At the end of the season two House, M. D. episode “Distractions” (2x12), House (Hugh Laurie) has a conversation with Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) about balance in the universe. Having just settled an old score with a medical school rival, House says, “An eye for an eye, LSD and antidepressants. Everything in balance. Buddhists call it karma and Christians call it the golden rule.” But Cuddy wonders if House actually believes that this is the way the world works—that the world is just, when he clearly does not. “No,” he answers, “but it should."
In a way, “Instant Karma” reminded me of an “old school” season two House. The original team is back and working together on a great medical mystery. We’re reminded that House is the best: a legendary diagnostician, better than the best money can buy. People seek him out on sheer reputation.
He is confident in his diagnoses—all of them. And even after he diagnoses a fatal illness, House continues to turn the case in his head, at least subconsciously in his mind. Until everything clicks into place, as it should, in the last few minutes of the episode.
Cameron (Jennifer Morrison), Chase (Jesse Spencer), and Foreman (Omar Epps) do what they do best and their synergy in diagnosing their young patient seems to still fit comfortably. Taub is gone, resigned two weeks ago, disinterested in working for Foreman. And 13 (Olivia Wilde) has also quit, not wanting to be anywhere close to Foreman’s orbit.
But a lot has changed in House’s world since the end of season three when the original team breaks up. Everyone’s more world-weary: House is still recovering, and still without a medical license. He seems to like not being in charge and is in no hurry to be the boss again (at least that what he believes), but as Chase ultimately tells him, no matter who thinks they’re in charge, House is the boss—and always will be. And it shows throughout “Instant Karma.”
It is so good to see House back in the front seat, if only with Foreman at the wheel (or at least controlling the brakes). House makes light of this new arrangement, enjoying the freedom of being the star, without the responsibility of liability lawsuits or administrative duties.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - moon
I always look forward to your very insightful articles on House!:)
2 - Jo (housian daze)
Love your analysis, as ever.
I really enjoyed this episode and the slower pace with House's gentle puppeteering steering the episode, as Alvie would say, old style style!
I think it was really significant that House took responsibility for telling the father about the terminal diagnosis himself, and didn't send one of his team to see how they react or to teach them something as he has done in the past. He also had no ulterior motive for telling the father to see his reaction, as he has done in the past "like a butterfly on the end of a pin".
I really loved the scene between House and Chase at the end - beautifully written and expertly played. "Whether you wanna be in charge or not, you are, and always will be". Love the maturity that last week's events have brought to Chase.
Aaand, most importantly - It wasn't Foreman or Cameron or Chase or Cuddy or Wilson or Thirteen or Taub or, even House that solved the case - it was BOUO (Ball Of Unknown Origin).
HOUO is the only ship worth sailing!
3 - Cate Malone
Loved the episode as well. My favorite scene was between Chase and House. Jesse Spencer has really grown as an actor. I love the old team being back together, as I never really emotionally connected with the new team, although I don't think this will last. I'm also holding out hope that as House gets his license back, maybe we'll see some clinic time again?
4 - Dianne
Did anyone notice that the first and last name of "13" was said by her in the taxi while on her cell phone, and also, I just realized that Chase's first name was Robert, as Cameron used it.
5 - barbara barnett
I really liked the episode. It was very "Old School" and I enjoyed having team "classic" back in action. A lot of classic tropes in IK. House working behind the scenes to be a force for good for his staff; House choosing himself to impart the bad news to spare everyone else and because he knows (despite the BS) he is the best at it. Sneakily calling Cuddy into the patient room, knowing Chase would be confessing (prematurely)--I'm only guessing it was House, since he observed Chase tearing himself apart and then hastily getting up. House assumes to go to Cuddy; but H was already working on something to protect. him.
All the references to things being in balance the way it should be. i kept thinking of that great scene between H/C in Distractions about balance in the universe. Cuddy asks him if he thinks that's the way the world works. And House tells her "no, but it should."
Just a good solid episode with that underlying sense that House doesn't want to go back to being dept. head (not because he hates the responsibity of command, but because he's terrified of it at this point undoing all the healing). But also that somehow that's his destiny and as much as he dreads it, he knows it's true.
6 - sdemar
Yep, it is his destiny, whether he likes it or not. House is a natural leader and healer. He is slowly getting pulled back and we know what that means?
I have always thought JS was a very good actor but has been under-utilized. Hopefully he will start to play a larger role but I fear after 13 and Taub (yes, I think he will be back), Chase will revert to the background.
Very old Houselike episode and I enjoyed it even without much of House, Wilson or Cuddy in it.
7 - Celia
I interpreted House's 'saving' of Foreman & Chase differently than you did. IMO House was rationally able to explain the discrepancy in the lab work which might have humbled Foreman & Chase at the Mortality Review and caused physicians to point to a misdiagnosis. I think House's comment was sarcastic and that he still does not suspect that the lab work was a fraud and Chase intentionally killed a patient. It just doesn't play to his character and it was far to casual a comment for a man who fights for every patient under his care. House was prepared to save the Tyrant . As he said to Foreman " patients dying; no more time for clever (comments)".
8 - Val
Great analysis and insights as always Barbara!
IE certainly had the old style feel to it. The old team were certainly on target, but I was waiting and waiting for House and the little tidbit about House that we, the viewer, would always get from his interaction with the patient. It was a challenge to find that piece, if it was indeed there...
House/Wilson together again and doing what they do best (lying for and helping each other) was certainly classic and that was lovely. The way House had his epiphany from Wilson was the point where I thought House got his groove back and the whole episode was in the old school rhythm.
The 13 and House interaction is intriguing. I am not sure what to make of it, but I liked it. House is not only a leader and a healer, but a teacher. It's clear that the old team have learned a great deal from him (evident from the past two episodes). 13 and Taub should have their shot; I hope we'll see them again.
Solid writing, solid directing and solid acting. Proves it's still the most solid show on television. What a great season we are being treated to.
9 - nicole.o
I couldn't help but notice the similarity between Roy and House. (Obviously not in all things but a couple that struck me.) Everything that Roy touches turns to gold with his work. House is a genious in his work and tends to also have that midas touch he is so well known for. However, everything in Roy's personal life has stuggled becuase of it. House's personal life has also struggled. House has always believed his greatest atrribute, the only thing that mattered in his life, has been his work, until now when he is trying to make a balance. I wonder if House decides to go tell Roy about the condition (a thing he would rarely ever do in the past, choosing instead to avoid the patient at all costs) because he sees some of himself in Roy? Although I think House thought he was foolish to give up all his money, House was willing to give up diagnostic medicine to find that same goal, peace in the personal life.
On another note, I love how honest House is trying to be to keep his health in check. Opening up to Cuddy about his fear that getting power back will lead him back to who he was before. He is honestly trying and it is beautifully portrayed by HL. I also was in love with Chase in this episode. The conflicts he was faced with and the emotion he was going through was vivid and brilliantly done. I've always liked him but last night I loved him. His interaction with Cuddy when he tried to come clean, and the last scene with House was fantastic. You saw an understanding between the two of them. House was protecting him, Chase was grateful and returned with the comment about how he will always be the boss, a sign of respect and mutual admiration. House as protector, I liked that a lot.
All in all a slightly slower paced episode but very moving and nicely done. Money isn't everything, and the fact that Roy was willing to give it all up for what really mattered, his family, was a great and moving message. The image of Roy and his son at the end was very touching. Great acting all around.
On a side note, the 13 story line seemed forced and unatural, as it often does with her. Can we just let her leave? I'm not sure if it's the character or Olivia Wilde herself, but that character never caught on for me. I've never been sold that she belongs there. Nothing personal, just not feeling it. Always feels like the writers are trying to make us like her. Anyone agree??
10 - nicole.o
Celia,
an interesting way to look at it. However I'm pretty sure he knows. He said (not word for word) he would rather have someone kill a murdering dictator than misdiagnose, noting that Chase will probably never be faced with that decision again. I think House wanted to protect his team and throughout the episode knew something was going on with Chase and Foreman. He is too brilliant a man not to put the pieces together.
11 - Reba
Hello Barbara. Good review! I agree with you that I think House was one step ahead of Chase and Foreman in this ever since he overheard their first conversation about the Dibala case. And if I am right, I think he will bring it up later as I don't see it either as House's style. But I think that House's stay at Mayfield has uncovered more of the protector in him. Ever since Chase's father died, well even before that when Chase thought he died of cance, I have always felt that House and Chase have a sort of bond. I do believe that Chase sees him a bit as a father figure. It might be a very female interpretation of things, but I feel they are close. As for Foreman, House really tried to build up his confidence in this case.
I also liked the episode because it had a slower pace (the prologue was not frantic either). It gave way for thoughts and we also saw much more of the teacher and healer House that we actually saw in the first season. I agree with you, Barbara, that it was good to be reminded that House actually IS an outstanding doctor too. Somehow that went missing along the line.
12 - blacktop
While "Instant Karma" was nowhere near as compelling or as thought-provoking as "The Tyrant," I did appreciate it's change of pace. What I liked most about this episode were the parts that were NOT "old school." I liked that House was meddling in Thirteen's life (as he did in previous seasons with Foreman) but that he did it out of compassion and genuine support rather than abstract curiosity or nosiness. He wanted her back on the team and back with Foreman because he believes she is good for both.
I liked that House and Cuddy conversed as caring adults who are not afraid of their bonds of affection, without the snarking or jibes of the past. He accepted the support she offered at several points along the way and even felt close enough to share with her his deep fears about falling back into his old manic ways under the pressure of difficult cases. This willingness to share self-doubt is refreshing and new on House's part.
I also liked that House expressed support for Foreman's abilities as a boss and for Chase's struggle with the daunting ethical challenges of the Dibala case. I thought House stating simply and without bravado to Foreman at the end that he was not sure of the correctness of his diagnosis but was willing to see the results of the medicine was a real break-through moment for House. It is great to see House moving past the harshness and combative aggression and toward a more openly caring relationship with colleagues he values.
House seemed to be carefully considering his own internal climate as he moved through the case in this episode, cautiously judging his own readiness to move back into the fray. House is regaining his confidence as he moves along and it is fascinating to see this transformation in him.
13 - Epiphany
Thank you for another insightful review Barbara. I feel like my House experience isn't complete until I come to your blog.
Oscar Wilde said: "Yet each man kills the thing he loves, from all let this be heard. Some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattering word. The coward does it with a kiss, the brave man with a sword."
The people behind House do it with 13.
Although season six is already a vast improvement on season 13/14/Boreteen (aka, season five), one thing remains constant: I. Do. Not. Give. A. Hoot. About. 13.
I really wish the powers that be would stop forcing her down our throats. The character is a blot on the landscape. She is derided by both fans and critics and yet they persist in extolling her apparent virtues.
To pen Wilson telling House that he needs her was beyond ridiculous. Or desperate. Nothing against Olivia Wilde, I'm sure she's a nice person but she's dragging this great show down.
It can't be an accident that Omar Epps is much better when he's playing off Jesse Spencer...
Overall, a very solid episode and good to see the old crew back together again.
14 - wackjob
Insightful review as always, Barbara. Although I did not find this episode terribly compelling, save for the Chase/Foreman parts and House's final scene with Chase, which was beautifully done. JS and OE played brilliantly off each other, and it was so good to see OE have something different to play other than the usual Foreman stuff. He is truly underutilized.
The heavy emphasis on 13 bothered me greatly. When Wilson (!) told her it was a great job, she was a great doctor, and the only one not sucked into House's vortex of insanity, I immediately thought: "But that's also true of Taub!" Taub got pulled into House's games but he also fought back. The constant going back to 13 was what slowed this episode to a crawl. To me, she will never be an interesting actress to watch. What is it with TPTB that they have to mention in every episode how hot she is? Some of us don't find her hot, compelling, or unusually talented. "House" has a world-class team of actors and she is definitely still in the minors.
Beyond that, it was good to see House no longer acting cutesie. Although, unlike you, I miss the harshness and combative aggression. I hope some of it comes back--it's part of what I watch this show for.
15 - wackjob
By the way, in the old "House," if I may call it that, the kid would have died, which would have made much more sense.
16 - KHC
Thanks for another excellent review, Barbara!
I liked this episode a lot, as many have said, that final scene with House and Chase was brilliant, and I agree with you Barbara that House paged Cuddy deliberately to stop Chase committing career-icide.
I also liked the scene between House and Wilson where W was trying to find out H's motives for chasing 13, very funny and also telling that Wilson can't fathom this new House. The situation reminded me of the season 3 episode (the jerk??) where they all chase each other round to find out who messed up Foremans interview and why. Although I for one was less interested in the result of this one!
But overall, glad to see House hitting it's stride again, and to see JS and OE getting a good storyline for once. Just need aub to come back, and life will be good!
17 - KHC
That should, of course, say Taub in the last line - my apologies
18 - NancyGail
Didn't 13 get fired? I have to wonder if Cuddy knows. 13 could simply have been reassigned. Under the impression Chase dad DID die of cancer, dad just didn't tell his son when he spent time with Chase on a case at PP.
19 - TV Obsessed
I don't understand why the writers continue to push any sort of 13 story. There is an overwhelming majority of comments on the internet that are against her. Nevertheless, with House changing, and Chase in deep water, the show continues to be excellent. Full review of the episode.
20 - wackjob
Yes, 13 was fired by Foreman, who is still (technically and for the foreseeable future) in charge. So no matter how much the other characters yammer about why 13 should be there, she can't be rehired without Foreman's say-so. At least not for that department. Somehow that seems to have slipped everyone's mind, including the writers'. Not the first time (Wilson's brother, Cuddy's baby, etc.).
21 - Jane
Barbara, I don't think House saved Chase because he respected Chase for taking a stand. No doubt that House appreciates people with opinions, but here, I think House was primarily trying to protect Chase. I loved how House justified his protection, "Rather a murder than a misdiagnosis". House's morality has always been to give others a second chance, just like he did with Chase after his Dad died, with Olivia after the SMA patient died, with the suicidal patient who needed a heart transplant.
22 - marjohn626
Classic House + Classic BB Review = awesome
Every element of what I love about House was in this episode. For the record, I'd be okay with 13 contracting Strongyloides on her visit to Thailand ((wink)).
Also, I'm not missing him too much to complain, but I am somewhat curious as to where Taub landed. He had developed an interesting enough character counterpart to House that I will miss (still not nearly as much as I miss Kutner).
If no one else has pointed it out, the whiteboard was revealed from under the tarps when House's office was reopened during EF, but I find Foreman's stubborn refusal to be House-like in any way that may be an element of his choice (whether conscious or subconscious) not to use the whiteboard to expose how incapable he is of taking the good and leaving the bad. Being the anti-House has done nothing but work to his detriment.
I'm also disinclined to appreciate Foreman's moral flexibility on the Dibala matter, since in my opinion his decisions seem rooted in selfishness and self-preservation. I think he burned the morgue log to absolve himself of two things: (1) not being in control of his team and their actions, and (2) his own capacity to commit to and take responsibility for a diagnosis and course of treatment.
[End rant on Foreman]
Thanks as always to Barbara and the Peanut Gallery for the lively conversation.
Marjohn
23 - Jen
Classic House, indeed! Another winner Barbara!
24 - Sandra
"I really liked the episode. It was very "Old School" and I enjoyed having team "classic" back in action."
Exactly, I really love that about this episode as well as the episode before - I hope there will be more like this. I'm really tired of this focus on romance. I don't want to see Huddy (I know you want too, but I don't, like many many other out there, sorry), so this was like in the first seasons again. Love it! Just a little more Wilson would have been nice :-) And a lot less Thirteen, because I agree with this 100%:
"On a side note, the 13 story line seemed forced and unatural, as it often does with her. Can we just let her leave? I'm not sure if it's the character or Olivia Wilde herself, but that character never caught on for me. I've never been sold that she belongs there. Nothing personal, just not feeling it. Always feels like the writers are trying to make us like her."
I really hope they (as in TPTB) will change their mind and make Cameron (love her) come back asap and get rid of Thirteen instead.
Now I can't wait to see how the Dibala matter will be handled in the next episodes, I love when there are difficult moral questions on the show.
25 - Observer
House's smugness is becoming boring.