House sees dead people, plans a bachelor party, and almost kills Chase.
“I haven’t slept through the night since Kutner died.” House’s (the ever-amazing Hugh Laurie) grave admission to Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) towards the end of “House Divided” tells us how worried House is about his own sanity. In that confession, the normally very guarded House finally articulates the depth to which he has been affected by Kutner’s death.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - barbara barnett
Orange--I've always loved your comparison of House, Amber and Bosley (Rid. Old Fraud) as the three ghosts of "A Christmas Carol."
There is so much to this episode, I can't wait until tonight when I can watch it for a third time (and for the first time uninterrupted for analysis and furious writing.
I think the preview button will come back, and there have been several comments made throughout the site about the multiple page-d comment threads. Both are being looked at (and I've passed these comments on to the powers that be as well).
27 - marjohn
Barbara,
As usual, a tremendous review on a spectacularly grim/hilarious episode. I do look forward to your reviews, as well as the lively commentary from your loyal peanut gallery, with whom I remain consistently impressed for the collective appreciation and mutual respect.
Laurie and Dudek both turned out superlative performances. Brilliant on so many levels. It will also take weeks to get the image out of my head of Wilson walking home pantsless from his own home! I was waiting for Amber to make some emntion about being back in her old apartment, but the moment came and went.
On a sad note: how much would Kutner have enjoyed the unbridled debauchery of House's party?
RIP, Kutner...
Btw, as a DC resident, Kal Penn is the second most talked about DC newcomer this year! He appears in this month's Washingtonian magazine as among the new hot people to be seen in town. As far as I've heard, he's single, so cross your fingers that I run into him... Recession or not, wishing and hoping are still free!!
Barbara ~ You have a legion of faithful readers, and I hope you have plans to keep us entertained through the off-season. Thanks, as always.
28 - Luisa Borges
Hi Barbara and fellow commenters,
Right up there with you Barbara, and with your comment above. I can´t wait for the nest 2 episodes of House and yet I don´t want the season to end. Can´t think of a better frame of mind to show how great this House year has been.
I really loved this week´s episode. And it was a major, major, surprise for me. I never saw Amber coming as House´s inner voice and was surprised about this great move.
Scary and a half great move by the way. I enjoyed the insight into House´s way of thinking, and his massive detail retention capabilities. Seeing his inner dialogues was a wonderful thing.
But there is such a thing as being too in love with yourself, to the exclusion of all others. And the scary part of it was seeing this take place, more evidently during Chase´s bachelor party in the bathroom scene.
House the party planner was a joy to watch. He really took to the task and I loved his "Hugh Hefnery" gettup. Seeing everyone else at the party was also great.
Agree with Barbara´s take on Foreteen, Chase, Cameron and Wilson. Horray for all of them, and Chase´s kidnaping was hilarious. Seeing Taub as confortable as a cat on cleanning day was also fun.
Cuddy was on full mother mode nursing everyone back to sobriety. And I could just see the Wilson scene she told playing back in my head. I loved that House opened up to her about not sleeping, it was a beautiful scene and Lisa E. was great!
Anne Dudek was a gem in this episode too. Soo many things to love about her performance, which was a cross between Amber and House.
Hugh delivered a very strong performance, he is the master at work when doing House´s emotional turmoils.
FOX has just posted up a "Huddy" (their name for it) video, spoilery but to a manageble degree IMHO, so everyone who was taking part in the pool and is not strong into keeping a spoiler-free mind should just pop on the main site and watch.
All the best to everyone!!
Luisa
29 - barbara barnett
Thanks guys. Yes, Mar, I do plan on keeping you entertained all summer. Lots of things on the horizon: interviews, some very special features, a new trivia quiz...maybe even a "revisited" episode review of a season one or two episode. (maybe done in light of whatever happens at the end of this season). And of course the season recap.
30 - Johnna
Hey everyone,
I also loved this episode. It was tragic and comic at the same time, which was balanced very carefully in my opinion.
I am really feeling bad for House right now, as I'm sure all of us are. He certainly has a lot on his plate, but there is one thing still niggling in the back of my mind.
I don't think that whatever caused the motorcycle accident in "Locked In" has been entirely resolved yet. Did anyone else notice that in the flaming morgue scene, House drops the flaming shot glass? Now, he could have been burned entirely by accident, but it looked to me like he was having trouble with his reflexes. Maybe it's an intermittent symptom, caused by whatever mysterious treatment caused the bike crash. We know House is back on Vicodin, but he could be experiencing slow reflexes due to another new treatment--which would cause the bike crash and the shot glass fumble...and maybe the sort of memory loss that would cause him to forget that Chase is allergic to strawberries?
Also, I totally loved the scene where Cuddy says, "talk to me," and House tells her the truth. But I also think it's a partial truth. Amber's looks to House in that scene say, "I know you're not telling her the whole truth." And while I have compassion for House feeling guilty over Kutner's death, I don't believe it's causing him to lose that much sleep. I think Kutner's death is an easy way for House to explain his insomnia, but I don't think it's the only reason.
There is WAY more to the conclusion of this season than meets the eye, and I can't wait to find out how this will all play out!
31 - Marianna
*replaying the huddy video on the Fox site*
Thanks Barbara for another insightful review. What an episode!!
Loved all the comments about the Amber-Cuddy-House scene. Didn't pay that much attention while watching the epi.
I was absorbed by the fact that we could see how House's mind works, through the whole Amber hallucination. It's almost as we could see the wheels of his brain spinning furiously. A-mazing. When he hears something, so many different things pop in his mind, so many associations of ideas.
I especially loved the scene at the morgue, where he set the dead body on fire -did you notice? He was in a physical frezny, trying to prevent the fire, and his mind (Amber) was working furiously at the same time. And in the end he came up with a related solution: Heat -as in, fire! I loved that. How this genius mind works!!
I then replayed the whole episode, just trying to ignore Amber being near him, and replacing Amber's quotes and comments with the usual pauses and stares House does when he's thinking at the differentials. It works perfectly! It's like the 'Sixth sense' and Bruce Willis' character (if you get the connection).
What a fantastic, fantastic episode. Inside House's head, literally.
And of course it has been quite a while, an episode having so many killer one-liners i would like to quote. He-man reference anyone ("by the power of greyskull..")? Caligula?! Imaginary pen? "Listen, two things I do well. Bachelor parties rank towards the top" (*wink*wink*). The whole Wilson drunk thing? HL in a robe and bartenting? What more could a girl ask for?
(also, what is a "broken cowboy"? and what could possibly "the whole thing with the duck" be (the thing Wilson supposedly did at the last bachelor party). :D
To sum up, i loved the episode. Pure adoration.
*replaying the SPOILERY huddy video on the Fox site*
32 - Orange450
Barbara, I'm already excited about the summer entertainment plans!
I really hope you do a "revisited" episode review from S1 or 2, because I wasn't part of the fandom during those seasons, so I never got to participate in any in-depth discussion about those episodes.
If you do - maybe you could let us know which episode a short while before, so that we can make sure to do our summer homework, and watch it ahead of time.
33 - Sera G
Again, Barbara, another amazing analysis of Monday's episode. I think this season might be the best yet!
Maybe I am totally off base, but I have always questioned why nothing very much was done with Season 2's cliffhanger, House being shot. Yes, they addressed the ketamine and his possibility of walking without pain, but never discussed the consequences of being shot and hallucinating a solution to the mystery of his own hallucination. House has been through many emotional and physical traumas and he always stuffs down those feeling, deflects them or medicates (alcohol/Vicodin) them away. I wondered if all of this is a reaction to his repressions for the last 5 years. That has probably already been expressed more eloquently by others.
As House thrived on the ego boost of his genius consulting with itself, I thought that to him, that must be the perfect situation.
As the episode progressed and he seemed to focus more on Amber and less on the real people around him, I became more and more concerned.
I was not at all surprised to see House alone in the tub while the others enjoyed the party just beyond the door. That is House. He is so used to not being part of the social/fun that he wouldn't know what to do out there. It was incredible how that scene turned so chilling when he confronts Amber about the strawberry allergy. It almost felt like a Jekyll and Hyde moment. Didn't he say that he knew Chase had an allergy? I will have to rewatch.
I, too have hopes that Amber is House's way of forcing himself to get help, admit that he has been troubled by all the losses in his life and take that chance that he seemed to want on the bus. However, I am worried, very worried! How much more can he stand?
As for the scene with House/Cuddy. Beautifully played. She knows/loves/worries about him so much. Cuddy knows that she can't push him to confide but can't let him suffer either. Her instinct is to offer help/support/comfort however he will accept it. Her simple, "Talk to me" was heartbreaking. That is what she has been trying to say for 5 years and especially this season. "Talk to me, we can work it out."
Last of all, I understood the fading to black and white and narrowing of the perspective during the DDX, but why was the color so odd during the entire epi? I could understand when House was in the scene, as that might be the effect of lack of sleep and that woozy feeling when you need rest, but why was it that way when others were in the scene without him?
Also, was it my very old TV, or was the scene with Wilson/Chase discussing the party narrowed? All I could see was parts of each of their bodies? Again, if House was in the scene I could understand the distortions, but he was not there. Am I clueless and missing a cinematic moment?
Again, what an episode, what a season what a show! They amaze me every week.
I can't wait to see how it all turns out, but then it is a very long 4 months until Seson 6.
34 - j.i.m.
I just saw the Huddy video on Fox. Very disappointing. The music gave it a sarcastic tone, the photos used were more a "24" style recap rather than seminal moments in their relationship. But no one could ruin House's line at the end about kissing. It is the same line that he used in the promo at the end of "House Divided". I wish someone had told me to skip it.
35 - Luisa Borges
Barbara, ditto all Orange450's comments on your summer plans, I'm really looking forward to them.
j.i.m. sorry I didn't put more warning forward on contents (since I'm one of the people that commented on the video being available), but I rather liked the scenes, seeing them put together no less.
36 - sdemar
Great review for a great episode, Barbara. I, too, was one that had a hard time believing House was going to party at a bachelor party since he can't even have a drink with his colleagues. Turns out it was the planning that he like and he was in his element. Kudos to the Hugh Hefner jacket.
I think we will find Amber becomes a stronger and stronger presence in House's mind in the last 2 episodes. Poor House. He's too tired to fight her off.
This has been a wonderful ride this season. I don't think the show has lost anything.
Congrats on your interview with Doris E even if it is after the episode. I actually think that works better because you will have so many more questions after seeing the episode. If you think of it or care to, I am curious as to why she had to rewrite the script. Did they have one storyline and chuck it or did it just need fine-tuning.
I like this new format just fine. Finally, wow oh wow, 1100 votes on Huddy.
37 - cj_housegirl
Sera: As for the Wilson/Chase scene and parts of it falling off screen, I think that's a by-product of the PTB giving up on the 4:3 format and going wide screen. It's not a cinematic moment as much as a technical one. All the new digital high-def televisions are all wide screens and I think they've made a change over to that size, which means that effect is likely to continue unless you get a wide screen television.
As for the colour, I think we were getting a feel for House's point-of-view especially during those moments of brightness/haloness; a use of lighting to place House in another place - his mind. It's like the white light people sometimes see when they are on the verge of death. In this case, House is on the verge of losing grip with reality. It's an almost death. That's my interpretation of it anyway.
They really used a lot of contrast in this one. Intense brightness coupled with darkness for a show named House Divided.
The last few episodes I feel like they've used lighting to try to visualize House's mood for the audience. They've also created a more grainy look about the show. There's a sort of rawness/grit to it since Kutner's death most especially when House is in the scene.
I've watched this episode more than any other this season and it's only Wednesday. It's still amazing. There are so many layers. Seeing it a second and third time just helps the viewing experience because the first time you don't understand exactly what Amber is until House does. His revelation is our revelation which is what makes it so frightening. You're living that moment of discovery with House.
The second and third times around you understand what Amber is and all of the sudden you hear and see the sinister under tones of her comments. The danger that she actually is throughout this episode.
I'm still in love with the morgue scene. It doesn't matter how many times I watch it I kill myself laughing. Hugh Laurie you are amazing.
House is the only show that can put me into fits of laughter and tears and leave me in stunned silence all in one episode.
Can't wait for Monday!
38 - Flo
okay, this is gonna sound superficial after all these great comments but I found interestingly funny that the song that House makes the boy "listen" is "Fight the Power".
We can clearly hear "fight the power that be". After the "jump the shark" in "Here Kitty", we can really see that TPTB is playing with us.
maybe a fun and clever response to all the critics?
39 - Tourmaline
Thank you Barbara, an excellent analysis of a fantastic episode. As you point out, the season finale and the concerns for House's mental wellbeing are going to be interesting to see, as something which has been building up for so long (and so many shows would take the easy option of resolving something so troubling in a few episodes). I'm looking forward to the final two episodes, thankfully a little calmer about them than last year! But knowing Doris Egan has penned the season finale makes me very happy, her episodes are always wonderful.
And was I the only one who thought of Stephen Fry when Chase went into anaphylaxis from strawberry flavoured body butter? As he is also allergic to strawberries, I wondered if that was the touch of the show's star and new Executive Producer... :)
40 - JL
Barbara, thanks so much for this review.
Having been so caught up in the promo madness that has swamped the internet this week, it's rather good to have my attention diverted back to House himself for a minute. It's interesting to see the picture unfolding in all its brilliance and horror.
I'm really excited about seeing Episode 22 next week - it sounds incredible. Mind you, it airs the day after Ep. 23 airs in the U.S. - so I imagine it will feel somewhat passe...
Looking forward to the 'inevitable' (hee!) Monday meltdown.
(I TOTALLY agree - I need to be able to preview my comments.)
41 - barbara barnett
Spoiler TV has three promo clips up now. Very interesting, indeed (nothing to do with Huddy)
42 - barbara barnett
Looks like the comments are all posting again properly.
Sdemar--decision to talk to DE after the episode was mutually decided upon. Can't wait!
43 - barbara barnett
Did I mention I was doing a conference call with Lisa Edelstein tomorrow?
44 - j.i.m.
@Luisa Borges, No. 41, No importante. ;-) What mostly disappointed me in the Fox Huddy promo was the overall tone. I found an alternate Huddy preview on youtube that used the same pictures in House's apartment from the Fox promo but edited it to remind one of dancers, House and Cuddy. I thought it was brilliant.
45 - Marianna
episode 23, alt. title:
"Dr. Strangelove, M.D. or: How I Learned To Stop Deflecting And Love The Boss"
46 - XJK
Barbara - conference call with Lisa Edelstein, how cool is that??
Loving the comments, and glad to see I'm not the only one who's seen this episode three times already (and twice in one evening... that ones bad, right??) I think Amber in the office scene is silent because House really doesn't know if he should tell Cuddy or not, but the fact that Amber's there pushes him to it. The second look is a 'thats all I'm saying'.
Staying away from the 'Huddy' video, steadfastly spoiler free. I even regretted watching the promo for next week, and to a lesser extent try to avoid finding out the POTW! Very difficult in a time when House spoilers seem to be more prolific than ever.
47 - XJK
Also - I've found the link to the comment RSS feed, but is there still one to the articles themselves?
48 - Kim
The RSS feed doesn't work for me. I know I have to be patient until everything is settle down.
49 - Kim
Is one blink for 'yes' and two blinks for 'no'? If that's right when House is in Cuddy's office and she asks him to talk to her. He looks to Amber (to see if she has to say something) and you can see how she blinks once and what I understand from that is that she agrees with him into letting know Cuddy what is going on with him.
By the way, thank you Barbara for a wonderful review.
50 - Luisa Borges
j.i.m. WOW thanks do much for the link, great vid, very sensitive and with great choice of scenes. Loved the piano playing too. It's quite obvious but it always amazes me, how much music can "mood" a scene.
Barbara, great one, conference call with Lisa E., can't wait to read your writing about it. I love your interviews!! She has been constantly doing an amazing job and is a very gifted performer who's work is a joy to watch.
51 - Luisa Borges
oops and forgot to say something majorly important.
Barbara, also looking forward to your interview with Doris Egan. That will be another great one, love her, and love your interviews, so that's another pairing made in heaven for me.
52 - barbara barnett
Thanks everyone for your patience. RSS links will be fixed. Such growing pains!
Looking forward to the CC with Lisa tomorrow and the episode on Monday!!!!
I've also posted three spoiler clips on my personal site, which you can access at the bottom of the article. Will be reposting them here with my Lisa E. interview.
53 - wackjob
Having seen the "Huddy" spoiler and compared it to the first promo, there's a couple of inconsistencies that suggest to me that the Huddy sex takes place in House's mind. (DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS!!)
First of all, in the Huddy promo they are tearing their clothes off, including her blouse, and presumably whirling into his bedroom. But in the first promo, Cuddy is clearly fully dressed, not disheveled at all, yelling "No!" over House's prone body lying on the bathroom floor. He is in a black t-shirt, also fully dressed. Although yes, it could have been under his blue shirt during the Huddy scene, but it does not quite add up.
Second, you know how much TPTB like to mislead us in the promos (i.e. taking the Amber in the red suit sex footage from the season 4 finale and putting into last week's second promo, or showing Kutner running for "Simple Explanation").
Jeez, how are we supposed to wait for Monday? I feel almost pathetic, getting this excited about a TV show.
54 - Luisa Borges
Barbara, great that you will be interviewing Doris Egan. Love her, love your interviews so this is a match made in heaven. Will be looking forward to reading it.
55 - Kim
Luisa Borges: "Barbara, great one, conference call with Lisa E., can't wait to read your writing about it. I love your interviews!! She has been constantly doing an amazing job and is a very gifted performer who's work is a joy to watch."
I cannot agree with you more.
56 - wackjob
When I rewatched the last scene with Cuddy, it seemed to me that Amber 'gave permission' to House to tell Cuddy that he was hallucinating, but then slightly shook her head to indicate 'no' about what. Poor Cuddy, she looked so hurt for House.
57 - Kit Sum
Hello everyone. This is my first time commenting :).
This episode is probably one of the best episodes I've ever seen in the series. Thanks to the brilliant acting from ALL the characters, especially Amber, and also the amazing plot. David Shore and his Co. never disappoint me a bit.
I want to comment on the scene with House talking to Cuddy in her office. That was poignant. "Talk to me" was heartbreaking. I agree that is what Cuddy has been trying to say in these 5 years. This is a big step. I guess this foreshadows the sex scene in the next episode. Also, well played by Amber and House. Amber is House's subconscious. I think at that moment, Amber made House realizes that Cuddy is the one that he can rely on, instead of giving House permission to tell Cuddy. Amber shows that to the audience with her facial expression.
I don't know whether this makes sense but that's how I interpret it. :)
Anyway, Barbara, I love your reviews. They are all great. Keep it up! And I can't wait for your writing of the conference call with Lisa. I love her, as a character in the show, and in real life.
58 - Sera G
Hi, Barbara,
Back again to say I, along with everyone else can't wait to read your interview with Doris E.
I am thrilled that you have another interview with Lisa Edelstein. I won't say again how terrific I think she is. Oh, I did. Knowing you, spoilers will be forewarned.
I am curious if TPTB, the writers or the cast is aware of all of the discussions, analysis and debate that takes place at your site. Obviously they are very impressed with your essays as you have been linked on the official Fox site. I just wonder if any of it is mentioned or discussed. I wonder if they realize how seriously we take the show? The creative forces, both behind and in front of the camera take the show quite seriously. They surprise, challenge and amaze us week after week. To me, there is no lessening of quality in any aspect. If anything, Season 5 has gotten deeper and more powererful.
Congratulations to you, Barabara and looking forward to all that you write in the weeks to come.
59 - cj_housegirl
j.i.m.: Great link thanks. ITA, I think that's better than the Fox clip.
Marianna: episode 23, alt. title:
"Dr. Strangelove, M.D. or: How I Learned To Stop Deflecting And Love The Boss"
LMAO, that's a good one!
Barbara: Can't wait to read what LE has to say. Hopefully, she has some things to say about her and Hugh's scenes together.
Sorry about the triple post. It wasn't posting at all last night. I waited a few minutes to see if anything would pop up. Nothing. Now, all of the sudden, well, there they are.
60 - barbara barnett
Looking forward the CC. Expect to see an article later this evening with some streaming video preview stuff.
61 - wackjob
Thank you for this insightful review, Barbara, and to the other commenters.
62 - wackjob
Oh my goodness, as soon as I unchecked my "remember name and URL," all of my comments published! Sheesh!
63 - barbara barnett
comments thing will be fixed soon. they are working on it as we speak!
64 - Orange450
Looking forward to the LE CC article! And incredibly excited for the DE interview!!
Barbara, thank you so much for the way you enrich the House experience for all of us. It used to be that TV was just TV. One watched a show, maybe talked about it with a few people, and that was the end of it. But not only do you provide the best and pleasantest discussion environment in the fandom - you throw in all these great "extras" as well. Your access to behind-the-scenes personalities mines a treasure trove of insight and understanding that I, like everyone else, really appreciate.
You play a significant role in turning what used to be largely a passive experience - just watching TV - into a highly active, enriching and rewarding one. Just thought you should know :-) Kudos!
65 - barbara barnett
Sera G--I don't know how much the writers and powers that be read this stuff...or even see anything (certainly) that's here in this space.
When I do get a chance to speak to someone from the show, I always make a point to tell them that there's some very intelligent discussion going on about the story lines, narrative arcs, ethics, etc.
Thanks to all for your patience. RSS is also being fixed now, and it seems that the comments are working again. The technogeeks are working hard at this. So please continue being patient!
Just got off the call with Lisa and I'll put up an article tonight if I can.
66 - Orange450
*SPOILER-PHOBES, SKIP THIS COMMENT*
wackjob: re your comment #63, that's exactly how I saw it. But contrary to what Amber said to House: "I'm a hallucination, not a fantasy." - I think this one is the other way around :-)
67 - Orange450
*ANOTHER SPOILERY THOUGHT*
*SPOILERPHOBES SKIP THIS ONE TOO*
Just thinking out loud while I should be doing other things.
So this past episode's title was "House Divided". And the full quote is "a house divided against itself cannot stand". And in one of the clips, we saw (an incredibly sensitively done) disagreement between House and his subconscious. Evidence that the two are becoming divided against each other. And that does not bode well for House. Looks like he's got an existential crisis brewing.
68 - barbara barnett
good stuff. I like that Orange!
Lisa E interview coming out tonight and three great interview cips if you haven't seen them elsewhere on the 'net.
69 - savta
Barbara - your insightful reviews and essays have truly enhanced the house experience for all of your readers. This one was truly superlative reflecting on an episode outstanding in every way.
HL and AD deserve emmys. AD made such an impact at the end of last season and beginning of this one. It was a real treat that she was brought back for this arc.
Pt of information for Anna from Italy -
I would guess that AD shot these episodes less than three months after giving birth to her first child which would explain why she didn't have enough time to get back to last year's slender figure.
Questions - Every once in a while, TPTB insert a line referencing an inside joke.
Any info on House's rejection of one of the dancers while looking at the pictures with Foreman and Thirteen as being the one who "hooked him to Madoff"?
Any insight into Cuddy's hair? When the bangs are covering her eyes is she hiding from House?
I agree with #63 and Orange450 about the Huddy spoiler. It doesn't add up. Towards the end of the spoiler we hear Cuddy asking if House wants to kiss her but her mouth doesn't seem to be moving.
I look forward to reading about the call with LE but will have to wait until tomorrow night -
70 - Hannah
That's what I thought, too.
71 - Eve K
Thank U Barbara for one of your best and most analytic reviews this season. Haven't read all the comments yet, but I'm looking forward to it!
I just watched Mr Lauries brilliant take on season five and the character of House, he states that House was never that stabile a personality to begin with, the seeds of his own destruction are carried within him. This season is about the disintegration of his personality.
My take on this has been that House has no firm inner core, but relies on interpreting the world around him to make his decisions. When his senses and brilliant mind fails him he is going down. An from what Lauries says, he drags others with him in the fall. This season is about tearing down Houses wall of defence, leaving his unstable core open. But that is not going to happen without a fight.
Cant wait till Monday.
72 - Meena
Barbara, thank you for this delicate and careful review. Sorry my comment will be so long...but I am still thinking this episode out (and this seems to be the place to do it!). (And I'm glad the comments section is finally working, there are always bugs in a new system)
This episode was truly inspired. Such fantastic, layered writing. The direction was PERFECT to display the heightened, overexposed, isolating effects of insomnia (something I unfortunately have experience with). Also, lots of long scenes with few cuts, and Amber weaving in and out continuously " so cool. Such amazing detail, especially with sound when the POTW hears for the first time, the dripping medicine and clicking clock’s sounds are reversed in his ear (OK, I have really watched this episode too many times). Overall, I really could get where House was coming from " well, except for the hallucination bit. He even looked terrible " red-eyed, pasty-pale, haggard, forlorn, taped together.
I have to say, when I saw the preview for this episode, I felt that they were going to take it in another direction " Amber as confidante, or Amber as healer. But Amber as House’s id, his instinct, his remembrance of things past (and hidden), his darker motivations - incredible. I loved that we got a chance to see inside House’s thinking, his inner dialogue, to see how he puts his ideas together " having to always figure out or deduce himself as to why he notices something as instinctually off, be it a person’s behavior, bloodwork, or thinking pattern.
I loved how Amber started off as a light, almost funny hallucination, but slowly delved into something much darker " or, rather, her darkness was coming to light for House (no pun intended) (AD is really a fantastic actress, as this seemed a very hard balancing act between camp and evil, which she conveyed so effortlessly). I don’t think House really tried to kill Chase (with his id, ego, or superego), but I have always felt that because of House’s unique genius and talent of observation and deduction, he bears tremendous responsibility, and therefore guilt, for when things go wrong that he may have had prior knowledge about.
I think all the way back to Humpty Dumpty, at the end, when talking with Wilson, and Wilson says that Cuddy shouldn’t feel guilty because there was nothing she could have done any sooner to save her gardener’s hand from amputation. And House says, “No, SHE couldn’t have,” accentuating the “she”. Even though he saved the young man’s life, you got the feeling that he wasn’t going to sleep well that night. Though I think Kutner’s suicide was the catalyst for House’s break from reality this season for a myriad of reasons, this guilt still seems to be part of an issue that has played out throughout the entire series.
I really loved that his id, Amber, wore a lab coat the entire time. I don’t know why.
The POTW was an interesting choice, in that they were both comfortable with and preferred their handicaps " House with his hallucinations, the POTW with his deafness, at least in the beginning.
The humor in this episode was fantastic, both with dialogue, props, and inclusion of characters. On second viewing, I noticed that Lou the janitor was at the party, Wilson wasn’t wearing pants with the stripper, and Chase was cuddling a stuffed-animal kangaroo with boxing gloves. They were both so superb at playing lascivious, fun-loving drunks. Most of all, I really loved LE’s line delivery regarding Wilson being picked up by the police in his underwear walking home from his own apartment, that had me laughing hours later (If I continue, I might come dangerously close to rehashing EVERY single funny line this episode).
Finally, regarding Amber at the end in Cuddy’s office: such a great, provocative question mark. I feel Amber was silent possibly because all parts of House are confused about his feelings and desires for Cuddy " theirs is a loaded relationship that will change every aspect of his life if it were to happen, etc. I found it so sad that he can't even confide to himself how he feels. One thing about House, is that he is not generally shy about trying to get what he wants (when he knows what that is)" yet has been so guarded, contradictory, and confused over Cuddy. At the same time, he couldn’t lie to Cuddy, he had to tell her something that was true. This time, he didn't deflect - he omitted. So sad, and yet so lovely, their relationship. Perhaps, this is my stab at a differential diagnosis - I really do like other people’s interpretations of this scene, and House and Cuddy's relationship, as well. So many layers.
73 - Roo
Thank you Barbara for such a great resource online for discussion and debate that doesn't revolve around only the soap opera. I love the insight and depth at this site, for a show that is deeper and more layered than any casual watcher can see. That's why I watch this show and not others I could mention.
Thank you again!
74 - playdoh
what about if amber's face at the end was showing House's emotions? if she is him on the inside, then why cant she be his emotions too? and also, she said "That's not ok" (or whatever it was) when House said ok to wilson not coming to the party--she was displying his emotions.
75 - Kit Sum
Response to the Huddy hook up on Monday:
I actually don't think that would be a hallucination, even though the clothes do not match. However, gotta remember our evil David Shore. He likes to play with us. Also, from Lisa E's conference call, she said that House and Cuddy's relationship will change in the season finale. I guess it is because of the hook up. So, if the hook up was a hallucination, how was that going to change anything?