All is not as it appears to be in House's brain as season five ends on a somber note.
Dr. Gregory House wakes up in bed after making love to Dr. Lisa Cuddy after the “cut” in last week’s House episode “Under My Skin.” Cuddy is gone, but not the memory, as House finds her lipstick sitting on his bathroom sink. He smiles, noting the lipstick smear on his face, the happy recollection of their ardent lovemaking. He pockets the lipstick, noting its color, with clearly a fondness for it: a talisman and a symbol of what lies ahead for the clean and sober House and love finally kindled after seasons of sparring and sparking.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - Holly
Thank you for this beautifully written, insightful review. Honestly, I felt a bit at sea after watching last night. I also seriously disliked the episode. However, after reading your review, I'm feeling a bit less shell-shocked, and a little more forgiving. :) I can't wait for that interview with Doris Egan!
27 - Orange450
Thanks for the great review, Barbara. The episode left me in a strange state - veering between awed speechlessness and the inability to stop talking about it.
I know there'll be more discussion later in the week, but I wanted to mention something that occured to me specifically about the "Both Sides Now" theme. About Amber representing the coldly rational, dispassionate side of House's nature, and Kutner representing the side that tries to cope with emotional turmoil by burying his problems under a veneer of "everything's OK", perhaps also his caring side - the side that would do anything for those closest to him.
Interestingly, given House's dependence on his rational, unemotional analytics - this time around, the solutions to both the PoTW's, and Chase and Cameron's issues required love. It was the PoTW's girlfriend, who came back out of love, to shed light on the left hand's anger against the spray. And even though House may have given Cameron good advice, it was Chase's understanding that Cameron couldn't give up the last part of someone she loved that really got them through their impasse.
Have a great time talking to Ms. Egan. Please tell her how many adoring fans she has! Can't wait for your write-up of the interview.
28 - Peachie
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. I knew something was wrong with the 2nd to the last episode. However, i loved loved loved the finale. I was sooooo happy that House did not act like an idiot and do something stupid (just in case the hallucination wasn't a hallucination and they really did do the deed).
Lisa and Hugh deserve to get an award for their acting... Lisa was great and Hugh was marvelous to say the least. It was their acting that sold everyone on the con of the hallucination.
BRAVO!!!!!!!
29 - Veresna
I thought it was a brilliant but devastating episode. Yes, I know that House and Cuddy would not go off dewy-eyed into the sunset, but to learn it was all an hallucination was gut-wrenching. I have appreciated my subsequent viewings of the episode more, marveling at hos seamlessly they miscomunicate about 'last night', and in the end I manage to derive a slight bit of comfort from the thought that it at least proves there is a part of House that dares to hope that Cuddy loves him and that he might one day find the courage to approach her honestly (though I must also confess that Rachel would seem an addition, insurmountable object at the moment).
I suppose you have already talked to Doris Egan, but there is a bit of controversy arising over whether or not the hospital is supposed to be the one mentioned by Wilson in "Under My Skin", with the accompanying question of whether or not this is a voluntary admission in order to detox/rehab or is he really admitting a mental breakdown and realizing that this could potentially be a place he never leaves? The fact that he gives up his personal items voluntarily and strides in alone gives me some hope that it is still a voluntary process, but after the way my hopes were dashed previously, perhaps I am looking at it too optimistically?
30 - Lisa G
Barbara Thanks for a wonderful review. I have to say that this episode broke my huddy heart but I can not deny how well written and powerful it was. Simply amazing script and acting on all parts. It left me stuned.
31 - Docz
Thank you Barbara for sharing your wonderful analysis of this episode with your readers. I'm a doctor turned scientist, have always cared for my patients a lot and would always go all out to help them. I am doing research now to help in understanding heart diseases. But in my perosnal life I have never been able to connect emotionally with people much and I realized I'm much like House in that aspect. As years go by I'm sub-conciously distancing myself from the people who love me and becoming engrossed in my science. It's painful for others but someone's got to do it, you can't have everything in life can you? I feel the wretched condition of House helps people live and is the driving force for his relentless quest towards the truth. Someone's gotta pay the price and House is that someone.
32 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Barbara,
You always do a fantastic job reviewing the House episodes but you have outdone yourself with this one. Thank you so much for the clarity and characterizations you have shared with us your readers.
Best wishes,
Juliann
33 - Souker
Dear Barbara
When it was over my first thought was that it wasn't as mind blowing as the 2 final episodes from season 4. But as tears, i mean time goes by, I am becoming all the more convinced that this is another great finale. There are so many details that come to mind:
How much every character has evolved in the last few seasons. And yet House is the only one that seems to be staying the same, as if refusing to change, but the consequences are devastating.
Last year it was known we had a two part finale. This year i think they tricked us, so as not to spoil the surprise, because to me the last two episodes are very much linked same as last year. But then again, weren't they also linked to the previous episodes? This is a season that i found a little slow at the beginning, having had great expectations from last season's finale. But after the first 4-5 episodes i have to be really picky to find an episode that wasn't great.
I really admire the people that work in this show for the unity of the storyline. Even Kal Pen's leaving the show didn't affect it, instead it was used superbly to fit the story.
God, so many things spring to mind, as i write this post. As someone else mentioned in another post, I also asked myself the same question in the marriage scene, where Cameron was walking alone to the altar: Doesn't that woman have a family? I guess we 'll never know...
And on another note, isn't it cruel for Spencer and Morrison to relive their personal story? I too thought the same at times and claiming the actors are professionals doesn't seam to justify it completely. But it is their business and nobody elses', isn't it? And they don't seem to have to struggle through the scenes, probably because they managed to get on with their lives and still respect each other without any bitterness. After all, "in this world there is something that fades even more than beauty: sorrow".
I could go on writing random thoughts and this could take all night. The bottom line is that I am thankful that there is at least one thought provoking tv show that doesn't insult my intelligence. I really don't care anymore if Hugh Laurie or House win the Emmy s. I don't think the Emmys deserve either of them.
Thank you for your wonderful reviews.
34 - AreKay
Wow, let's see. We had a love affair that wasn't, a wedding that was (I think) and House, who cherishes his intellect above all else, losing his mind. No wonder my brain exploded!
From one side of my brain came the realization that the twists and turns of the last few episodes were brilliantly conceived and that, given both their personalities, House and Cuddy will never be a "happily ever after" scenerio.
From the other side of my brain came "Can't we give the guy a break? Can't we give House, the guy we all love, the tiniest bit of happiness without it being just a hallucination". Maybe a few Emmys will help take away some of the sting. (Powers that be, are you listening out there?)
And so now we all wait for September.
Barbara, thanks for the insight and beautifully written article. Anxiously awaiting your interview with Doris Egan.
35 - Becky
Does anyone else feel like they just got punched?! I do! My emotions have taken a serious beating....Poor House! Poor Huddy! It's gonna take some time to really look at this episode objectively.
36 - Jess
I really feel for Wilson, here. He was really happy to hear about House's detox and relationship with Cuddy. He saw how happy House was, too. Now he finds out it was all wrong and he was just further fortifying House's delusion.
AND he has to drive him to the hospital and watch him go. :(
Wilson is an amazing character.
37 - Celaeno
I don't even know where to start. "Both Sides Now" was powerful and heartbreaking - the most exquisitely executed TV episode I've ever seen. I'm more in awe of House's writers (and Hugh Laurie, of course... for God's sake, he's amazing) than ever before.
I know that tons of people are disappointed (or should I say outraged) by the fact that House hallucinated the lovemaking. While I'm as disappointed as any self-respecting Huddy, I feel like the writers made a realistic decision. The emotional blows House has suffered all season are too numerous and too traumatic to be resolved as quickly as "Under My Skin" made it seem they would be. We should have known that last week was too good to be true! Anyway, all is not lost. Progress has still been made on the Huddy front. The scene in her office made it obvious how much she cares.
Here's hoping that, as Season 5 was all about House's downward spiral, Season 6 may be about his slow and steady climb back up.
38 - blacktop
Kudos to Doris Egan for a brilliantly ambiguous script for this finale. Her strength as a writer for House/Wilson shone through in this episode: every nuance of Wilson's cautious optimism for House during the first two-thirds of the episode and his final wistful look of sorrow and hope as House entered the mental institution were vintage Egan and splendidly portrayed by Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard.
Combining this episode with the reality as we now understand it of the previous episode certainly strengthens the relationship between House and Wilson: almost everything after House leaves Wilson while packing to go to the institution in "Under my skin" was a delusion concocted by House's broken mind. The only true thing was his insult to Cuddy about her baby. The ending montage of Chase with Cameron, Cuddy with her baby, and House with Wilson was clear-cut, if disheartening.
I was quite disappointed that the powers that be chose to end this excellent season on this note. I believe that season five has been a coherant and complex examination of House's efforts to take down the immense barriers he has erected against emotional commitment and intimate exploration.
In particular, this season has focussed on the interwoven efforts of House and Cuddy to grapple with their own blocked emotions, to strike out in a new direction for their long-standing and complicated relationship. The interplay of highs and lows in that relationship this year was outstandingly portrayed by Laurie and the incomparable Lisa Edelstein. The slow and subtle movements of Cuddy and House toward an understanding of each other's needs and limitations was carefully and meaningfully unspooled throughout the season.
Sadly, the fact that House was suffering from a massive delusion as revealed in the finale served to severely undercut the impact and import of the House/Cuddy rapprochement. I do not refer to the faux sex. I am actually glad to have that lovemaking not be real.
But I would have preferred that the intimacy and candor, the sheer vulnerability and trust of the night-long exchange between House and Cuddy be real. This intimacy and genuine sharing is the real ledge we had hoped to see House jump off in his quest for healing and peace with himself. Instead, he only took that jump in his troubled mind.
Now, sadly the trajectory of the entire season is seriously undermined and much of the integrity of the show is called into question I think. I agree with those who argue that in his delusion, House revealed to himself (and viewers) that his heart's desire is for an abiding happiness with Cuddy. I actually think House came to that conclusion in "The Itch" earlier in this season, so I question the importance of underlining this insight in the finale. Only the die-hard Cuddy haters in the fandom could continue to believe after the first half of season five that House did not care for, even love Cuddy with his heart, body, and intellect.
It is certainly nice to have that depth of emotion confirmed in the finale, but it would have been such a significant step for House to be able to share his insight with Cuddy herself.
An equally serious consideration for me is that I fear that now the showrunners cannot credibly return to another ramping up of the delicious tension and attraction between House and Cuddy. As viewers we have been there, done that, been denied even the t-shirt. Another tease of the magnitude and delicacy of this season's efforts just won't fly, I fear.
I remain as addicted to this show as House is to Cuddy, so I am looking forward to season six and the adventures it holds for House and for us.
And yes, an Emmy for Hugh Laurie, please!
39 - blacktop
Kudos to Doris Egan for a brilliantly ambiguous script for this finale. Her strength as a writer for House/Wilson shone through in this episode: every nuance of Wilson's cautious optimism for House during the first two-thirds of the episode and his final wistful look of sorrow and hope as House entered the mental institution were vintage Egan and splendidly portrayed by Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard.
Combining this episode with the reality as we now understand it of the previous episode certainly strengthens the relationship between House and Wilson: almost everything after House leaves Wilson while packing to go to the institution in "Under my skin" was a delusion concocted by House's broken mind. The only true thing was his insult to Cuddy about her baby. The ending montage of Chase with Cameron, Cuddy with her baby, and House with Wilson was clear-cut, if disheartening.
I was quite disappointed that the powers that be chose to end this excellent season on this note. I believe that season five has been a coherant and complex examination of House's efforts to take down the immense barriers he has erected against emotional commitment and intimate exploration.
In particular, this season has focussed on the interwoven efforts of House and Cuddy to grapple with their own blocked emotions, to strike out in a new direction for their long-standing and complicated relationship. The interplay of highs and lows in that relationship this year was outstandingly portrayed by Laurie and the incomparable Lisa Edelstein. The slow and subtle movements of Cuddy and House toward an understanding of each other's needs and limitations was carefully and meaningfully unspooled throughout the season.
Sadly, the fact that House was suffering from a massive delusion as revealed in the finale served to severely undercut the impact and import of the House/Cuddy rapprochement. I do not refer to the faux sex. I am actually glad to have that lovemaking not be real.
But I would have preferred that the intimacy and candor, the sheer vulnerability and trust of the night-long exchange between House and Cuddy be real. This intimacy and genuine sharing is the real ledge we had hoped to see House jump off in his quest for healing and peace with himself. Instead, he only took that jump in his troubled mind.
Now, sadly the trajectory of the entire season is seriously undermined and much of the integrity of the show is called into question I think. I agree with those who argue that in his delusion, House revealed to himself (and viewers) that his heart's desire is for an abiding happiness with Cuddy. I actually think House came to that conclusion in "The Itch" earlier in this season, so I question the importance of underlining this insight in the finale. Only the die-hard Cuddy haters in the fandom could continue to believe after the first half of season five that House did not care for, even love Cuddy with his heart, body, and intellect.
It is certainly nice to have that depth of emotion confirmed in the finale, but it would have been such a significant step for House to be able to share his insight with Cuddy herself.
An equally serious consideration for me is that I fear that now the showrunners cannot credibly return to another ramping up of the delicious tension and attraction between House and Cuddy. As viewers we have been there, done that, been denied even the t-shirt. Another tease of the magnitude and delicacy of this season's efforts just won't fly, I fear.
I remain as addicted to this show as House is to Cuddy, so I am looking forward to season six and the adventures it holds for House and for us.
And yes, an Emmy for Hugh Laurie, please!
40 - XJK
Apologies for the incoherence - literally just finished watching the episode! #40 Becky - Yes, I feel like I've been punched!
Wow. I loved this! One minute I was watching, thinking it was a fairly mediocre episode, and the next I was blown out the water. It was similar to Kutners death, suddenly cut the rug from under you. One minute you know whats happening, the next you don't. Then Amber reappears, then, to make things worse, there's Kutner!! Fantastic writing from Doris Egan to make both worlds (real and fantasy) play out so neatly.
Emmy's all round for Hugh, Robert and Lisa. Even without speaking, the three of them played out the last scene so beautifully; you just know what each character is thinking.
Barbara - blog writer's emmy to you for putting together such a brilliant review in such a short time, pulling all the right themes forward and presenting them without losing the poetry of the episode. Thank you.
41 - wackjob
Phenomenal review, Barbara, of a simply SOARING season finale. I was tempted to run around NYC spray-painting "DORIS EGAN IS GOD" everywhere, but look what happened to Eric Clapton when that happened. (Of course, now I have to eat all of my ranting words about the one-night-wonder-detox!)
Lisa Edelstein was amazing, especially in that final scene; she conveys an amazing amount in her expressions. And Robert Sean Leonard...his rapport with Hugh Laurie makes their scenes together play like a brilliant but dangerous dance. I was absolutely astounded by the ending, and when "As Tears Go By" came up, I bawled like a baby. I even rolled back the last 15 minutes to watch them again. Now I want to rewatch the entire episode.
Did anyone notice that HL was dressed in bright clothes throughout the episode, and then when it all fell crashing apart, he was back in dark clothes? Nice subtle bit there.
The wedding was beautiful. We know Chase has no parents, but yes, I was curious about Cameron walking down the aisle by herself, and who the flower girl belonged to. Although Cameron has always seemed so alone, and unlike Chase and Foreman, we've had no insight into her personal background except Dead Husband.
My only cavil is with the hospital he went into; did it have to look like a haunted house? Today's psychiatric hospitals are as bright and up to date as other hospitals; or they are units of other, larger hospitals. Of course he couldn't go to PPTH, but it's so old-fashioned to make the hospital look like that. ("Fringe" did the same thing, I believe.) Believe me, mental hospitals are frightening enough no matter how nice the artwork in the commmon areas are.
Come to think of it, they look even nicer than the rehab facility in the Tritter arc. Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a connosieur (sp).
Emmy's all round, I say!
I just ordered Season Four...except for the finale episode, I actually haven't seen any of it, and I can't get through the entire summer with no House!!!!
42 - Michelle
Bravo!
This episode had my head spinning with emotions from happiness to freaked-out to depression. Unbelievable writing, incredible acting, and powerful delivery. My heart's pounding just thinking of what's in store fore season six.
Don't have much to say because most of it was already mentioned in previous comments, but to start off: Hugh Laurie.
Amazing. I agree that if he doesn't win an Emmy, there will be some strong-worded hate mail leaving my mailbox.
Second: the previous night. I was absolutely crushed that the whole night before was not just a hallucination, but a complete delusion. Everything from Cuddy's hand-holding comfort, to the immediate detox. However, the fact that it was the scenario House imagined, told me that the magic of a one night detox, the love of Lisa Cuddy, and feeling no mental or physical pain are his innermost desires, and I can't complain with his choices. But just for once, I'd love to see him happy (for something that REALLY happened!) in season six.
Third: the very end.
I cried. I don't deny it, but I practically bawled when House turned back to exchange a glance with Wilson just before the door closed. It was a look that said more than a thousand words. There was a petrified look that screamed to be taken as far away as possible, yet he knew what had to be done, and said a silent thank-you. Wilson's been there for House when he was in trouble and helped cover for him, but he stood beside his best friend in his darkest hour, and can't do anything more to defend him. He can only watch as the doors shut. (Anybody got a tissue?)
I can watch that episode over a dozen times a day for 3 weeks and still not be satisfied. Good Lord, this summer's going to be a very long one...
Beautiful review Barbara. Thank you.
43 - Kim
Thank you so much Barbara, not only for a great review but for writting and uploading it as soon as you could.
I totally, totally loved Both Sides Now and the entire season five. The best season so far.
44 - simplethings
I feel like I was not only punched, but that my puppy died, someone let the air out of my metaphorical tires, and that I've been dumped.
I was angry last night. To the point of tears at last night's show. I knew it was well done. I knew it was smart, like it always is, and I knew it was true to House's character.
However, I felt so betrayed by the writers that not only was the love scene that truthfully has been being built up for the last 5 years in my opinion was fake, but my favorite truthful scene from the two of them, Cuddy's reveal about the endocrinology class was completely in his head.
I realize I should probably take solace in the fact that we get insight into just how deeply House does care for her, but I'm so deeply disappointed and depressed that after season 5, we're still stuck. And I know, I know, this is House, it's not happy, it's depressing, he's damaged.
But so is she. And I wouldn't have put it past her to choose House over Rachel and stay with him while he detoxed.
I realize that all the viewers had to suspend their disbelief over the shortened detox scene, but I so wanted to believe that these two characters after a night of honesty and vulnerability could come together and be with each other.
I need to watch again, I realize. And I know this show isn't about House's relationship with Cuddy. It's about House, singular, but I think one of the reasons I was so drawn to the show was his relationships and I felt their strong pull to each other.
I know I'll never get a happy ending, but I want them to have a candid conversation at some point. I feel like since it wasn't it the cards this season, the season where the two of them were really on their way to each other, it won't ever happen.
Also, I think House was dead serious when he suggested they move in together. He was done playing around. He might have said it in a playful way, but he knew he was ready to jump in, and to me that's the most depressing part at all.
I knew Cuddy wasn't serious when she told him they probably couldn't ever have anything more personal. I wonder what happened between the scene where House says he's not okay and she brings him to Wilson. How filled in is she as to what his delusions were?
I was further angered by the end of the episode when I expected Cuddy in the backseat to accompany House to the Psychiatric Hospital.
The comfort there is that she was probably at the wedding to not alert anyone else to House's whereabouts. I'm curious if House will take his delusions to heart and attempt a real relationship with her next year or if this is the end of House and Cuddy (one of the most compelling relationships on television if you ask me).
After writing this, I realize that I need to rewatch both episodes back to back one more time, but they're so depressing, I might have to wait awhile to view more objectively.
I'm still angry, but I think DE probably wanted that emotion from her viewers because we're probably supposed to feel some of the same things House felt after he realized his delusions were in fact, his delusions.
I need a House break truthfully. This one hit hard.
45 - XJK
Wackjob - about Cameron walking up the aisle alone, I think it was simply an artistic choice. When intercut with the Wilson and House scenes: Cameron walks up the aisle alone while House and Wilson drive together. Cameron and Chase exchange rings as House hands his watch and other valuables to Wilson, then Chase and Cameron walk away together while House walks on alone.
Second watching - as good as the first. I understand how people feel cheated by the delusion reveal, but I don't think this is the end of House and Cuddy!
The one thing I would like answered though is about Wilson. I assumed at the end of Under my skin that he was checking in with Cuddy, but now we're to think that after House walked out to see Cuddy he just forgot about it and went home? Or did House hallucinate Wilson coming to get him from the bar in the first place, and Wilson thought Amber was gone following the insulin shock? Because that would answer why Wilson didn't mention the hallucinations at all during Both Sides Now, and make more sense, especially as we never actually saw him dial Wilsons number. Anyone have any thoughts? Or have I missed something in the episode that explains that?
46 - wackjob
I forgot to mention how amazing Carl Reiner was in this episode--the gamut from hilarious to heartbreaking. When he introduced himself to Taub, the way he subtly broke down was pure genius. At first the viewer thinks he's just comic relief, and then it's like everything else on "House"--dark, dark, dark.
Thank God for the wedding, and thank God it wasn't Foreman and Thirteen! :)
47 - wackjob
And yet ANOTHER random thought: that corny line, "I always want to kiss you," makes perfect sense because House himself is a soap opera addict!
48 - Jackie
I'll comment more later, but this morning while I was driving and listening to WCBS FM 101.1 oldies station, guess what song was played? Yep, "As Tears Go By". At the end of the song even the disk jockey commented that the producers/writers of "House" chose a fabulous song to end the season on.
Back to basics. Barbara, as always, your reviews are always true to the heart of the show. Last night's episode had me shaking at the end. I watched it twice last night and the last ten minutes again to realize what was what and when. When House walked into Cuddy's office and realized what state he was actually in, between the voice, the haunted facial expression and those eyes. OMG. The full impact of the detox but not detox, House embracing Cuddy, House walking through his apartment alone, the bathroom scene and the twirl of the lipstick when it's actual the pill bottle. I don't know if another program could have ever projected and tied in all the sequences so cleverly.
Wilson's expression when Cuddy walked into his office followed by the terrified House was absolutely great. He did himself one better by the look standing outside his car as House walked towards the Mayfield Psychiatric Facility.
It will be a long May to September to wait and anticipate what the next chapter in House's life will be as well as those at PPTH. The only thing more pleasant in September than the season premiere of "House" will be Hugh on that stage accepting his long deserved but yet to be awarded Emmy.
49 - Luisa Borges
Hi Barbara and fellow commenters,
I second Barbara's plight for an Emmy for Hugh Laurie, long overdue and over deserved.
And I also second Dee on praising Lisa Edelstein, she did a superb job and has done so throughout the run of the show. I love Cuddy on her own right and for what she brings out in House.
This season has been a great journey within. We got to see so much of the characters and what makes them the people they are. I love psychological journeys and Season 5 is the best season ever for me (and a tough call to make since I truly adore all of House's seasons).
After last night's episode ended I was in tears and wowed out of my wits. I kept reminding myself that I had to sleep (early day today) but I just couldn't do it. The whole parallel reality thing had me doing double takes in my mind, looking for clues and for answers and feeling a bit like House himself.
I look forward to reading the upcoming Doris Egan interview as I'm sure it'll be one for the records.
No answers though, just questions came up, so I thought to share a few (selected among my many):
- What did House tell his shrink (and got the overload of follow up phone calls for)?
- Was his love scene with Cuddy and that talk about the past a complete creation of his mind or had that happened for real once (their "first time"?)?
- Why did Wilson edge him on and never talked to Cuddy about it (apart from showing up on the triple coffee cup scene)?
- Cameron is always so keen to pick up changes in House, why did she miss something was up?
- And for that matter, why did the team?
I have more things to say but I'll wait a bit more, I do need to watch it a couple more times and savour it in all its glory like a fine wine.
All the best to everyone!
50 - Christina
A beautiful review again Barbara. I am still crying over last night's episode. I feel betrayed as a Huddy fan, mostly because David Shore was promising that there would be a very cool way to have House and Cuddy sleep together, when in fact nothing ever happened... It's sad and unfair and makes me cry again all over the place. And the worst part is that I cannot watch "Under My Skin" ever again because of it. I can't watch the episode I loved the most because it simply never happened!
I feel so sad for House. He is in love and now he knows it. But the woman he loves, the woman that his mind and subconcious chose to use as a way to feel some happiness, that made him replace those f*****g pills with her lipstick, that made his pain go away only by feeling her and kissing her and being with her, THAT woman does not have a clue about those feelings, those feelings that a misanthrop like House would be rare to have. If that's not cruel for both of them then I don't know what is...
I am still shaken and in depression over the episode... I hope that our favourite couple will get some redemption next year. They both need it, especially House. He deserves some happiness and now it's obvious that with Cuddy, he can have it! I am waiting for the DE interview in hope that at least she (even though she could care less about House and Cuddy) can give us some hope again...
51 - shortonthecobb
What an absolutely devastating episode. I too was stunned silent by the last five minutes, feeling that it was almost unfair. After watching House suffer under such emotional baggage all season, I guess I was hoping for some sort of reprieve for him - but the end of the episode proved that House's suffering might have only begun.
Is there hope for him, in the form of Cuddy or otherwise? It was fascinating that his mind seemed to equate happiness and redemption with her. Like simplethings, I think that House was preparing to move in a serious direction with Cuddy, and to have it all be a delusion is hard to take. I feel like my puppy died too!
52 - barbara barnett
Sorry I've been so absent all day. Thank you all for your lovely commentaries and kind words. Looking forward to sharing with you my conversation with Doris Egan.
53 - Ella
Is it just me, or do a disturbingly large amount of people seem to think that the House/Cuddy storyline is over? Of course it isn't! The fact that House hallucinated the sex does not negate anything that we knew about their relationship. We can be sure that he loves and needs Cuddy because she is the one his broken mind conjured up to help him through his darkest hour. We can also be sure that Cuddy cares deeply about House; she instantly forgave him for his cruel words about Rachel, and his rabble-rousing in the hospital, when she saw him coming apart in the office scene. I imagine that she will play a huge role in his recovery next season. THE HUDDY SHIP SAILS ON, MY FRIENDS!!
Yeah. Just had to get that out of my system.
A side note: XJK (50), I think you must be right about Wilson. If Wilson had actually picked House up from the restaraunt in UMS, I doubt he'd have let House out of his sight until he knew House was really heading for help. Perhaps, during that scene, House was imagining what it would be like to pack his bags for rehab, and the reason he left to find Cuddy is because his mind was shying away from that possibility.
54 - Brian in Colorado
Barbara, you are a TREASURE of the Internet. I love your take on House, and I've now been through your entire archives. I confess at times I'm blown away at some of your insights.
Or maybe you're really D.S. in disguise!?
Thanks for your work on these. Its no wonder the newspaper business is failing... the brilliant writers are all on teh 'net.
55 - KC
I wonder if we will get to see house as he recovers or if season 6 starts after house has recovered?
56 - DebbieJ
"....................................................................................................................."
The above is me being speechless. I can't even begin to gather adjectives that describes last night's episode.
How sad. How devastating. How heartbreaking. That doesn't even seem to adequately describe it.
I first thought something was a little odd when House was twirling the lipstick in his hand in front of the team during the DDX and no one questioned his behavior. But never in my wildest imagination did I guess the end. Sure, I had a sneaking suspicion that House had hallucinated having sex with Cuddy (even tho I soo wanted it to be real!). But to have hallucinated the detox with Cuddy's help just left me gob smacked!
The look of realization when House said in Cuddy's office, "no, I'm not okay", just broke my heart.
I'll never forget sitting glued in front of the tv last night, with As Tears Go By in the background and tears streaming down my face. I've never reacted this way to a television show. What amazing story telling. How incredible were all the actors, especially Hugh.
Doris Egan? You rock! Hugh Laurie? You rock harder!
I'm wondering how they will pick up Season 6. Will we see House in the psych hospital getting treatment? Or will he be back at PPTH, his therapy and treatment completed?
God, I hope it's the former. What amazing storytelling they can do with that whole arc.
Debbie
~who just pre-ordered Season 5 from Amazon
57 - oxytocin rehab
Nice dovetail at the end huh? Well written article!
58 - Donna
Barbara- as usual your review of this episode was filled with great insights. Just what I needed.
I've watched this episode twice now and the final act at least four times. There's no getting through that last act for me without tears. As House emotionally deconstructed in Cuddy's office it was stunning, heartbreaking and painful to watch. I was happy that she and Wilson were there for him and I anticipate they will be important in his comeback from his breakdown.
Congratulations to all at House for a great season 5. And also, to you, Barbara for your award winning episode reviews and fun extras you've given us throughout this season. So appreciate you for it!
59 - barbara barnett
Brian--thank you so much for your very kind words. I am truly blushing. Nope. Not David Shore in disguise, just a writer fascinated by one of the most intriguing characters written for any medium.
60 - alias
Beautiful article, Barbara. It freshened my sadness over the finale. I want some happy next year! LOL Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to your DE interview.
61 - barbara barnett
Donna--award winning? Not sure 'bout that, but thanks so much.
It's been a great season, devastating sometimes, poignant always. Like most of you, I'm speechless after last night's episode and blown away by HL's stunning performance.
62 - Sera G
Barbara, you continue to amaze and inspire me. Thank you for another perfect review.
Fair warning, I am going to go on and on...
This finale was probably the only realistic outcome after 10 years of severe drug abuse as well a the "rat's nest" that is House's mind. However, I was devastated by the final minutes. As so many people have stated, we suspended disbelief in epi. 23 that detox could happen in a day, because we wanted it to be so. That is the
beauty and the pain for House, he too wanted it to be easy and over and he could move forward. To me that is what season 5 has been building toward. When he (and we) realize that it was all a delusion, our world is rocked.
This episode left me quite depressed and I, too cried. I cried that House's belief that happiness was finally attainable was a delusion and I cried watching him make that long walk to the hospital.
After tossing and turning, I had to write some positives (granted, there aren't many):
1. I hope TPTB will show us House serious about detoxing and getting better. Will he have the strength to confront his demons (his father's abuse, the loss of his leg, the loss of Stacy, although I think that is behind him, his fear of losing his "one thing.")? I think it would be a fascinating exploration. Whatever bedevils him, it will have to be resolved or he can never practice medicine. Since there will be a season 6 (and 7 and 8, I hope) some version of success will have to be achieved.
2. I still contend that House wants to get better and have a life. He said it on the bus to Amber, he has tried options other than Vicodin (although not seriously or long enough to make a difference), and he can actually imagine (literally) himself happy and in love. In my little world, that is where he will go, perhaps it will take 2-3 more seasons, but I refuse to believe that this amazing, brilliant, infuriating, beautiful man is doomed to misery and loneliness. Season 5 was all about that journey. I guess the trip will take a little longer than I had hoped.
3. House loves Cuddy and she loves him. No questions, no debate. Thank you to #30, the rules need to be rewritten. "House" has already broken so many rules about what a 'hero' has to be, look like and do, that why can't it break more about relationships?
IMHO, the writers are smart enough to do it, and there is a huge fan base that wants to see it happen. I agree with all of those who commented on the poignancy that House's delusion included her healing and loving to make him whole, clean and happy. This is not the first time that House has dreamed/imagined/needed Cuddy to help him.
I, too, believe that this is not the end of their relationship. If a 'healed' House returns in season 6, I hope that the writers examine his relationship with Cuddy and Wilson in light of his mental change, whatever that might be.
Two last points and I will stop:
Isn't ironic that the man who lives so much in his mind, was betrayed by his mind? The delusion had it all: the illness, the comfort he craves, the irritations (Cuddy breathing too loudly), the words that they might say to each other. It was so vivid.
I smiled when he smiled at the 'lipstick' on his face. What a heartbreakingly sad detail.
House mocks Cuddy's search for unconditional love, and yet, that is what he yearns for in his hear and mind.
Can't wait for your interview with DE. Please express to her how much we love the show, the writing, the smartness of it all!
63 - Debby
I must admit, I was very disappointed at the turn of events regarding House and Cuddy but after i wastched the show again, I have a different perspective.
As for the performances of Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein and Robert Sean Leonard, all I can say is give them the Emmys! They were beyond stupendous! BRAVO!!
The haunting "As Tears Go By" pretty much said it all.
64 - Debby
By the way, enjoyed your insightful article. Hit the nail on the head!!!
65 - Phillip Winn
Just finished watching the episode.
Wow.
All of the criticisms we had of last week's episode, especially that the detox didn't take nearly long enough, suddenly make sense. It wasn't just TV compression at work after all.
Wow.
66 - barbara barnett
Could not agree with you more, Phillip. Pretty sneaky of them with that short detox. and because they mess with stuff like that periodically, we were just as confused as poor House.
67 - Pat
I knew Jennifer Morrison was a good actress but I didn't know she was that good to act happy in interviews to sell this incredibly lame story line. It's noteworthy that the writers had to turn the strong, relationship-savvy Cameron into a scatter-brained, commitment-phobic ditz who has to be told by every man on the show what she's feeling in order to cut her down to fit in the marriage to Chase. What happened to the Cameron who took the lead in relationships and went after what she wanted? Gone, to prop House and Chase. How very General Hospital of the show.
House needs to go back to basic psychology classes if the things the right brain doesn't matter. Even as a metaphor, there is no excuse for that level of sloppiness.
It was a great episode for Huddy shippers. It was a great one for House/Wilson fans. It was also good Chameron fans. Sadly, I fall into none of those categories and so I'm left wondering why we are going through the same thing all over again with House being hurt while everyone flaps around him, and whether the show will ever get back to being about medicine rather than soap opera and House's pain.
68 - DebbieJ
Re #72: The show *is* called House, MD and the whole crux of the show is about the main character, House and his pain. It always was and it always will be. The secondary characters are there as a springboard for him, his thoughts, his orbit.
And I feel that those who ship any pair and can't see beyond their own ship are selling themselves short. I feel they are unable to see the show as a whole and that's too bad.
69 - alias
Oh, and forgot to mention earlier, 'The Trolley Song' was written by Martin and Blaine, not Berlin. Still a beautiful piece. I always love your episode insights and your views on Huddy. As long as you write them, I'll be reading your reviews. Take care.
70 - jdc
Thank you soooooooooo much House writers!!!!!!!!
This is the only TV show that I watch, but I was devastated last week to find out that my favorite TV show was actually a soap opera in disguise. You have my adoration again now after that brilliant plot move last night.
You “Huddy” fans must be livid.
Well, at least you got to see the act happen, and for a week you believed it happened. Now let it go. House and Cuddy will/must never happen. Huddy = Grey’s Anatomy, Days of Our Lives et al.
You should be so proud of our show. TPTB had every opportunity to jump the shark and please the masses momentarily with a predictable plot line. They pissed off a lot of fans but TPTB know they have to stay true to the root of the story of House(Holmes) & Wilson(Watson).
Keep at it …..can’t wait til September!
71 - Nicole.O
Last week's episode was my favorite of all time and now that all the beautiful interaction between House and Cuddy never happened it ruins it for me. Those scenes at House's apartment where they finally let the walls down were so powerful and something I'd waited on for 5 years. To have that taken away feels like a punch to the gut. For those moments of tenderness and deep emotional intimacy to be replaced by an angry Cuddy declaring they could never have anything between them leaves me so dissapointed. The way she touches his face at the end is with compassion and pitty, not the same deep love he obviously feels for her. Heartbreaking that it was all fake. Kinda upset if you can't tell. Feels like a cheap shot after all the build up, but I'll wait a few days and watch it again. I respect the writing and think it was very well done, but I still feel like it was one step forwad and right into a brick wall. Why doris? Why?
72 - Nicole.O
I also have a feeling this is their way of ending the huddy romance. I'd be surprized if they kept it going into another season. They tend to cut off those relationships fast and abruptly. There will always be tension between them but the attention given to it will probably fade. I seriously hope not, but after this last sucker punch I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully I will be proven wrong. Please Doris, prove me wrong! =)
73 - daniel
to #76:
that was the point, i think. that "punch to the gut" is what house felt too.
74 - Melanie
What a sad, cruel ending, Barbara. I didn’t see it coming at all (I had dismissed every explanation saying « it’s a hallucination ») and I found the twist very cleverly written and, indeed, shocking to the extreme.
The way the writers gave us all at once romanticism and tragedy, light and darkness, is fiendishly intelligent. Thanks to the power of fiction, these last two episodes allowed us to experience different hypothesis, different scenarios, one comforting and consoling, one disillusional and agonizing. I enjoyed the emotional ride.
This was a beautiful ending, which provided me with a sense of closure (House plunging the depths of his journey) while remaining open-ended. It reminds me of Mad Men’s first season finale. Donald Draper experiences two different scenarios as he’s coming home to his wife and children. The first one is a fantasy (but the viewer doesn’t know it at this point) : he comes home right on time to take his loving family out on a week-end. The second one is reality : his wife and children have already left, he’s too late to come with them on a vacation. He’s sad and alone, listening to the bittersweet Bob Dylan song « Don’t think twice it’s alright ». Another intelligent and cruel ending.
Your review is clever, dense and beautifully-written. I hope we’ll hear more from you on this fantastic episode and season. I’m really looking forward to reading your interview of Doris Egan.
I’m worried for House, for Cuddy, for House and Cuddy, but very curious and confident at the same time : this ending leaves doors wide open for exciting storylines to come.
75 - nc
Barbara, thank you for your insights and perspective, both of which those of us who follow this show need in abundance right now, I'm afraid.
When the episode first ended, I was stunned and sad. Like many here and elsewhere who think House and Cuddy fit together, I was disheartened to think their openness and intimacy had been a delusion.
But the more I thought about it, and the more I've replayed House and Cuddy's last conversation and its stunning revelations, the more I believe it reaffirms their connection rather than destroys it.
Sadly, some of House's wackier attempts to discern how Cuddy feels remind me of some of the odd ideas an old friend used to come up with at times--an old friend who, I later found out, was a paranoid schizophrenic. Smart, funny, personable, attractive--and way out on a limb. I've heard it said that the smarter you are, the deeper the trouble you can get yourself in. Sure seems to apply to House.
The intricate sets of parallels in this episode, from plot lines to wardrobe and scenic color treatment, are masterful. The whole episode is beautifully done. I just wish it had offered something less grim to occupy the mind till season 6 begins.
Looking forward to your interview with Doris Egan!