It’s often easier to tell difficult truths and deepest fears to complete strangers: people we can’t see face to face. They are an audience who cannot see into our eyes, nor we into theirs to note disappointment or rejection staring back at us.
The hero of our story, Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), knows this well. He will reveal himself to strangers: a patient, perhaps even a hooker, rather than risk himself to his friends or anyone one else who really matters to him.
This week’s patient, a blogger, finds that telling her troubles (and joys) to the world brings her close to those who understand her, her state of mind and way of thinking--perhaps better than her husband. That’s the great beauty of the Internet. It’s a private/public space where you keep your anonymity while revealing parts of yourself you’d never reveal to even you closest friends and family.The lure of the Internet is seductive as a forum to reveal one’s most intimate secrets, vet one’s most personal decisions. As revealing and public as it is, there is an anonymity to this sort of virtual life, and therefore less risk.
I remember first getting hooked on House back in 2004. I couldn’t tell my husband and risk his certain teasing and (good natured) ridicule for becoming addicted to a television show (again). But I went on the Internet to see if anyone else felt as I did; saw in the show the things I saw; perceived House as I perceived him. And of course I did. I could barely admit my addiction to friends (and when I did it was with an embarrassed giggle). But to my community on the Internet, who of course “understood” me in a way impossible to explain to anyone else, I could bare all without fear of ridicule.
“Private Lives” nicely explores the nature of perception and privacy in our lives. Written by Doris Egan, the episode brings restores some of what I had felt had gone missing this season—most importantly the more introspective and serious side of House. Yes, prankster House was quite in evidence, but he considered the case and the patient seriously and thoughtfully. It was wonderful to observe House deep in thought over the patient, wracking his brain and getting one of his patented epiphanies from something completely remote from the week’s case.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Debbie
Great review, Barbara, as always. :)
2 - angelcat2865
Wonderful review. As always I love your incite into the characters.
3 - Orange450
A very enjoyable and balanced review of a very enjoyable and balanced episode. Trust Doris Egan to give us people what we want in perfect and judicious measure! "Thinking House", a topical issue which permeates every character's consciousness, spot-on humor, no shipping distractions, an interesting PoTW, and - most important of all (IMHO) - BACKSTORY for both House AND Wilson. Bonanza!
I couldn't help but wonder if Chase's discomfort with the notion of sharing (if not baring) one's all online was timed to coincide with Jesse Spencer's initiation into the wonderful world of Twitter - with a tornado of a Twitter chat, no less. You've got to admit that it's pretty ironic :)
4 - Jacquelyn
As usual, a great review, Barbara. Nice to have you back. :)
I really enjoyed this episode, both the POTW as well as the overarching themes of Wilson, House, and Chase. The speed-dating was great - like House, I've always been skeptical of it. How much can you tell about a person in 5 minutes? For most of us, not much - but it was right on character for House to see right through the crossword-puzzle woman. I'm curious to know which of the women were interested in him - his stack of contact cards may not have been as big as Chase's, but there were still a few!
Another thing that I liked was the interaction between House and Wilson. It always strikes me as interesting how Wilson is House's best friend, and yet he just doesn't get him most of the time (and readily admits to that). On the one hand, Wilson should have known *years* ago that one day House would dig up that porno and out him - and subsequently driven all over town himself and gotten rid of all possible copies. It's just in House's nature to do something like that, and I think Wilson should have seen it coming (of course, maybe he'd pushed it so far out of his mind himself?!?). Secondly, the situation between House's close study of the minister's book was very intriguing. Nice continuity from Season 5. But Wilson not understanding how House would choose reading a book over confronting his biological father?
I think this just goes to show how well you can know somebody and still not really know them. One of the reasons I really like the House/Wilson dynamic is because of this - and furthermore, it gives me more hope for House/Cuddy, since she always seems to *get* him in a way that no one else, not even Wilson, does.
Finally, it was fun to see House back to his trickster ways - and this time, moving away from Cuddy, who I feel is worn thin by his pranks and diversions. I thought the cutting up of the photos in "Remorse" was hilarious, but it clearly hurt Cuddy a lot - and House is learning, albeit slowly, that he's not going to get anywhere when he continually hurts her. But the Wilson-porno arc was really Classic House, and had me practically choking on my dinner. :)
5 - PH
I loved this episode. It was the slower paced, get-inside-the-mind-of-House formula that I like most. Quite a break from the fast paced jam-packed eps from this season.
BB, I loved your statement in the last paragraph. You hit the nail on the head.
House studied his biological father from afar, instead of risking an emotional 'reunion'. I think if he had discovered anything interesting beneath the sermon-speak he might have chanced a physical meeting. Concerning anything personal, House always sticks his toes in first to test the waters.
I found it interesting that House substituted the dust jacket in order to disguise the book, in effect removing the only evidence that his best friend had to recognize the author. Also inferring, from the dust jacket, that House further studied Cameron beyond the workplace.
6 - RobF
The philosopher Jeremy Bentham designed a type of prison called the "Panopticon", in which every prisoner may be observed at all times from a central tower. No prisoner has any privacy whatsoever, except for his unspoken thoughts and emotions. A prisoner in this type of system quickly learns not to be emotionally vulnerable to an observer -- he considers all possessions and actions as outside his core identity.
The patient of the week has decided to let everyone in the world observe her life -- not simply her possessions and actions, but her inner life in (almost) every detail. She believes this will result in close human connections with many people, more candid even than her relationship with her husband. Indeed she seems to have a large support group of people who care about her, but this breaks down at a moment of actual crisis, when they can't offer any real support compared to that of her husband.
House lives his life as though the world was a Panopticon. Because he is so afraid of being vulnerable, he refuses to depend on any of his actions remaining private. He goes so far as to tell his colleague / roommate that he is planning to spend the evening masturbating, and while at work shouts his displeasure about his missing pornography. Of course we all know that he is, in his inner life, extremely vulnerable. He is desperately seeking meaningful connection with people, but is held back by mistrust (well-placed, in the case of the lovely potential soul-mate who turns out to be lying). House realises that, while he is searching for deeper contact, he is vulnerable to observers. So, like everyone else, he ends up hiding something.
7 - roger nowosielski
Correct, Rob.
Welcome to the age of surveillance.
8 - RobF
Also, like Jacquelyn, I'm interested in seeing which of the women was interested in another date with House. I kind of think it's the fake cop, because she seemed more impressed than upset at being found out. It would be nice to see Cuddy jealous of a woman who is with House.
There was only a small House/Cuddy moment of note in this episode. When everyone was in Cuddy's office, and House made the link from her blog timestamps to liver disease, Cuddy looked up at him very admiringly. But House immediately defused the moment by pressing up against her and saying "wanna make out?"
It was good to see a bit more of Chase. He did some good doctoring, was funny in the speed dating scene, and was used to show how even people who take the plunge and get into a relationship wonder if they have a real connection or just the illusion.
I enjoyed this episode, and Barbara's review. Thanks for doing these, Barbara! I think all of us would vote "pig valve"...
9 - Andrea
The author of the book was Thomas Bell PhD. So, House's father is a Bell?
10 - Katie
Who said the author's name was Thomas Bell? His name wasn't even mentioned.
11 - hwl40
Barbara, wonderful to hear the of your slide into House addiction as it certainly describes mine. Internet bonding with you and everyone on your site on that issue certainly is welcome and not really available elsewhere. The parallels from this episode to all of us here made me smile while watching. Perhaps Stephen Fry could give us additional insights on this phenomenan. For myself, I am grateful to have the community - and the annonimity - however you spell that.
Re "Private Lives", I was struck by the trust issues. House says to Wilson, twice, "Trust me". That is what his friends have a hard time doing. Yes, they have their reasons but the pattern of distrust, assuming the worst as Wilson does with the Vicodan reference, is an old one and a real bar to intimacy - and, as Nolan said, a reinforcement House's own evaluation of himself. House is out there, like it or not, because his inner most secrets were revealed as his hold on reality crumbled last season. He is changing his life, but on his own time and in his own way. It's good he has Wilson to poke and prod and, however, misquided, always accept him, Cuddy also in a different way too, so that he really isn't alone.
The balance between intimacy and connection was beautifully explored in this episode. Lots more to say, hopefully one of you guys will say it. Thought RobF was spot on.
Thanks, Barbara for the insights, the forum and the place to explore inportant matters - even if the catalyst is "just" a TV show!
12 - hwl40
Barbara, wonderful to hear the of your slide into House addiction as it certainly describes mine. Internet bonding with you and everyone on your site on that issue certainly is welcome and not really available elsewhere. The parallels from this episode to all of us here made me smile while watching. Perhaps Stephen Fry could give us additional insights on this phenomenan. For myself, I am grateful to have the community - and the annonimity - however you spell that.
Re "Private Lives", I was struck by the trust issues. House says to Wilson, twice, "Trust me". That is what his friends have a hard time doing. Yes, they have their reasons but the pattern of distrust, assuming the worst as Wilson does with the Vicodan reference, is an old one and a real bar to intimacy - and, as Nolan said, a reinforcement House's own evaluation of himself. House is out there, like it or not, because his inner most secrets were revealed as his hold on reality crumbled last season. He is changing his life, but on his own time and in his own way. It's good he has Wilson to poke and prod and, however, misquided, always accept him, Cuddy also in a different way too, so that he really isn't alone.
The balance between intimacy and connection was beautifully explored in this episode. Lots more to say, hopefully one of you guys will say it. Thought RobF was spot on.
Thanks, Barbara for the insights, the forum and the place to explore inportant matters - even if the catalyst is "just" a TV show!
13 - madfashionista
Barbara, as always, an interesting review. My first reaction was lukewarm, then I watched it again without commercials, and I was howling with laughter. The Stag Boy porn, the speed dating, Chase and Wilson plotting together, Chase pretending to be an American idiot...
I was also delighted, even the first time, at seeing House go back to his diagnostic pattern, holed up in his office, obsessing and playing with his toys.
I can't add more to the perceptive comments and your review. Say it loud, I blog and I'm proud! :)
14 - action_kate
Thomas Bell was the uncle of Dr. Joseph Bell, the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes, who is the inspiration for House. Talk about a meta-gag!
15 - Eve K
This episode was very interesting in many ways (by the way - Eve K is not my real name, its an English version of my name, I'm an editor and have a master's in literature and I don't tell my colleagues about my House addiction. My close friends get to hear it though. A lot.)
Problems in this episode:
1. Wilson in a porn. He clearly said to Amber when they were to tape their sex in season four "I have never done this before" in a shy and embarrassed way. He didn't have to say that if it wasn't true.
A writers mistake?
2. What is with the music? Its soft and popish and not cool. Its much better with classical music or classic rock even. Or alternative music. Who does this sappy choices?
3. God is everywhere. For us atheistic Europeans it can be kind of suffocating even though House is an atheist. It seems like someone is trying to save him. Please dont go down that road.
But over all - a very good show and thank you Barbara for the review.
16 - barbara barmett
Hi Eve...remember Wilson didn't think he was doing a porn film (if he is to be believed). His friend poached the footage and inserted into the porno ;)
Katie Jacobs makes most of the music choices along with the music editor folk
Thanks everyone for your comments. I'll have some time tomorrow to post more.
17 - Eve K
Comment on my comment.I do recall that the porn was edited, so technically Wilson wasn't really in the action? Oh, Im to tired to rewatch. its night owl time in europe.
18 - Delia_Beatrice
Barbara, what an excellent review! Thank you for it!
I believe that "Private Lives" was a great way (chapeau to Dorin Egan, always a pleasure!) to readdress the issue of family, that came up visibly in "Moving The Chains". House was obviously preoccupied with the idea of family then and he has clearly followed up on that, by trying to deal with his own identity issues that rise from his family and parental troubles. That is courageous of him (and another step forward in his path), and the fact that he was not able to connect in any way to his biological father's way of thinking ("underneath all the God stuff, more God stuff"), despite his serious efforts, was very, very sad. It represents another reinforcement of House's evaluation of himself (credit hwl40) as a man doomed to loneliness, and this is a personal tragedy that he is no longer willing to simply accept.
I cannot help but wonder how devastating it will be for House to share Wilson with his ex wife - especially if Wilson's relationship with Sam will progress to the point where House is asked to move out from the condo. However imperfect he has been, as House's companion and only friend during the post-Mayfield months (we cannot count Cuddy in during this time), Wilson has been House's shield from the old pattern of complete loneliness and misery, and the idea of living all alone again must be a difficult one to face for House.
House at the "meet/meat market" was more sad than hilarious, and that was deliberate on part of Mrs. Egan (who could have turned that into a real laugh-your-heart-out scene). But it was a way to show how lonely he is, how awkward and uncomfortable he seems and how much of a misfit he feels. It was sad and touching, and in deliberate contrast with the House-Cuddy scene in her office, steaming with the old chemistry that seems to come so naturally to them, all over again.
@RobF, i don't think that House defused that moment by the "wanna make out" line. It was sheer delight to see him like that again - masculine, but autoironic, dominating, but playful, charming in his naughtiness and irreverence, and Cuddy's smile as she turned her head towards him proves that she shared my feeling.
It was also touching to get a full view on Chase's post-Cameron vulnerability and lack of confidence, and the very smart and sharp way he fought against it through that idea he pursued all on his own. I miss the hair too, Barbara, but still, "God, he's pretty!" (that was so funny!). House and Chase seem to share a level of mutual understanding that is well worth exploring even further - House's worst outbursts and uncontrolled reactions have been towards Chase, together with acts motivated by concern and deep understanding, while Chase admires House in a very ireverentious manner - probably the manner he hopes he has learnt from House himself. Very interesting territory there, much more interesting (to me) than the House-Thirteen and House-Foreman relationships.
Also, major treat next week for me - Taub seems heavily featured on Monday. I have missed him this season.
@Eve: Wilson was filmed by his roommate for a completely unrelated school task, that was later on inserted in a porn. His face is shown fully in the beginning of the "movie", during the dance around the fire, then his "character" changes actors when the real action begins. He didn't lie to Amber.
And on your 3rd observation: what in this episode made you fear that the show is going down "that" road? I sensed nothing out of the ordinary in regard to religion. If anyone is going to save House, it's gonna be himself - his efforts have been so impressive, and so quiet, and so shy in a way - i love him even more for it.
Hm... I use my real name here and pretty much everywhere i post. And nearly all the people i know are fully aware of my "House" addiction. I live in Europe too and i wake up at 4 am on "House" Tuesday mornings, to catch the new episode live on Fox. I never tried to hide this particular form of insanity to anyone. Of course real people in my life don't understand or share my passion with equal intensity, but i don't care - i consider "House" to be a part of my indentity that i am proud of.
19 - byzantine
This was an interesting, well-written and, of course, well-acted episode. And one that prompted me to ponder certain aspects of it�"something that has not happened since the sixth season began. I have been waiting for your insight Barbara and am most grateful that you are willing to be in dialogue with House addicts like myself.
I sometimes get stuck on small details, a fact which perhaps reflects my personal obsession with Byzantine art where every detail matters, a lot. I am fascinated with the whole “Golden Bowl” reference which, I think, we, the viewers, were supposed to notice and think about. For the title of Henry James’ novel is not simply a title but also a reference to the shattered golden bowl in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes. Indeed, the bowl in James’ novel is similarly chipped, flawed, whatever the right word could be here. And it is hardly coincidental that a reference to sacred scripture covers a collection of sermons. The episode seemed to address the issue of façades and appearances. So far so good. I have a feeling though that there is more to this. I’ve been wondering--does the façade that House presents us with one that is flawed and chipped, like the bowl in James’ novel? Yes, I know he has been flawed since the moment he was conceived as a television character, but we have been presented in the course of this season with a House somewhat different from what we are used to�"drug-free, patient (it is hard to think how he’s different, but he seems to be, right?). But is he really that different? What do we know about him since he got out of the psych ward (apparently not much, judging from what the episode revealed)? Is this the beginning of a gradual revelation of the flaws House has been ‘practicing,’ of which we, as an audience, have remained unaware so far? Are we in for a surprise?
20 - Andrea
Byzantine...you just hit on something that has been bothering me all season. I somehow feel as if I no longer "know" House.
Re: Thomas Bell - when Wilson or Chase (I forgot who), opens the book, the author's name is on the title page.
21 - Gertrude
I can't believe I missed the 'don't judge a book by its cover' metaphor! Thanks for pointing that out. Great insights, as usual.
I agree -- House's decision to 'discover' his father through the book rather than contacting him directly is very in-character and very much part of House's private nature. I can't imagine him taking the risk of rejection that might be involved in reaching out to his biological father, but then he does seem to be opening up to risks in his private life (like going to speed dating in the first place) so who knows?
Oh, and I know exactly what you mean about sharing your little House infatuation with the online world. Much easier. Much more fun. And, I think, in a way, a mercy to the real world peeps who really just don't want to us ramble on about it!!
22 - Eve K
Delia_B - about the names - I guess I was fascinated by this episodes theme and by Barbaras intro about blogging, end felt like revealing a bit about myself. At the cost of getting some moral comments. (-; Most of the people here have pseudonumes, and I think that is ok, as long as the conversation is desent and interesting.(Thanks to Barbara) PS Im in a new job, so I guess the House thing will slip in the conversation soon enough.
I know that I was not "close reading" this episode, but I felt like commenting anyway. Hope thats ok, there are so many other comments here that are very interesting indepth analyses of the episode.
23 - janine
Barbara, this is kinda unrelated, but I thought maybe you would have an answer for me. I just read on TV guide that the episode directed by HL, which was origionally advertised as going to air on March 22, is not going to air until April 12! That means that after this Monday's episode, we will have another month long hiatus!? Please tell me that the date on the TV guide is wrong!
24 - barbara barmett
Eve K-- Yours (and everyone's) comments are always welcome of course. One of the things I love most about my readers is the respect they show to each other. May it long be so!
Janine--I will try to check on the schedule. But if the next episode is Tuesday (March 16) and HL's is April 12, you are right...that's four weeks' hiatus.
One of the problems with shortening the season this year to (essentially) 21 episodes is that there are three fewer episodes than most other season have had--and hiatuses have always been the bane of House fans every year.
I didn't catch the Thomas Bell thing. What a great subtle Easter Egg for observant viewers. Cool.
25 - janine
i agree hiatuses are terrible! a part of me wishes they would just air it as a half season show (like they do with 24). sure we'd have to wait longer between seasons but at least we'd get to see all 20 something episodes without interruption.