We're flies on the wall during an intense hour of House's psychotherapy in House, M.D.'s "Baggage."
Since his release last autumn, House (Hugh Laurie, in an understated and poignant performance) has continued his treatment between the lines and behind the scenes. But in this season’s penultimate episode House, M.D. episode “Baggage,” we get to be flies on the wall as psychiatrist Dr. Daryl Nolan (the brilliant Andre Braugher) picks at the tough scabs that scar House’s soul.…
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76 - sheryl
"House is right when he says whatever the answer is, Nolan doesn't have it."
I agree, Ted, and I like thinking about this moment with House and Nolan--and what we have here, which is House's decision to quit therapy. Why does he, exactly? Just before he makes his decision, Nolan has called House out on the Cuddy factor, which House of course dismissed. "It's just a gift!" he exclaims. But he goes on to say basically, "Do you think I got drunk about a woman I'm not even with, just because she's moving in with someone? That would be pathetic." It's that moment that causes the switch, and we've seen House (or others even) worried about being "pathetic" before. For instance, Lydia this season called herself pathetic in "Broken," for lugging her friend's instrument to the concert, in the hope she'd play. Last season's "Under My Skin" raised the issue through Amber's accusation (so House's mind) that he was "pathetic" to sneak a single pill from the bathroom floor while Cuddy left the room (again, in his mind). So part of his frustration, I think, and that leads to his saying Nolan has no answer for him, is this concern with appearing pathetic--with being so . . . what? desirous? in love? in need of someone else, whoever it is? that he's willing to get that worked up over it?
Again, I can't wait to see what will unfold on Monday--but I'm worried for sure.
One other quick note on the quality of the season. I think House started off as an inventive medical drama--a formula type of show--but has become more complex. It's a show that gives great payoff for close, consistent viewing. It's not unlike Lost in that regard, and that show, too, declined in ratings, once the storyline required a good deal of mental energy to enjoy . . . No complaints here. I'm enjoying every minute! Just happy to see a great ep like "Baggage," where House--and his actual feelings about things--can be shown, as Nolan, says, with the lights on.
77 - Michele1L
Janine - I have always wanted them to bring back Mira Sorvino! I thought House, with her, had mesmerizing chemistry. Unfortunately, the writer's strike interfered with any potential for that and I guess they just dropped it.
78 - Jackie
The last conversation with Dr. Nolan in "Baggage" is totally indicative of the House persona. He said to Lydia in "Broken" that he pushes people away when he is afraid. He's afraid that Dr. Nolan is getting too close to the truth about House's feelings regarding Cuddy, hence the hasty exit from therapy. Wilson and to a lesser extent, Cameron, know of his feelings towards Cuddy and at some point this must be seriously addressed by the writers already. At some point House and Cuddy are going to have to be on the same page. Either that or kill off Mark Warner and bring Stacy back!
79 - HouseFan
I finally watched all the episodes thus far and this is what I thought of Baggage:
Baggage as it pertains to House is his history. He's holding on to it and its stopping him from going forward and being the person he wants to become. He tells Nolan that his friends are waiting for him to mess up, they don't trust him - which again is due to his history - destructive behavior and one or both of them baby sitting him.