up my claim is that the director that is directing the episode been filmed now, was answering questions and commenting about the cast members but would not comment or answer questions about RSL.