House has done stuff like this before, but it’s usually sneakier—part of his usual manipulative subterfuge shtick. Here, he is practically pleading with Chase to stop himself—before he becomes House. It’s a wonderful, powerful moment for these two characters, in many ways so similar. It is House at his most protective of the vulnerable Chase. This is no real change in House, just a subtle change of tactic—more urgent, perhaps.
Is House’s more overt reaction a result of “Nobody’s Fault?” Is he beginning to re-evaluate his own life? Of course, you wouldn’t know if from the pranks he pulls, shooting paint balls and dropping water balloons on poor Taub, who’s taking a self-defense course. On the other hand, Taub may be learning better self-defense by House’s frequent attacks than he is from his class. Perhaps, just perhaps, it’s House’s way of helping the cause in his usual Housian fashion.
We are now at the halfway point of House’s final season. With 10 episodes to go until the series finale, I was glad to be treated to a Chase-centric episode, and Jesse Spencer is an excellent actor, who’s great at the art of understated emotion.
I liked “Chase.” House writers Peter Blake and Eli Attie crafted a deep script, full of echoes and grace notes that call back to episodes from the series’ earlier days and what we know of Dr. Robert Chase.
And, now onto the final act of a great television series. As much as I will hate to see it go, I can’t wait to see what the creators have planned coming weeks. A new House, M.D. airs next Monday night at 8:00 p.m. on Fox with “Man of the House.”
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Djesus
"As much as I will hate to see it go, I can’t wait to see what the creators have planned coming weeks."
Me too! can't wait now for the finale, bring dramas (and not kabooms)!
I hope they'll develop an arc with House now, it's time!
2 - AreKay
"...dramas (and not kabooms)!
AMEN to that!!!
3 - BrokenLeg
Thank you Barbara for your review ( Oh, God! how I’ll miss you, this blog and its bloggers when “the journey” finally ends!)
I haven’t seen the episode yet ( I may wait until tomorrow), but there are two comments in your analysis that shocked me a lot.
You say: “I’ve always liked the character of Dr. Robert Chase (Jesse Spencer) on the Fox TV series House, M.D. His journey from the closed-off, apathetic, lazy fellow he appears to be when we first meet him to the compassionate, thoughtful surgeon he has become over eight years has been fascinating to observe from the other side of the television screen”
And: “In a phenomenal, emotional scene towards the end of the episode, House explains that by destroying Moira's belief, Chase will end up miserable. “If I wanted you to end up like me,” he says, “I’d urge you” to destroy her faith and take this chance on love. House believes any relationship that may follow will either blow up in Chase's face (like all relationships must)"or Moira will come to resent him for destroying her faith. (Boy, that doesn't sound like House, does it?)”
So, it seems that one of the mantra’s is being not fulfilled any more: “Nobody changes”. This GH is not the GH I’ve known, nor Chase is. The mantra has exploded again into thousand pieces as did last week when House apologized to Chase, a thing that he hardly did before, even in his relationship with Cuddy ( always full of fake apologies)
This means something? It shows the road to the end?
And @1Djesus and 2@AreKay, don’t fear a ka-boom finale. It’ll be written and directed by DS ( I’m sure he knows how to end from the very first episode, and it will be great, with a “bang” as HL wants, not with a ka-boom). Although I do not share his dark and determinist point of view of life, he isn’t GY ( who, otherwise has jumped the ship yet and is in his new projects)
Waiting to watch “Chase”. Many thanks again, Barbara.
4 - Maria-Eleni
Barbara, you are spot on once more.
One of the enjoyments of [H] has been coming here, reading your articles and then venting ! Thank you again.
I wish I could say I find equal enjoyment in some of the new shows you are reviewing but [H] has spoiled me, hopefully not for ever.
@ 2 - AreKay
Kabooms or not they seem to have accomplished for House what Nolan did not.
1.H. is not just saying sorry as part of a therapy and 2. he is opening up without forcing and without mind games.
His sorry to Chase is not only because he believes in his responsibility, not because it will help him open up (House) but comes out as the “right” thing to do. It is almost as if it becomes part of his credo. And he repeats it even though Chase has spurned him.
Equally impressive is his emotional, voice-breaking admission (!) of his mistakes. I might even say that it was more moving than his “Help me” speech to Hannah as this involves no extreme circumstance. He is not hiding anymore.
He is definitely more open which is probably why we lost the introspective H.
I noticed his evident anxiety while waiting for Coffield’s verdict. He is aware of his responsibility and expects Coffield to judge accordingly.
Even more significant, during the hearings he was for once struck silent (and put on his introspective face) when Coffield insisted that if House were to meet the patient the outcome might have been different. I wander if he is rethinking that maxim of his, that meeting the patient is unproductive; after all he reached several of his diagnoses when he noticed something on meeting the patient. After all he avoids them not only to stay objective but also to avoid emotional involvement.
Some barriers have broken within H.
I believe this is due to the Kabooms. They produced more development in House than his previous misadventures.
It is possible that the producers might have had more stories to tell. But where H. seems to be now I agree with them that H. needs to keep some mystery and ambivalence before going out.
3 " BrokenLeg
It doesn’t sound like H. but it is very much H. The H. we suspected was there but rarely were permitted to witness.
For once I wallowed in soppiness and had tears in my eyes. And I never cry. Even the lachrymose “Love Story” left me dry-eyed !!!
By the way do not be so bitter with GY. We owe him some of the best episodes and a lot of original filming that make [H] one of the most acclaimed series. Besides he is Greek (for better or worse)!!!!
As for “nobody changes” , well there is also “everybody lies”.
5 - Barbara Barnett
Thank you for your kind words. I plan on making this last 10 weeks a memorable trip down into memory lane.
We'll vote on the top five episodes of all time, starting season by season. And a lot more. And who's to say, I won't continue writing about House? ;-)
As far as my other series, Once Upon a Time, it's really, really different than House. A completely different vibe. It's a real ensemble show that has its roots in dark fantasy (and fairy tales). I'm a sucker for fantasy lands (I love Game of Thrones), and I adore Scottish film actor Robert Carlyle, who has a large part in the series. I can love both, can't I?
6 - Maria-Eleni
@ Barbara Barnett
Right, going out with a bang!
But only five? That would be a very difficult choice. I have more than ten favorites and they go up and down my list. Maybe you could categorise them in terms of, lets say, catalyst episodes, introspective, revealing and so on….
True, OUAT is worth following and I share your love for Robert Carlyle. These British actors really shine in their fearlessness in portraying malevolence . However I always had more of a penchant for stand-out characters than ensemble shows. In OUAT there are too many which is why I do not find myself so involved.
7 - Barbara Barnett
Ah...but that malevolence is layered with an awful lot of pain! It's a pretty fearless performance, nonetheless!
I, too, like character-centered shows, but even in ensembles, I tend to find the one whose story I find most compelling and follow that.
8 - Maria-Eleni
@ Barbara Barnett
Well, yes, that is the whole point. Their performances are so layered that they leave us ambivalent and wanting to find more about the character.
Evidently, we share the same attitudes. Why would I have followed your articles so faithfully and started watching OUAT and also Torchwood!
However I have a confession to make. I am not really TV person, I am more bookish. I hate waiting week after week for an episode. I usually pick CDs of a series that might have caught my eye (sometimes years after its end) and watch it at one go if it is really good. But only to [H] I owe so many sleepless nights!
I shall be following you to find my next addiction……
9 - BrokenLeg
4@maria-eleni
I partially agree with you ( and don’t get accustomed to that, my friend, it must be a [H]pre-deprivation syndrome). Yes, some barriers have broken within Greg House. And that is a great change. And no, definitely is not due to Kabooms. Kabooms, as people understand it, pervert what [H]the series are.
At the end of a fabulous journey, I only want , as HL, a worthy ending, something that don't make me regret watching for the past eight years. As 1@Djesus & 2@AreKay: worthy drama, not kabooms.
And about your fellow compatriot, I’m not being bitter. I tell simply the truth. Days before the official press release announcing the end of the series, he was explaining to anyone who would hear him his new projects and that he was leaving [H] team, being “Nobody’s Fault” his last work. Was a clear hint about the series finale, before any formal announcement. To me, if classy, he must have waited a few days to give those interviews. For the fans, crew and cast. That’s all.
BTW, how is your knee doing?
5@Barbara Barnett
I’ll be delighted to attend and be part of this “memorable trip” to its end station. And I hope you can finally find time to write “Chasing Zebras II: The Unofficial Guide of the ending of House MD fabulous journey” Your first one got me through my past sad days in the dry dock…:-))
10 - Barbara Barnett
I confess that I'm more a book and movie person than a TV person (although I find I'm watching more TV these days than I have in many years--goes along with the job, I guess).
As far as a Chasing Zebras follow up, that's up to my publisher entirely.
11 - Maria-Eleni
Yeah, books are not as much part of my life either as they used to be: failing eyesight and less leisure!
@ 9 - BrokenLeg
Thanks of asking. This week I have started walking to the office; it used to be five minutes from home, now it is ten. But, my god, the pins are uncomfortable and, horror of horrors, visible through the skin! I just pray they can be removed eventually. How’s yours?
Nice to see us disagreeing again.
How do you think the barriers have broken if not through the kabooms? Previous non kabooms tragedies just made him retreat inwardly and lash out verbally.
That said, I agree: I do not want a kaboomish ending, I am also all for solid psychological drama. And no catastrophes, deaths or amputations. [H] and we have suffered enough. Is it too much to ask for something bittersweet in tone like the Stacy arc (no need for Stacy herself)?
As for GY, I find him artistically very good and inventive but I personally dislike him since he started peddling Huddy at twitter (which I dislike as much as HL) and then mocking us for following up.
That said his announcing leaving the show before the official press release did not bother me as I was pretty sure Se 8 would be the last.
However talking about “classy”, how do you feel about another person’s announcement a few days before what was evidently going to be a very controversial finale that would heavily involve her character? And leaving hints of bitterness and strife, and, later on, how much the show was strangling her personality At least GY acknowledges the opportunities the show gave him.
12 - housemaniac
BrokenLeg#3: I'll have to go back to find specific instances, but I know that House has genuinely apologized numerous times in the past. Besides, just because a therapist suggested he apologize does not mean it was not heartfelt or genuine when he did so. I have always thought that House felt plenty of remorse; he just couldn't express it.
As for acknowledging that he is miserable, lonely, and screwed up, he has certainly done that before, most prominently in Help Me, but also with Wilson at the bar.
13 - Jane E
I absolutely loved this episode. I love that Chase was given a main storyline after all these years. I totally believe House is re-evaluating after Nobody's fault with a combination of what he has learned from the institution and his self evaluation of how he destroyed his relationship with Cuddy. I think all of these are signs that our beloved Dr House is finally dealing with situations more like an adult.
PS: I will miss this show so much!
14 - hwl40
Barbara, a comment of mine was blocked from appearing here and, as it was perfectly innocuous, I am wondering if there is an issue with the site, so here's a heads up.
15 - LoriCasey
Mine was, too! I was wondering if many others were also blocked - Lori from Chicago
16 - Nata
My comment was blocked yesterday, too
17 - Barbara Barnett
Hi guys. We're having comment issues. Be patient, we're working on it.
18 - tipitinatoo
Barbara, I'm definitely beginning to experience separation anxiety from the show, its cast, your very astute bloggers, and you. Anyway, "Nobody's Fault" and "Chase" really confirmed my belief that Jesse Spencer's acting skills had never been properly showcased all these years. The guy can act and can draw viewers into his character and his situation. I was delighted watching him in both episodes. As for House's role in "Chase," I felt he may have been exhibiting some "fatherly" behavior in warning Chase about Moira because of his feelings of guilt over never telling Chase about his father's terminal cancer, then watching Chase become so distraught upon getting the long distance call of his father's death he made a fatal mistake that cost his patient her life. I believe House genuinely cares about the "team," and now realizes they are and have been his family for a long time. I hope they don't shortcut this arc, but allow Jesse to play it through awhile longer. I'm so looking forward to these next 10 episodes. I also want to echo the comment that I hope you write a Season 7/8 sequel to Chasing Zebras. What can your loyal readers do to encourage your publisher to underwrite that?
19 - rjw
This was a thoughtful episode.Obviously it was about Chase,but also about the aftermath of the attack on the other team members.Loved House's pranks on Taub....his way of trying to teach him that he couldn't predict everything that could happen.Best scene:House and Chase towards the end.
20 - RobF
hmm
The good of this episode (apart from giving Chase a moment in the spotlight) was that it was made evident that this season's House sees himself in the role of a father to his team members, guiding their personal growth. This had been hinted at in earlier episodes, but was the focus of this episode. Also, as #18 mentioned above, Chase also acted in a notably fatherly manner towards Park. This could not have been an accident, and I wonder what it means.
The bad of the episode was that they couldn't resist the habit of episodic TV -- they put everything neatly back the way it had been. Chase can walk again. Chase is back on the team. It's as if the past two episodes never happened.
With all the terrible things Chase has been through in the past few seasons, he shows no scars. He still looks the same, and is maybe more retrospective and caring, but otherwise it's like he's Dorian Grey.
And yet again House's actions have consequences that seem horrible, but turn out to be short-lived, as everything is neatly returned to normal at the end of an episode.
Now that the writers know the show is over in ten episodes, we can only hope they decide to use the freedom this provides. For starters, let's see if House's 'wife' makes a change that isn't conveniently undone. Let's see some real changes, some real consequences, some real choices House is forced to make -- some real CHANGE.
After all this time, wouldn't the greatest irony of the series be if the character House discovers that people actually do change -- because he himself changes?
21 - housemaniac
Rob F#20: I wouldn't get your hopes too far up; unless PTPH lied and knew way before the public announcement, most of the final episodes were already written before the "freedom" of which you speak. On the other hand, maybe the last four or so episodes will really let loose. I read somewhere they were just finishing up episode 18. So we can all do the math.
On another note, I too am having [H]ouse withdrawal. Very weird. It's the first time I've experienced this feeling with any TV show.
22 - Ladybelle Fiske
I think we all feel that way. We're all attached to House very deeply. No one else like him.
23 - BrokenLeg
House to Chase:”If I wanted you to be like me, I'd urge you to make a stupid, stubborn mistake that blows up your life and leaves you lonely and miserable”
Maybe the true GH’s first reference to last season ending, first true public regret of his great stupid mistake of “parking inappropriately “his car in Cuddy’s dinner room?
Good Chase centered episode. Great Jesse Spencer performance too. A little bit too much obvious script. It’s easy to recover Chase putting him beside a faith theme, preferable a catholic theme, and a woman catholic theme, and most with a nun involved. And better if the nun-to-be is a handsome one ( as a former attendant to a catholic nuns’ school, I’ve never knew any as handsome as this episode’s nun…). After all, a cliché. But gave us a great opportunity to see JS growth as an actor.
And I agree with 20@RobF:
everything is neatly returned to normal at the end of an episode....episodic TV.
24 - The Other Barnett
I keep wishing for a reprieve, but I understand that it will be over soon.
This episode, in combination with "Nobody's Fault" is the best back-to-back combination of House episodes that I've seen in a long time.
I agree with RobF in I'm a bit annoyed with how they resolved this conflict (Chase and House and Chase' internal struggles) in one episode, but at least I accept how some of this cuold be cut short because of a very candid statement by House (basically, "don't be me") to Chase. I have to believe House could only have said what he said to Chase. He has feelings for Chase that may be as deep as he has for Wilson.
Whether it was the writers or it was Spencer, what could have been a very unrealistic notion of a lapsed catholic - former seminarian doctor hooking up with a nun-to-be; turned out so well-handled in the story-telling that I found myself really sympathizing for Chase in him letting the nun go to her life.
I appreciate seeing others noticing House taking on a paternal approach with the other doctors. I've been makking that argument since he tried to embarrass Park in front of the board. Prison has had an effect upon him.
25 - Maria-Eleni
23 - BrokenLeg
“….I'd urge you to make a stupid, stubborn mistake….” Actually H. says “decision” not mistake.
”Maybe the true GH’s first reference to last season ending, first true public regret of his great stupid mistake of “parking inappropriately “his car in Cuddy’s dinner room?”
That is what I read in it at first viewing. The second time I saw the episode with my son who disagreed when I mentioned my view of that scene.
He reminded me that H.’s regret was made public in a very “grand” way by voluntary surrendering and going to prison without any legal defense. We had actually debated on that in early Se 8.
The car crash was a stupid mistake of H. that blew up his life. But it did not leave him “lonely and miserable” he already was in such a state.. Mostly however it is the “stubborn” that eventually convinced me that it was not a direct reference to the car crash. Stubbornness comes after debate and deliberation. The car crash was the result of impulse both emotional and thoughtless, it was definitely not a “decision”.
So if there is a reference to a particular decision that would probably be his stubbornness in refusing to amputate his leg against all advice, mostly from an lover. Which left him lonely and miserable and that is the H. that burst into our lives. In a way, all these eight years, we have been witnesses to H.’s struggle between the need to lick his wounds in isolation and the need to heal by reconnecting. .
It is possible however that H. refers to no specific decision of his but rather to the decision, stubborn and stupid, that Chase is going to make by insisting to convince the nun-to-be that her call is an illusion.
More significant. I would say, and said in an equally emotional way was the next phrase: “You reassess your life when you make mistakes.”
That is the admittance of the horrific car crash mistake. Because this season it looks as if H. is actually reassessing his life.
Hey! 24 - The Other Barnett
This is where you come in! where have you been?
I hope you include me amongst those appreciated for having the same views as you about H.’s approach this season.
Do not forgot handing Adams a bat to vent her anger.
Yes, I agree: H. shows a paternal aspect. But, alas, I believe that made him lose some of his sexiness in the eyes of the younger generation! My teenage son, again, observed somewhat disappointed that H. has “aged”! The “Chase” episode made him realise that he cannot identify with H. anymore as he morphed from an interestingly potent and anarchic male to someone who offers parental advice to the younger generation. He finally discovered that H. belongs to his parents’ age group!