Kutner, and to a lesser degree Taub, believe they can “be House.” After all, they’re only really trying to be a virtual Dr. Gregory House, famous diagnostician. In a hysterically funny side story that is a sort of “virtual” clinic beat, Kutner has set up an Internet diagnosis line under House’s name. Raking in thousands of dollars a week, Kutner has had an easy side job. That is, until he acquires a new patient with a potentially deadly boob job. Unable to diagnose the woman’s strange - and growing stranger by the minute - symptoms, Kutner turns to plastic surgeon Taub, who wants his share of Kutner’s action for the consult (and not ratting him out to House). But when the patient actually shows up looking for Dr. House, Kutner and Taub end up in over their heads. They go to Chase and Cameron, which only digs Kutner in deeper. And when the patient apparently dies, the duo are deeply in the poo.
But House has known about the scheme all along and has orchestrated this entire patient scenario in an effort to teach Kutner a lesson — and maybe get in on the action himself. Talk about self-delusion! House involves Chase and Cameron in his elaborate scheme and shells out $3,000 to hire an actress (possibly a prostitute). I loved this entire storyline. Taub and Kutner are funny together and sort of reflect House and Wilson in a subversive sort of way. But no one has House’s mad “skillz.”
The third thread of this triple chocolaty-confection of self-delusion concerns House and Cuddy. As Cuddy says halfway through the episode, “Everyone knows that this is going somewhere.” But, she mistakenly believes that proximity and then assertiveness will trigger a (proper) response from House. House isn’t one for directness; he much prefers game playing. The House-Cuddy chess match continues. The question is, who will be the first to resign their control of the board?
Moving into House’s space after her office was destroyed in “Last Resort” is Cuddy’s opening move. Pawn to king four. But they are playing on House’s turf (although you can argue that the hospital is Cuddy’s turf, since she’s dean of medicine and all that, so “potato, potahto.”)
House moves into her space, insisting on sharing his own desk; but then he goes into her office and breaks the toilet, taking control of the renovation, moving out his bishop. House is deluding himself that he can control the relationship with Cuddy, keeping it funny and non-emotional. She’s as good a chess player as he is — and maybe that’s the fun for him, the challenge. So, Cuddy moves out her knight, reacting to House’s move by removing all the furniture from his office, and yet neither one of them moves out of the office itself. They simply wait. House “castles;” Cuddy “castles,” the players on their respective sides of the board (he in the outer office, she in his usurped inner office). But then there is a delicious and frustrating encounter after House shoos the team out the door to run down Cuddy’s alternative theories.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Sera G
Hello, Barbara!
I am so glad I read your review tonight. I was disappointed in House's behavior toward Cuddy. Just when I thought he was ready to see where things were going, he crudely grabs her in a gesture as demeaning as the kiss was beautiful.
However, you helped place their interaction as part of the ongoing game between them.
I agree, the med school desk was genius from the writers; both a grand gesture and a statement.
I am crazy about the two of them and have been since season 1, episode 1. I know there is the opinion that the relationship won't last, but I for one would love to see how it all plays out. I can imagine the adjustments, compromises, fights and making up. I would love for the writers to give it a fair chance. They are two mature, complex equals and I want to see where the 'dance' takes them.
By the way, do you know of a way to communicate with either FOX or Shore and Co.? I don't feel comfortable with the website, being new this whole blogging thing. Thanks so much!
Can't wait to read the second part of your article about House/Cuddy and love.
2 - Peggy
Nice analysis, Barbara! I've been chewing over the ending for twenty four hours now. As I was watching I was sure House had set up the situation so that Cuddy would see him with the other woman -- upping the ante one more time. After all, wouldn't he expect her to realize who had provided that desk, and to come straight to his office? But now it seems to me the writers intended it to be ironic. He'd finally made a romantic gesture and was on the verge of "winning" the game, and instead messed it up by losing focus. It might be that his very real interest in her has actually resulted in throwing him off his game. If that's not reading too much into it.
3 - Renee
I have a lot to say on this over at Huddy Online but here is some of it.
Just to focus on the last scene where you are of "three minds"... honestly, to me that least is irrelevent as far as House's POV. I'll bet good money he eithr bid the chick goodnight --- after all, he was dressed and ready to leave - if they were going to leave together they would have left already. Second, even if he DID go home and, er, canoodle with the "trashy ho" as I call her, it's just a physical deflection such as we'd heard the verbal ones all episode.
That last scene was not to further House's POV. It was to further Cuddy's. That's why it's all shot from her POV. We don't hear what House is saying --- we just see what Cuddy sees. The purpose was either to show that Cuddy IS jealous and DOES have deep feelings for him and/or the purpose is to drive home to Cuddy that House CAN'T change. And I hate this last and think it's a cheap plot device IMO if it means they decide next episode to go back to status-quo (IE pre-kiss).
It was the scene in the office that bothered me the most. Seriously even BEFORE he went for the boob that scene had me dead in the water. It was when he said, "We already did that." ---- I knew at that point, all was lost for that moment in that particular scene.
I always see things from House's POV. I have always been House's Champion. He is me. I am not me without loving House (the character) -- someone said something like that yesterday on LJ and I almost broke down and cried. He is so much a part of the fabric of me, that I wouldn't know what to do. I understand him the way I understand a song, the way I understand where my vocal chords are every time I open my mouth to sing.... it's very bizarrely inherent in me. And I've always taken his side --- against Wilson, against Amber, against every character - INCLUDING Cuddy. When he told her she'd be a crap mother in Finding Judas I totally got where he was. It didn't bother me like it did others. The more obnoxious he is, the more he flauts authority, the more he bitch-slaps people..... he's my hero. At the end of the day I have always RESPECTED him. The end.
But in the empty office scene and from then on in the episode, for the first time, I felt I was on the outside looking in in regards to House himself. I was seeing it, or rather FEELING it, from Cuddy's POV. That's never happened to me on the show. All through the Ham arc, the Stacy arc, EVERY freaking arc --- it was always me-as-House. Even the recent lovely Huddy episodes --- I've always come at it from his side. The minute he said "We already did that." I felt shut out from House. He did to me what he did to Cuddy. It was terrible.
Also, Cuddy should know better. You don't PUSH House. We learned that he has to come to her in his own time and in his own way and at his own pace. You can't push him. That's what the ITCH taught us. He's like a skittish WILD HORSE. You need to horse-whisper, not try and get on his back. And she shouldn't have said what she did, IMO. BUT I think she did b/c Wilson told her she needed to do something and "not sit next to him hoping something will happen." So, she pushed and the horse bolted. He SHUT DOWN. AGAIN. And I wanted to reach through the screen and KILL him. When he grabbed her back by the boob I thought he was going to change his mind for a second, but he chickened out again and didn't just act 12 - he acted like a 20 year old frat boy --- which is WAY WORSE IMO.
IMO one of two things happens next week. He finally owns up to the fact that Cuddy is not a medical malady he can diagnose and cure - he will somehow OWN up to his feelings. OR the last scene will make Cuddy's wall go up so high that even if he comes clean next week, it will be too late. And that will piss me off.
4 - barbara barnett
Thanks Sara G and Peggy for your comments. There was a lot to mull over and multiple interpretations of everyone's motives and actions.
Sara G--why do you ask about access to FOX. Is there something specific you want to know? I have some very, very limited access (accorded to all journalists) to ask a question here and there, but no more than anyone else, I suppose.
5 - leakey_lover
Hi, Barbara. Been reading your columns for a few months now and very impressed with your insight and articulation. Kudos on nice work.
I'm inclined to believe that De Coconut Lady was indeed a pricey call girl and that House accepted her offer of his three hours remaining as you suggested. Maybe House retreats into the tried and true as a foil to all this new emotional stuff going on that he doesn't fully understand; ie, control.
The way he touched Cuddy, and his crack about leaving her boobs behind, bordered on the cruel. I read it as a clear signal that he's willing to play the games and maybe get horizontal but not involve the emotional. I think he's still ambivalent about what he wants from her, weighing what he's willing to give up and risk, wondering if he is, as he said, better off alone. So he pushes her away but makes that magnificent desk gesture. It's all still grey.
Cuddy's part in the games is clever. They're playing point for point, but her dialog is surprisingly prepubescent. She's usually not often at a loss for comeback. I keep coming back to her "Everybody knows where this is going" remark. In what universe could such a thing matter? It sounds like a panicked excuse.
She's humiliated but after the desk comes back for more and gets it. The depth of her reaction to seeing House with the hooker indicates to me that she's gone gaga and started deluding herself about who House is.
What do you think? Pleasure to communicate with you.
6 - Sera G
I wanted to write about my appreciation for the show and offer my opions (not that it will sway them one way or the other) about House/Cuddy.
In the 'old days' you could write a letter to a network or production company. Not anymore, I guess.
I am reluctant to join the online discussions because they all seem to have ongoing interactions and I feel like an intruder. Your blog, however feels more welcoming.
Thanks for asking. Sera G.
7 - Renee
Barbara, you can delete this post if it's not appropriate, but I just want Sera G to know that she is VERY welcome at Huddy Online. We are MORE than happy to welcome newbies, outsiders and those who appreciate Huddy from all walks of life. We always try and encourage new posters to get involved in discussion as new posters and new thoughts make our day!!! So come on by, Sera G - we'd love to have you. Just click on my URL.
8 - barbara barnett
Fun to see so many new faces the last couple of days (or at least new contributors!) I will reiterate what Renee said, nice group of folks over at Huddy Online (and at other communities as well.) Sometime it gets pretty intimidating--and sometimes the conversation is too juvenile (at certain sites). And one of the reasons I write this blog is to have a place for the intelligent and diverse analysis of this terrific television series (and character)
Cuddy may be deluding herself about who House is...or maybe the woman isn't a hooker at all. A tried and true literary device is the miscommunication between two lovers. It predates Shakespeare and is the tentpole of many a screwball comedy. This sort of comedy of errors.
But I do think that the final scene is meant to be observed through Cuddy's POV entirely. We don't catch the conversation between the woman and House, so we don't know what they're up to to (or not). We shall see how this plays out over the next episode and then hiatus until after the New Year.
9 - L.Lilly
Barbara, Cuddy told House at the end of "Words and Deeds" that he makes everyone else "worse for being around him." Cuddy needs to take a good look in the mirror and see what she has become. I was so disappointed in her behavior this episode. The Dean of Medicine - The Boss - was playing adolescent games and stooping to House's level in a transparent attempt to get his attention. I absolutely cringed at the breast fondle scene, as well as the conversation preceeding it, not only for House's crass behavior, but that Cuddy actually expected him to kiss her in such a public place. House has undermined her authority at every opportunity with the new team (thong challenge, anyone?) but this was something she was doing to herself. She was undermining her own authority this time. I was actually embarrassed for her actions as everyone seemed to know why she was camped in House's office.
When Cameron attempted to get closer to House in Season 1, House rejected her by pointing out all his flaws and what he saw as her attraction to his "damage." I liked that House seemed so unsure of himself, and I felt sure that was why he didn't appear interested in dating other women over the years. Yet, he was telling Cuddy in this last episode that she had "the hots" for him and was dressing provocatively for HIM. He was extremely egotistical. (I wish Cuddy had denied that she was dressing provocatively for him.)
I'll add my own game board analogy at this point. I think this (Battle)ship may sink.
It is not my intention to show any disrespect for all the "Huddy" love on this forum, but I did want to bring out another view.
10 - Andrea
Barbara I've been reading your reviews compulsively and first I want to say THANK YOU! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who picks up on apparently minor or little things and sees how they fit into the larger fabric of character.
Regarding this episode, and the "boob grab" scene specifically, it seems super super clear to me that House started that conversation with the firm belief that he could throw Cuddy for a loop and she'd back off, showing he's as dense about her as she is about him. But when she made it clear she was gonna stand toe-to-toe with him, he came as close to panicking as I think I've ever seen him. Physically he practically froze, and the look on his face was pure terror. From that perspective, his actions (however disappointing they were to all parties) made a certain amount of sense. Wanting to touch and connect but afraid of wanting too much. Made me ache for them both.
Just my take on things.
11 - Sheelagh
I might have been able to roll with House's crude and offensive groping of Cuddy if I really had any reason to think the desk came from him.Given his behavior in Season 4 & 5 to date, I don't.
I think Wilson manipulated the arrival of the desk in hopes of pushing the relationship along. The gesture is much more like Wilson than House.
House has always respected Cuddy as his boss but he has also always objectified her verbally and finally did sophysically in this episode. It's the first time I've truly disliked House. I wished Cuddy had slapped him, whatever his reasons for sexually assaulting her were. Gone are the days of caring about a flawed but honorable charater .
Vulgarity is now substituting for wit and soap opera histrionics for thoughtful story telling on the shop. To see Hugh Laurie's , and Robert Sean Leonard's talents so ill used and degraded is depressing indeed.
12 - Kit O'Toole
As always, you offered astute observations, Barbara. I particularly found your comment that Kutner and Taub have become sort of twisted versions of Wilson and House very insightful--I hadn't thought of that analogy.
As for the now-infamous groping scene, I'd like to propose yet another perspective. House has a history of testing the limits of his relationships, be they platonic or romantic. Remember the episode from I believe last season when House admitted to Wilson that he didn't want to "push their friendship until it breaks" or something along those lines? One could have a field day analyzing House's reasons--is it because he's afraid of commitment? Of letting someone see his vulnerability? Or is it his way of saying "this is how I am--take it or leave it"?
When House and Cuddy slowly approached each other in that empty office, I was reminded of two bulls about to lock horns. While I didn't like her "everyone knows where this is going" remark, she did one thing right--she showed him that she's not a wimp. As history has shown, House has no time for people who are easily intimidated or overall submissive. So Cuddy was parrying back and forth with him. Then House pulled his shocking move, and seemed to stare at her as if this were a game of Chicken. Would she slap him, yell at him, cry, walk away, or still kiss him? Clearly he was testing her, ready to analyze her response, as he has done frequently with other people. I don't know if he was surprised by her reaction, but as you point out, his posture did suggest that he thought that maybe he had overstepped his boundaries.
That leads to the final scene. If the woman was a prostitute, I suppose it's possible that House did invite her back to his place. After all, he has used hookers before. It would also be a comment on how he can't handle real relationships, since sex with prostitutes is simply a business transaction, to put it mildly. Of course it could also be the writers' way of delaying a House/Cuddy ship just a little longer. As Hugh Laurie has stated in interviews, they don't want to fall into the "Moonlighting" trap.
Those are my 2 cents, for what they're worth! Thanks for a thought-provoking review.
13 - jim
Barbara, Great review. I don't know how, but you keep improving on writing already excellent. And thanks for inviting us into the differential. :-)
Renee, Maybe you felt alienated from House at the moment of "We've already kissed" and the subsequent boob grab because House seemed completely alienated from himself at that point. When I saw the preview of that scene I assumed House was searching for the truth from Cuddy. Within the larger scene he was still focused on the challenge to his control and she didn't have the insight to understand that.(Who would?)
The entire episode, from the perspective of Cuddy's character, was played a few feet off the ground. The writers have given Cuddy a backhanded compliment by gifting her character with new facets of ridiculousness that they usually reserve for House. "I think we're supposed to kiss now"? At least it signals that she realizes she would be required to coach House through the intricacies of a relationship. She does know who she is dealing with. She has seen him together with Stacy and in love, pre and post infarction. And then again, five years later, seeking a second chance.
I loved the sound of stifled rawness in House's voice when he first questioned Taub about Taub's infidelity. From boob grab to raw anguish. What's not to love?
About the actress/prostitute...What would House do? His past history of self-destructiveness doesn't bode well for wise behavior at this point. If he did, indeed, copulate with her, it would have only served to bring into sharper relief his yearning for Cuddy. Dysfunction of his equipment is also likely. Or a last minute distaste for the exercise, causing him to call it off. But overall, I would guess that he made an effort to further delude himself by taking this actress/prostitute home. But how will Cuddy react to the knowledge? It seems there are a few more rounds to go.
Favorite line - "She overreacted to my overreaction." House'e delivery was superb. He was completely fair and even on her side as he excused her actions to his team with a light note of possessive pride.
14 - Rachel
Thank you for an insightful and well written review! I haven't read your work before, but now will make a point of it. How delightful to engage in intelligent conversation.
I find it interesting that you say that Cuddy didn't put herself out because my reaction was quite the opposite. I thought she was very clear in what she wanted, taking what was playful banter and turning it into serious discussion. I feel like big declarations would have been out of character at this point because I feel like Cuddy doesn't really know WHAT she feels. She knows she feels something, and she knows that it's strong, but I don't think she's able to verbalize it. Hence the "we're supposed to kiss now." I think that, in letting him now that she was open to a relationship, that she wanted to kiss him, she DID put herself out there.
I don't want to dignify the boob grab with too many words, but suffice to say that I wasn't pleased, although I wasn't surprised either. It was a very "House" move.
The desk, however, totally shocked me and sent me babbling on about my shock for at least ten minutes afterwards. That's not something I expected from him at all, but I thought it was very touching. A grand gesture, but in his own way. Very nice touch by the writers.
Anyway, thanks for the great read! Look forward to reading more!
15 - inhibitor
Hi Barbara!
Thank you for another great review.
What I find particulary interesting at the episod is the interaction between Foreman & Thirteen. She lost (at some level on her own request) her chance to say "goodbye" to her dying mother. On the other hand, Foreman is obviously avoiding the contact with his gradually "slipping away", ill on Alzheimer, mother. Who can understand Remy better?
About "hooker-non-hooker" scene: I strongly believe that was innocent on House's part( as funny as it sounds regarding to our favourite physician). House often jokes about his sexual life, but he is also very private person. IMO he won't do anything like that on the nosy eyes of hospital's gossipers.
And in the most naive part of my soul, I also believe he won't do it to Cuddy:)
PS. I'm not native, so excuse me if I devastate your beautiful language too much.
16 - JL
I find it interesting how much people are saying, "I don't know what to make of this" in relation to the House and Cuddy parts of this episode. It strikes me that our confusion reflects the characters' confusion - they both are aware of their sexual attraction and deep feelings for each other, but have no idea how to go about having any sort of functional relationship, or whether they even want to pursue a relationship.
In past weeks we've discussed Thirteen as a parallel for House. In this episode, however, I felt her experience paralleled Cuddy's.
Huntington's holds no surprises for Thirteen - she watched her mother degenerate and she knows what to expect. Yet she has shied away from this, mentally and emotionally - until the drug trials. In this episode, she came face to face with the reality she's been hiding from.
I think that Cuddy's comment that she shouldn't have been surprised by House's behaviour was a nice summary of her experiences in this episode. She knows to expect awkward and outrageous behaviour from him - she knows he hurts those around him. But, this time, she had the reality thrust into her face.
This is why I think House probably did sleep with the 'actress' (either before or after that final scene). I think the writers were reminding us of who House is, making the point that, even if he's somewhat in love, he is still just as messed up and hasn't really changed.
(And, yes, it did leave me thumping cushions and yelling at the screen in frustration. But also irritation with myself in expecting anything better from him.)
They also showed House grappling with the prospect of change, and whether it's possible and worth attempting. I think it's both. But, boy, it's a loooooong road.
And I think Cuddy's reaction to her new old desk - just as she was declaring House 'completely incapable of romance' - showed her 'seeing House in a new light' at last, 7 episodes after House's attempt to unmask his cheerleading past. He's getting there...
(Thanks as always for the great review, Barbara! And looking forward, of course, to the second half of your article about House in love!)
17 - Mel
Hi!
English is not my first language so I hope you'll understand me.
Your review are always amazing!
I agree on everything you said, unless the comment about Cuddy in the "fondling scene".
I don't think her answer was "unemotional". I saw her eyes changing from "playful" to "emotional" and I don't think House touched her breast because he was disappointed about her answer.
He was scared, I agree, but that's all in my opinion. The Cuddy's behaviour was the best I can imagine in this situation. She played with House, and then she kind of confessed her feelings.
House was unable to do it, and I really dislike him for that.
The strange thing to me right now is that I hate the main character of my favourite serie, and I prefer Cuddy.
I hope to change my mind on next episode, right now I've enough of "House is scared" plot.
18 - Alessandra
Hi Barbara! I'm Italian and I study literature and linguistics at uni...I've been coming here since season 4, ep.15, when I desperately was searching for a review of the episode. And I found yours. So I've never missed one, since that moment. Well, watching House is a continue challenge for me, because of my studies, I think, but also because of something I can't find a proper name for, maybe for linguistic difficulties, but maybe not, since I can't find the word either in Italian. It is something related to the huge amount of surprising events, of unespected, the fact that House is damn DIFFERENT from any other tv show in spite of that. And here we are. The entire House-Cuddy thing is made and carried forward in this very spirit of "difference": yesterday evening I was watching the episode with my friend and when Cuddy walked towards House's office we didn't know what to expect: Maybe Cuddy wuould have entered the office and kissed him just like House had done previously, maybe she would have walked away at the last second, maybe he would have said something incredibly stupid because he didn't want to be revealed as the romantic man who gifted her with the desk...This is because I love House: you watch it and you can't never tell where the whole thing will go (despite Cuddy's words!). And then Cuddy finishes her long (for the two of us here in Italy) walk, and finds House with the hooker/actress. Again, this is quite a surprise. Ok, not a big one, but if we had been in GA the choices would have been lesser. And after Cuddy walks away, you can't really tell what the hell she's thinking: actually, the unemotional child she blames is the man who gave her the desk, in complete anonymity. And this is what makes us struggle for the next episode, this makes an atavic curiosity (the same for literature) bloom in our hearts and in our minds, too. Because House is this. It can lead somewhere or somewhere else and never in a dull way.
As a side note, regarding the episode: It was ages I didn't laugh so deeply in a House ep. Ages. And the Thirteen entire thing is so sweet and sad and... finally something good for Foreman as a charachter.
PS I'm really sorry for my english, I hope I reached the point, anyway.
19 - Marianna
Thanks once again Barbara! As someone above me observed, your writing seems to improve. Perfection perfects! Maybe it's the House effect -he makes everyone around him better, but he still remains the same -or is he?
I love the game the writers are playing with us, along with Cuddy. Is he capable of change? Is he capable to take that step forward? Right now, it is Cuddy that is involved and highly intrested in him changing, but we, too, from the other side of the screen, can't wait to see.
Will he respond to her vis-a-vis subtle but clear revelations (for me, she couldn't have said ANYTHING different than her indirect "everyone knows this is going somewhere". Something more, something more personal, something more revealing about her emotions would be too much fo House). And i don't agree with you in that, Barbara, i think that in a straight confrontation, he would have answered with sarcasm and probably deflect and avoid to answer or do anything.
But this, oh this cruel gesture. It's clearly an answer. That he can't handle it being too personal, and he has to continue the game. He chose to touch her, but not in an emotional way (great observation there). The metaphor and his suggestion are for me quite obvious: "We continue our physical interaction, but i'm not ready for emotional involvement. Cruel as it is, I challenge you. Are you up for it?". Of course, the little, sensitive, "i-am-still-waiting-for-my-white-prince" girl inside her, is devastated. How could he? Oh well, how couldn't he?
And then, we are left hanging over the edge of the screen. He stands there, devastated too (Hugh's body language, once again, brilliant). He asks Taub, clearly puzzled -puzzled over a woman. And of course, I can't imagine someone who didn't at least whisper "aww" with the desk thing.
So, can he change? Do all these mean that he is ready at last? We wonder, along with Cuddy (the pleasure in her eyes and the way she sways to his office with that broad smile in the end, are just priceless). But, of course, not. What were we thinking?
I believe she is a hooker, I believe he needs her release. But i also do believe that, for whatever that means -physical, emotional, attraction, affection- when he goes with her that night, his mind will be at Cuddy.
20 - Marianna
also, in a completely different note and tone, i just LOVED loved LOVED Hugh's impression of Sean Connery "this is the Chicago way" -good God. I replayed it like 10 times. Fantastic.
And the Monty Python reference? Could this show get ANY better? I love you House people/writers, I LOVE YOU! When he asked "What else floats in water?" i literally screamed: "A DUCK!" :D
And, of course, Wizard of Oz.
This epi was my own little playground. Come to think about it, i am going to watch it one more time!
21 - Eve
I have nothing to add to any of the comments.
Everything has already been said so beautifully.
I just want to express my gratitude for this review. Great review, again!
I loved reading it.
You express everything that is going through my mind but for which I can not find the words.
Thank you!
I can't wait for part II of the House's lovelife article!!
x
Eve
(the Netherlands - Huddy Online)
ps. Thank you for the nice comments about our Forum!
22 - barbara barnett
It fabulous to have such a nice international and very thoughtful group of fans contribute to the discussion. So, welcome to all of you from round the globe! Just know that your English is better than my Spanish, Italian, Dutch (or many other languages --except maybe French or Hebrew--but I'm not brilliantly fluent in either of those either!
Marianna--I didn't get some of those pop culture references you did! Cool. I certainly didn't get the Python reference. I did get the Black Adder "cunning plan" thing and the Connery impression (which was very, very well done--Of course Hugh's parents are Scots, so...) from the movie "THe Untouchables" which, BTW was filmed in my native Chicago (and where I still reside).
As far as the final scene, I think it's meant to be ambiguous. Cuddy doesn't really know what's going on, why should we (since it's her POV)--but she also doesn't know about the ruse with the Kutner patient.
THe woman was clearly not a stranger to House. Their easy camaraderie was too familiar. So either they're friends--maybe even poker buddies. Or maybe he's a client (which I don't think is the case). Her "you even have three hours left" and his "Do I now?" with the sparkle in his eye means that he was going to be up to something. Here's another thought. House was in his jacket and she was handing his helmet to him. Maybe they went on a motorbike ride. Or maybe --- here's a thought---maybe he was leaving and sending her (remember, she wasn't wearning a jacket or coat at all in that scene)--she was sending him to Wilson (who House has said needs a diversion).
23 - Marianna
In case you like the Pythons and are interested, here is the link with the duck thing. It is a rather long scene, but it's worth it. Hilarious
24 - Eve K
Thanx Barbara for an excellent review, I had missed the "Let them eat cake" reference, so thank you again for that.
It was a great episode and again a great and very real character portrait of House. A man not easy to like. But he is not boring. (-:
About the fake patient:
"No formal training, at least not in acting," House said about the girl. So we can asume that she is indeed a prostitute and not a professional actress.
I also believe the comment from Mariana to be absolutely true.
"I believe she is a hooker, I believe he needs her release. But i also do believe that, for whatever that means -physical, emotional, attraction, affection- when he goes with her that night, his mind will be at Cuddy."
Anyway, we might never know, and Cuddy will never truly know. So she has to deal with the given information.
I would love to have more male comments on this ep.
25 - Eve K
Ok, I he also said she was a thespian, so ... but, it what she is isnt really the point. The point is how Cuddy deals with it...