In House, MD's latest episode, 13 confronts her terminal illness with recklessness and House frets Wilson.
I have to admit that I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this episode. After last week’s brilliant “Birthmarks,” featuring a terrific reunion for House and Wilson, important character reveals both for their relationship and for House himself, and that sucker punch of a final scene, I was not so interested in this week’s presumed focus on 13.…
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26 - bliffle
Pretty good, but not great episode about 13. I always wonder when she'll get voted off the island.
Meanwhile, over on "Doc Martin" (on PBS) you can't imagine the disgusted look on Docs face when a male person kisses him full on the lips in gratitude!
27 - tyfoonb
It might be a bit unfair to say Wilson couldn't keep Cuddy's secret (unlike House), since House didn't have someone spying/trailing/obsessing over his every move. Yeah, it would be nice to have Cuddy tell him on her own terms (where/when/how), since it is HER news. But House, being House, that most likely wasn't gonna happen.
I wonder if Wilson was thinking 'damage control' when he told House where to be and when. He KNEW House would follow him and find out, but technically he didn't TELL House anything and Cuddy did get to tell him herself.
I don't think Wilson and Cuddy were totally shocked at House's reaction. They know he doesn't react well to change. The bigger the change, the bigger his perceived threat from it...whatever IT is. Change of this magnitude has to downright scare him.
I think the degree of his reaction may have surpised them. Not that HIS reaction to her news should be at the top of the list of Cuddy's priorities right now either. Only the problems/worries HIS reaction/behavior will now probably cause.
28 - Barbara Barnett
Veresna said: After Cuddy reveals the truth, you seem him start to grin a big old happy smile ("See, everything's all right now!), but it freezes halfway-formed as he sees the look on House's face. Cuddy, of course, is so thrilled that it takes her a few more beats to take it in, and she tries to throw him a light comment, trying to give him time to recover. When he swallows and replies with the "if you're happy, I'm..." non sequiter and then beats a hasty retreat, she finally realizes how deeply hurt he is.
this is such a wonderful scene, and you've detailed it nicely. the acting from this trio is really top rate. Both Wilson and Cuddy are completely stunned by House's emotional reaction. No sarcasm, no mocking (once it's all revealed, anyway) just House's shocked and hurt reaction. Whew!
Marisol--glad you decided to make a comment. Welcome!
So, as for your possibilities for House's strange reaction to Cuddy's news:
1) He was devastated because he did not realize how much he really cares for Cuddy until the precise moment Cuddy told him about the adoption. This was like realizing you had the best thing in the world exactly in the moment that you lose it.
Maybe part of it, but I don't think it quite explains it. I do think he finally had his world back the way he wanted it--and then it came crashing down again.
2) Major disappointment because he perceived rejection from Cuddy by not letting him be part of her plans about the baby. He had always been included in her plans to get a sperm donor and get fertility treatment before.
Also a possibility, but I think that fundamentally House believes doesn't deserve to necessarily be an insider in anything, even this--despite the fact that she's let him in before.
3) Being upset because this ruins a possible fantasy in House's head that somehow Cuddy's baby should be his, too, even if in reality he might never agree to it or recognize that he is interested. I think less likely because I don't think House wants to be a parent (JMHO)
4) Feeling stupid. House has so carefully monitored Cuddy's status (pregnant or not pregnant) to a point of obsession that prevented him from considering the most obvious alternative of adoption. Her adopting a child was so obvious and he did not even consider it because his feelings for her distracted him from logic.
I definitely feel that this is a big part of it. But it doesn't explain the hurt part.
5) A combination of all these?
Probably it's all of these things, and other stuff too. Maybe House, himself doesn't understand his own reaction -- or his feelings--or why it hurts him so badly. He's clearly embarrassed at his obvious reaction (good thing for those shades--can't let anyone see his glistening eyes). House has been on an emotional roller coaster for months now (since before Amber's demise) trying to sort out a whole slew of feelings--for Wilson, for his dad, for cuddy...even Amber. Now this. He's got to be near the breaking point for a guy who guards his emotions like Ft. Knox.
L.Lilly--I've wondered about this too. I wonder if even last season 13 was projecting onto House her own angst. She feels House is wounded animal like herself. Her sensors detected it like Eve in One Day One room (which I know so many people really didn't like).
Like you, I loved the House/wilson/cuddy scenes. Gold, as you said.
Marjohn--I wonder if House thinks he's got Cuddy covered and knows all about her. She's his special territory :)
typhoonb--yeah, you may be right about W/C not being shocked so much by the reaction as by the degree of the reaction. They do know how badly he reacts to change, and he's had a lot of them to deal with.
29 - Orange450
I had another thought about House's reaction in the final scene. Not only have Wilson and Cuddy moved on - leaving him alone (like Spencer leaving 13 behind, as you've mentioned, Barbara), but they've moved on from major, life-changing setbacks, and he knows that there's something in his own make-up (especially in the aftermath of his insights about himself after his father's death) that prevents him from doing the same.
Cuddy's fertility issues could be considered to have similar physical/psychological/emotional ramifications for her that House's leg have for him. I wonder if part of his reaction was a sudden pang of realization that she could prevail against this sort of problem, while he can't. Because there's a solution for her, but there'll probably never be a solution for him - physical or otherwise.
I think he *is* happy for her (he tried to tell her, and I think he meant it, even if he couldn't get it all out), but also very sad for himself - and even though I sometimes come down hard on his self-pity, I think in this case it may be justified.
30 - Sheelagh
Barbara, I think your reviews of House MD are unsurpassed on the Internet. You really 'get' the show and draw my attention to subtext I may have missed. I love that you appreciate the psychologically driven, character stories. My biggest fear is that the writer's may feel inclined to 'fix' House. I dread him morphing into 'amusing and kindly eccentric Uncle Greg'. I want the writers to keep bashing sway at House's mental health issues; his addictions; his inability to reach out for the help he desperately needs & sometimes even wants ; his uncensored and self focused view of the world. It's more interesting in House's'case if it's one step forward & two steps back for him. Hugh Laurie owns the role like few others and the humor, real intelligence and humanity we see in House is, I suspect really Hugh's better nature showing up in the character. An egoist acting that character would be insufferable. No one else could play House as well as Laurie (where is his Emmy ??). I enjoy watching Hugh Laurie's face register various emotions just while his character 'thinks'. Lucky 13 is sadly stuck being House's darker side without his humor and talents( the juggling and music are cool character bits added due to Mr. Laurie; I would love to see more of the music side portrayed).I don't actually care where the writers go as long asd they keep House as complicated as he once was and struggling for insight ( which is where I think Wilson & Wilson's lectures come in). Carrying a weekly drama must be tough sledding for Hugh Laurie given he is a perfectionist but I only really enjoy House when Laurie or Laurie & Leonard are doing battle for what is 'right'.
31 - Barbara Barnett
Orange--Clearly that's true: House cannot move past the big things: his leg and Stacy have been two things for which it's been nearly impossible for him to move on.
I agree that he's happy for Cuddy in his own way. But sad for himself. He's pretty self-aware and I'm pretty sure he understands the irrationality of his stance, but powerless to do anything about it.
Sheelagh--nice comments. and thanks for your kind words. I don't think the powers that be are going to soften House or "fix" him. I doubt there will be an Uncle Greg-like future for him (except in fanfiction). He will remain the psychologically complex, intense, brilliant pain in the tush that he is. You are so right that HL owns the character, and that a actor who was also a jerk (James Woods for example) would come across that way, with little below the surface humanity that Hugh brings to the role each week.
32 - Grace
ALL of 13's scenes=BORING!
ALL other major scenes=LOVED!
I have a question I hope someone can answer:
If House were to have his leg amputated now, would the pain go away? If so, is that something he should think about doing? Cuddy said that House was pretty much the same before his infraction, so I wonder how different he would be if Stacy had followed his wishes.
GREAT article, Barbara!!
33 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks Grace,
thought I'd reply before I'm off to bed. Not being a doctor, I don't know for sure, but I would think that amputation now would not help. As I recall, where the injury is would need to place the amputation point very high up, making prosthesis very, very difficult at best. I seem to recall some discussion somewhere about that at the end of the first season. Also, once his leg was amputated he could certainly be plagued by "phantom" pain, something that would be terrible for him potentially. The amount of rehab he would need; the fact that he might still not be off of pain killers--I don't think it would work well for him.
Actually it was Stacy who said that (in Honeymoon). But I don't think she's a reliable narrator--and we've seen plenty of evidence that House was able to connect with people, play golf, play paintball (in teams with other doctors), speak at conferences, etc. Wilson has said that he has changed--a lot.
What Cuddy said (in Need to Know) was that House was the same after Staacy left (i.e. that he did not fall apart as Wilson suggested to her). I believe Wilson, given his statement to Cameron in love Hurts and his concerns about House's fragility in Need to Know.
Had Stacy followed his wishes, he could be dead; or he could have regained the full use of his leg. I think that House knew full well what lay in store for him should they either amputate or try the "middle ground." He knew it and wanted to take a calculated risk. That choice was taken from him, no matter what the motives. And he has yet to arrive at stage five of grief over it, so many years later.
34 - Kath
I know there`s a lot of 13-hate out there already, but I just have to add that in season 4 she killed a patient and his dog and she got to keep her job because House knew she would never make a mistake like that again.
But now she was so focused on keeping her secrets that she doesn`t want her home searched, and in doing that she ignores the significance of her inhaler. She also shows up stoned at work.
She is fired. And then rehired because... House thinks she won`t make that mistake again? Or... Why was she rehired again? What?
But I do realize that 13 will be the best doctor ever! ...Once she has made every mistake that is possible to make, because then she wil never do them again! This is logic.
35 - JL
Barbara said, "I wonder if House thinks he's got Cuddy covered and knows all about her. She's his special territory :)"
(awww...)
I'm noting that this may contribute to House's shocked reaction to her news - thinking he knows her and suddenly realising that he had had no idea she was hiding something so major.
On the other hand, House did ask Lucas to try to find out something about Cuddy (back in Ep. 3). Lucas said he was unsuccessful. Could House have had an inkling something might be going on with Cuddy that she was hiding?
(I wish they'd had Lucas leave more definitely, rather than just having him disappear. What happened between him and Cuddy?)
Anyone know how long the process of registering with an adoption agency takes? In Australia it takes YEARS, but I gather it's not so drawn out in the U.S. I wonder how long Cuddy's been hiding this for...
(I have got another BIG post about all this, but I'll save it...)
36 - Barbara Barnett
Hi Kath--I'm not much of a 13 fan either, but regarding House's motives--he often sees or perceives things that others don't. So his motives (which he keeps pretty guarded like the rest of his inner life) may be more complex than are readily understandable.
I do think he sees something in her--maybe (as I said up there somewhere) he picks up on a vibe that echoes something in himself. He intrigued by her extreme guardedness; he wants to give a chance (House can be weirdly kind when he wants to be) because he sees a good (and fearless) doctor...
JL--I think that's a part of it--that Cuddy was hiding something so important--and he couldn't figure it out. And, yes, I do wonder if House feels a bit betrayed by Lucas (are we sure he's gone?) We shall learn more in a few short days.
37 - NancyGail
New bromance Chase and Foreman. 13 on 'drugs'-wasn't that her prescription for Hunnington's Foreman found?
38 - Barbara Barnett
NancyGail--that would be interesting ;)
Foreman found a test results saying that 13's huntingtons is more aggressive than she might have suspected.
39 - Barbara Barnett
just a note: I've posted a new promo for "Joy" (Tuesday's episode) on my youtube space:
FOX promo for the next episode of house ("Joy").
40 - Sue
Until the last scene, I was totally uninterested in this episode. When House had that incredible reaction when he found out about the adoption, I had a "EUREKA" moment where I actually sat up and had a physical reaction in my body. It was like a flat-lined that heart suddenly had a strong beat!
Barbara, you wrote a great review. I missed a lot of it in the episode because I was totally uninterested in anything that was happening with 13. Olivia Wilde is worse than wooden. She is expressionless in voice, face, and body. Her face looks like it has been botoxed to death, which I know hasn't happened. I thought the lesbian kissing and groping scenes were excessive for a show that has been restrained in showing physical interactions between characters in the past. Exceptions were the gratuitous Cameron kiss in Half Wit and the gratuitous Cameron hug in Words and Deeds. We saw less between House and Stacy in bed.
Foreman has been boring, and I find it interesting that the show would reflect this. They made him so, and fans have been complaining about this. I wish this was a shout-out from TPTB that they hear what the fans have been saying, but I realize that will never happen.
Taub was again very bland in this episode. I don't know what purpose he serves on the show. Unfortunately, Hugh suffers immensely when he is around these new actors and Foreman this season. There has not been one interesting DDX scene this year or last except for the one where Cameron was there in Living the Dream. It is just actors delivering dull lines in dull ways. Hugh has not been able to spark it up. He can't carry it alone. When the original three actors were there in the DDX scenes, they were refreshing and original. Now, they just take up time. I tune out during these scenes. Until they replace these actors, the quality of the show will suffer.
Cuddy never voluntarily told House about her fertility treatments. He figured it out. So he was included in her sperm donor search because he could help medically. Cuddy included Wilson because she considered him as a sperm donor. Even though House knew she might ask him, she never did. Also, in a later episode, maybe House Training, Cuddy went out with Wilson because she was looking for a friend; she didn't seek out House. Now, again when she seeks out moral support, she goes to Wilson, the stable one. House's unpredictable behavior has caused Cuddy to exclude him from the important moments in her life. He is the afterthought, at a time when House needs his relationships to be strong. He has been romantically interested in Cuddy for almost an entire season now. She rebuffs him at every turn. Now, when he is ready to take the leap and go all out, he finds out that she will be preoccupied with a baby. House cannot relate to a baby as he is now. He would have to change to do that, and he doesn't want to change. House felt like an outsider when the two people who were closest to him made plans to get Cuddy approved for the baby and he wasn't included. Rather than burst Cuddy's bubble, he high-tailed it out of the store. Stunning acting! Everything that is missing from 13 and Taub.
The lack of clinic patients is taking its toll. It provided comic relief and gave Hugh a chance to spread his acting wings with vignettes that break up the tension in the episode. Hugh is making House more one-dimensional, and it shows. He tried to deliver some of his lines in a more caricature-like way, like the line about the moan or the pulsating diagnostic skills, but they didn't work. He needs the material to use that physicality, and that did not exist in this episode. In Birthmarks, House was out of the typical DDX scene in the hospital. He had a lot of situations to react in. He was more dimensional in that episode.
Why should it be okay for House to have bland, boring episodes? This episode could have been better with better actors. The DDX scenes don't ever get better because the actors are always the same. If they can't improve on them with these actors, I say get rid of them. It is a real let-down when House episodes aren't up to par. With this cast, they will never be as good as they could be.
41 - Lisa Solod Warren
The truth is I care much less for the diseases as the show goes on and far more for the relationships between the doctors and the docs and House.....
And I am one of those who LOVE the pranks. I completely knew at the FIRST moment that the hooker was Wilson's prank..... Too easy.
42 - Barbara Barnett
sue--As always thanks for your take. I know that you and I disagree about the new vs. old casts. I do agree with you (I think, at least, that we agree) that an episode suffers for lack of the central character, House. When he isn't the overt focus, the episode always lack meatiness. That has always been the case.
I would like to see more clinic time for House as well--it does provide comic relief in the more intense episodes. I do think that House (not Hugh) and his attempts at snarkiness have fallen a bit flat...but look at the place he's been in, emotionally. He's at sea in a lot of ways, and fighting a losing battle against his loneliness. Eveyone's moving on except for him: Chase, Cameron, Wilson, now even Cuddy. Especially Cuddy. House's fear of being a social creature is taking its toll, big time this season.
Like you, I thought the sex scene between Spencer and 13 was gratuitous and way too much information. It took a valuable 3 minutes from the episode. I did like the scenes between House and 13, however. Foreman's scenes--not so much. I see where they're possibly going with 13 and Foreman--a possible hookup between them.
Maybe it's to show that EVEN Foreman--and the closed off 13 can move on. And House, once again is stuck. What is it that keeps Hosue from moving on? I think it is a terrible fear he has of trusting that people aren't going to betray him or kick him in the teeth. I've always been haunted by that scene at the end of Half-Wit when House simply stands, tenative and hesitant about whether to go into the pub. You nearly never see him hesitant (but its there) or afraid. He'd almost rather try anything else, but put himself in a truly social situation.
in "Lucky 13," the toll this has taken on him shows. Can't wait till Tuesday...and then maybe a surprise for all my readers (can't say anything till it's a certainty.)
43 - Orange450
"What is it that keeps Hosue from moving on? I think it is a terrible fear he has of trusting that people aren't going to betray him or kick him in the teeth. I've always been haunted by that scene at the end of Half-Wit when House simply stands, tenative and hesitant about whether to go into the pub. You nearly never see him hesitant (but its there) or afraid. He'd almost rather try anything else, but put himself in a truly social situation. "
Like many people who exemplify the idea that "the best defense is a good offense", House has many insecurities to protect. In addition to - and IMO more fundamental than - his fear of betrayal, is his fear of rejection, stemming from his sense that no one approves of him, and very few people even like him. (I think he's pretty sure that Wilson and Cuddy both like him, but he knows that they usually don't approve of him.)
It's not hard to understand, given what we've learned about his relationship with his father, and how in spite of everything, he ultimately wanted his father to say "you were right, you did the right thing".
What a sobering thought about the responsibilities of parenthood! How an individual can be crippled for life by the lack of approval from someone whose aproval may objectively not be worth very much at all! House's father was never presented to us as anyone particularly admirable or worthy of emulation, but just by virtue of being House's father, the witholding of his approval had such a profound impact on his son's personality :-(
Can't wait for the surprise on Tuesday!
44 - Barbara Barnett
Orange--
House said it in Words and Deeds: my friend have no expectations of me. He knows that they don't approve of him, that people have pretty much given up on him and expect the worst. House is comfortable in that place because he can't disappoint them (he feels that he has always disappointed his parents, no matter how much he has been a professional success). I think even his fears about amputation of his leg (in 3Stories) go back to that fear.
Just qualifying the Tuesday "surprise." It may or may not come to fruition, and perhaps not even by my column next week. 'Nuff said. Stay tuned :) (I'm such a tease.)
45 - bliffle
IMO the interpersonal activities are getting overdone. I actually like the disease debugging that goes on and I think it should be the center of the show. Personal interactions are secondary to the plots and are in danger of overwhelming the stories. It may degenerate into Just Another Soap Opera.
IMO the strength of episodic series like House comes from the secondary characters that appear and disappear every week. The interest in Cop and Doc shows is that cops and docs get involved in other peoples lives during times of stress: after all, docs and cops have personal lives like anyone else - kinda boring.
Meanwhile, PBS has a new (to the US) Doc Martin episode tonight - another chance to view the beauties of Port Isaac Cornwall while The Doc jostles his way through another social-medical mystery.
46 - JL
I'd like to repeat smething I've said previously in response to that:
my favourite part of this show is definitely the character stuff (especially when that involves House)
BUT I think that keeping to the procedural format is what MAKES that character stuff so strong.
...
I would like to see some clinic patients, too - I thought that got promised this season. And I would like more patients to really care about.
(But none of that will stop me going slightly insane waiting for this week's episode, however. And now there's this mystery surprise as well... argh! What are you doing to me, Barbara?)
47 - Sheelagh
I must admit I too am worried about the ongoing inconsistency in the quality of writing this Season on 'House'. Did they change-up the writing team too ? I miss the humor of the Clinic Scenes. I see the show as a character driven procedural, with the medical cases as a metaphor for what's going on with characters; usually with reference to House. Having been an RN for many years in acute care, the medical 'mysteries' don't bear close scrutiny but are a cool vehicle to move the plot along. Thirteen said last week that House " mistook immaturity for edginess" and I am very afraid that the writers' are already there. Vulgar doesn't equate to witty and also works best in smaller doses. It makes me grind my teeth when I realize this show has the calibre of Hugh Laurie and Sean Robert Leonard and yet seem to be stumbling around for quality writing. it's like having two Mercedes in the garage and putting in the wrong fuel. How can it be so hard given the rep the show already established to get strong scrips? It seems like they're 'following' other shows rather than 'leading' which is what made 'House' an original. They need to stop looking over their shoulder and be true to the concept that the show arose from : Sherlock Holmes & Watson. Simple.
48 - Barbara Barnett
JL--I also live for the character stuff. I think as well that the procedural is the skeleton upon which the character stuff is hung. i especially adore those moments when House has that (oh so rare) moment of real connection with a patient. in those moments, I think, we get a glimpse as to why he really distances himself from patients.
His real ace-in-the-hole (besides his genius as a physician/scientist) is his total objectivity. when he connects with a patient, it becomes harder for him to see the patient and the case objectively. I think that's why it's usually not until toward the end of the cast that House meets with the patient. He needs that connection (and it's a worthwhile risk for him) to finish the case and save the life.
I think the episodes (as much as I have loved them this year) have been too crowded for much in the clinic. Yeah, we get bits...and snark, but not those great clinic beats of House reluctantly doing clinic hours.
As for what I'm doing to you, JL? Hmmm.... hopefully, I'll be able to tell... but in all honesty there's nothing to tell at this point. And I can't even give clues. So sit tight, anticipate the episode and enjoy. Aren't we all glad the World Series wasn't delayed? Make up game would have pre-empted House. Phew. Very close call!
49 - Sue
House would root for the Phillies!
Have we seen the interactions with House and the patient like we had in Control this season? Maybe a little in Not Cancer, but that was too simple and predictable to be relevant. Most of the character investigation has been with 13 and Taub rather than House. I know House was preoccupied with Wilson and the PI, but this is another thing that is lacking this season.
Again, this episode was not generally well-accepted by fans and media critics alike. There is a consensus when episodes are good and when they aren't. Ones that revolve around the new cast are not well-liked. Hugh is not receiving the rave reviews this season, except for Birthmarks, when he wasn't in scenes with the new cast and they were just a small part of the episode. A major entertainment website called this episode boring.
50 - Shazz
I think this episode was controversial because of the lesbian scenes. I find this strange given House episodes have featured other controversial stuff such as much steamier heterosexual scenes, drug abuse etc which has elicited a lot less comments. The point has been missed, 13s descent into one night stands with other women rather than men as House said is because she needs the challenge of picking up hot women; men and ugly women being far easier to pick up...controlling women is as close as she can get to controlling what's happening to her (her illness).
I also liked this episode, as I do other House episodes that look in greater analysis of situations like One Day One Room, of which there has also been a lot of criticism for being boring.
I also note the comment that seem to indicate that House is not receiving rave reviews. As a number of cast members have stated before, what is it is amazing people like House, a series with as unlikeable a character as you can get. What makes House so great is the writing and the producers willingness to explore non "safe" topics. BTW, I liked the survivor arc and the new team. The old team was becoming far too predictable in their interaction with House; though I confess to not liking Foreman in old or new team.
51 - Andree
After finally having seen the 2 final episodes of season 4, I will have to wait another year to see season 5. I was lucky and could watch Birthmarks and Lucky 13 on internet, although on a very small screen. But I prefer a small screen that having to wait a full year.
I agree with all those who find the actress of 13 boring. For me she could be taken off the show asap, I would surely not miss her. I am not interested to have half of an episode based on one of House's team members. These are supportive roles, they are not supposed to have an episode based on them. And another point, I find the interactions between House and this new team very tepid, at least from the team's side. Sure, the old team was getting a bit predictable, but at least there was some punch behind them. The new team? Hm... perhaps with somebody else than 13?
The writers know how to create great episodes, so why suddenly change? Of course they cannot create only intense episodes, they need to calm down things a bit. But why change suddenly so completely direction? Especially as the fan community apparently does not appreciate that at all.
HL and RSL cannot carry this show all alone, they need good support. And why not give us these so appreciated patient-doctor scenes? I can only hope that the writers will wake up, if possible very fast.
Something I would like to see some day is Wilson getting sick, physically hurt or whatever, a scene where House can take over, can show that he cares, that he is there for his friend. Simply a turn around, House being the one to give, for all to see - to care.
Barbara, I love your blog and read it always with big interest. For the whole comunity here the tone is respectful, interesting, with two exceptions from some immature people, but well, best simply ignore them.
Please go on like this, all of you, it is a real pleasure for me to read your comments and I am already waiting impatiently for the new review.
52 - Barbara Barnett
I think the start of this season, bouncing off of "Wilson's Heart" set House adrift with his own feelings about himself, his significant relationships, etc. They put a big fly in (House's) ointment (as it were) by focusing on the aftermath of Amber's death and what it cost House (and Wilson). He's been distracted--and it makes narrative sense.
I think (gauging the press, the fan forums--and my own understanding of the show) that many people have (on the whole) liked this season. They may agree or disagree on new team/old team, but they've like the story line and the episodes (with a couple of exceptions, perhpaps). I think the writing's been fine (again on the whole.)
Many people think that "Birthmarks" was a series "highlight". Considering that "House's Head" and "Wilson's Heart" were also in that category, and the season premiere was also beautifully and sensitively written (and loved by many in the fan community -- and among critics), I don't think the series is on a downturn.
As far as changing direction, the series often does that mid season during "story arcs" (usually with guests like Vogler, Stacy, Tritter). The season so far has been an exploration of House and his relationships, his self worth and feelings post Amber. They are doing it in a new way, which I've enjoyed. Even "Lucky 13" was fundamentally about House and his inner life and relationships.
I think every season has so-so episodes, especially as they warm the season's story up in the beginning. A lot of fans argue that season two was the series best season (I've thought seasons two and three were equally strong; four suffered from imbalance and a vastly shortened season--season one was fabulous, but uneven--as the series found its footing).
Season two started out weakly to me, and gained a lot of strength as the year went on: I though "Acceptance" was only a fair start after the season one finale. "TB or Not TB" was weak; as was "Spin." All at the beginning of season two. Things picked up and I can think of few episodes for the remainder of the season that i didn't care for.
Others liked the ones I didn't, but hated some that I loved. I loved "Who's Your Daddy." A lot of people hated it. We all like different things about House, and I think our perspectives differ when certain episodes focus on what we like and what we don't.
In season three, I pretty much loved every episode, with a couple of exceptions. I loved "One DAy One Room." I was in the minority there, I think. But it focused on what matters most to me in the show. I thought they did it well, and the episode has a lasting affect on me and on the series narrative.
I think that this season has been pretty strong; I also think that Hugh has given some breathtakingly beautiful performances this season. Some watch the show for the procedural; I don't. House is literally the only television series (except for news--I'm a news junkie) I watch. It takes a lot for a series to get to me, and this one has. It hasn't let me down yet.
I don't mind the new team. I love Kutner; Taub is a good House-foil (and better and subtler than Foreman); 13 is OK. I like where Chase's character has taken him, and (big surprise) I've never been that ecstatic about Cameron (I don't dislike her, but I've never been an enthusiastic fan either). Foreman is Foreman. To me the show is House, then Wilson and Cuddy. But mainly House. It's a detailed character study, and as long as it keeps me fascinated, I'm compelled to watch and re-watch.
Sorry. Didn't mean to make this into a whole commentary. Ooops. ;)
53 - Eve
First of all thank you again for a wonderful review. I can't wait for this weeks!
I will say just one word : Kiss !
about House's reaction in the last scene of 'Lucky 13'.
'Misery loves company' and now the two people most important to House are about to not be miserable anymore.. so leaving him alone in his misery.
This seems like a logical answer but secretly I want his reaction to be explained by the deep underlying love he feels for Cuddy!
As sung by Annie Lenox 'Seems you never realise a good thing till it's gone..!'
Waiting unpatiently for your insights on the Cuddy/House relationship!!
Have a great week!
Best wishes
Eve
54 - Barbara Barnett
Thanks, Eve.
will post my thoughts on House/Cuddy during the off week (next week).
55 - Barbara Barnett
OK...so now I can divulge my surprise. Keep an eye on Blogcritics later this afternoon. I had the chance to interview Dr. Cuddy, herself--Lisa Edelstein via email. The interview will be published shortly. Hope you enjoy and spread the word!
56 - SF
Hugh Laurie should have won an Emmy for season 4's body of work, now season 5 and that one scene where he looked shocked and then upset and then quiet acceptance should win it for him. To answer the reviewer's question, he wasn't upset because of the whole thing being a secret. He hates change. And with a baby, he won't be the most important person in Cuddy's life, like how he handled the whole amber-wilson situation. He's jealous at the end of the day because he wants all attention on him, more so from the 2 people he actually cares more than himself. Season 5 is turning into a great season like season 4 was. Fantastic performances from everyone, especially by Hugh Laurie. Thanks for the great review.
57 - Grace
One more little question for anyone:
Would House being a Vicodin mis-user have any affect on his sperm or a baby? Thank you for your answers ahead of time.
58 - Barbara Barnett
SF--there's no question that House was very upset. And I think it's because here he got wilson back and now he's had the rug pulled from under him. Change is hard for him (I would guess for a lot of reasons) and this has been an especially difficult year for him emotionally. Cuddy's adopting a baby is a big change in his life--and if Wilson's involved (which he doesn't know to what extent if any)then the hit is even harder. Incredible, nuanced reaction by Hugh. Brilliant, brilliant performance.
Not sure about the effect on his sperm production, but it might have an effect on his ability to have sex.