House and Cuddy have different ideas about what’s next, now that they’ve had sex, which they explore in the afterglow, cuddled up in bed, House’s thumb gently caressing Cuddy’s arm and other accessible parts. Cuddy is being practical: go home, shower and return to the office. What they’ve shared is but the beginning of a journey for them. So leaving, picking up her life to resume and then return to House’s arms later that day or the next seems perfectly natural.
House has other ideas. He wants them to take the morning to explore each other—to be with each other, to discuss the ramifications of the entire enterprise. What does it mean—to each of them, to their working relationship and the way in which House functions at the hospital? Cuddy suggests that House not overanalyze things between them. “Why can’t it just be nice?” she asks—a parallel to Lydia’s question in last season’s opener “Broken.” Lydia was looking for a fling; House never does, it seems. For him, analyzing—or at least further exploring—is important. Being on the wrong page with Stacy in season two and with Lydia in “Broken,” only succeeded in House’s heart being broken.
They are interrupted by Cuddy’s Blackberry and House takes matters into his own hands, telling her new assistant (who I adore already) that whatever it is, he can handle it himself. Claiming to be Cuddy’s nanny, House proclaims Cuddy sick and requiring a day off. Except, the problem, it turns out, is that the hospital’s only available neurosurgeon has just fallen ill. This wouldn’t be such a huge deal if was not for the fact that without a functioning neurosurgeon onsite, the hospital has to forfeit its Trauma Center status and virtually close down significant parts of the hospital.
Cuddy is unaware of the developing crisis, as House effectively shields her from hospital business, while keeping himself quite in the loop as his team tries to manage things (and cure the sick neurosurgeon ASAP) without involving Cuddy. The hospital storyline serves as a nice counterpoint to House and Cuddy’s cocooning, providing humor and way to take the viewers to a venue other than House’s apartment.
Wilson also provides a humorous diversion when he comes a-knocking at House's door, certain that House is depressed or on drugs after losing his patient. And when House refuses to let him in, naturally, Wilson breaks in, thinking the worst: House is back on Vicodin or worse. And for a brief moment, we, and perhaps, House consider the possibility that he's right when Cuddy hides out of sight, and is nowhere to be seen.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - mzmraz
Wonderful review as usual! And what a very heart-warming episode!
I was wondering if we should look into the last scene where Cuddy paused outside House's doorway, she looked a little bit worried don't you think?
2 - barbara barnett
Hi mzmraz--
They both looked worried. Like stepping outside that cocoon was a step away from their little secure world. Ep 2 is a great response to both of their looks.
3 - Sera G
Dear Barbara,
Hello! It has been a very long summer. Sept. 20 is finally here! I have stayed away from the internet (and sadly, your column; that was a sacrifice I tell you!)
to remain spoiler free. Except for the promos that Fox aired, I wanted to come to the episode 'clean'. I am so glad that I did.
I loved "What Now?" As you so beautifully stated, it was tender, romantic, fun and deep. I loved seeing House and Cuddy really talking with each other; recognizing how well they understand and 'get' the other.
The loving scene at the beginning had tears in my eyes, as well. I also cheered as Cuddy recognized that House fears happiness. She didn't shy away from it, acknowledging that this was not impulsive for her. She is afraid of what is ahead, as she knows it will not be easy. However, he and they are worth the effort.
The bumps in the road are very real; job hurdles, Rachel, House's personality, etc. They are however, managable. I hope!
I am proud that the House team (producers/writers) is willing to take this leap along with them. I have every confidence that the journey will be truly Housian. I know this clever/smart team will do these characters justice.
Without giving too much away, it was delightful watching them relax and BE with each other. There were no games (well, sweet ones) and you could feel the yearning from them both. Wonderful, charismatic acting and excellent writing from Ms. Egan.
I can't wait for next week.
By the way, I devoured "Chasing Zebras."
I read and enjoyed it far too late into the night. It is a must for every House fan and a great source for those just coming to the party. I loved your episode recaps. Thanks again, Barbara, for all that you do to make the House experience complete.
4 - barbara barnett
You are so welcome, SeraG. It's all a labor of love for me. Great episode, and so glad you liked CZ! Thanks for letting me know!
5 - ruthinor
Well it's still pretty early here on the west coast and I just saw the premiere. Enjoyed your review Barbara, and CZ finally arrived from Amazon! I will need to see it again to really take in what I saw.
Loved Cuddy's new officious asst. George Wyner was great as the neurosurgeon. I wonder where 13 is really going. On first viewing, I wasn't as thrilled by the opening as some others. Probably because I'm overanalyzing, but I kept thinking, ye gods, you really need to do a better job of cleaning out that wound, and don't use the some cloth to then clean his face. Maybe it's my mother's influence of CLEAN!! However, to me, the most powerful scene was at the end when Cuddy tried to reassure House (and herself). I thought the acting in that scene was terrific. I'm really looking forward to next week when we see how all this impacts their lives at work.
6 - sam
Small typo. I believe you forgot the word "accept" in this sentence on page 5.
"Taken aback with the rawness of House’s confession, she listens as he explains the inevitability of her deciding to leave him, ultimately unable to his behavioral flaws."
As always, fantastic review. Really appreciate the level of detail you go into.
7 - RobF
Some reviews have expressed disappointment that romance-House was not an insensitive, sarcastic jerk. I'm glad to come here, where everyone is well aware that insensitivity and sarcasm are House's defense mechanism, that inside the prickly exterior is a soft, gooey centre.
Soft and gooey it was, wasn't it? All the "you haven't said you love me", "are you sure you're ready to go public with us?", "I can't be redeemed so you mustn't love me" seems like material straight out of a teenage vampire angst-fest. Yet somehow it worked with House and Cuddy, precisely because they are not whiny teenagers with perfect hair. They have been through the wars to get where they are in their lives, and they have no idealism about each other. Each knows how devastating this relationship could be if it goes wrong, and they know how hard it will be for them to keep it from blowing up in their faces. Yet they have taken the leap of faith, and chosen to be happy against the odds.
That said, while I wish them well, I don't know how much cuddling, board games, and bubble baths I can stand to watch. I love these characters, but please torture them some more for my amusement.
As for the other characters:
I love how everyone always expects Chase to meddle in their lives, when he never does. Not because he respects their privacy, but because he is so self-centred that he doesn't care.
A couple of seasons ago, I wouldn't have been sorry to see Thirteen go, but the writers turned her into an excellent character who will be sorely missed. If only they could work that same magic on Foreman!
(Bar Mitzvah = 13, har har -- but why "Ephraim"?)
8 - Barbara barnett
Ephraim is one of David shore's brothers
9 - andante
OMG What would I ever do with out your wonderufl reviews?! What an amazing episode! It was the best one ever! Thank you again for your wonderful review.
10 - Val S
Barbara, wonderful to have your reviews back and to read the wonderfully expressed and analyzed episode!
I know we are going to get a lot more great comments here so I am just going to add my bits of thought:
First, being on the west coast, I streamed a live east coast viewing on the internet and then watched it again at the regular time on the west coast. Glad I did because the second viewing brought it all out. It was great! I think my first viewing was so out of whack because I really wasn't used to seeing House so happy. Not just happy, but hopeful (and I think he was), and having adult conversations and not deflecting, yet still being the House we know and love. For example, it was completley in character for him to forgo saying the "L" word because he is much more a man of actions than words; we know it, Cuddy knows it. But he did say it, and from what I've learned of him, he wouldn't say it unless he meant it because he knew she needed to hear it. Needless to say, by the second viewing, I was all smiles.
I, too, loved Cuddy's new assistant. I can completely picture him continuing to get involved in duckling schemes, almost like a little brother tagging along with his older siblings. Didn't Cuddy mention she hired a new PA in "The Choice"? Good choice, Cuddy!
I am glad those looks of concern at the end of the episode will be followed up on next week. It was one of the things that bothered me upon the first viewing. By second viewing, I am more confident that it is likely an expression of both their fears...wondering if they could really pull off this great thing they started.
Last, but not least. I will miss 13 immensely. I hope she is not gone too long. I have liked her since day one...she sees House as no other fellow does. I think she is the only one who can (and does) see him as clearly as Cuddy or Wilson. She is the one who pointed out how much of a romantic he is...
I am really enjoying CZ and stayed up reading late into the night I first received it! Am now at the great episode guide (have never read one quite like it) and will read it as I continue to make my way through the series as I try to do every summer before the new season.
What a wonderful opening we had tonight. Now it's time for the ride.
11 - nno13
As a huge huddy fan I was in love with this episode, but must admit it was lacking if you weren't pro huddy. It was almost too heavy on them for the opener, which I'm shocked I'm saying. I'm just comparing it to last seasons opener broken that to me was a masterpiece. Still, I'm very excited. I don't think though on the mass level the episode will be rated as high as others. Still, there were so many wow moments, I can't wait to watch it again. I love Lisa E so much!!!
12 - byzantine
I cannot help but chime in about the "lobe" word. It could have been a deflection, of course. It is House we are talking about. But it could have been something else. I am probably looking for a calf under the bull here, as my fellow countrymen would say (calves can be seen under cows, not bulls), and yet I cannot help it. House is a polyglot and in Greek as well as in languages which use Cyril alphabet b stands for v. So he was telling her he loved her, but in a playful way. This type of letter games would not be out of character for House for since antiquity intelligent people engaged in such games to keep each other entertained and alert.
On a different note--the nakedness was besides the obvious metaphorical. They were getting to know each other and there was no other way but to take their clothes off, the literal and the metaphorical ones. I am intrigued by the fact that Cuddy wore House's shirts all throughout the episode but have no idea yet what to make of it.
And how should we think of Wilson a la carte (sort of)?
Thank you Barbara for the wonderful review. This was such a fabulous start of the season.
13 - Libby
Did I dream it or did House really say, when he was about to unstop the wine bottle, "You have to commit to it," and then smash the bottle? I don't have a way to look back and see until next week when the video is available on the Fox site so if someone could confirm I would really appreciate it. I loved that scene and was wondering if the reactions of House and Cuddy were genuinely Hugh's and Lisa's. I don't think I've ever seen House laugh like that and Cuddy actually snorted which was a first also.
14 - FunnyBrit
Barbara, you raised an interesting point (as usual!) The words "I love you," when directed at Stacy, were followed by a huge change in House's life. The relationship began to unravel from that point on. Might the same words, directed Cuddyward, signify a positive change? He says it after Cuddy reassures him that she accepts him as he is and gives him the finest compliment he's ever received. He is quite possibly on his deathbed when he tells Stacy he loves her; I'm sure he'd said it before, and thus felt safe reiterating it. With Cuddy, it's new and scary territory, and his "I love you" comes at great risk, as he seemingly still can't accept that things could work out in his favor. But he needs Cuddy to know. The scene in which she kisses his scar echoes the exchange between Hannah and her husband, when he reassures her, "It's just a leg. I love YOU."
Beautiful episode, great review. I hope I was relatively coherent. It's 10 minutes B.C. (before coffee!) Looking forward to the rest of your S7 reviews!
15 - Delia_Beatrice
Good Lord! Barbara, thank you for the wonderful review.
David Shore et comp, thank you for having the courage and talent to explore this amazing relationship.
Everybody involved in "House MD": thank you, more than i can properly express, for giving the world this unique, most authentic and true couple the screens have ever presented.
And now that i got that off my chest, i will say this: it was wonderful. Wonderful, because it was natural, authentic, genuine and in character beyond words. Wonderful, because it went along the brilliant line of coherence and psychological continuity that the show has always treaded upon. Wonderful, because it was a truly glorious experience to witness the charming intimacy of this supremely beautiful couple.
More into details: the script was perfect - nothing out of character and romance as we rarely see it: genuine, absolutely no stereotypes or clichees, but genuine emotion, deep feelings, charm and magic - tons of it.
The true hero of this episode, for me, was Cuddy. Lisa Edelstein, whom i have always loved and admired, turned a new page with her stunning acting and presence in this episode. Mesmerizingly beautiful, natural beyond nature, lovely, delightful, playful, flirty, sweet, funny - and authentic in every emotion, nuance, gesture. Perfect, perfect episode for her.
Cuddy... Cuddy was the ultimate woman in love, enjoying herself, giving herself, expressing herself and living it all to the fullest. Also, Cuddy is what she's always been: House's archetypal mother, his supreme source of unconditional love, understanding and acceptance. She took on her role as his healer and guiding light in the most natural manner possible: it's the role she was born to play, the ultimate meaning and purpose of her life, apart from her motherhood or professional career.
Of course, the way she guided him towards their physical union and, most of all, her kissing his scar were the ultimate wordless expressions of the depth and fullness of her commitment.
She was gentle and sweet, always careful with his emotions, always giving, always caring. Understanding and accepting like no other - perhaps we had reason to believe she would be the one reluctant to making "us" public - she has more to lose than House, the dean of medicine dating the outcast troublemaker doctor. Instead (unlike Stacy, for instance), she showed no hesitation whatsoever. Even more, she managed to accept House's hesitations and respect them as such, careful not to push him in any way.
Her reaction to the delightful "i lobe you": again, Cuddy at her best. Open about her own feeling, showing respect for his limitations and hesitations. Again, confident, loving and so certain of her choice.
Finally, Cuddy offering the ultimate reassurance - again, the profession of unconditional love - was sublime. Her strength, her self-awareness and her understanding of him were, again, most impressive.
The expression on her face as the door closes behind her is something that took me aback at first - but made me glad later on. She gave out absolutely no sign of hesitation while she was with him. She was confident and certain of her choice, loving and generous, and genuinely happy. But she has her own burden to bear - she, too, is scared. Just like House, she is aware of the greatness of the journey they embarked upon. Fully aware that she can never love anybody like she loves him, she is worried and concerned with their future, but willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.
House was as we'd expect: in awe, happy, but fighting the feeling. Fearful, scared beyond himself. Full of doubt. And yet, more free and playful and joyful than ever, ever before.
I believe that the most telling moment was, of course, the "i love you" scene. He had been fighting his doubts all day long. From touching his own hand as to check upon the reality of her hand having really been there (a gesture that beautifully reminds us of one of House's most humane and emotional moments, the final scene of "Fetal Position"), to his "yeah" uttered in a small lost voice, as she says "i'm hoping this is just the beginning of it".
Notable exception: his response to her supreme gesture of healing and acceptance (the kissing of the scar) was to carry his supreme symbolic bride to bed in his arms, oblivious to the pain in his leg. This was a scene that will bring tears to my eyes time and again, because it is a perfect expression of how their love transcends all wounds and limitations, heals all pain and makes them step out of themselves and walk the extra mile, in the name and under the power of the intensity and depth of their union.
House's fears... From his need to check again whether her profession of love was triggered by the extreme emotional state she had been in - in the bathtub scene, to his need to practically lock her in his house and have her all to himself, for fear this all would vanish if she went out into the real world. From his hesitation to going public (which would add extra drama, were she to abruptly change her mind), to wanting to take her far away as soon as possible - again, to steal her away from reality and, if this were an illusion, to dwell in it as long as he could. Finally, his hesitation to say "i love you", because even if actions mean more than words, these particular words do mean the world to him, and saying them is a paramount step that frightens him.
Which brings us to his breakdown - as she gets ready to leave, his fears explode and he expresses his darkest doubts. Openly, honestly - what an amazing step forward! He has tears in his eyes - he would rather be hurt now, were she to change her mind, then allow himself to feel this insane happiness and lose her later. He, too, is fully aware he could not survive that.
But he fights his fears and manages to listen to her with an open heart. He begs her, tears still in his eyes, to tell him "why he is wrong". He actually begs her to tell him THAT he is wrong - the most open and obvious expression of what we had been discussing about for many years: that for his entire life, House had been waiting for somebody to prove him wrong, to show him, beyond lucidity and cynicism, that unconditional love does exist and healing is possible.
Which Cuddy does - yet again, the clear and true profession of completely unconditional love. Which stuns him and shakes him - his hand grips her fingers - it's not a handhold, it's the grip of the sinking man, holding on for dear life. Tears in his eyes and a voice that seems both sure and broken, he says the words. "I love you" - their meaning as deep as the universe, since it is obvious how much uttering them means to him, and how much he does love her, and how much he is risking.
Finally, one more thing: i was moved and impressed beyond words by perhaps the greatest quality of the premiere: how natural, now genuine and how beautiful these two people are together. The match made in heaven between the legendary Hugh and Lisa chemistry and the impeccable writing has given us the most charming, true and compelling couple i have ever had the joy to watch.
Their expressions as the door closes between them show happiness and fulfillment, and then change to show fear and concern. It is not a bad sign. It is an excellent sign of how AWARE they both are.
Precisely the reason why this relationship has a real chance at working. The journey ahead is long and bumpy. House's inner wounds, his issues with self-worth, trust, happiness are grand. Had they been shown all starry-eyed and delusional, i would have been scared for them - scared for House, who i firmly believe cannot survive the breakup and still keep his mental sanity or stay alive. But they weren't. They were shown as they are, and they were shown like never before: fully honest, open, aware. In full awareness of both their adoration of each other, as well as the obstacles and risks they are facing. Which is why i believe that they will work, in their own uniquely dysfunctional way. I believe that time is a crucial factor, and as time goes by and Cuddy keeps reassuring him and loving him unconditionally, House will find the strength to mend small parts of his wounds, enough to allow himself to feel some extent of happiness and peace.
16 - Zay
I have to disagree just a little bit with the previous commentors.
I had really high hopes for the premiere (which can be fatal to my enjoyment, I know, I know) and I did find it gorgeous (and a little awkward - my parents were right next to me and giving me awkward looks during the cuddling). But for me, it felt like half of a really strong episode.
I know this is transitional and that House and Cuddy were meant to be our focus, but think about it holistically. We get this great scene with Wilson breaking in, but he leaves thinking House is high. We get this fun medical mystery in the back, but it finishes too quickly and Cuddy never even knows what's happened. We get Chase - in a completely out of character, out of the blue move, IMO - telling 13 he wants sex and then 13 rolls out of here. The House and Cuddy stuff was lovely but the rest of the unfinishedness made me a little uncomfortable.
That being said - I just about died of joy when House finally told Cuddy "I love you" in the end.
So a strong epi, in my opinion, just...incomplete.
17 - Aaron Scott
I'm sorry, but I must disagree with the positive reviews of this episode. I consider this one the weakest I have ever seen. I am a big House fan, but in this episode our anti-hero was reduced to an adolescent. He reminded me of nothing so much as a teenage boy in love, unable to get off the phone with his girlfriend.
Cuddy was the mature one in this. Yes, we've made a big step forward and we'll continue it over supper tonight perhaps, but right now we have to be adults and go to work.
We all love House when he is up to adolescent pranks, but we also realize--or at least hope--that that is something of a front, a cover for a much deeper, introspective, mature adult. We see glimmers of it in the things he does that seem contrary to his irascible presentation.
But in this episode we see him become a little boy falling all over himself for another roll in the hay. Worse, he actually puts the hospital in peril just so he can have a little more down time with the reluctant Cuddy!
Very simply, I wish House had kept his mouth closed in this episode. Instead of being the over-eager boyfriend asking "What now?" perhaps he could simply have looked at her with tenderness, content to let fair wind of life take them wherever it would.
Yes, we've all wanted House and Cuddy to get together, but this episode make our "hero" look weak and wimpy. We want the "in control" House, not this one.
Then, as if sensing that they might have "jumped the shark" with the House-Cuddy relationship, the writers start backing away, trying to retrieve some of that tension that was there before. House declares that "It won't work," as if to say, "We have made a lot of people happy by getting together, but people prefer us to dance around each other than with each other--so let's break it off right now."
A big part of the fun on House was the games House and Cuddy played. Did they, didn't they? Would they or not? Love or hate? Etc. Now that that's over, viewers will not settle for just going back to normal. And yet what kind of House will we have if there's not a Cuddy to toy with, to make him happy and miserable?
Holmes needed his Watson AND his Moriarty. House needs his Watson AND his Cuddy.
This was handled as if written by a teenage boy in love. Perhaps it should have been titled "House Dies."
18 - barbara barnett
great comments everyone! mp3--I agree with you. I occasionally write politics here, but find my voice is a decided minority opinion on BC. But I don't think the site has a point of view at all--and there are political writers from all over the spectrum.
Zay, you're right. it is incomplete because the other shoe hasn't dropped and we know it will. Whether it will and when it will are always going to be lingering questions until that happens. Wilson's belief that House is hallucinating and is in deep emotional trouble because of Hanna's death will come into play next week.
19 - DebbieJ.
Can I just tell you how giddy I was coming home last night, praying that I wouldn't get into an accident because then I would miss it? LOL
Hugh was just amazing. Lisa was terrific. I found the scene where they picked up (right after the hand holding in the bathroom where they're now standing in his bedroom) was so sensual, and they still had all their clothes on. When they're hands were still in an embrace and he gently caressed her fingers with his own. Guh! How sexy.
Also, the next morning, when he asks her, "now what?" and is caressing her arm and his reply to her after her response, "yeah", was so damn sensual. So resigned. Do you notice a pattern here? I found all of the caressing more of a turn on than the actual deed. And he was still House. He was not emasculated. He was just a man making love to the woman he loved. Gah, it's getting hot in here.
One thing I did actually cringe at was when she knelt down after removing his pants to kiss his scar. Do you know how many fan fics I've read where Cuddy or Cameron have done that? (rolls eyes) I just don't think it was necessary. I think she could have caressed his scar post coital - maybe in a week or two. But why did the writers feel it was necessary to get it out of the way and in such a lame way? I feel that is something that they would work through and talk about, not in depth, but it is important. I fear that because they had her kiss it, it was their (the writers) way of acknowledging it and then never to be mentioned again. I hope I'm wrong.
I did however, love his response to it, how uncomfortable he felt. That was how I would have expected him to react. I think it would've been better if he had took a firm but gentle hold of her hand and led her to the bed that way. I think it would've been much more realistic. I mean, even if he just hadn't gone through a physically hellacious experience, I think it would be near impossible for him to carry her to bed. It would've been very clumsy.
I am thrilled to bits that all of their fears and insecurities about giving it a go were brought up. He acknowledged he's impossible. He acknowledged he hurt her many times over in the past and she might come to resent him because he knows he'll still hurt her, because he won't/can't change. I loved her response that she doesn't want him to change or want to change him. He is difficult and exasperating, but he is the most incredible man she has ever met. (I bet he's the most incredible man anyone has ever met!) She knows he's so unique and that was one of the many things that attracted him to her.
I loved the bath scene. He is such a romantic, but I'm glad they threw some comic relief in there! I was scratching my head, wondering how in the world are they staying in that water with all those chemicals swimming around at once! Their exchange about her lady parts and his anus was hilarious!
I'm glad they both mentioned Rachel and how she won't be a plot device to be there (or absent) only when it's convenient. At least that's how I think it'll play out.
I love how after she left and they were on opposite sides of the door, although they declared their love for each other, they both had obvious doubts about whether this'll work or not.
And how could, with all the Huddy tonight, did a House/Wilson scene steal the episode? LMAO I never laughed so hard as when Wilson was stuck half way through the window and House opens the window more and rolls him the rest of the way through with the table? OMG I was laughing hysterically! LOLOL
The subplot with the neurosurgeon was quite comical. I don't know the actor's name but he is a wonderful character actor. I thought he was hysterical and he and the fellows were great together, especially 13.
20 - hwl40
Barbara, you are now for me as essential to the show as the writers, actors, crew and all the exceptional people who have created this show which touches me on so many elemental (your word) levels. Thank you.
Am really enjoying your book and the cohesiveness that your comments bring to the show as it has developped. Great job!
By any chance did you or anyone see the ET review where Hugh Laurie said the relationship is doomed? Please, someone, say it isn't so!
DB - love your comments, they add a lot. They are long but you have something to say and no one has to read them. En avant, mon amie!
21 - DebbieJ.
@byzatine #12 - I like that theory and I'm sticking to it! Genius!
22 - sdemar
#13-Libby--funny you say that. I thought that scene could have actually been a practice scene because it totally looked like Hugh and Lisa. But what was sweet about it and the scene for that matter is you see how comfortable they are with each other. Very natural and warm.
23 - barbara barmett
seriouslysilly and D_B: There are several regular readers of this column who post lengthy comments. I don't mind the long commentary.
I'm not as thrilled when someone excerpts their own published reviews here from elsewhere on the net (with links). Delia's not doing that at all and I don't view D_B's comments as competitive with mine.
But I totally appreciate your protectiveness of this humble little corner of the net! :)
24 - sdemar
Thank you for this review. I loved this episode. We all know there is the tender and sensual side to House and it was on full display in this episode. They were playful, sexy, tender and very natural with each other.
There were so many scenes I loved-from the humor, which LE and HL do so well (loved his look when he opened up the closet door and her look of almost shame). They work well together and you can see the natural chemistry they have.
However, it was the final scene that got me. The look of fear on both House and Cuddy's face at what House said. How far have they come that the next scene was on them sitting down and talking about his fear. Two adults talking, which is something we rarely get with House and Cuddy. It was beautiful. House understood he was loved when Cuddy, tears in her eyes, told him he was the most brilliant man she ever knew and would ever know. He will always remember those words. She wasn't backing away but instead was embracing him with all his warts. I loved it.
25 - byzantine
Thank you DebbieJ. Genius I am not, only a byzantinist :)