A disillusioned priest and our favorite disillusioned doctor connect in House, MD's latest episode "Unfaithful."
Albert Einstein once said, “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” What is it that brings a priest with a rare, but hidden (and incurable) medical condition to the attention of a master diagnostician on a cold winter night? Who is to say whether it’s coincidence or an anonymous God opening small doors of oblique opportunity that brings Daniel into House’s den? Are his visions of Jesus a simple whiskey-soaked hallucination, or the hidden miracle of coincidence? By the end of “Unfaithful” both the atheist priest and the atheist doctor aren’t completely certain anymore.…
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— go to most recent comments26 - Chris
Your review once more touched me Barbara!
This episode was the one that made me really cry in the ending.... and I haven't cried with a House episode since "Joy"'s finale... Only this time I cried for House! For his choice to show his feelings through this amazing piano composition... I think that this season is doing amazingly great job getting more personal and I love the naturality of things... I am still quite shocked by this episode that I cannot form a coherent thought, point is: HOUSE ROCKS!!!
27 - Reine
I love your reviews Barbara, I always read them :D. And I agree when you say that not going to the party he was giving Cuddy what she needed but not what she wanted and I think it was really sweet of him. I also think he really doesn't know what he feels for Cuddy and Rachel, sometimes he wants to be part of their life and sometimes he just thinks that kind of family thing is not for him.
And the song: wow, it was really perfect and the episode was so beautiful. We got to see more of House's feelings than in "Let them eat cake" for example, or even "Joy", 'cause the kiss was beautiful too but it could have come from passion not love but in "Unfaithful" I felt that he really has "a thing" for Cuddy and even her baby but (as I said before) he isn't sure what it is or how big it is. I even liked the patient this week xD.
Thanks for the review :D
28 - Eve K
A very good review B.
By the way - was there anyone else who unintentionally started laughing when the hallucination-Jesus came on? Doesn't matter, it was a very good ep and the actor who played Daniel was great.
About the song in the end. I think the ambiguity of is it "You Can't Always Get What You Want" or "Have I Told You Lately" (who is a prayer? I didn't know that) is intended. Very much so.
It starts out with the first song and moves over to the other. Very suddle, very tough provoking. They are ALMOST identical. I think HL must have had this as his idea when he started composing. I just loved the ending of this ep.
29 - Cath
I love love love this episode! Thanks for a fantastic review Barbara!
30 - Nani
Barbara, I LOVE YOU !
31 - maddy
Even thought I feel like I'm repeating what's been said 1,000 times, I loved the review and the episode and the comments : )
Barbara, I just want to know your thoughts on one thing. When I watched the scene where Cuddy was in the elevator and House said, "I wouldn't miss it for the world", it sounded like he was actually telling the truth. And then when Wilson started talking to him about not going, it really dawned on him that Cuddy had lied to him again. So when she told him point blank that she didn't want him to come (even though she really did!! sigh), you could just see the hurt on his face because he knew for sure he was right about her. He really wasn't playing any games, despite what he said to Wilson. It's obvious he loves Cuddy, even Daniel picked it up point blank. So I feel like him going along with what she wants, this episode and last, is just his way of proving that he does love her. He can get no gain except making her happy by doing so. And I agree with you, he didn't go at the end because he knew it would be perhaps better for the both of them. They both have to get over their own inhibitions before they can be with each other, which is the one thing that will make them both happy. hopefully the writers arrange for that to happen in the end, because I don't know if I can take another sad episode like this!
what do you think? It's my personal theory that he might be straightening out for her in the next episode . . .
32 - Eve _Venn
I'm not so eloquent as some and I don't have HL's talent for music to express myself but..
This episode blew me away and so did your review.
I hardly ever cry but the end scene provoked some tears..
One of the best episodes of this season!
33 - Clare
I really enjoyed reading this article and all of the comments. I can't believe FOX is making me wait a week to see the ep on FOD!! I'm looking forward to it very much. (that, and crying!)
34 - C&T
A special thank you for your thoughts on "Cuddy's serenade".
Lovely to have the different musical parts of the serenade named with the correct Yiddish words.
My first thought on hearing the last bit of the musical piece was "Oh, that sounds like 'Have I told you lately'". Only here in the discussion I read about it being 'You can't...'.
I've been listening to those three pieces for half an hour now and come to the final conclusion that I do here House's piece echoes the latter A BIT. But then, if I say it echoes that one I must say it almost COPIES the first.
I'm not sure what that exactly means for House's feelings towards Cuddy, or what I want it to mean,
or - following the plot of the episode - if this choice was a COINCIDENCE.
PS: Fox only calls it "Cudd'y Serenade". They didn't give any of the other two titles on their site.
35 - Flo
I really liked the episode (I didn't cry though, but I never cry anyway).
Very good review (again) barbara and thanks for naming the jewish parts of music, I don't know anything about jewish music and didn't recognise any of it.
For what its worth I, too, heard Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately?" but I maybe wrong.
36 - j.i.m.
Sheelagh wrote, "I was even more struck by House's face when Cuddy leveled with him as to why she did not want him at the gathering. The hurt on his face! It was like House had been slapped."
I was of two minds about that scene. Any honest communication between House and Cuddy is valuable and a step forward, even when it causes pain. But the forlorn and naked look on House's face was difficult to witness. His reaction was also a bittersweet reminder to Cuddy of his humanity. Luckily Cuddy realized the strong effect her words had on House.
During a second viewing, this scene stood out for me because of the honesty. House did provoke Cuddy when he categorized her with whores and hypocrites. Cuddy's response, "The last thing I need is someone filled with loathing and contempt.", can also be interpreted as her rational thoughts about House in general, not just for the celebration. She wants him but she doesn't need his dark side of loathing and contempt. I think he took the wider message to heart.
It seems they have a long way to go. House did, after all, immediately refuse what seemed like the beginnings of an invitation from Cuddy for a Friday night, perhaps to attend a classical concert together. House still has time to participate in Rachel's 1st, 2nd or 3rd birthday party, if "The Powers That Be" allow it before the series is over. (And if Rachel survives.)
If the priest is right and House wants someone to prove him wrong about his dark view of life, then this episode came and went without that proof surfacing.
37 - Mary
"Maybe it's something only a Huddy shipper can understand, I don't."
Um, I'm sorry, but it's not. I'm not a "Huddy" shipper and I agree with every single point Barbara made. I can see it, it's real, and it's there. Maybe it's something only bitter people who would rather see House with somebody else can't understand.
Potato, potata.
38 - barbara barnett
Mary,
Thank you. I admit I lean a bit House/Cuddy, but I don't look at everything (or even most things) on the show through that lens. I observe what the writers, director and actors are telling me. They may tell me one thing, and someone else another. Like you said potato potahhhhto.
39 - Gina
Mary, I wholehearlty agree. I am not a shipper of any kind and I love - and most importantly, get - the House/Cuddy relationship. To each their own. And contrary to people's beliefs, it IS a very popular pairing, perhaps the most popular pairing on the show along with House/Wilson (be it romantic or bromantic). If only people would get out of their comfort zones to realize that.
Anyhoo, that was a lovely review, Barbara. I, too, was moved by "Cuddy's Seranade" and it might be one of my favorite ending sequences to date. Simply beautiful. I could have done without Foreteen making out in the montage, but like Jagger once said "You can't always get what you want".
As for the POTW? Loved it. Love how House once again connected to a patient, loved his take on love and religion. And I've been a fan of Jimmi Simpson for quite sometime.
My favorite episode of the season, along with The Itch.
40 - Meena
This is my first post here, Barbara, and I wanted to say thank you for writing such thought-provoking analyses about House, and for inspiring such witty dialogues in the comment sections afterwards. I just started watching this show for the first time a few months ago, and suffice to say I'm now a full-blown fan.
I liked that though there was a priest, this week's episode was really not about God or religion but about finding a path back to 'faith' - be it with another human being, with the concept of love/relationships/sacrifice, with God, etc. When does the lightbulb finally go back on? Also, this was not really about whether God/person deserves our trust or belief, but whether we can make sense of the things we want to believe in enough for us to jump in. Very interesting.
In particular, I found the line, "religion is the placebo of the masses" quite profound (instead of religion is the opiate of the masses). I thought that metaphor had been beaten to death, but this was something new. Placebos are more ambiguous than opiates - they can potentially cure you just by believing they can, even without any rational/medical evidence. So if religion/love/person is a placebo, its 'validity' is not as essential as whether it can 'cure' you (whatever that means-still mulling this thought over). Don't think House would see it this way though - I think he studies world religions just to be able to hurl better-aimed criticism at them:)
Finally, the music at the end, so evocative and despondent, with strings of different, eclectic pieces dancing one after the other. I loved that nothing was tied together, and we aren't even sure which pieces he exactly played. Though past episodes have shown music as therapy for House, this was just about wallowing in mournful longing and expression.
Poor House, he's got it bad.
41 - Jackie
Great review as usual Barbara. Thank you for your insight as to the inclusion of "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You". I initially was only hearing "You Can't Always Get Want You Want". I went back to the video and replayed the closing segment again and again, and it does start with a "Sunrise, Sunset" link ("Is this the little girl I carried" - at least I heard that part anyway). Segue into the European motif as you stated and then what I thought was only "You Can't Always Get What You Want" did morph into "Have I Told You Lately.." Hugh's brilliance never ceases to amaze me.
Back to the plot - The scene in the elevator was very telling, when Cuddy says that House "For better or worse will always be a part of her life," and a few moments later regarding the simchat bat, House says with all seriousness that "He wouldn't miss it for the world." I think if not for the Cuddy 'he's coming/he's not coming' mindset, he would have attended. Cuddy did start to ask him just prior to opening the hospital door when she was talking to House, re: shoes, weather, sister. The handing off of Rachel to Cameron so that Cuddy could answer the door only to be disappointed when it was the elderly couple and not House displayed her disappointment and regret (watching her face and Wilson's a few seconds later), that this scheming has shortchanged both she and House. For those asking about the "Cuddy Serenade" labeling: Closed Caption did show this to be "Hugh Laurie's Cuddy Serenade" or words to that effect. I am certainly looking forward to how the rest of the season plays out. Maybe by the series finale (3 or so years from now) these two unhappy souls, Cuddy (as told by House that she will never be happy at the end of "Humpty Dumpty") and House (as told by Cuddy in "Fetal Position" to "Be happy" (which he mouths to himself) and Stacy ("Three Stories", "You don't think you deserve to be happy?") might just find what they need in each other.
42 - marie
Barbara , still waiting for you to jump on that plane and fly over here to Northern England to watch a House marathon with me and then chat to our hearts content about it.... that said , thank you once again for a fabulous review ,I just loved this episode except for the boring foreteen arc yet again , being a religious episode I was praying that either one or both of them would really go , but alas ... anyway Hugh Laurie was magnificent in this episode and much like the House of earlier seasons I thought. I just cant praise him enough for his interactions with Cuddy ,the Patient (who was excellent by the way ) Wilson , Taub and Kutner , even the short scene with Cameron at the beginning was just so much 'House' ,I love this guy , I know the scripts are phenomenal and bravo to the writers , but bravo also to Hugh Laurie for his delivery of them , oh wow !!!!!! I love this guy , and the end at the piano , I cant say enough about it so I wont even try , I love this guy ...did I just say that !!!!!!.thank you Barbara for all your views especially on the music part and the Jewish influences ,and even the information on the ceremony for baby Rachel which I found fascinating knowing nothing about it before your explanation , .......................... I will get the spare room ready for you lol..x
43 - Alessandra
Hi Barbara! As Unfaithful has become one of my favourite episodes ever, this, I think, is one of your best reviews ever. I just want to thank you for the explanations regarding Jewish tradition, which fascinates me a lot.
Regarding Cuddy's serenade, I have to agree that is not a ship problem: I love H/C relationship and I support it, but above all the shipper stuff, this time House had a lot to think about. The scene at the PPTH door speaked by itself: he knew that his presence would have been "out of tune" just as Cuddy knew she wanted him with her that evening. But she didn't tell him "please, come", in front of that door: that was her last possibility to speak sincerely, to end the game, and an eyesight is too less for him to believe. He wants proofs. If he hasn't any, he could think about it, but he'll never Believe: just like religion. And the sad truth is that he can't have any proof...neither from Cuddy (she's messed up just as he is) and from his patient.
I'm so sorry I can't speak English well enough to make my thoughts clearer... Hope you understand my point, anyway. See you all after The Softer Side!
44 - Kirpio
Having read the article and comments, I felt compelled to go back to 'Cuddy's serenade', as while I heard the Rolling Stones, and Sunrise Sunset, I also heard a bit of the Beatles 'with love from me to you'... I stand by that, but I also picked up on Morrison - thank you for that insight.
What can I say that hasn't been said? Yet again I was on the edge of my seat willing House into action, just as 'The Itch'. I was with Cuddy as she opened the door, my heart sank with hers, and then I was with House as he exquisitely expressed his feelings. I love the emotional rollercoaster the 'House' team take you on every week; last episode I was crying for Wilson, this time for Huddy, who next week?
Another word on this episode with regard to 'shipping'. It has been clear to me from the start that House and Cuddy had more chemistry than anyone else, there's a lot of trust - Cuddy told House about the IVF, Wilson wouldn't even tell him about anti-depressants - a lot of banter, a history... Stacey and House didn't have that chemistry, and Cameron and House, to my mind, was a schoolgirl crush being met by a very flattered man who doesn't believe he deserves such attention. Cuddy is his equal and opposite - he sees the gaping chasm between the ideal and the real that she fails to see. I was truly touched when he spoke the line 'I wouldn't miss it for the world', and hope that the rebuff of this by her telling him he didn't want him there after all hasn't pushed him too far into his shell. I look forward to where the writers take this next week :)
I just wanted to add - Chase's line about office romances did make me smile with regard to Jesse/Jennifer.
45 - Orange450
Barbara, thanks for the great review. You've said everything there is to say about HL's music. What an amazing guy - and House, too!
Like others have said, I got the very clear impression that Cuddy initially really wanted House to attend the simchat bat. She tried hard to persuade him, and knows him well enough that the idea of his quietly mocking everyone wasn’t going to faze her. But when he started with his Philharmonic nonsense and accusations of hypocrisy, then of course the poor longsuffering woman had second thoughts. Those two have really made progress as the poster children for missed opportunity this season!
Sometimes I’m ashamed at how long it takes me to figure things out, and this is no exception. At first I thought it was harsh of House to accuse Cuddy of being a hypocrite " I thought that surely he’s sophisticated enough to know that a recognition of one’s cultural heritage doesn’t necessarily mean taking on the whole megillah, so to speak. After all " even he played Silent Night on his piano late on Christmas Eve.
But then I realized that his objection had nothing to do with her level of religious observance per se. Instead " I think he was connecting the cultural heritage thing with Cuddy’s taking on a new identity as a family person with more active cultural affiliation than she had before " as often happens when children arrive to previously less-affiliated parents. And IMO, he was registering his discomfort with it, and with the impossibility of his ever fitting into it. I think he’s been quietly wondering about their potential places in each others’ lives for a while already, and may have been beginning to make his peace with the idea of Rachel. But he could definitely see this new development as something that will take Cuddy even further away from him. Not implying any kind of intolerance on his part. Far from it. But I could easily see him shying away from the community-oriented cultural trappings that he’s afraid she might be buying into. So what does he do? He does what comes naturally " he accuses and deflects.
After all " he knows Isaiah’s words don’t relate to Cuddy! In the very same chapter that Isaiah rails against empty ritual, he gives the injunction to rescue the oppressed and defend the orphan " which is precisely what Cuddy has done!
I thought everyone else did a good job too. And even though I’m sure House is on to them by now " I loved the victory dance performed by 13 and Foreman! 13’s bow after her “performance” was adorable, and very well done by OW. My one quibble is with the kippot at the party. Why do TV shows and movies always have to use the stereotypical old-fashioned kind when there are perfectly nice crocheted and suede versions available that look far more natural on anyone? Even on House ;-) Although he could just have easily have worn his travelling cap, if only Cuddy had invited him at the last minute :-(
46 - barbara barnett
OH Orange...have to address that kippah thing :)
It's like my house. A completely disorganized array of kippot from countless different events. I think we don't even have two that match. And they're mostly suede and crocheted, admittedly, but I think Cuddy would have those satin things sitting about. And at least they weren't plain. That didn't bother me.
Love your take on Isaiah.
Ah, marie--How I wish. I am so busy now and so poor now (wedding, kids college, bad economy, writing...) It's a kind offer and I'd love to visit and House marathon with you. I'm still thinking about how to do a virtual House-viewing/discussion if it's even possible.
47 - Chrisden
Hello all from the UK.
This is my first post and i am relatively new to being a House fan (last six months or so) though am fast becoming a bit of an obsessive.
This is by far the best review/light hearted debate forum i have come across. Well done Barbara and all who make this a very interesting and intelligent read.
Getting to the point: The music House plays at the end of his composition is "You can't always get what you want" and not Van Morrison though when i first heard it i thought it was "I won't last a day without you by The Carpenters".
The only issue i have about this sight is the abbreviations, i really struggle with most of them, the only ones i have understood are POTW and TPTB.
48 - Chrisden
Regarding "i won't last a day without you"
i mean the bit where it says " when there's no getting over that rainbow......." that is what i initially heard.
49 - Dee
I didn't like HL's composition. It was disjointed. Definitely not an easy listening piece. And I have a CORRECTION to offer you. House said he was interested in Cuddy's thing - meaning a particular part of Cuddy.
I found the juvenile Huddy freak show - juvenile. And trying to pressure House to connect with a baby she claimed to want just increases my Huddy hate. I cannot wait until they do the deed so we can see the end of this truly ridiculous story arc.
50 - barbara barnett
Dee--you are entitled to your opinion of course. If you thogh it was disjointed. It is probably because it was intended that way.
Noodling on the piano keys mindlessly playing whatever comes into your fingers. Yep
51 - Val
Barbara thanks once again for your review and thoughts on, what I thought, to be a brilliant episode...definitely on my favs list. I was wonderful to see it up so quickly...kudos!(Now, if a clinic scene could have been thrown in there it would have had all the pieces to the House episodes we all love...even the beloved white board returned). I am enjoying all the comments and all the different perspectives that come to light.
With the current format, a second viewing w/o ads is essential for me and a couple things stood out for me...thanks to the excellent direction of Greg Yaitanes and Hugh Laurie's always brilliant performance.
I know I am in a minority when I admit that Thirteen and the relationship of Foreteen is actually something I enjoy seeing played out especially with regards to House. 13 has always been a bit of a puzzle and, as we know, this fascinates House. And, now he sees two of his employees (co-workers) wading their way through a relationship...another puzzle he seems to be seriously contemplating. In Unfaithful, each time we see 14 discuss or argue in front of House, he seems to observe intently. Foreteen's final heated discussion about the priest's last symptom has shots focusing on House's baby blues bouncing back and forth as if he was in attendance at Wimbledon. I believe he is truly interested in whether their relationship succeeds despite his insistance that the "department is broken". I think he may see the Foreteen relationship as parallel to a possible relationship with Cuddy. Thirteen has some displayed some House-like characteristics and, like House, it seems her childhood wasn't an easy one; she is certainly not like her predecessor, Cameron. Then Foreman becomes more Cuddy-like rather than "House-lite". I think this is why House has taken such an interest in Foreteen, as we've seen.
I agree and also noted the unease House faced in his discussions with the patient that were in front of the new ducklings. I think the illustration of the difference between how he interacts with the old team and new team is noteworthy. Foreman's reaction to the pain House was experiencing in 'Painless' was different from Kutner's. The old team saw House fake a brain tumour. What will the new team experience?
And, "Cuddy's Serenade" had to be the most beautiful scene I've ever seen in House. The music, the directing, the acting...everything was perfection. As to the question of Van Morrison or Rolling Stones? I think the beauty of it was that it was either and both (if that makes sense). When I first heard it and saw the ending, I heard "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and that seemed to fit perfectly, but after reading your review, Barbara and the other comments that made the argument for "Have I Told You Lately..." I could also hear that tune.
The ending is beautifully filmed. The scenes go between Cuddy's place, Foreteen, and House. When the first chords of the songs in question begin I noted Foreteen happy and together..."Have I told you lately that I love you" then to Cuddy's place as she takes Rachel and sadly glances at Wilson..."you can't always get what you want" and House, himself, intertwined through out the whole piece playing the Serenade. In the end, I can only see it as being both.
What an unforgettable episode all around. Two weeks was long, but DS and Co. delivered. On to a "Softer Side".
52 - Kari
Great review of a great episode. So far this is my favorite this season.
I loved Hugh Laurie's "Cuddy's Serenade" piece. Of course, I think it's great any time we get to see/hear the very talented Mr. Laurie at the piano. That being said, I do not hear "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" in that piece. I do hear "You Can't Always Get What You Want." I just sat here playing "Have I Told You..." (it's on my iPhone) alternately with rewinding and replaying that last section of "Cuddy's Serenade" and I still don't hear it. I don't have "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on my phone or my laptop, so I can't play that to compare right now, but I am pretty sure that is all I am hearing there.
I will readily admit that I am a Huddy, but I think the Rolling Stones song makes more sense than the Van Morrison song here, not only because it is sort of a theme song in the show, but also because it more clearly underscores the situation. And while I do believe that House does love Cuddy (as I agree Cuddy loves House whether they are in love or not) I do not think House is at the "Have I Told You..." stage yet.
(PS Call me crazy... I also played that clip of Cuddy's Serenade to see if Shazam or Midomi might identify it with no luck... neither app could identify the song.)
53 - sassydew
Hi, Barbara! Another great review, as usual! Even if I don't care for an episode, I always enjoy reading your thoughts - and sometimes I even view episodes differently after reading them. :-) And I have been reading your reviews and the wonderful comments left by others regularly, but I've been a bit disheartened with the direction of the show lately, so I haven't commented.
I have always really liked Cuddy and I am glad that she got the baby. I have always seen House and Cuddy as dear old friends who care about each other a great deal, and I could even envision them spending a night together here and there, but I am having a hard time believing that suddenly they are seemingly in love with one another. As you know, I have a bias regarding House's relationships (House/Stacy), but I honestly don't think that is the reason I have difficulty with this House/Cuddy relationship; I think it's more about how it's being executed.
I have been quite disappointed with Cuddy's behavior, particularly when she caused House physical pain by setting up a trap to make him trip; when she realized that she had stooped to House's level, I was glad and I thought that behavior would stop. But, alas, here she is again, playing silly games in "Unfaithful" - and getting Wilson to collude with her. For me, it was a flashback to "Meaning" and "Cane and Able" in terms of them having the desire to control/manipulate/change House. It was up to Cuddy whether or not to invite House. After inviting him, she needed to leave the decision of whether or not to attend up to him. We cannot control the behavior of guests invited into our homes. And if she wanted House there, she would need to be prepared for whatever he might do or say. I keep getting the feeling, however, that she wants House to be someone he isn't - that she wants House to adore Rachel and make himself an active part of Cuddy's and Rachel's lives, and that's not House. Finally, I was awfully disappointed in Wilson for playing along with Cuddy's silly game. I get that House is awkward and, at times, socially challenged, but Cuddy has never been presented that way, so making her appear that way now doesn't sit right with me. I like the seeing strong and confident Cuddy.
And as much as I adored seeing House playing the piano (and as much as I like the song that Hugh wrote!), I still find it hard to believe that seemingly out of the blue House has fallen in love with Cuddy. I've never loved a TV show as much as I've loved House, and it deeply saddens me that I'm not getting the same enjoyment out of it that I used to. I'm hoping that old feeling will be back again soon! ;-)
On another note, it just occurred to me that Taub's first name is Chris. Since when is a Jewish person named Chris???
Once again, Barbara, thanks for your reviews and for making this a friendly place to discuss the show! :-)
54 - Gill
As much as this was a good episode, its all been done before. House vs religon, I am sick and tied of being played with by TPTB, get House and Cuddy together or not at all, I am now sick of waiting. I am also sick of this love TPTB have for 13. She is the most boring uninteresting character there is, and yet they keep on and on shoving her in our faces. I am done with the show. I adore Hugh Laurie to death. But I hate what they have done to this once brillant show called House!
55 - Eve K
Gill - if you bother writing critical on this blog at least come up with some original complaints!
I think the situation between Cuddy and House was very real. Both afraid to hurt the other, both afraid of being hurt.
I think House couldn't have gone to the party. He just couldn't. So many reasons. But Cuddy couldn't NOT invite him, so it was a difficult social situation. One that we all could meet one time or another.
What does bother me is that everybody seems to know about Houses private business. The patient, how did he pick up on Houses thing for Cuddy? And Cameron - when did she know that inviting House had become an issue? Is everybody gossiping about it? I dont see Cuddy and Cameron as close personal friends, even if she and Chase was invited. I think Cuddy AND Wilson have boundary issues when it comes to dealing with House.
56 - Jackie
Just a postscript to my previous comments re: "Cuddy's Serenade". There is a video clip on fanpop, which simply is listed as Cuddy's Song-Huddy Video-Fanpop, and at the 2:00 minute mark you can hear "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and then at the 2:09 mark you can hear "Have I Told You Lately...".
One last observation, minor though it maybe. When 13 comes into the closing scene with Foreman, she does an arm flourish bow. Homage to Hugh I guess. Whenever he is with Band from TV or is introduced as a guest on a talk show that is his trademark. I guess I am getting carried away. I too am looking forward with great interest to the upcoming "The Softer Side" episode.
57 - KMC
Great review! Loved your insights as usual.
One lovely connection that I seemed to have caught, but none of my other House watching friends noticed, was this:
The opening scene shows Daniel putting up fliers in the church that say "You Don't Have To Be Alone" (or something like that, sorry I never record epis so I can rewatch them during reruns and still have them feel fresh!)
The closing scene has House, alone, playing piano, and I kept thinking back to that flier: He doesn't have to be alone, yet he choses too.
This ranks as one of my fav epis so far this season.
58 - Wnkybx
Barbara, thank you for this wonderful, insightful review. I always enjoy reading your thoughts, but this review was especially great because you gave those of us who are not Jewish more insight into Jewish culture, which was very helpful in appreciating this episode even more.
Now that Huddy seeds have been planted earlier this season, I think we are in the germination phase. Although House and Cuddy were engaged in a particularly awkward dance, we as the audience have received more confirmation about how deeply they feel for each other (despite their inability to act maturely on those feelings). You guys covered most of it. I will return to House/Cuddy in a bit.
The POTW re-introduces the topic of religion to the show, but I read his purpose in the storyline not as someone to challenge House intellectually about religion on a rational level but to challenge House on a much more personal level, pushing him to question what is missing in his life. The answer for House wouldn't be faith in a god, but perhaps to acknowledge and celebrate his own fulfillment from finding meaning in other people. If he were truly just about puzzles, he could run a lab and try to find a cure for cancer, a huge puzzle. But no, he is a physician. I loved that House connected with the POTW, and for a while, because they mirrored each other's outlook on faith (or the lack thereof), House was for a brief moment not alone. When the POTW returned to his faith, House was once again left alone (the way 13 was at the end of Lucky 13 when the POTW didn't end up having a terminal illness) and was forced into a deep but quiet rumination. I don't think he was questioning his stance as a non-believer but was questioning what he could cling on to in his lonely universe.
As for the Foreteen situation, I do think House was employing a method to "try out" the idea of relationship really working in the workplace. When House gave Foreteen the “split or quit” ultimatum, he could not have really expected either of them to give up their relationship after witnessing the risks Foreman took for 13’s sake. If he had truly wanted one of them to leave his team, he would have fired 13, who could have easily found employment elsewhere and who is not as essential to the DDx process, as seen by the lackluster DDx sessions when Foreman was prominently absent. By choosing to “fake-fire” Foreman (House even kept this badge in his desk rather than chucking it into the trash, and I believe that House had Cuddy in on this move to make sure Foreman couldn’t leave), House was testing whether Foreteen could function as individual thinkers and if the quality of their work as doctors could remain uncompromised by the joy of their romance. In setting up this elaborate although somewhat painful game, House seemed to be exploring, with his ducklings as his lab rats, whether or not he and Cuddy could start something while still maintaining the same standard of excellence at their respective jobs. He sat back and watched as Foreteen “fought” in a passionate manner not unlike the way he and Cuddy used to fight. I don’t think for one second that Foreteen ever hoodwinked House, but they do prove to him that they can make it work, giving him objective data to put in the “hope column” of his inner debate of whether he and Cuddy could ever be together.
Eve K, as for how everyone knows House's business, I can tell you from working in a hospital that everyone is in everyone else's business. I do love that Cameron and Cuddy are becoming friends. It's a nice change in dynamic. I am not as bothered by everyone else that Cuddy is not being portrayed as the "strong confident" foil to House. She is still a strong, confident woman in most realms of her life but is completely neurotic when it comes to men and love. This is something I can identify with and is something I see often. For me personally, I think I have been falling in love with Cuddy's flawed character as it has been developing on the show.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying reading everyone's thoughts. Can't wait 'til next Monday!
59 - Eve K
Ok, Wnkybx, I might have done the same myself, opening Houses private business up for discussion amongst everyone (As Cuddy does). I guess its because she AND Wilson sometimes sees House as a (basket) case. (POTS- patient of the series)
But then I do feel protective towards House, because I feel he is socially challenged and that its not his fault. And that they should respect that as part off his genius.
But maybe its better that they " his "friends" " have boundary issues than not to care at all. Then he'd really be lonely.
60 - Peachie
I loved the scenes between House and Cuddy.. Just loved them. However, I must say I felt sorry for House when Cuddy told him she did not want him there at the party and when Wilson tells him to go get drunk instead. To me, the look on House's face tells it all - I have feelings and you're trampling all over them. The reason House acts the way he acts is because people treat him gently instead of coming to him and talking to him like an adult - hence the reason he says, "I feel like an adult now." IMO he's telling them, all ya had to do was tell me not to come - why play games and ask me to come when you don't want me there. I would love to see Stacey come back. Boy, that would really push Cuddy to admit some of her feelings for House. That would also make House choose between the woman he lost and the woman he may loose.
Anywho... I loved the ending of this episode. I didn't cry, but it was a great moment.
Personnaly, I think Wilson and Cameron have more chemistry than Chase and Cameron. Is that just me? Has anyone even recognized this?
61 - barbara barnett
"To me, the look on House's face tells it all - I have feelings and you're trampling all over them. The reason House acts the way he acts is because people treat him gently instead of coming to him and talking to him like an adult - hence the reason he says, "I feel like an adult now." IMO he's telling them, all ya had to do was tell me not to come - why play games and ask me to come when you don't want me there"
Absolutely, Peachy. I think that's dead on right.
Wynkybx--thanks! I agree. Poor House--he's a pretty private person when it comes down to it, and having his emotions exposed to the crowd makes him very uncomfortable. Especially since he really, really spends so much energy hiding himself away.
KMC--huh! Interesting observation. Every little tiny thing in this means something, doesn't it?
"And as much as I adored seeing House playing the piano (and as much as I like the song that Hugh wrote!), I still find it hard to believe that seemingly out of the blue House has fallen in love with Cuddy. I've never loved a TV show as much as I've loved House, and it deeply saddens me that I'm not getting the same enjoyment out of it that I used to. I'm hoping that old feeling will be back again soon! ;-)
On another note, it just occurred to me that Taub's first name is Chris. Since when is a Jewish person named Chris???"
Hey Sassy--Great to see you here! I did want to say that I think House's feelings about Cuddy haven't really come out of the blue, but have been there for a long time--maybe originally, even out of gratitude for rescuing him (as he noted in Humpty Dumpty). But I do think that the sparks have been there since the beg. of season one. He suppresses them as he does all emotion, but it sometimes gets the best of him and has from time to time. Maybe it's just the right time for him to reconsider. After what he said to Amber in Wilson's Heart; after he almost lost Wilson's friendship; after his father died. He's been through the mill...so, maybe it's just the time.
Chris is undoubtably a strange name for a Jew. But it's not impossible. I have a good friend named Chris who is Jewish (but not born that way). Maybe Taub's mother isn't Jewish. Or he has a non-Jewish grandparent who he's named after...
62 - carolyn
question: do you think House was serious when he said, "I wouldn't miss it for the world", in the elevator? I can't figure out whether he meant it or was just going along with the game . . .
63 - Kirpio
Carolyn - I've just rewatched it, I'm sure he means it. This combined with his expression when Cuddy says she doesn't want him there makes me believe he wants to be part of her life.
64 - Pat
Maybe you get the relationship you deserve. House would rather be miserable alone than joining the party; Cuddy is too scared to even bring herself to ask him to come when she wants him there. I find it hard to feel sorry for either of them.
Thank you for the information on Jewish customs. It was very interesting.
65 - j.i.m.
Orange, I like your idea that Cuddy is moving beyond House socially to widen her circle of friends so Rachel can be better nurtured and supported. Cuddy is taking the next step in preparing her nest for her small family by connecting her home to her community. That is how adults take on responsibility for more than themselves. The priest was an extreme case of taking on social responsibility while having no personal life. By contrast, House admits to no social or personal responsibility which negates any intimate personal life. Opposite extremes, same effect. I hope House figures out how to support Cuddy with her nest building in some meaningful way.
Cuddy's new office furnishings are a bit troubling because they resemble a home (albeit a perfect one). Isn't that going both directions at once?
66 - carolyn
thanks Kirpio! I think you're right. It just tears me apart that House openly says his feelings, for once, when Cuddy's playing games - and when she's ready to tell him her real feelings, he's too hurt to hear it. Such a good show, but I hope the writers have them together soon! I don't know if I can take anymore of this tension, when they both need, want and love each other so obviously.
67 - Orange450
j.i.m., you draw an interesting comparison of House, Cuddy, and the priest, with their respective degrees (or lack there)of social and personal responsibilities.
House and Cuddy have now each missed a real opportunity to connect - House missed his at the end of The Itch, and Cuddy missed hers at the end of this past episode. In real life, unfortunately, missed chances can go on forever and never resolve. But in good storytelling (and I think the House team are a bunch of enthralling storytellers!), there has to be some sort of progression to a denouement of one kind or another, and there's a limit to how long these mistakes can go on.
Over almost five years, we've seen storylines weave in and out through the seasons. Some take longer to tell (like Cuddy's desire for a child) and some go quickly (like the Tritter arc). And some will take the entire series and yet may never be completely told in the end - like figuring out what makes House tick :-) I think the House/Cuddy dynamic is being given an appropriate amount of time to work itself out, and will soon be positioned at a point where some sort of resolution can organically occur - in one way or another.
68 - barbara barnett
I think House was sincere when he made that comment to Cuddy about not missing it for the world. I also think he was hurt by her seemingly honest statement as to why she wants him to stay away. It was grown up, but hurtful. And while I think House was appreciative of the games stopping and her finally telling him what he thought she really meant (was that confusing enough?)
These two are so reticent...
69 - Sheelagh
I would like to amend my prior comments on 'Unfaithful' in light of a second viewing of the episode and the excellent remarks from J.I.M.
I agree that House provoked Cuddy into leveling with him that, given his attitude, she did not want him at the Simchat Bat . He did need to be called on his behavior. The same as when Cuddy walked away from him after the breast groping incident.Behavior has consequences.
Hugh Laurie's clenched jaw and his dropping of House's usual mask during those few moments of painful truth were impressive acting skills. You felt his hurt.
On further reflection however, I think the Simchat Bat was a smoke screen in this couples' dynamic; just the latest battleground where these two isolated characters squared off trying to resist being pulled into the others' orbit.
House, specifically, is terrified of intimacy , his own neediness and vulnerability. He finally had to admit them to Wilson when he discovered the huge void Wilson's departure left in his soul...but it was an admission that was a longtime coming.
House let Wilson empty out his office before he finally admitted that he felt 'like crap' about Amber's death . Unfortunately his genuine display of vulnerability at this late date didn't stop Wilson from walking away from him. It then took Wilson closing the door in House's face to get House to admit the real reason for his visit to Wilson's apartment i.e. " How are you" (he was desperate to know how his friend was ; if he was coming back) . Wilson again closed the door on House when House reverted to hiding his vulnerability under a clock of bravado and clinical issues.
Cuddy muddied the waters in this episode by trying to control and manipulate House's behavior from the start and bears partial responsibility for the hurt both suffered.
But as they stood at the hospital door looking out at the snow, reluctant to part from one another (it reminded me of when they lingered while breaking off from their one & only kiss) , she clearly made a heart felt, albeit incomplete attempt to draw House back to her . He saw what was coming and cut her off...nicely this time, but he still dodged away.
House is still trying to rationalise his feelings for Cuddy as merely sexual in nature : the kiss was due to " those two big things in her bra"; when the priest stated House sure seemed to have a 'thing' for his boss : " It's her thing I have a thing for". Only when alone & with his music is he able to articulate his need for an emotional as well as physical intimacy with Cuddy.
Given all the missteps House took while trying to salvage his friendship with Wilson, I think Cuddy and House will collide a few more times before one of them drops their deflector shield and the other follows suit. My guess would be that Cuddy, who is less emotionally stunted than House is going to have to open her heart to him first.
Either that or DS will break MY heart !
70 - j.i.m.
Sheelagh wrote, "On further reflection however, I think the Simchat Bat was a smoke screen in this couples' dynamic; just the latest battleground where these two isolated characters squared off trying to resist being pulled into the others' orbit. My guess would be that Cuddy, who is less emotionally stunted than House is going to have to open her heart to him first. Either that or DS will break MY heart !"
I enjoyed reading your considered take on the current state of House and Cuddy. I plan to celebrate when they finally drop their deflector shields. I think I'll have to be quick about it before their shields reassemble.
71 - AMRO
Thak you for your excelents articles, i dont speak english so well, but i try to understand every article taht you writte....maybe in a little bit of time i could writte more, tahk for spend you time making us have more argues of de serie.
72 - Orange450
Barbara, I hope it's okay to post this link here, for the benefit of those who don't get to see the Sunday New York Times. Today's issue contains a fascinating article about the Undiagnosed Diseases Program of the National Institutes of Health (USA).
As I was reading about the N.I.H.'s concerted team effort to bring new understanding to the fine art of diagnostics, I was constantly reminded of House. And then - much to my surprise - about three pages into the article, the author went into a fair amount of detail about House MD and his process (drawing a contrast between House and the real-life state of diagnostic art). Very informative article, and well worth reading.
73 - Jaim
I really enjoyed this episode. It has been the first time in a while that a patient has really kept my interest during the whole episode. I enjoyed House's interactions with the priest as well the team members reactions to them.
I felt that House and Cuddy once again choked at the last minute. The only difference this time was that they did it together. Maybe that can be considered progress?
Anyway, they were both standing at the doors unwilling to leave each other but also wanting nothing more than to leave each other, because of the awkwardness. Eventually, they both parted ways leaving in opposite directions. I almost wonder if this was a subtle hint that this is why the relationship won't work yet. They both know what path they want to follow and neither is ready to leave their chosen trail for the uncertain dirt road in between. It saddened me to see these two so afraid of reaching out to one another. Chase/Cameron, Taub/His Wife, now even Foreman/Thirteen have more functional relationships than House/Cuddy. Hopefully, they'll start to take some more risks with each other. I do find it ironic that House, who is known for taking huge even crazy risks, is so timid when it comes to taking things further with Cuddy. Even when Stacy came back into the picture he did alot of obvious things that proved how much he wanted to be with her. Either House loves Cuddy in an even deeper way than he did Stacy and that has scared him into inaction or he doesn't feel strongly enough to finally make his intentions known.
74 - barbara barnett
I agree that House doesn't make it easy on those who love him. He pushes and pushes until they give up and then he feels hurt when they actually do go away or need to be away from him.
No problem Orange putting the link. If I can figure it out, I will fix it so that it's actually a link (which is Blogcritics standard style.
I read the article, and I find it interesting that when House started, there was no specialty as "diagnostics" now there is. One of the things that House's team is able to do by A) His double specialties, encyclopedic knowledge and probably photographic memory B)surrounding himself with three to five additional specialists and by taking a wide-angle view of the patient (and looking at the problem laterally) is avoid the specialist approach entirely.
75 - Grace
Sorry but I strongly disagree with the person who said that House and Stacy didn't have any chemistry.
I also don't see ANY chemistry between Wilson and Cameron. (Someone asked).
I'm thinking that House and Cuddy won't 'get together' until sweeps. Just a guess....
no spoiler.
Barbara, I don't know if this will help at all but if you or your husband, or son/sons, daughter/daughters, have been/are veterans, anyone in the family can get married on government property such as a park or gazebo for free.
When my daughter got married, my husband just had to show them a piece of paper, and we were allowed to use the gazebo for her ceramony. It was beautiful. Just thought I'd put that out there.