I’ve always watched House, M.D. to follow the journey of its central character, Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie). Of course, I’ve been moved by a patient of the week plot (especially when House becomes involved, which has happened less and less frequently over the past couple of years) or by the story of one of the other regular characters. I’ve enjoyed Chase’s growth, been moved by Amber’s arc, particularly as it intersected with Wilson, and Kutner’s tragedy. But fundamentally, the series is House’s story and since season one, I’ve been pulled along through the seasons as he’s moved a step or two forwards and then fallen back—only to pull himself up again. And again.
To me, House has always been a wounded healer, a man so emotionally and physically damaged that his only healing comes vicariously, as he saves the lives of those that would otherwise be forfeit. He desires happiness, but can’t find it; he values friendship while he pushes it away, often preferring the safety of loneliness. As we move closer and closer to the series finale (May 21), I want to focus these last nine episode commentaries on the final journey of House, the man—House, the doctor—one of the most interesting characters created for the small screen. So, forgive me if I ignore the patients (if I do).
This week’s episode (which originally was supposed to air two weeks ago, but was pre-empted) is called “Love is Blind.” I was thrilled to see House’s mom Blythe (Diane Baker) pay a visit; we’ve not seen her since early in season five (“Birthmarks”) at John House’s funeral.
We know that House has believed since the age of 12 that John is not his father. His biological father is a man who looks like Sean Connery, and a friend of the family—a colleague of John’s. House had proven his theory to himself in “Birthmarks,” performing a DNA paternity test on a sample taken from John’s ear. Since that time, House has read the writings of the man he’s believed to be his biological father, a minister who’s written a self-help book, something Wilson notes this week House has read several times.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Alisia
"I like Dominika (please don’t throw virtual tomatoes at me); I think she loves House, and she not only makes a great playmate for him, but she’s straightforward, smart and attentive. Maybe that’s just what House has needed all along. I’m looking forward to seeing what part she’ll play in the weeks ahead."
this what we called totally disappointing:)
So now Dominika is what House need,and Cuddy was persone who he wants! Poor House so law level: Dominica instead of amazing brilliant woman. May be we all deserve this bad writing? And Barbara are you at peace with your conscience? Really?
2 - Barbara Barnett
Alisia--Sometimes the things we want can be destructive to us. Maybe he can find some peace with her. I hope so :)
Why wouldn't I be at peace with my conscience? What did I do???
3 - MusicandHouse
I agree that Wilson falsified the DNA test for House's sake but I'm really curious to see if this comes up again before the finale.
I also like Dominika. She's comic relief and I think she is good for House. Granted, I don't want to see the series end with them living happily ever after, but I think they work in some strange way.
BTW I think House said he saw Wilson take the fork for DNA, not the water glass.
4 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks MusicandHouse. Fork it is :)
5 - GoneInOne
The radical progressives on this show love their interracial sex.
Next the gay boys will have an episode about how great anal sex is
6 - Alisia
Cuddy was a complex, self-centered woman. She had her flaws. But she loved House and he knew it. They were comrades in arms, people who understand each other without words. Cuddy knew that he was too smart to be happy. She knew exactly what he feels and what are his demons. And she was always there with him in difficult times.
Dominica is simply an adventuress, who lied to the government in order to obtain citizenship. She is absolutely not ingenuous. She is arrogant and cunning. And she will be close to House as much as it would be beneficial. At what point did you get to see her love?
When they were playing video games? Or when she lied during the interview, sending fake tears?
As for your conscience, I will not quote your reviews, where you wrote that Cuddy and Wilson is House's guardian angels, et cetera.
I will not tell how from year to year, you sang the praises to love between House and Cuddy. And for two series of Dominica you understand that this is the woman that he needs?
I understand that you can not spoil relations with the authors of the series. And you will protect any storyline even this storyline will be stupid. But honestly, it's not kosher.
7 - Action Kate
GoneInOne: There's a significant element of the House fandom which wouldn't have a problem with what you're suggesting. :)
Barbara, I have to say you caught me flat-footed. I would not have imagined that Wilson would have faked that test, although now that you've posited it, that makes total sense. But how is House going to explain the matching birthmarks? Is he going to suggest that his mother posted a personal ad looking for men with, uh, palomino equipment? Calico accoutrements?
Clever, crafty, forthright Dominika is certainly more appealing than "random green card bimbo" Dominika. She is by no means House's Ms. Right, but she's perfectly fine for a Ms. Right Now, and what's wrong with that? House is often depressed, and so often the job of cheering him up has fallen to Wilson. Having a bit of human sunshine forcibly inserted into his life isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Also, let's consider this: Dominika is genuinely not interested in changing House; she doesn't care. She's got her own business and her own life. She's not intimidated by him. She isn't stupid by any means. Aren't those many of the qualities which House loved in Stacy and Cuddy? Brash, bright, independent, and ballsy? I'm not suggesting they have an actual marriage, or that they will by the end of the show, but honestly, House could do worse for an enforced roommate.
8 - emmy4hugh
Thoughts on House's parents... Blythe appears to have had more spunk than previously shown. So why didn't she use it to protect her son when he was being abused? If Bell is indeed House's father, I wish his reaction to the idea hadn't been to trash House's character since we know that House's dearest wish is for his father to affirm that he has done "the right thing." Still quite a distance to travel in these relationships in the few remaining episodes.
Regarding Dominika, maybe House is starting to get what he needs, even if it's not what he (or I) wanted for him. I still want as a viewer some closure, some perspective on what happened with Cuddy.
9 - Barbara Barnett
Action Kate--exactly!
I've always watched for House. I loved House and Cuddy together, but during season 7, I saw in her as they neared Bombshells a strong ambivalence in her that completely validated House's deepest fears. Yes, she loved him, but ultimately her love, which was not unconditional, but highly conditional, was damaging.
All love is conditional. That is House's fall back position on everything to do with relationships. Interestingly, his relationship with Dominika is pragmatic and based on simple and definable expectations. I think House could find much happiness in that, at least for awhile.
So why not?
10 - Eloise
I really enjoyed this one, totally loved House's kids nightmare come true, finding your parents 'doing it' so funny.
Didn't think of Wilson doing that but I like it!
I really like Dominika, she is fun and straightforward and she likes House for who he is. (Or at least seems to).
I would be quite happy if they ended happy ever after, I doubt it will happen but I would not mind.
Loved that House was surprised by the revelations about his Mum.
Avidly looking forward to the last episodes, but in another way not because I don't want it to end :((
11 - Josie123
I didn't think that Wilson fudged the DNA test. He would be taking a risk that House would take him on his word that the test was correct. House could have accused Wilson of trying to protect him and planned to get another DNA sample at dinner that night with Thomas and Blythe. I think Blythe is a slut, but House is okay with that. She is a rebel and he is just satisfied to know that he has a connection with someone.
I also disagree that Dominika has any romantic leanings towards House but I love her character! I would really like it if House and she became a couple, but I don't see that happening.
12 - Natali
Sorry, but I do not believe in the sincerity of what you write about relationships and the House of Dominica, you are too smart woman to think so, it all looks like a real fake. I'm embarrassed for you
13 - hazel eyes
I loved this episode and I like how Dominika and House are written. If Mr Bell is not House's Father and that Wilson was not lying to House, I am confused as to why House would have 2 birthmarks the same as Mr Bell's if they were not father and Son.
14 - Joan
Barbara I appreciate your clever speculation that Wilson faked the test - that is at least better than the letdown I felt when it was simply, so the guy who matches 2 birthmarks, who House studied the writings of, etc. is NOT his father?? So what is the point of all that then - it just lands like a lead balloon. On the other hand, Bell as his father makes for interesting relations because he is so kind and gentle -- the opposite of John and House -- as Wilson said initially 'there's no way this man is related to you!' That HE is his father brings out the whole nature v. nurture debate, but the writers dropped it and honestly the way they leave things hanging I don't see the truth ever coming out or the relationship being addressed much. So, no closure re dad, nothing really was learned this episode except that House's mother was not so boring and conventional as he thought. Not exactly surprising given her son and not really telling us much about House.
The other bit that really really annoyed me about this episode was the continuing avoidance (that must be deliberate) of anything touching on what House did to Cuddy and the consequences in anything but a casual mention or joke about jail (Nods to Chase ep one-liner)This to me is like the elephant in the room that nobody will ever discuss. And no, I don't expect every ep to be a commentary about Cuddy, but there has been so little to understand why he did it or how he now feels about it, about forcing Cuddy out of the hospital, etc. it is odd to ignore it. The writers really have tried to make this season tabla rasa andd that just doesn't cut it, especially for a last season. But I digress.
At dinner, House thinks he's revealing something by telling mom he was in jail and she out-smarts him saying oh I always check the police records and knew it all along. House is amazed and surprised. End of discussion. What??!! His mother who adores him knows he's been in jail, and presumably for what, and she has nothing to say or ask him about it. Its just another moment showing she is one clever lady? And if she has nothing to comment or hear from her son about it, then what it actually says about her is pretty disturbing - namely, that for many years she has simply been expecting her brilliant successful adored son (whom she defended to her new husband) to do something so anti-social it would put him in jail. UGH.UGH. UGH.
15 - 2 lightworker
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your thoughts. Your conjecture that Wilson faked the test is fascinating- never occurred to me.
Unfortunately, I am now chronically skeptical of where the House epic is going, so although I enjoyed much in this episode,it is more difficult to analyze or imagine whither the character goes. I am not hypercritical, but neither am I one who says "I trust the writers."
Perhaps you saw the article in last Sunday's NYTimes Television section about the emergence of a much more intense television fandom because of the many social networking opportunities to express opinion. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/magazine/veena-sud-the-killing-comeback.html?_r=1&ref=television
Surely that is a factor in the waves of reaction about what is finally, a fictional story.
I think in the early seasons, I could balance House's misery and mystery with occasional signs of hope or at least deep sensitivity. Now I feel an unremitting underlying darkness that lurks as we move toward the finale, perhaps made more so by the attempts at comic deflection.
I used to feel positive when Hugh said he hoped House would find some measure of contentment by the end. But for a passionate man, both actor and character, I realize that's quite bland.
I don't want to revisit all his lost hopes of love, although I had hoped the relationship with Cuddy would have been developed with more nuance and less caricature, even if it ended, but that's the way it was.
As to Dominika, the introduction of the character and the issues of immigration in "Fall from Grace" was at such a sad time of abandonment for House, that I could not relate positively to any of it. (I really liked Mr. Bell's response about immigration in "Love is Blind," but rather too little too late.)
I was also relieved when the marriage was not consummated because the whole painful scenario with Cuddy's dumping him was still very present to me.
As Dominika has been presented now (and I do recall an interview in which Mr. Shore said she would not be back), I do find her attitudes and behavior to be based on survival, for which I do not fault her.
But to have her be the "right" person for House because he is so immature or troubled emotionally that he cannot sustain a relationship with a woman who is his peer, is just too pathetic. It's not that Dominika is stupid or lacks some variety of "cuteness," but that she would be some version of "the trophy younger wife" for a man who could not sustain one with a woman who would be a challenge.
I hope they don't go there, but as I said, I am now skeptical about the intentions and philosophy of this epic story.
I hope Mr. Shore goes back to his commitment to the Sherlock saga, as a brilliant and socially introverted loner, with one male friend who "gets" him, and creates a brilliant conclusion that actually leaves open a possibility of a still existing House - for whatever that may mean in future work for him and Hugh - and for the comfort of a fandom that has a multiplicity of desires for the fate of such an incredibly amazing iconic character.
16 - kim
"But to have her be the "right" person for House because he is so immature or troubled emotionally that he cannot sustain a relationship with a woman who is his peer, is just too pathetic. It's not that Dominika is stupid or lacks some variety of "cuteness," but that she would be some version of "the trophy younger wife" for a man who could not sustain one with a woman who would be a challenge."
Bravo to lightworker
But apparently Barbara has another point of view about House now:)
She thinks House deserves woman with IQ of Dominica. Sad.
17 - bigHousefan
House has discovered that he's more like his mom than he thought! Like House she can minipulate as demonstrated by her leading Wilson to believe she was sick with Cancer. Like House she's has a rebellious streak and has experimented with drugs.
Just like the last episode, I'm really enjoying Dominka. Whatever their relationship is, it's honest and straightforward. She lights up his man cave for sure! It's refreshing and it works for me. I really HATED their wedding, Cuddy being there, the team going along with it etc. but that was House's doing - and I HATED that, too. But, I like the idea of House having someone like her around him for a change.
Thanks to everyone for not posting SPOILERS! I won't even watch previews. I'm sad this is the end of the road but really enjoying the ride!
18 - Josie123
I know Dominika is not the main topic of this episode, but I really enjoyed how House had regained his footing with her. In "Man of the House", he seemed whipped by the episode's end. However, in yesterday's episode, she had to go along with his antics (staying out of the apartment and having dinner with his mother).
19 - Barbara Barnett
Why do some of you believe that Dominika is a trophy wife without a brain in her head? I would venture that she approached House with her Green card scheme. Since we first met her, she's established herself as an astute businesswoman with a successful knish business. Good for her. She's ambitious, smart and savvy as far as I've seen.
I get that she's not Cuddy or Cameron or Stacy. But right now, I'm pretty satisfied that House isn't pining away for Cuddy. I want the angst back, of course, but Lisa E is no longer with the show. And either I live with that or not. I've chosen to go with what the writers are showing us, let the chips fall where they may.
20 - BrokenLeg
15@ 2lightworker
Why to write a post myself if you put my thoughts in words in yours? Almost as always...
On an unrelated note: Welcome on board again!
21 - kim
"Since we first met her, she's established herself as an astute businesswoman with a successful knish business"
Since we first met her she was doing a manicure and masseuse,but yes she in certain evolution:)
"But Lisa E is no longer with the show"
yes and this is tragedy of this show and not just uncomfortable thing.
And I guess, when you realize that LE does not come back, you have decided that the character of Cuddy is no longer a savior, but it turns out she is the woman who destroyed him. You realize it only now? Seven seasons, you wrote the opposite. Maybe it was a different show?
Very flexible position. So much that in principle it is impossible to call this position.
Your motto: "I am interested in House only and what is good for him will be good for me."
But really, what's good for Shore is good for you. If tomorrow, the authors make from House a murderer or a pedophile , you too will find this a reasonable explanation?
22 - Barbara Barnett
Kim, Your comments come awfully close to personal attack.
when I've been unhappy with the show, I've said it. i've never EVER claimed to be a "Huddy." I've taken a lot of flack over the years for advocating that position because that's where the series took us (and where House's heart led us).
People change in 7 years--even House. Even Cuddy. I don't negate what she did for House. But if you read me through the seasons, you also know I've called Cuddy on some unfairness towards House, just as I've called out Wilson for the same.
Cuddy was House savior at the end of season 5 and 6. And I think she went into her relationship with House with the intention of loving him 'til the end of time. But it didn't work out that way. That sometimes happens. Disappointment happens. We may not like it, but life goes on.
House nearly killed himself after Cuddy's cruelty towards him in the way she dumped him. I understand why she did it, but how she did it after assuring him that it was OK to dip his toe in the water of romantic entanglement was a terrible--and destructive. Sorry. That's the way I see it. YMMV.
23 - 2 lightworker
@22-Barbara Barnett
Barbara, I don't see anyone saying Dominika or the concept of trophy wife means no brains. Usually it means shrewdness and playing on the vulnerability of an older and usually successful man.
The contract House outlined before the faux marriage was for paid services including sex, as well as a reference to an ironclad "prenup." The nuances of relationship were dropped fast after "Fall from Grace," and remain elusive, unless playing video games, which is one of House's ways of avoiding emotional pain, as he did when he feared Cuddy was seriously ill, or House's betraying his grandfather to Dominika and consequently her speaking rudely to House's mother about her father 's dishonesty, are clues that this relationship is not in House's best interest, even if it fills the need he used for a prostitute - "a distraction." I agree with Josie123 that he seemed whipped at the end of "Man of the House," an ironic title? There are clues all over the place, perhaps most amusingly in the expression on Blythe's face when House introduced his "wife."
Kim is right that Dominika was a manicurist and masseuse. She was ALSO Polish, and now she's the "old ball and Ukraine?" Perhaps there were interventions from the Polish community to complain? It is not at all unusual for a European to come to another country and have business skills. I saw that in hotels all over Ireland on my last visit, when people from Poland had managerial posts in hotels, with the intention of going home with their earnings. The capacity to have the instinct to recognize a need that a business could fill is not notable in that context.
The problem I have with the relationship area is the way women are written. The show presents a brilliant, wounded man and then women who are replaceable, useable, unreliable. That reflects a view on the part of the writer that someone referred to as "a high-functioning mysogynist." There was only one woman with whom I saw House have an in depth relationship and that was deeply saddening when it could not continue. It wasn't Cuddy, but I will not say more because of the "ship" aspects.
I wouldn't have continued following this show to the end if it weren't for Hugh Laurie.
Perhaps it would be helpful to recognize that this is a time when many are letting go of an investment in a character, and those who post seek a place where they can express good feelings and also dismay, without being scolded and lectured.
24 - kim
"I understand why she did it, but how she did it after assuring him that it was OK to dip his toe in the water of romantic entanglement was a terrible--and destructive."
If TPTB were consistent, they would never have done it. They would never have made ??from House a coward who is not able to be with the woman he loved in a difficult moment for her.
And they would never have made ??from him a cowardly spineless man, who shows his pain, to evoke pity for the woman, who left him.
Cuddy did what she did. It was after the surgery. She survived the shock. But instead of winning her back, he made ??a ridiculous escapade, culminating in an ugly and horrible act(car crach).
I remember you wrote in the 7th season, with the hope that maybe in the final House and Cuddy will reunite. "Boys win the girls back". These were your words.
Then the character Cuddy was not destructive in your opinion?
I do not want to offend you, but unfortunately, today I was very disappointed by your review.
25 - HouseDailyDose
I just want to say something here and I apologize in advance because it's not about this episode. Rather, it pertains to those people who feel a need to put their thoughts in such a way as to diminish others thoughts- including the author.
For giving us years and years of analysis which brought forth comment, comraderie, new ideas and people from all over the world, I think that this blog and its author deserve better.
I really don't care to change anyone's mind about anything because I've learned that in H fandom...this is a difficult if not impossible thing to accomplish. I just ask those of you who disagree with anything said, to feel some sense of appreciation for what someone has done here.
They have faithfully reported and tried their best to bring all of us years of reviews and interviews. Don't you think that's worth anything? Aren't there other words you might choose to show your displeasure with a comment so that you do not demean and insult?
BB doesn't deserve this. In fact, no one does unless they are filled with hate, bitterness and toxicity...words that do not apply here.
There's always been room for polite dissent here. Always and I thank BB publicly for this forum which has allowed this to continue for all these years.
Oh yes...and I owe nothing to anyone and I gain nothing by saying these words. I just hope that some understand that I do admire those who have stayed the course all these years and tried their best to invite liviely discussion on all levels.
Thanks for letting me speak my mind.
HouseDailyDose