House is involved in a motorcycle accident, which leads him to his new patient in "Locked In."
What would it be like to see House through a patient’s eyes? That is the perspective with which we are provided in “Locked In,” House, M.D.’s 19th episode of season five. Executive producer/writers Garrett Lerner and Russel Friend (this time writing with David Foster) have given us yet another introspective and complex episode (Lerner and Friend wrote last year’s two-part finale “House’s Head”/”Wilson’s Heart” and Foster co-wrote "Birthmarks" with Doris Egan) as rapper-actor-activist Mos Def guest stars as Lee, a patient who can neither move nor talk.…
Article comments
26 - Reba
Very interesting to read all the comments, and thanks for commenting back, Barbara. I live in a country where "House" has not yet reached season 5 and so I follow it by reading your reviews:-) First time poster, I agree that Cameron and House have reached a good place in their friendship - and I feel that Cameron AND Chase will play a part in helping House in the future.
To Twinkie: As for seeing the Mira Sorvino character Kate, awesome idea. But I am not sure. However digging up uncomfortable memories could easily make even House unfocused when he's out driving.
However, his newfound, physical easiness around Cuddy in Here Kitty...could it be a result of the therapy?
27 - Kirpio
Hi!
Wow, what an amazing episode!
Your comments so far have got me thinking, as always, Barbara - your reviews and the posts of the readers you attract are definitely the best way to discuss House on the web.
Jaim, and others that have agreed, I also wondered if something had happened between Cuddy and House already. I think all will become clear! The fact that they re-ran Joy last week makes me think another watch may be in order before we launch into the last few episodes. 'If she turns round shes into him too'... hehe :D
I hadn't watched the preview, but have just youtubed it after seeing so many people mention it. Out of interest (and a little something to fill the week)... which episodes in other seasons have left people without words?
Anyway, having watched said preview, I am also wondering if House is ill in some way. One of the questions I was left with from this episode was; how come House was hospitalised (for at least one night) for a crash where the biggest injury was a cut elbow? Having read the comments here, I'm wondering if they were trying to work out why he came off his bike, or treating an underlying problem.
I could talk on about this episode for ages, but I wont. Thanks again for the review, Barbara :)
28 - cj_housegirl
Twinkie wrote: Just a couple of thoughts: Does anyone think that House was seeing the psychiatrist-character played by Mira Sorvino in Frozen?
I was actually musing about the same thing. That would be a nice bit of continuity. She was able to break through House's deflecting wall, and also seemed to genuinely like and respect him. I can see House trusting her. Wasn't she in the South Pole to evaluate how people act in isolation or something like that?
House is someone who is seriously isolated and Locked In was about isolation. Having her comeback would be seriously cool. I really, really want to know more about House and his therapy session or sessions.
29 - mandy
The most intriguing part to me is the ending. Yes, if House chooses not the change, he will continue to be "locked in"--but something about it doesn't seem right.
For one thing, Wilson is crowing about discovering the secret, but he isn't being overly mean. Suddenly, his tone changes from self-congratulatory to harsh. To me, this seems to imply that House is imagining Wilson saying it; either that, or he imagines the tone but not the words.
Like many of you, I wonder if something besides pain & depression [self-loathing, in his case] are bothering House. Something else I found a bit odd--when House is belittling Taub, his words are harsh but his tone is not as sharp as usual.
Overall, a great episode. Nice to see Kutner's continued growth as a diagnostician. Can't wait for next week!
30 - 60 plus
Barbara,
Just listened to the radio talk show. It was wonderful to have a voice to associate with your written words! Nice to hear the compliments the hosts paid you...nothing that those of us who value you and your work did not already know, of course.
The teaser about what may be coming up next for you is, to say the least, intriguing. Can't wait to hear what it is!
Thanks again for another spot-on episode analysis. We're running out of superlatives to describe them.
31 - Val
I just missed it! Hope there will be a way to hear it again.
32 - KIm
Wow Barbara..poping here to say you that I heard your radio interview from Spain.
Actually, it's 00:00 am here and I should be in bed right now. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to hear you and listen to what you have to say about the House theme. It was worth enough to stay awake(it's that the right way to say).
I hope you finally get to interview Hugh Laurie, and I know you will do a good job as always. Also, I agree with the fellow who said that you do a marvelous job week by week.
By the way, thank you for the 'Locked In' review.
33 - Sue
Barbara, as always, a very insightful review.
Did anyone notice that in the first beach scene, House agreed that he was sent to help Lee? This is an admission we did not see in Unfaithful. House fought against the idea of coincidence and pre-destined events.
I think we are supposed to believe we are seeing House's own point of view in these beach scenes, even though it is filtered through Lee's brain. Did House actually say anything to Lee like what we heard him say on the beach, or are these interactions just Lee's imagination? The first beach scene happened while Lee was in the MRI machine, where House was not around. The conversations were typical of what we would see between House and a patient. But everything at that point was one-sided. Lee couldn't talk. How are we to interpret these scenes as they relate to House? So, did House really say he thought he was sent by G-d to help Lee, or did Lee imagine it?
Did House really think Lee had a brain tumor, or did he just tell him that so Lee would agree to be transferred to PPTH? The ER doctor vehemently disagreed with House. There was no mention of a brain tumor after Lee got to PPTH. Remember how House said, "exactly as we planned?"
The last two episodes have given us back the House from earlier seasons. I did not see the exaggerated facial expressions we saw earlier this season. Hugh had overdone House's animation to the point that it did not work for me anymore. He was a very different character earlier in the season. I realize that House has gone through changes this season, and he would be different now than he was earlier. I know that people will say that they love the way Hugh plays the character ALL THE TIME. I am just commenting that the House we saw in Here's Kitty and in Locked-In was a return to the recognizable character I used to love`. Hugh was fantastic throughout the entire episode. I was drawn to every expression and every word. I can't say that about every episode this season. I found House somewhat boring at times.
I loved the episode but I found the focus changes distracting. I understand the correlation to House being Locked-in was achieved through the focus aspect, however, I thought it was overdone to the point of distraction. The patient never commented that his focus was changing. There was no medical reason for it.
I loved how much interaction House had with the patient. How many episodes this season has House rode in on his white horse at the end of the episode with the diagnosis, having had no contact with the patient. The best episodes are the ones where House takes an interest in and interacts with the patient. We learn more about House, and his character is more compelling.
Will Wilson tell Cuddy House was getting therapy? Will he encourage Cuddy to get him back into therapy? Or, will they drop it like a hot potato, as they often do. House was prepared with three reasons why he was in New York, so he expected Wilson would pry into his affairs. I don't think he expected Wilson to find out why he was really there. Cate Milton was an adjunct faculty member at PPTH; would she have an office an hour away? She would likely be back in the US by now.
I loved the balance in the episode. While I am not a fan of Taub, the episode was not Taub heavy. I loved having 13 "out of (the) focus." I liked how they made the patient an upstanding and loving, faithful father and husband who did not fit into House's stereotype. The director did a great job (except for the focus issue) and the special effects were worked in perfectly.
I hope the next episode lives up to the hype.
34 - barbara barnett
Yes. The interview was archived and you can give it a listen at BlogTalk Radio.
The first half hour is an interview with an author, I'm featured during the second half hour of the show. Enjoy.
35 - Wnkybx
Ah, to continue the conversation with you, Sherlock:
I agree that House responds positively and more maturely (sans snark) to those who treat him maturely, but I think his willingness to open up to Cate and Chase has more to do with the safe distance he has from them, physically and emotionally, repsectively. House also has great conversations with a few patients because he can open up without having to see them again in the halls of Princeton-Plainsboro, without risking getting hurt.
What I meant by "Cuddy's parental instincts" is the following: she understands him and loves him unconditionally (after he has given her many reasons not to love him) the way a mother would, she knows that House behaves like a skittish horse when cornered emotionally, and she may just have the nurturing quality that would prevent her from pushing him the way Wilson does from time to time. Lumping Cuddy, Wilson, and House into a family may not be the best analogy ... they would make one heck of a dysfunctional family ... but where Wilson may lack wisdom about House in acting like an annoyed older brother Cuddy would make up for with her more delicate approach. Whenever House spirals downward, Cuddy has to be the "bigger person" and step up to the plate, as she did in "Words and Deeds" and will probably have to do with whatever major happens in the upcoming episodes. She knows how to take care of him, and I think he needs that. House may want his closest friendships to be like his interaction with Cate, but as the philosopher Mick Jagger once said ...
36 - Orange450
Thanks for a great review (or rather analysis, as the BC radio people correctly pointed out :-)) for a great episode.
“Lee insists that God has sent House to him, continuing a recurrent House theme.”
I have to admit that I’d been getting a little tired of the whole God/faith/prayer theme, which has been overdone in S5, IMO. But I thought Lee’s belief that God sent House specifically to the bed next to his at the specific time that Lee needed him was a nice continuity from the same point that Morgan made about Debbie warming up on the laptop in “Here Kitty”. I’m enjoying this latest twist on the theme " the nature of random vs. non-random events " and wondering whether/where the writers are heading with it.
Like everyone else, I really enjoyed seeing House as the embodiment of Lee’s “relaxing place”. What a great job he did in that role! I wonder whether House himself could ever believe that someone else would see him in that way " as the purveyor of emotional comfort and confidence (not just medical miracles). I have the sense that his own self-image precludes that possibility. I think that he always imagines that people see him as “jerk”, “ass” or “idiot”, so being who he is, of course he does his best to live up to his self-fulfilling prophecy. Wouldn’t it be great if someone would once show/tell him to his face just how inspiring he can be? (Ooh, ooh, pick me! Pick me!) I also found it interesting that he played Amber’s role with Lee " telling Lee that he wasn’t dead yet. (Although at that moment on the show, I thought Lee was really going to die, and the rest of the episode would deal with the aftermath!)
Even though his decision to curtail his therapy may have been precipitated by Wilson’s meddling, I think it’s consistent with his attitude towards processes that take time to show results. Which he doesn’t like! He doesn’t seem to have the patience for them " as demonstrated by his rejection of physical therapy and his refusal to try organized pain management. If it doesn’t come quickly, he isn’t interested. It’s an interesting quirk in his character, because fundamentally, I have the impression of House as a very patient individual about many things (as opposed to people). It occurred to me that all of these regimens have been suggested for him by fan forum members over the years. How funny if TPTB have picked up on them, and are having him try and reject them, so that we don’t suggest them anymore!
I was concerned/intrigued with House’s reaction to Taub’s lie at the end. He seemed satisfied by it. I realize that he considered it good evidence with regard to Taub’s attitude about his job. But even though House and lies have a complex relationship, House’s apparent satisfaction somehow didn’t sit well with my understanding of his ethical framework. I wonder if he’s going to punish Taub for that lie.
The last half of S5 is knocking every episode out of the park. I hold my breath before each new one, lest the spell be broken. But I get the feeling that I don't have to worry.
37 - sdemar
Thanks, Barbara, for your lovely review.
Drifting from the above dialogue but sticking with this episode, I was amazed that Hugh and Mos didn't look cold at the beach. I saw those beach scenes when they were filming it a few weeks ago and the wind was blowing, everyone had on coats and it was obvious that it was anything but beach weather. How do you act warm? That's what I want to know?
I loved this episode like so many of them this season. Mos Def was exceptional.
Unlike others, I did not care for the way the episode was shot in the first 20 minutes or so. I loved looking at Hugh's eyes but watching it from the patient's perspective gave me a headache.
Congrats, Barbara, on your live podcast.
38 - maddy
I can't get over the question of how House got into an accident in the first place. He's a seasoned motorcycle rider; as Roo mentioned, it was a sunny day; no one else was hospitalized for the crash - so he alone must've been responsible. It just doesn't seem like him to run off the road. And, if it was just an elbow wound and a slight wound on the face, why did he have to stay overnight? It seems unnecessary; he could've easily been discharged. I don't think they would've let him stay because he was interested in the patient . . . Hmmmm. Somehow something seems a little bit off, or in need of further explanation.
I also wish we knew how long he had been going to therapy. I like Reba's thought - therapy would explain his change in behavior towards Cuddy: he began to reach out to her in a very sweet way, instead of pushing her away. But something in "Unfaithful" still resonates with me, when Cuddy bluntly told House that she didn't want him at the baby naming ceremony because he was full of loathing. Not totally for her, but he then tries the methadone, which doesn't work. So he starts therapy? Or had he been going to therapy for a while? The interesting thing here is that therapy can't help his physical pain, like the drugs. House is really trying to change his personality. For Cuddy? For all the realizations he's been forced to make this season? The one thing we know is that it's not just for his leg anymore. It's a lot deeper than that. Stil, I wish we knew more details. Maybe it will come up later?
39 - Kim
Thanks Barbara for another awesome update! (As everyone says.lol)
This episode reminded me of House in the earlier seasons. I feel he used to be more serious, more 'classic' in style and attitude, and even though he sometimes acted out in childish ways, his overall appearance was more put together and reserved(in a general sense). Even though I greatly appreciate the themes being explored through this season, I feel that House is different-not purposely for plot reasons. "locked-In" has reminded me that even though other episodes have shown House (IMO) to be almost completly out of character compared to other seasons, the one character that I hope to see each week is still there!
Yay for next weeks episode- I really do hope that House's condition( blurriness????) is explored.
40 - Chrisden
Barbara great review.
I think everyone's done a great job of covering pretty much everything about this great episode, i just have some small things i'd like to add:
Has House been wearing spectacles throughout season 5 because he has worn them in this episode and in Here Kitty (only been able to watch episodes since The Softer Side). If it is only these last 2 episodes then that's got to mean something though Wilson didn't seem surprised when he saw him wearing them so?
House doesn't actually diagnose anything in this episode apart from suspecting cancer. He goes through the process of elimination with the team but doesn't come up with anything himself even when he's trying to diagnose alone in his office and Cameron comes to dress his arm it was her that advised him to do a Lumbar puncture. Thought that strange or has this been the norm in season 5.
I agree that House is a very private man (making up story after story as to why he was in New York and even turning the tables on Wilson and finding out he is sleeping with his brothers carer) but in the end when Wilson finds out he was seeing the psychiatrist, House is initially very annoyed as he goes to retrieve the phone from Lee's room and Wilson starts to question him about spying on his team, House immediately retracts from wanting to talk about the spying and asks Wilson is that really what he wants to torture him with right now. I took this as he wanted to hear what Wilson had to say until Wilson started delving too deep about him maybe thinking he could change (for Cuddy) and his defenses went back up hence him getting his phone out and deleting the contacts and saying he's not going again.
The blurred vision was freaky and couldn't have been anything as simple as the camera because the reveal music came on at that moment. I'm too nervous thinking what this is going to lead to.
On a lighter note really enjoying the vibe between House and Cuddy these last few episodes. House bringing Lee to PPTH wearing a hoodie (HUDDY)(never seen him wear one before was this just and added touch?). Don't know if that's what you call them in other countries but that's what we call them in the UK
41 - Elisa
You might want to check this out, especially the comment. Damn, I wish I knew something about Greek mythology!
42 - Elisa
Chrisden - Realistically speaking, I doubt that House wearing spectacles means that much. He is getting older, the show has been on for five years, and it takes place more or less in real time. A man nearing fifty would need reading glasses.
43 - JL
In Australia, we're still behind - I've just seen 'Here Kitty' - so I've little to say other than to thank Barbara for her Analysis (eh, Orange? :) ). So, "Thanks, Barbara!" duly said. I'm enjoying watching each episode *after* reading all the discussion - I'm picking up a lot more while I watch.
Chrisden - The only other time I remember House wearing glasses was in Season 3, 'Act your age". That was ages ago. Cuddy wore glasses in the pilot, I believe, and we haven't seen them since, so it's possible that random occasional glasses-wearing behaviour doesn't signify anything other than TPTB recognising that Hugh Laurie looks rather dishy in specs (ahem).
On the other hand, given that House's glasses have appeared a couple of episodes in succession, it does seem potentially significant, especially given House's accident and this apparent 'blurriness' people describe in the final scene.
(I think making a connection between 'Huddy' and 'hoodie' might be a bit of a long bow, however. :) )
Looking forward to next week, when the spoiler/promo meltdown madness currently rampaging around the internet resolves somewhat (or is expecting 'resolution', as such, being a tad too hopeful?), and also to resuming active discussion once Australia catches up after Episode 21...
44 - Orange450
JL, I thought I was the only one who often reads Barbara's analysis and all the discussion before actually seeing the episode. Nice to see I'm in good company! :-)
45 - barbara barnett
Hey guys--not ignoring the conversation, but working on a new piece, which will be up later tonight or tomorrow morning thinking through all of the dangling questions from "Locked In."
46 - Sue
House did not pull a phone out from under Lee's pillow at the end. He pulled out a voice recorder. He will know about Taub's thoughts concerning his ambiguity about the job.
There were two instances where we saw House's blurry vision at the end. Once was before Wilson spoke to him and once was after.
House wore glasses in the first episode of season 4-Alone.
Kim-I absolutely agree that this was the House (character) we used to know. I was beginning to wonder if we would ever see that House again.
House was wearing the hoodie because he ruined his shirt.
Regarding House's relationship with Cuddy:
She "gets" him. She knows how to push his buttons, and she knows when to back off. She respects not only his intelligence but his feelings too. She knows how to get the best from him. Wilson doesn't know when to stop pushing buttons. I think House quit therapy only because Wilson found out. At least, we have been made to think he quit therapy. The easiest way to get Wilson off his back was to tell him he wasn't going any more.
Anyone think that House was inquiring into Wilson's brother at the funny farm and he met the psychiatrist there? Why else would he go to the same city to see a shrink where Wilson's brother was housed?
47 - barbara barnett
Sue--you're right. It was a voice recorder, so House did know exactly that Taub was ambivalent--and that he stole credit from Kutner. I thought it was great that House acknowledged Kutner's diagnosis anyway, didn't hassle him about letting Taub get away with it--and seemed to appreciate what Kutner did for Taub. I love that House.
House has been wearing glasses occastionally since season three (if not earlier)--Half Wit on.
Sue--also agree about Wilson. He pushes one button too far. Cuddy pushes, but then knows when to be caring, which usually disarms House completely (and has since season two or three).
You may be right about the shrink and how they met.
48 - Dee
"For someone who House considers such a good friend, Wilson does have a bad habit of going after House's most tender parts with a really sharp stick."
"Wilson doesn't know when to stop pushing buttons."
House is the one who taught Wilson to do that... in the first couple seasons, House was doing pretty much that to Wilson all the time, and Wilson was visibly learning to do it back to him. It is likely that House is fully aware it's a deserved payback... and mostly his own fault, as Wilson isn't a button pusher, provoker type person by nature, so he will take more time to learn when to stop.
49 - Chrisden
Thanks all for clarifying about the glasses and Sue for the voice recorder (not phone).
JL i always look too far into things (the hoodie/Huddy) :)
50 - Sue
This is a quote from Hugh from Parade Magazine about the death this season. This backs up my impression that House is brutal to Taub and House will have to deal with his role in whatever happens.
Q: But I need to know one thing, was it something House said
A: I've even got to be careful how I answer that because that is possibly true. One of the pieces of self-examination that House has to go through is the part that he played in this...event. Let me put it that way. I can go no further. But you're right, there is something in that. I can tell you that it's quite something. The last six shows are very, very ambitious, and we are going out on a limb here. House has problems of his own. And they're big problems.
51 - Sue
A few of the best pictures of Hugh I have ever seen.
52 - Sue
Dee, I agree that House deserved what Wilson did to him. However, Wilson is adaptable to change and House is not. So, House would stop therapy if anyone found out, and Wilson would keep going. Wilson should know that. It is fine for Wilson to investigate what House is doing. He has to make smart decisions about letting House know what he found out. I would think Wilson would discuss House's shrink visits with Cuddy rather than confronting House about it. It will be interesting to find out if Wilson does tell Cuddy about it.