What is going through House’s heart and mind as he plays? We’ll never know, not for sure. But a sudden musical turn finds House playing what might be the opening strains of Van Morrison’s classic song “Have I Told You Lately (That I Love You)?” The song, coincidentally (or not) composed as a prayer by Morrison, is also one of the most glorious love songs written in the last 50 years. Or is the first measures of the Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want," which has become a sort of signature piece for the show. That would also fit "Cuddy's Serenade," as the composition is called. As much as she "wants" House at the ceremony, as the song says: "Sometimes you get what you need." And maybe House knows that she "needs" him not to intrude upon this particular moment. I leave it to you (and your comments) to interpret what House was thinking — and feeling — as he played it.
In an interview back at the beginning of season two, Laurie told Elvis Mitchell that music is House's most articulate emotional language. And in “Unfaithful,” Dr. House could not have been more eloquent.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - hl_lover
As someone unfamiliar with Jewish music and culture, I really appreciate your analysis of the piano piece House played in this episode, and the interesting comments and explanations that you regularly add to your columns, Barbara! Thank you.
Another fabulous review of one of the better episodes of season 5. Bravo!
2 - JL
Hi, Barbara. Great to read your review (even if I haven't seen the episode yet).
Just a query, though: in your lovely analysis of House's piano piece, you've noted the final song as "Have I told you lately...", which is what it sounds like to me.
However, most other people I've read around the net seem to think it was House's sig tune, "You can't always get what you want". Apparently, they're getting this from watching the episode with closed captions (which also listed the first part of the piece as "Cuddy's Serenade by Hugh Laurie").
Obviously, while both songs speak volumes about House and his feelings about Cuddy, they emphasise different aspects.
Any way to confirm which song it was?
3 - Janine
Wonderful analysis, but doesn't House play, "You Can't Always Get What You Want"? I've listened to the piece many, many times and I am not hearing "Have I Told You Lately."
4 - barbara barnett
the first eight measures of both songs are almost identical if you think about it... but then he diverges from either song into something else entirely, but it seems closer (to me) to the van morrison song. But I could be wrong (hey, wouldn't be the first time).
I love the fact it's called "cuddy's seranade," something I didn't know before writing this piece.
I'm going to revise the article just a bit to reflect the ambiguity of the piece.
5 - sdemar
Lovely analysis, Barbara. I knew you would have this up quickly and you did not disappoint.
I loved that the song House played was "Cuddy's Serenade". It was beautiful and beautifully played. The emotion on House's face was breathtaking.
This was one of the first times in a long time that I cared about POTW. As I am typing this, the guy that played him showed up in the previews of David Letterman. Coincidence? Perhaps.
While I adore everything about House/Cuddy, it was great to see RSL in so many scenes.
I loved this episode.
6 - Luisa Borges
Barbara and fellow commenters,
Where do I begin.
I really loved this episode, because it showed so much of House, his struggles, his need to make sense out of everything, his rightfulness and his grouchy side too.
The POTW was an interesting case throughout, I really got into the differential and the clues. There even was a time when I tought House was treating himself (but them I remembered that was POPW - patient of past weeks). House felt at ease with him, he picked up on the tension with Cuddy and they even talked about that in a way that I haven´t seen House do in a long time. With Wilson he always deflects more.
I liked Wilson, his talks with both House and Cuddy where very good. I like the way he makes the undercurrent issues to light. His stirring of the pot helps make the stew.
Cuddy was very ambivalent in her feelings. I did think he wanted him to want to go, and did want him there. But feared that with him there she would be out of her confort zone, I think that House and Rachel (and the possible response from the first to the latter) are issues close to her heart.
His last line to her, about her sister´s deciding the roads where too dangerous to drive there, show that he knows a lot about her relationship with her family. I liked that bit of dialogue, their awkward small talk, she hinting on the fact that he was better equiped to deal with the cold, coldness of feeling and that she was having cold feet (second thoughts?). Liked that Cameron picked up on Cuddy wanting House there too.
And the end. Ah, the end. Barbara I cried too, like a baby I might add. What a perfect, beautiful scene, so much feeling in it, all that House tries so carefully to keep tucked away inside, came bubbling out. A beautiful string of melodies, written together like a dialogue, I really felt it like that. And House likes Shubert, the most innovative and romantic composer (both very melodic and lyric in his pieces) he was a true poet. How very fitting.
Hugh´s performance in this whole scene is perfect, and made all the better by his own music.
I loved "Have I told you lately that I love you" in the end, like a silent prayer really. That and "Happy Man" are my all time favourites as love songs, and thanks for the background on the song, I was not aware of it.
Also I would like to point out that I really liked the directing in this episode, all the close ups (the use of close ups) was just great.
The rest, I liked Kutner (Thirteen lost most of her zesty dialogue that I used to love), Foreteen´s game on House seemed kinda obvious to me but it got them acting like he wanted them to so I guess his objectives were met, the "sword of justice" Taub was good even more so because he backfired on his preconceived judgment of POTW.
I´m sorry that I´ll miss next weeks epi (is carnaval in Brasil and I´ll be going to Argentina to run away from it, so no Itunes House epi for me until march, 2). Obama could make me happy and do another tv address.
Anyway, on march 2nd I´ll get double the joy, watching two episodes in my very own House marathon.
All the best to everyone.
7 - Luisa Borges
Loved that it was called "Cuddy´s Serenate" too.
Just perfect!
8 - Linda
To echo everyone, I ADORED Cuddy's Serenade and the fact Hugh Laurie wrote it!! It made me so sad, but in a good way.
I found it interesting that House is so compliant with Cuddy now. When she told him that she genuinely wanted him to come because he was a part of her life (pity she was lying...I was so excited for a minute), he said he wouldn't miss it for the world. But when she confessed that she really didn't want him to come, he agreed not to go. It's like in "The Greater Good" when he just went along with Cuddy's pranks. What does this mean? Is he just playing mind games again or does he really respect her feelings now?
9 - Sera G
Once again, Barbara, a wonderful review and deep insights into House.
I, too watched the last scene with tears in my eyes.
"Unfaithful" is one of my favorite episodes this season. I was feeling aprehensive; being Catholic, I didn't want to see ANOTHER pedophile priest. I should have trusted the amazing HOUSE team to not take the trite route. I liked the actor/character of the priest and enjoyed his conversations with House. Those were some of the highlights of the show.
Now, as to the Cuddy story line. I know that we are being stalled as to some resolution (positive or not) regarding their relationship. I feel such sadness and frustration with the seeking out/pulling back that they both do. You can almost feel her reaching out to him, that she wants his acceptance and involvement and yet she is afraid that he will disappoint or mock her. As I have written here before, I think she loves and is IN love with him. You can't be hurt or disillusioned by someone for whom there are not deep, deep feelings. The scene when Cuddy answers the door and the slightest disappointment in her eyes when it is not House, is so real and beautifully carried out by Lisa Edelstein.
I think it is fascinating that these two people who know each other very well, on one level, are still surprised, confused and even off balance with each other. She is amazed, yet again, when he solves a case that isn't a case and he thinking he has her figured out, is bewildered and frustrated with her 'hypocrisy'.
IMHO, House wants so much to be part of her life. He, too, fears rejection or not being able to live up to her expectations.
I just want these very smart people to talk to each other! Of course, that is not the Housian way.
Thanks, again for these reviews. It never feels like an episode is quite complete until I read what your take is and how other viewers respond.
10 - barbara barnett
Linda--I think House's mind game with Cuddy is that he's not playing with her at all.
You are all very kind with your lovely comments about my space here on BC. I am blushing.
11 - Quin
I cried during the lovely, and loving, serenade also, that was beautifully composed and played by Hugh Laurie.
Luisa Borges made a comment about Cuddy's toes being cold (cold feet) but I wonder if the mention of toes was related to the POTW whose case wasn't taken seriously by the team until his toe fell off. Also, I wonder if you, with your religious background, could relate that to the biblical feet of clay story? The priest certainly had feet of clay, and Cuddy says at least House has shoes that cover his toes, perhaps as a metaphorical armor against feet of clay? I don't know.
12 - simplethings
Where exactly in the episode does it say that Laurie's piece is called "Cuddy's Serenade?" I looked for it in the credits and couldn't find the title anywhere.
I'm new to making comments, but I love reading everyone's insights from week to week. This show is making me think more deeply about writing and its purpose and it forcing me to realize that writing is something I need to come back to.
Still thinking about those last 3 minutes...
13 - someone
I'm pretty sure he's ending 'Cuddy's Serenade' with 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'. I loved the last two lines of this article. It gives an already very moving moment in House's history even more meaning.
14 - Amy
Barbara you are amazing with your insightful interpretations of what transpires in each delightful episode of "House". House's serenade to Cuddy was spectacular! And I think he knows a lot about how he feels about her to be completely honest. That's why he is such an expert at evading and mocking any conversation that even considers his feelings for Cuddy. I just wish that we could get more insight into how deeply she feels for him. I mean we did get some insight into her feelings for him in "Let Them Eat Cake", but with House he says things that make us think that is how he feels for Cuddy without coming right out and saying it. Like when he told Foreman that when you love someone you do stupid things. So maybe him being an ass and mocking and evading his feelings for Cuddy is his way of doing stupid things for the woman that he loves. If only the both of them weren't so afraid of their feelings for each other. I mean they are afraid of all of their feelings to begin with, but all of this dancing around each other will get old before anything else. They can't avoid their feelings forever can they? I mean they have avoided them this long, but I think we are going to go nuts if they don't at least talk about their kiss for real just once. Oh and I loved the way Cameron was pursuing the issue with House to Cuddy and encouraged her to tell House that she wanted him there. And the fact that he did not go home to hookers and create his own twisted version of the philharmonic is extremely heartwarming, because he was too busy serenading Cuddy from afar. I could go on for days about House and Cuddy so I am going to stop here.
15 - Sheelagh
A beautiful and frustrating episode. A terrific part for the POTW who turned in a stellar performance. Frustration for all the miscommunication and unintentional hurts between House & Cuddy. The piano serenade was melting beautiful, but I think 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. Then Cuddy's face as she yearned for his presence at her gathering & hoped he was the one at the door. That's when I teared up. Clever writing both on the medical procedural & character driven side ; wonderful acting. This episode really engaged my emotions to the point that I thought " I love this show & these characters so much .... please DS let them have a moment of tenderness & peace, or I may not be able to bear watching it much longer". It's gotten almost too painful for those who love his characters.
16 - quin
One more thought,the music links Cuddy's Jewish musical heritage, the conflict between the two, and House's Christian musical heritage because Cuddy's Serenade sounds like a hymn at the end. (I'm assuming Christian since he played the hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" in the "House vs. God" episode.)
17 - simchasd
It is always a pleasure to read your analysis and the critical thinking of others on these House episodes, which are laced with all sorts of undercurrents. Thank you.
However,I just want to approach "Unfaithful" from a purely superficial viewpoint. What hypocrisy is there in throwing a party in honor of (adopting) a new baby? As you cited earlier in your article, House admits that there is little religious significance to the whole thing. Everyone already knew the name Cuddy gave the baby. It was more of a celebratory thing in which Cuddy involved (somewhere in the crowd) a Rabbi.
There are more formal, religiously significant ways of acknowledging the birth of a baby girl within the context of Judaism, but she couldn't avail herself of these options due to certain limitations.
The most comical thing at that Simchat Bat was when the camera lingered over Chase unnecessarily wearing that kippah on his head. Of course House could have never attended that party, could you imagine him wearing a kippah? How out of character is that? I am convinced Mr. Shore had that visual in mind all along.
18 - 60 plus
Barbara,
Thanks again for a right-on review. Your articles and the comments here are always a font of wonderful insights into House and his intriguing world!
I, too, found "Cuddy's Serenade" to be amazing. I was especially struck by the fact that, as I listened to it, I heard a House composition...not one from Hugh Laurie. Just another example of HL's brilliance. It seemed to me that he made a deliberate choice to compose it as House would, with House's mindset. He knew how House would write the piece and used his own extraordinary musical ability to do it. It's this kind of attention to detail that sets HL apart. Unfortunately, because it is understated, it is all too often overlooked.
I don't think it makes any difference as to which theme is represented at the end. It could even be bits of both--House's feelings for Cuddy and Rachel combine with his ambivalence in the poignant music that, as you said, is a pouring out of his heart and soul.
19 - j.i.m.
Barbara, Thank you for this engaging, fun, and enlightening summary of "Unfaithful". I laughed when I read your assessment of House's morality, "It’s very House, whose own view of morality is very black and white â€" except when it’s not." That is the gift who is House!
I love Van Morrison's work and his song/prayer, "Have I Told You Lately" is a classic favorite. The lyrics, "I love you, there is no one above you..."
In addition to "You Can't Always Get What You Want", I think I might have heard chords blended in at the very end of Bob Marley's, "Everything Is Gonna Be Alright" aka "Three Little Birds". The lyrics, "So don't worry about a thing...a melody pure and true, this is my message to you..." Which Bob Marley, in turn, partially includes in the melody and lyrics of his other great song, "No Woman No Cry". The lyrics, "I remember when we used to sit...observing the hypocrites...my faith is my only courage...little darling don't shed no tears..." What gives House courage?
I was bowled over by the acting throughout. One of the scenes with Cuddy and House in the elevator was almost scary in its intensity. Cuddy uses the truth in her subterfuge when she tells House, "For better or for worse, you are a part of my life". This short phrase had an instant effect on House. Momentarily, he focused his full attention on her as he seemed to want to peer straight into her brain to find the truth there. His sudden stillness was palpable. She didn't seem to notice as she was busy with her ploy. Does part of Cuddy want to be free and clear of House? The self-preservation part.
20 - sandra
"It's very House, whose own view of morality is very black and white -- except when it's not."
So true...
But I see as Huddy shipper you guys do have a different view on episodes as everyone else. Personally this episode was more than disappointing. The case was rather boring to be honest, and House dropping symptoms just like that is more than unusual. It’s like House is not House anymore.
Most important, TPTB need to move on and drop this desperate Huddy thing. It's start to get really annoying, them trying to make it believable that House actually wants all out of the sudden to be with Cuddy. He does not want to love that's obivous. It is obvious with her, and it was obvious with Cameron (recommendation at this point, read "House and Philosophy: Everybody lies", they've explained that very nice). Cuddy behaves like a teenager instead of a confident, independent woman (which she used to before this Huddy arc started), not knowing what she really wants and too... I don't know what... scared, proud... to say clearly what she wants from House. It makes me really sad seeing her like that! Their friendship and boss/employee interaction was so much fun to watch, but this is awkward and somewhat even embarrasing. Maybe it’s something only a Huddy shipper can understand, I don’t. I think it would be clever to have Cuddy move on with Wilson. Am I really the only one who noticed how good Wilson is with Cuddy and the baby? Okay, the question was rhetorical, because I know I'm not - I've talked to quite a bunch of people about this, and they all shared my opinion. These two are perfect for each other, they just have not realized it yet (even Hugh is a fan of the on-screen chemistry between RSL and LE, so bring it on!).
Well, the one really positive thing on the show right now is Cameron's incredibly wonderful character development, it's like she and Cuddy switched places. Now she's the one knowing what she wants, being all self-confident and independent. I love it, and I'm really proud of her!
21 - Grace
Barbara, Did you say that some of the songs in Cuddy's Serenade are traditional Jewish songs, or did I misunderstand? Because I was wondering, if they were, how would House know them? Several people are hearing "Sunrise, Sunset", in the beginning of the piece. I didn't hear it. Not knowing the words I wouldn't know if it would fit in.
I really don't have anything else important to say about the episode. The ending was all that really mattered to me.
But I would like to know all the songs that were played in the piece and their meaning.
22 - Grace
P.S. "Job's" was not mentioned in the episode (that I remember). Where did you come by that?
Did anyone think the priest seeing Jesus at the door was a bit much? I did.
Oh, and thank you to whoever mentioned that POTW was on LETTERMAN last night. I KNEW I knew his face from somewhere, but just couldn't place it....DUH!!! :)
So, is it hormones that House messes with next week? So many things point to it.
23 - barbara barnett
How much fun to wake up to this great discussion and all of your good points! I want to address a few of the questions you've raised.
Grace--he specifically mentioned Job's syndrome--something I'd never heard of until he mentioned it; it's another name for IgE syndrome, the genetic condition Daniel has. House called it by both names.
Hugh Laurie composed "Cuddy's Serenade." As such, the Jewish motives and sensibilities he used in the composition were improvised; they were reflective and used the distinctive musical modes (Jewish music is usually modal--using ancient scales rather than modern major-minor scales)found in traditional Jewish music. The music is by nature evocative of emotions: laughter, tears, intense prayer, depths of despair, heights of celebrations. (I could give a dissertaion on Jewish music, but I'll spare you all ;))
So the strains within the composition were original, but the influences were there. How would House know any of this? How does he speak Yiddish? How does he know what a simchat bat is (and that its tradition is a new, rather than ancient) concept? He just does.
Sandra--I also love where Cameron is headed. She has settled into being a strong and mature doctor--a far cry from the naive girl she was in season one. Bravo to her.
I see the awkward dance that House and Cuddy are playing as two reticent and socially inept people trying to reach out, but ambivalent about the stakes. Your mileage may vary. House has always been attracted to Cameron, but I don't think he sees himself with her. I love Cameron with Chase, and I hope the powers that be keep growing that stable relationship as THE stable relationship on the show. think about it, no one else has that. They are like the old married couple of the entire series. Comfortable and loving.
simcha sd--There is absolutely nothing hypocritcal about a simchat bat, even if you are completely secular. It's a welcoming into the "mishpocha" (the family) of Judaism. Of course she could have had a "formal" babynaming at a synagogue, (and I don't see why she couldn't--I am assuming that the baby's natural mom is Jewish or Cuddy has done what was needed to make her Jewish--offstage)
But at any religious Jewish event (which a simchat bat certainly is) it is proper to wear a kippah, whether in synagogue or not. I found nothing out of the ordinary with Chase in a kippah. It's not a religious garment, but a sign of respect. Now if he was the one wearing the tallit rather than the rabbi, then I'd raise an eyebrow!
simplethings--welcome! In addition to saying it in the "closed captions," the House site over at FOX lists it in the Music section.
24 - sharp2799
Thank you Sandra, you said what I thought.
25 - barbara barnett
Sandra--I wanted to come back to your comments. House dropping the ONE symptom at the end was not out of character for him. He considered everything, and then went back over the list to see if only one thing didn't fit. He has actually done that before--"Need to Know," Occam's razor to name two early episodes. House is extremely objective. If there's something awry with his analysis, he's the first to acknowledge and change course.
I really liked the patient, as, apparently did a lot of people. We're all fans of the show; some of us like one relationship and some others. Some hate all of the relationship stuff and simply want the procedural/medical stuff.
I disagree with what I view as your belief (and I may be wrong so apologies in advance) that enjoying the current exploration of House and Cuddy's strange and awkward dance is somehow a minority opinion and less valid than, say enjoying a Cameron/House relationship. Respectfully disagree. :-)