First and foremost, I must offer my congratulations to Hugh Laurie on his Screen Actors Guild Award for “best actor in a television drama series.” Laurie earns that award every episode, creating a deep, complex character who is both infuriating (and sometimes frustrating) and completely sympathetic. It’s a challenging role and Laurie makes it look so easy that it’s easy to overlook just how difficult it is to play. Surely the award from his peers (which I’m guessing Laurie values more highly — especially being his second — than any thus-far eluded Emmy award) recognized his achievements particularly in episodes like last season’s penultimate episode “House’s Head.”
I have to admit I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to “Big Baby.” We all know that House can be a petulant brat. And the occasion of Cameron taking over Cuddy’s day-to-day duties at the hospital (including babysitting House) would be a grand opportunity for this particular Gregory House to emerge. As House tells Cameron, vividly painting the peculiar scenario: “former student becomes the teacher…” and all of the humiliation that may bring. I’m not overly fond of House, the brat: he can be snide, mean, and even cruel with no good reason. With an episode title of “Big Baby,” I foresaw an episode of parallels between a screaming, out of control baby — and an over-the-top sullen and bratty House.
I was pleasantly surprised by this good, solid episode. I liked Cameron at first relishing the idea that she could control House by playing his game, but realizing that she actually could not. She knows how he thinks, and agrees with him and his unconventional take on medicine. How can she then say “no” when she knows he’s probably right (eventually), and that his path to the “right” answer is circuitous and bent at odd angles. Cuddy also knows House but she doesn’t really think like him, so she can distance herself from his more radical ideas, but can say “yes” when needed. As Cameron said towards the episode’s end, “I can’t say ‘no’ to him” after working for him for so long; another doctor would never be able to say “yes.” House would be frustrated — and he would not be able to do his job, which is not just practicing medicine, but also practicing an outside-the-box thinking that would elicit only a knee jerk “no” from anyone else. So, it’s got to be Cuddy. She can indeed say “no,” but also knows when to (even exasperatedly) say “do what you think is right” because she knows him.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - spicyride
Thanks Barbara.
I enjoyed this episode very much. I was on the edge of my seat watching it for some reason. Perhaps because I watched, for the first time (in a long time), unspoiled?
I thought it was very well balanced.
I really enjoyed the scene with House and Foreman. He lays it all out there to make it an easy decision... and then throws in the love thing.
But my favorite scene had to be with House, Cuddy and Rachel. I always love those quiet scenes when you know he's trying to figure something out. I love the way he looks at Cuddy while she explains her bond and then his reaction when she asks if he wants to hold her. It was very well done.
2 - norma632
Thanks a lot for your review, but I suppose that now House-s character is completely drained. I hope that incredibly talented (in fact genius) writer David Shore & Co must go further to create another deeper and more complicated character to continue this genius series without Hugh Laurie before TPBT will crush his soul in the Procrustean bed of the show.
3 - Ariel
This was by far one of the best episodes of the season, I loved House's scenes with Cameron. It's good to see there's still great chemistry between these two actors after barely had any contact this season except in The Itch. I'm also amazed how much Jennifer Morrison has grown as an actress, she nailed that scene in Cuddy's office with House and Kutner fighting over their diagnosis and House trying to guilt Cameron into letting him do a brain biopsy. Cameron did a great job in Cuddy's role, I wouldn't have minded having Cameron as House's boss for a while. But this is not who Cameron is, she knows how House thinks which was also addressed in The Itch, and she can't put barriers to House's methods if it means he'll be saving a patient.
I don't think Cuddy had a problem with Wilson telling House her doubts about motherhood, later in the episode she goes to Wilson and tells him that House might be right and she should dump the kid, she confesses she feels terrible and like a failure, I wonder if she wanted Wilson to tell House about this too, she shouldn't care about what House thinks of her as a mother, it was her decision to have the kid not House's. But I would have liked to see less of Cuddy dealing with her doubts about motherhood, I felt those scenes were disjointed and had nothing to do with the storyline, less is good.
I'm not looking forward to next week's episode, I loved my Cameron fix and I won't be getting any.
4 - Orange450
Barbara, thanks - as usual - for your great review. I thought it was a great episode; one of my favorites of the season. I loved the way the "love" theme was interwoven through all the subplots - love of teacher for students, love of students for teacher, awakening parental love, the romantic love developing between Foreman and 13. The PoTW was right - so many different kinds of love, plenty to go around, and each of them with a unique set of challenges.
I like S4 and S5 Cameron much better than I used to. I thought her rising to the occasion was believable - as opposed to other times that I felt that attempts at "growth" for her were jarring, or inconsistent. I thought she (and the writers) handled her conflict between playing House's game and admitting that she'll always give in to him quite realistically. JM's acting was delicate and subtle, and I bought was she was selling. I even enjoyed the rudeness she muttered to Cuddy under her breath in the OR! And I really liked it that Chase liked Cameron feeling her oats.
I felt for Cuddy, although I couldn't identify with her. I was fortunate enough to "insta-bond" when my oldest was born, and counted each precious day of a brief maternity leave like a pearl on a string, frazzle and all. I loved (and needed) my job, but there were no part-time options in my day, so it was all or nothing, and it was hard for me to go back. I heartily identified with her in the last scene though - heaving a heavy sigh as she left her baby crying in the arms of a clearly loving and competent nanny. I wanted to put my arms around her and assure her that things *will* get easier!
I absolutely agree with your take on the scene between House/Cuddy/Rachel. I loved it. It reminded me that House himself would probably make an excellent father, if he ever gave himself half a chance. I thought of the exchange between Harriet Vane and Peter Wimsey in "Busman's Honeymoon", where Peter asks Harriet what kind of a father she thinks he would make. She answers: "I know quite well. Casual, reluctant, apologetic and adorable". House to a T.
The teacher in me was so relieved that the PoTW still loved her students after she was cured! I was afraid of a NMMNG affect - when the PoTW showed signs of disliking what he had liked before.
I agree with spicyride - I also thought the episode was very well balanced. It was a pleasure to watch. Shabbat Shalom!
5 - Ariel
She offers him the baby, and, in a surprisingly tender moment, he takes her and holds her while Cuddy looks at the two of them, eyes glistening. She wants House to accept Rachel in her - and his - life. It’s a neat moment. Not overdone; not sentimental, but a bit of a sweet surrender from House. And something that leads House to his signature epiphany moment about the case.
You're right, this scene wasn't sentimental, and I'm glad for it, when Cuddy asked House if he wanted to hold her he rolled his eyes and mocked her if she thought they would bond, I didn't see House surrender to Rachel's in Cuddy's life, that scene was there to lead House to his epiphany otherwise made no sense after the way House talked to Cuddy in her office.
6 - Marianna
Always a pleasure to read your reviews Barbara :)
Only some little points:
-Am i the only one who loves Deran Sarafian's distinguishable directing style? i can tell that he is the director of an episode right from the first frame. Love it, just love it. The dark, lustress colors, the angles of the camera, everything.
-Am i the only one who literally yelled at the screen "UH-HUH YES IT IS!", when House said "is that cute?" about the baby barf and him holding the baby? Cuteness allover -especially because it wasn't forced and typical "baby cute".
-Ok, I don't want to be one of those people who whines and complains about "where the show is going" (i love the show right now), but, BUT, it IS true that 13's storyline is getting too big -and, too predictable, if i may add. Come ON, Foreteen love, babies, and now Foreman changing the meds? Too easy! I hope it's just an arc, and that we will soon go back to the usual, House-centric episodes.
-Robert Sean Leonard and Lisa Edelestein are pure gold -and their storylines expanding just as needed, never interfering too much with the major storyline (House is the centre! Always and forever).
Looking forward for the 100th :))
7 - le quartier latin
First I should say my comment will be Cuddy centric as I came to see this character in a different light after this episode. And I should also say that I don’t have kids yet, so take that into consideration.
In recent interviews Lisa Edelstein discussed how Cuddy is struggling with motherhood. Therefore, I knew it was coming, but I wasn’t sure how it would be carried out or how I’d feel about it. A part of me was a bit skeptical and worried that if not executed properly, I’d like Cuddy a bit less. After years of wanting a baby, trying in-vitro, adoptions, adoption falling through and the heartbreak, I didn’t want to see Cuddy simply say, “oops, this was a mistake.” I felt that a woman like Cuddy would have understood the implications of motherhood and I worried this storyline might end with her saying something cliché like, "I didn’t realize it would be this hard." I have no doubt that every mother rightly has that realization at some point or another, but it’s usually after hours upon hours of sleepless nights, feedings, changings, etc… This is television and time is limited, so giving that very detailed background isn’t really possible. I think it’s extremely difficult to say such a line without it coming off as something completely stereotypical and forced. Luckily no such line was used and I felt the writers really handled this story well. It was realistic. Whew!
Just the first scene, where Cuddy is seated in the rocking chair at the end of the long hallway, the lighting and lack of music, or any other noise for that matter, screamed isolation. Beautiful scene I thought. You could see how Cuddy feels so alone. She is handling everything by herself and has no one to share her joy or frustration. Small victories are trivial and her failures amplified in her own head when no one is there to be supportive. Like Barbara mentioned, Wilson’s kind words and reassurance every now and then are not enough. Cuddy is clearly overwhelmed and doesn’t really have someone to reassure her that babies take more than they give- as mentioned; they cry, eat and poop. I think there Cuddy may have been the most unprepared. She expected to instantly bond with the baby because that’s what women are told, but there’s no script and not all mothers bond at the same time or way. There’s no doubt Cuddy has chosen a difficult path, adopting, raising a child on her own, and having such a demanding job. There’s also no doubt she is a reflection of the modern woman, and as the modern woman, she’ll struggle with the rest of us in trying to balance it all and wondering if we can actually have it all.
How House confronts Cuddy was dead on. I felt he was House being objective as needed in a situation where Cuddy is clearly subjective. He wasn’t as rude as we’ve seen him. I think he curbed his little speech knowing this is something Cuddy is deeply struggling with. Wonder what the conversation where Wilson told House about his visit with Cuddy was like.
The scene with Cuddy on speaker made me feel very uncomfortable. Other than when she thought she was dying in Airborne, it was the most un-hinged we’d seen Cuddy. She had lost all control. I felt like I should turn away, felt like a voyeur watching a private breakdown that I think Cuddy would find embarrassing for anyone to witness. With the music and the scene building, I was actually nervous Cuddy was going to do something to the baby. It was that intense for me. The yelling and crying resulted in the connection Cuddy was looking for. Perhaps she had just been on autopilot making sure she was doing everything the way she was supposed to be, checking things off a list, but failing to actually emotionally breakdown and invest. I’ve been told being a mom is an emotional rollercoaster- can only imagine.
Nothing to say about the scene with Cuddy, House and Rachel- Barbara said it perfectly.
2 other quick comments as this has become much longer than I anticipated.
- I found it interesting that both Wilson and Cameron referred to Cuddy by her first name when they were concerned. Again, it emphasized the fact that Cuddy was really at her breaking point and clearly depressed.
- I think Lisa Edelstein did a fantastic job in allowing such a range of emotions surface. I always thought she was a good actress and makes the absolute most of every scene, but after House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart and season 5 I really think she needs some recognition. Hugh Laurie has always had the ability to allow so many emotions wash over his face without the need for words, but lately, I think she’s matched his brilliance in so many of her scenes.
Okay lastly- Barbara, this was my first post, though I read all of your House articles. I look forward to them and enjoy how thought-provoking they are. Thank you!
8 - londonbridge
"In the end, I think whether Cameron had quit or not, Cuddy would have run screaming from her own home for the refuge and relative quiet (and adult interaction) of the hospital."
Do you mean the "adult" interactions she has with House while at work? Because those have been far from mature for most of the show's run.
"Wilson’s supportiveness is sweet, but not enough. (Hey, never mind that the big yenta couldn’t keep Cuddy’s profound doubts and depression a secret from House. Something, by the way, I think House would have kept quiet about.)"
Cuddy was fine with Wilson doing that; so fine that she went back to Wilson to talk to him again. Cuddy knows Wilson well, and I bet she knew Wilson was going to tell House. She was playing him.
I didn't think this was one of the stronger S5 episodes. You left out the focus on Thirteen and Foreman, Foreman's wonderful talk with Chase, and House's great talk with Foreman.
As for Cuddy's "glistening" eyes, I think you're reading far more into that than what was intended.
9 - Debbie
A few comments:
*Thank for Barbara for an excellent review, as always. I too can relate to Cuddy's emotional state and am thrilled that the writers made her emotions of newfound motherhood very real. Her feelings didn’t make her a bad person or a bad mother, just a real one.
*I loved how "the moment" was typical Housian; the bonding moment between Cuddy, Rachel and House. Very touching and tender but not over the top sweet and adorable. I wouldn't expect anything else from these characters.
*From what I've read on other forums, I may be in the minority, but I do not mind the Foreman/Thirteen storyline. I find myself looking forward to what happens next. In fact I like the new team. I enjoy getting to know them and they each bring something to the show (I love how Kutner takes everything so literal and how that sometimes gets him in trouble!) Of course, I miss the old team. But I am still under the belief that last year's writers strike was the reason for the lopsided new team/old team air time. I believe it would have been more balanced had we had a full season.
*I loved Cameron last night. I loved how she was always one step ahead of House each time he requested a crazy test. I loved that she admitted to Cuddy that House was always in her head and that being the reason she couldn’t continue with the position. It showed growth but consistency to the character.
*Hats off to Hugh for his SAG win. Very well deserved, indeed. And what a treat for us fans to get to hear yet another exceptional acceptance speech. He gives the best! And if I may indulge in a fangirl moment, I thought the cast looked stunning on the red carpet, especially Jennifer Morrison. She looked gorgeous!
10 - j.i.m.
Hello Barbara and fellow House lovers,
I enjoyed House's return to relative maturity in "Big Baby". He was actually really sweet to Cameron. From House's perspective, she is the second best choice, after Cuddy, for a boss.
Did the ice bath for the patient have any relation to House's childhood trauma? ("One Day, One Room") I couldn't draw any obvious connections other than the fact that House misunderstood his patient as his father misunderstood him. The patient truly loves her unusual children and feels at home with them as Cuddy truly loves House. Cuddy calls House "cold" when she is talking to Wilson. Does she feel that House has frozen her out since "Let Them Eat Cake" and "Joy to the World"? It is amazing how Cuddy keeps coming back for more from the seemingly cold House, as she does in the 'baby puke' scene (ignoring his command for her to leave).
I like how House seems to be signaling to us his inner thoughts of Cuddy by the act of regarding the, now healed, mosquito bite site on the back of his hand. The bite that he worried into a wound in "Itch" is gone but he is still contemplating his recent emotional involvement with Cuddy and his subsequent decision to not get involved. It is a simple and subtle way to remind us of that thread.
This signaling occurred when he took a beat in the middle of his dialog to regard his healed hand when he was talking to Cuddy in her office about giving back the baby. House said, "He was worried, it was a bad choice". Nominally he was referring to Wilson, but, as always, several things are going on at once. The "bad choice" dialog coincides with his surveying the back of his hand. Was the kiss a bad choice ("Joy") or the boob grab a bad choice("Let Them Eat Cake")?
I enjoyed House's mature advice to Foreman about 13 as well. While House is giving this advice, he again signals his contemplation of and preoccupation with Cuddy and their own possible future together by worrying at the underside of his hand in the same fashion that he had scratched at his mosquito bite in "Itch".
I also loved the dialog when Foreman and Chase were talking at each other in the cafeteria. Since we so rarely see Chase, I'm glad the writers are creating clever material for him.
The next episode promises to be a doozy! Till then.
11 - Mrs Jane
Barbara, your article lacks comment on one very important scene and one refreshing scene.
The refreshing one being Foreman and Chase in the cafeteria - reminded me of the great chemistry the old team had.
The important scene you seem to have missed is House's "If you love her,then you'd do stupid things." - I was vry much surprised to hear House throw in a line like that after the usual House-ian reasoning about what Foreman should(not) do. It is a clear sign of the new winds in S5 and I think that's what bothered norma632 (the second comment to your article). After 4+ years of misery, it is time for House to accept some novelty (a certain optimism, that is), although it does seem to me TPTB are moving a bit too fast with it.
12 - Mrs Jane
Ooops, seems j.i.m. covered it all before me. J.i.m. I agree with you to the point!
13 - Luisa Borges
Barbara, your review was on my top want list for this week. Really great insights.
I really love season 5. To me each of House´s seasons have given me reason´s to like them. Season 1 was love at first sight, with its many insights into House´s M.O. and psyche; Season 2 House and Stacy, further info on how he was like, Cuddy started coming forward; Season 3, House´s pain, his addiction, the issues with the team; Season 4, his relationship with Wilson, his power play with Cuddy, the last two episodes; Season 5, discussion of bonds, love (not just in House´s life but in other characters as well), what it all means, loneliness, pain, trying to connect with people and the fear behind doing so, and, last but not least, House and Cuddy, discussion and play into that relationship was a long time overdue.
Sure I´m over simplifying things but among several issues I love about each season the ones above kind of stand out to me.
So, with this lengthy intro I say that I really liked “Big Baby”. Loves seeing a new side to House´s bickering skills, his play with Cameron was great to watch. I was wondering how he would get the best of her and the fact that he didn´t override her was a pleasant surprise. In the end her respect and admiration for him, and the way she goes about this feelings, are what got the best of her. No doubt Cuddy feels those two, but in her more at ease and “equal” relationship with House she feels more at ease expressing discontent and diverting opinions.
Cuddy deserves a paragraph of her own. What an amazing episode for Lisa Edelstein, she really showed the real and raw emotions that play behind motherhood. The guilt over doing the wrong thing, the guilt over doing the right thing, the mourning for the lost life, the inability to read each and every baby coo (cam on not all Mom´s are horse whisperers). It was real, and real to lots of Mother´s that´s for sure (no, I´m not one yet but have seen my big sis go through just that).
I liked Wilson´s attempts to comfort her and get her to think, he was sweet, until he spilled her issues that is. I´m kidding. But not much. And I agree that House would never have done that to her. But in the end I liked that House knew.
House´s tough love approach to her was harsh, but also was what got her thinking. Cuddy never takes anything House says lightly and I like that. It shows her respect for him and her respect for how much she knows he knows her. It´s like they each know that they can push the others buttons and survive it because they know the feelings they share are strong.
I also loved House´s love talk with Foreman. It showed his rationale, that love justifies it all, even doing something crazy, risky and extreme. It shows again his romantic side and also explains his view on love in the most ample manner, love for what you do, as well as love for someone.
There could be more to talk about but I know I have already written something way too long, so I´ll leave it at that, this is what sticks out to me anyway. The main reasons I like “Big Baby”.
And, last but most definitely not least, congratulations to Hugh on his SAG Win. What a great night to watch, to be perfect House should have won Ensemble also (but just the nomination was a grand event). His speech was the highlight of the evening for me. He is such a great guy and a superb actor.
14 - Luisa Borges
Hi, j.i.m., loved your commets.
And one last thing. I adored the scene with House, Cuddy and Rachel, I´m with you Barbara 100% on your take on that.
Also the baby puke was some funny unexpected payback for House´s antics in "Joy". And his reaction was so cool, no big fuss about it.
15 - Val
Another great review Barbara and another pack full of wonderful comments! I really don't have much to add anything more than what's been covered regarding (Cam vs House, 14, new team, Wilson, Huddy moment)!
I don't have kids yet so I can't say I know exactly what it feels like to bond or not bond with one's child, but I know that the instant my 3 1/2 year old niece came running to greet me and hug me like she never had on previous visits was a feeling I'll never forget. Lisa E was superb. Even though I didn't know what it felt like, I felt for her. She should be right in there with Hugh for a nom at this years Emmys.
To get my two bits in...
--House's conversation with Foreman really hit me for a couple reason's: 1). after going to everyone Foreman saves House for last and eventually goes with his opinion. It was oddly similar to "One Day,One Room" (an episode that many don't seem to like, but I did) when House went around asking everyone what he should do about the rape victim. 2). His last minute response to Foreman. A pre-"House's Head/Wilson's Heart"-Greg House would not have conveyed those last thoughts on love to Foreman, at least out loud. The accident and it's aftermath appears to have had a profound effect (and continues to do so) on House; I think his reveals are coming at a good pace and I throughly enjoy it!
--A thought regarding the beautifully simple scene btwn House/Cuddy/Rachel: I think that scene is essential. We know that Cuddy and House have a great amount of respect for each other professionally and personally; however, the baby/mother issue is quite a personal thing for them...it has been something between them since S2. Wilson didn't get involved until S5 (even though he was once considered as a sperm donor)and House was obviously hurt by that. On House's side his actions have shown that he respected her decision (i.e. helping her with the injections, keeping her desire a secret from his staff and BFF Wilson, etc), and on Cuddy's side we've seen that his words do affect her (S3 "Finding Judas" her tearful admission to Wilson and S5 "Joy" the prelude to the beautiful kiss as he basically takes back the FJ comment and says she'd be a great mom. That moment with the three of them brought all those struggles full circle--a sort of 'thank you' to House? He was with her in the beginning and she still wants him there now.
Lastly, I have to admit I literally jumped up and down for joy when they announced Hugh Laurie's name at the SAG awards. My brother surely thought I was going over the top...Congrats to Mr. Laurie for a well-deserved award!
Well, it seems I added more than I intended. That's what House does to me...More season 5!
16 - marie
firstly ..well done to Hugh on his SAG award ...I was really thrilled for him ...
thank you Barbara I enjoyed the review as usual, you seem to know House very well ..I loved it all I really loved him with the baby not overdone not too fussy , just right ..but I also loved the scene with Foreman I thought House was wonderful at the end when he said "unless you love her " ,god !! I had chills down my spine it was like he was remembering stuff he had done himself for the sake of love , which is very unusual insight into House.s character , I maybe the only one who read it as such but it doesnt matter I enjoyed it so much I will continue to believe it ...lol .
17 - Sheelagh
I've been checking daily for your review Barbara and so glad to see it up. I think it's safe to say that I'm almost as addicted to your site as to the show under discussion. Nice work.
I really enjoyed - and was relieved to some extent - by both this last episode 'Big Baby'as I was by the preceding episode "Painless'. There seems to have been a slight pull back on the level of 'snarck' that House has been exhibiting this season. I know the writers want to maintain House's edginess but they risk loosing viewer sympathy for the character if he consistently crosses the line and becomes unsympathetic. We need those moments of tenderness between House & the supporting characters.
House was still guarded with Cuddy & Rachel in his office...but he did 'make room for her' plus hold the baby. If only this characters could be so clear on what they need emotionally from one another...well...then there would be no show.
I think viewers sometimes forget that House isn't a 'tough love' expert, or even often 'right' about how he perceives emotional issues. He IS honest in calling things as how he sees them, or how they best suite his plans....but he can be very wrong & manipulative about human interactions('Autopsy'being an example).
Was he right to be so brutally honest to Cuddy in her office when she was in such pain ? It was in keeping with his character, but it was cruel to 'out her pain' in front of Cameron. House wants the baby competition gone. House just doesn't get that that he was insensitive...or he doesn't care that he was. He's flawed. His anger & need drive him.
Both Cuddy & House made a botch out of trying to explore their initial connection and now both parties have their deflector shields up 98% of the time . The anger is palpable. Right now House just knows that he wants Cuddy back in his orbit in the hospital and he is overtly jealous of baby Rachel(although he wouldn't see it that way). Cuddy has gone into hiding after aggressively invading House's personal & professional turf to pursue their connection and ended up with a huge push back from him. Neither of them knows yet how to be vulnerable to the other. And the desk just sees there like the elephant in the room.
David Shore has said there will be a 'hook up' between these characters and I can only hope he intends the degree of intimacy between the characters to be emotional as well as physical. (Some other fan blogs are getting downright offensive on this topic). I hope House & Cuddy's intimacy grows out of moment of protectiveness & tenderness towards one another. It's been a loooong season of snark for me.
18 - angulargyrus
The episode title "Big Baby" is also a subtle reference to the POTW's patent ductus arteriosis, which is a congenital heart defect that is usually diagnosed in the neonatal period. In terms of her heart, she is, in fact, a Big Baby.
19 - Wnkybx
Thank you, Barbara, for your excellent review.
I had a more lukewarm reaction to "Big Baby" than the rest of you did, mainly because I felt very distant from House during the episode. I also found his sexual banter with Cameron surprisingly off-putting (and I say surprisingly because he always seems to make lewd comments); it's almost as if the writers were trying too hard to appease the House/Cameron shippers to make up for the House/Cuddy dynamic this season. I think all of the actors did a great job, but overall something about the writing just seemed a bit off this episode.
Barbara, I agree with your assessment of Cuddy's situation. David Shore really would have done a great disservice if Cuddy, who struggles to maintain any sort of relationship in her life, suddenly became a super-mom whose loneliness was miraculously alleviated by a baby. I really feel for her character. Without revealing too much, I am also in the medical field and have no idea when (or if!) I will be able to settle down while continuing to make progress in my career. I found Cuddy's situation very compelling and believable, and Lisa Edelstein did such a wonderful job with it.
I loved how at the end of the episode, the patient, despite having food and drink spilled on her, still hugged her student with genuine joy and affection. Both she and Cuddy proved House wrong ... it is possible to form connections with people (or in this case children) that simply cannot be explained by physiology or logic. I also loved how a vase of yellow tulips was prominently on display outside the patient's room; the tulips could mean happiness or, if you prefer the archaic meaning, hopeless love.
As for the other characters: I have not been anti-13 as most House fans seem to be, although I do miss the original cast. Kutner is definitely a positive new addition to the team, and I love how he was the check on House this episode, despite being the one "thinking outside of the box" in previous episodes. I think his character is due to evolve, and I look forward to watching him more. I was really happy to see Wilson return to the mix and hope he will be around more in future episodes.
Looking forward to Monday ...
20 - Laura
it's almost as if the writers were trying too hard to appease the House/Cameron shippers to make up for the House/Cuddy dynamic this season. I think all of the actors did a great job, but overall something about the writing just seemed a bit off this episode
It's clear to me that you're not a House/Cameron fan otherwise you would know what we consider to be a shipper moment between House and Cameron.
21 - Sue
Barbara,
A very nice review, but it seemed more narrow in its scope than usual. No mention of the Foreteen storyline.
One small scene that I don't think anyone mentioned was when House watched the patient hug the student at the end. House had just come from holding Rachel in a touching scene with Cuddy where neither one of them seemed to have their protective walls up. It seemed to be an expression of regret on House's face that Cuddy was moving on with her life and he was stuck where he is. Cuddy will have a child to hug, and he won't. I don't know if the patient had already had her heart surgery or not, because it would be hard to hug a child with an incision on your chest. If she had had the surgery, and she still wanted to hug the child, it would have meant that the heart problem didn't cause her to love the children. She just loved children regardless. House's expression showed a lot of frustration with his path in life.
I don't think House was being mean to Cuddy when he outed her in her office in front of Cameron. I think he was making it easier for her to give the baby back if she really wanted to. He took away the stigma of relinquishing a baby by making it cut and dry. Not a big deal. No harm, no foul. She tried it and it didn't work out for her, so what is the big deal? By doing it in front of Cameron, he took away Cuddy's reproach back to him. If they had been alone, all Cuddy would have gained from the conversation would have been to tell House he was being an ass. By saying what he did in front of Cameron, he sounded like the ass but the topic was out in the open and Cuddy didn't have to explain it to anyone herself. Also, by putting it out there, it caused Cuddy to find the connection with Rachel so she could prove House wrong.
I hope the payoff next week is worth all of the 13 and Foreteen scenes we had to sit through. Neither of the characters has the personality to make me care so far. I did like House telling Foreman to do "silly things" if he was in love.
I laughed out loud when the baby spit up on House. I loved how Cuddy reacted to House holding her. I liked that House did not get angry at that.
I liked that Cameron held her ground with House, but I found her to be expressionless. There was not much difference in her demeanor in the scenes with House in Cuddy's office. Cameron used to be very dimensional, and now she is almost robotic. She is too sterile, like 13 is. Unfortunately, House and the old ducklings are flatter in personality than they were in the first three seasons. The only characters who have retained their full scopes are Wilson and Cuddy.
22 - Sheelagh
Forgot to mention how much I liked Wilson's scenes as he stayed true to his character by being so drawn to Cuddy 's neediness; manipulating the story of the 'aging baby photo' but for all the right reasons and then 'outing' Cuddy's distress to his friend House because he needs to share his worries too. It was all very sweet and frustrating and bang on character, and reminded me why I treasure the kindly but manipulative Dr. Wislon.
23 - AUSSIE
first i would like to say that i check everyday, sometimes several times a day, waiting for your updates, and they never disappoint.
i dnt know if im reading too much into it, but in season 2 cameron was all hung up because cuddy put foreman in charge instead of her, and i think it might have been chase who told her it was because she was so attached and emotionally involved with house that she couldnt be objective. Now cuddy has put her in charge, does this mean that cameron is finally and completly over house? and now is ready to commit to chase? wedding?
i agree that cuddy was using wilson to let her problems with rachel known to house, but her not telling house herself shows that she is sooo far off being able to be with him. i mean, how can they hope to have anything if she cant talk to him about things that matter to her. she couldnt tell him that she was pregnant in season 3 to his face, well not in so many words, and she still cant say how she honestly feels because she is too afraid of him and what he might say/do.
one last thing, they dont show new episodes in australia at the same time as america, the last one on tv was "last resort." any ideas on how i can watch them without having to search the net every week?
and congrats to hugh on his well deserved win.!!
24 - Sera G
Hello, Barbara.
Great comments from all. I enjoyed "Big Baby" more than I thought that I would. I, too, feared that a petulant, bratty House would be on display. Very glad that was not the case.
A few things I liked/loved:
* Cameron handled Cuddy's job much better than I had anticipated. She also got to see that it isn't easy being Cuddy. Liked that she could admit she couldn't be objective about House.
* Liked Foreman's chat with Chase. I am growing more fond of the new team, but that scene made me miss the bonding that has taken place with the old team.
* Was it just me? Chase with a scruffy face and Cameron in a dress? Made me think kids playing dress up. I don't mean that in a condecending way, just that they were like a younger H/C.
* Was amazed when House said, "...unless you love her. Love makes you do stupid things." That was worth 5 seasons to hear!
* LOVED the scene with House/Cuddy/Rachel. It could have been bad; either him too gruff and reluctant or her pushing too much for House's acceptance. They handled it perfectly.
Rarely do I feel the writers get their interactions wrong. (LTEC is my only objection.)
IMHO, season 5 is turning out to one of the most complex and best of them all.
25 - Wnkybx
"It's clear to me that you're not a House/Cameron fan otherwise you would know what we consider to be a shipper moment between House and Cameron."
Hi Laura, I certainly did not mean to offend any House/Cameron fans. You are absolutely correct in that I do not know what all House/Cameron fans consider to be true shipper moments; I don't follow shipper communities. To explain: my comment comes from cynicism after watching Fox dramas jerk around fans who rally around possible romances. It's as if Fox thrives on unresolved sexual tension, and this episode has some strong flirtation between House and Cameron ... so I concluded that a few execs decided to revive that tension. From season 4 onwards, it just seems that the show is being tailored more towards ratings (hence the increased 13 screen time and recent ad space to hook Fox's target demographic which seemed to backfire), and my cynical take on the episode is that the House execs don't want to alienate Cameron fans completely this season, although I suspect they're going to lose viewers anyway who are frustrated with the lack of screen time Cameron and Chase are receiving.
Overall, season 5 is shaping up to be my favorite season (I was starting to get bored of the same old formula), and please know that I am not out to jab at or attack any community!