House and his team deal with Kutner's death while treating an environmental activist with a Messiah complex in "Saviors."
After the sucker punch of last week of Kutner’s (Kal Penn) shocking suicide last week’s House, M.D., almost any episode that immediately follows is going to pale by comparison. But after viewing the episode a second time, there is much to savor in this week’s “Saviors,” episode 21 of House’s fifth season. Appropriately for the forthcoming Earth Day, House and the team treat Doug Swenson (Tim Rock), a Greenpeace-like environmental activist who collapses at a coal mine sit-in. Equally appropriate to the episode’s proximity to Easter, Swenson has a Messiah complex that eclipses even his marriage and family.…
Article comments
26 - barbara barnett
Thanks Nicole.o It's sometimes overwhelming to come back to the column and see 20 comments (not that i mind!!!!!) and it's sometimes difficult to respond to everyone indivdually, but it is my readers who really make this column such a success. It's nice to be appreciated, and I truly value everyone who stops by whether they agree with me or not! Thanks everyone for your participation here, and your comments on my reviews in other forum round the 'net.
27 - Jon
For those who want to watch current House episodes outside of the U.S. ive found surfthechannel the best! Am watching in Ireland where one TV station has just started season 1 lol.
28 - Veresna
Hi Barbara,
I had known that it was likely that Amber was going to reappear in some capacity, but after the light-heartedness of the montage, and congratulating myself on knowing that it was HL playing the music underscoring it, it was a jolt to see those final moments. When I first saw it, for a split second I thought House's look of utter shock was because Cuddy was walking in. But even after multiple viewings of it, I get chills watching it. Very interesting development. On the one hand, it's nice to have the previews confirm that House seems to be sure it is an hallucination, but the fact that you know you are seeing and hearing something that isn't really there isn't too comforting a thought as you try and evaluate what you THINK is real. I have the feeling the end of this season is going to be heart-breaking. If we have already seen multiple examples of how House feels it is only his intellect, particularly his cold, clear logic that defines him, and add to that his utter fear of admitting weakness to others, I can only hope he seeks help before it is too late.
Three other fairly random comments:
1)I just wanted to add that when watching the episode with the closed captioning on, it stated on there also that it was "Cuddy's Seranade" being played during the final moments of the episode involving Rachel's naming ceremony.
2) Speaking of credits, it took me a long time to realize that the 'co-executive producers' and other related titles were being given to the writers of the show. But I do have a question: I have noticed Greg Yaitanes' name up there as well. I first became aware of him for his brilliant directing of 'House's Head', although he had directed previous episodes as well, and he also directed last weeks 'Simple Explanation'. I assumed last week he got the co-exec producer credit because of directing that episode, but the credit was there again this week. As far as I can tell, he is the only director to be given the producer credit as well-anyone have any further information?
3) And now for something completely different: I was also amazed to learn in reading interviews with Kal Penn this week that those were his legs shown in "Simple Explanation", had kind of assumed the angle used was partly done not to be too gory but also thought it meant they hadn't used him to film the scene.
Another amazing review Barbara. It's going to be hard to get through this summer waiting for Season Six of House, and it sure would be wonderful if the void could be partially filled by you writing more in-depth reviews of previous seasons (pretty, pretty please?)
Veresna
29 - Cate Malone
It's getting to where I really look forward to your episode insights after every episode, so thanks! I'm afraid House is really losing it. I just hope Cuddy stops behaving like a teenager and tells him how she feels, because I think he needs her right now.
30 - Mel
Great insight, as always. I really think House and Cuddy are very, very similar. They are both emotionally closed off, but have different coping mechanisms - Cuddy is an idealist and a perfectionist, and House hides behind a mask of misanthropy and cynicism. Cuddy follows all of the rules, and House defies all of them. But the underlying pathology, for lack of a better word, is the same - loneliness, fear of rejection, insecurity, and as you called it, social ineptitude. I love their relationship and hope we see it progress a little more this season. I LOVED how she ran away in that clinic scene.
I am very torn on the reappearance of Amber. Part of me feels as if it is covering the same ground that the end of season 4 did, with House hallucinating. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. I'm hoping the end of this season isn't as devastating as the end of season 4, but I think it will be...
31 - Val
Greg Yataines is probably my favorite House director. I didn't notice the producer credit...but I always take special notice of the episode when he directs. He did win the Emmy last year for "House's Head". I was glad he got recognized for such wonderful episodes. He is able to get amazing frames and highlight Laurie's talent.
32 - JL
Hi, all - here to give my weekly cry of, "I haven't seen the episode, but thanks for your analysis, Barbara!"
(Maybe I should try that link above...)
I could rave on in detail about how many of your observations are utterly brilliant and how much I agree with them all - but I think that would be repetitive and I'm sure you get the gist. :)
I'm pondering a couple of questions:
The Big One: Why Amber?
As an hallucination, Amber is appearing not of her own volition, but because House's brain has chosen to conjure her.
The times I recall House dreaming/hallucinating before are the following:
- while 'dead' (Season 1, 'Three Stories');
- after being shot (S2, 'No Reason);
- dreams about Cuddy's military make-out guy (S3, 'Top Secret')
- a glimpse? of Foreman (S4 'The Right Stuff')- and after the bus crash and Deep Brain Stimulation (S4 'House's Head / Wilson's heart').
In each instance, we have been given a connection (if sometimes tenuous) between House's life and the characters taking up space in his mind.
I'm intrigued to know how Amber is now functioning as part of House's subconscious. Why has his mind chosen her, and how does she relate to what is happening in his life?
And a minor question: I read chatter about closed set filming for 'Saviours' and speculation that it was for a Huddy hook-up - clearly not. Was it for JS and JM to film Chase's proposal? Anyone know?
33 - Reba
Dear Val - and Barbara, thanks again for a great review. Being from Europe I can tell you that it is quite normal to be one season behind of House or any TV series. But in some countries, and I think this goes for France, they are up to date with the 5th season (not entirely sure, but...)It all depends which country you are going to:-) I am from Norway and we'll be starting season 4 soon. But Sweden is showing 4 now. See? However, I can very much recommend following Barbara's column as a very good way of being up to date!
34 - Sue
Barbara, a very nice review.
Since so many others have touched on the major and minor aspects of this episode, I will approach it a little differently.
I have been critical this season of changes the show made. There have been many on other message boards and blogs who have been as well. In recent weeks, the show seems to have paid heed to these comments, because this episode especially felt like the House of old.
Let's start with a classic House/Wilson interaction--Wilson being House's guardian angel, trying to lead him to self-revelation in a clever way. We have a classic clinic scene, with humor and a revelation about House-tryin' to help out a sista. Cameron back to her vulnerable, expressive self, as opposed to the cocky House graduate she had become. Chase, Cameron and Foreman back interacting with each other. Foreman back to being a doctor as opposed to a boring drone. House back to his full dimensional self, where every snarky and sarcastic comment melded beautifully with the serious and the humorous. House without the monkey that had been on his back for the first half of the season. House using the entire range of his personality, and Hugh using all of his talent to make House so compelling again. House and Cuddy relating to each other with humor. House having involvement with the patient throughout the episode, as opposed to just at the end with the diagnosis. And, we had just a little bit of 13 and Taub, both of whom have added little to the quality of the show this year. We did not have a totally unrelated story dominating the episode, as we did with 14.
The early episodes this season saw House going through emotional turmoil. But, in the process I found House became much less dimensional and less interesting. Viewers blamed the change in him on his trouble with Amber's death, his father's death, and other similar issues. I never bought that idea. Now, House is dealing with Kutner's death, and he is seeing dead people, but we have House in full bloom, as we had him in earlier seasons.
I can't help but believe that Fox intervened in the production process, due to the word-for-word commentary from viewers that was sent to them each episode for the past few months. As the ratings slid, Fox became more interested in knowing what viewers felt. I started to see slow changes, until Here Kitty, where the humor was stepped up. The comments posted on the Fox message boards have gotten much more positive recently.
Did anyone feel that Jesse and Jennifer were living out some undisclosed feelings during their scenes? It is possible for at least one of them to think "what could have been." This was their second "proposal" scene-one real and one fake. They must have been thinking about what happened in Paris, and how much in love they were then. I have to say that they did a great job in a situation most of us couldn't handle.
35 - sandra
"Someone, somewhere, mentioned that it felt like Cuddy had regressed a bit, which is something evidenced by how much Cameron has matured. Completely agreed. Actually, it was fascinating to watch Cameron through out this - girl has finally grown up!"
Absolutely! I've always liked Cameron, to some extend I have a lot in common with her (starting with age to some major character traits, although I've always been more like Seson 5 Cameron), and it's great to see her maturing like that.
Kudos to Jennifer and Jesse, their acting left me deeply moved and fighting back my tears. Although I'm not a fan of a Chase and Cameron romance (actually I think right now there's too much focus on relationship stuff overall) - I doubt there will be a marriage anyway (DS provided spoilers that there will be no happy ending for them as well) - but this was amazing! I loved the scenes between House and Cameron - the wonderful chemistry is still there, and they are at the point of trusting each other like true friends. No wonder House turns to Cameron whenever he needs help.
Cuddy on the other hand annoys me more and more with her immature love-sick teenage girl-like behaviour. She's a grown-up woman for heaven's sake, it's none of her business what either Chase and Cameron feel or want or do as long as it's concerning their private life. Her statement "No one should get involved with House" is the smartest thing she has said this season so far. And yes, I am absolutely against a Huddy hook-up because it ruins the characters, because it can't work anyway for too many reasons, and it's painful to see the chance for the innocent and funndy banters which made "Huddy" fun to watch in former seasons ruined forever. They really need to get it over with soon and restore what's left.
Anyway, I can't wait to see how the Amber hallluzinations fits into everything and how House will find his mojo again (love the expression :D) - but please, don't tell me by having sex with Cuddy, that's so Grey's Anatomy *rolls eyes*
36 - JL
(This is about to be a, "Well, we all have our own opinions, but this is why I respectfully disagree"-type post.)
I do find it interesting that people complain about Cuddy acting like an 'immature love-sick teenage-girl' - yet seem to accept similar behaviour from House (especially considering he's the one who's actually *had* a relationship of any seriousness).
I also find it strange when people complain that this type of behaviour is somehow out of character for Cuddy.
Barbara said,
"I think Cuddy is being played as a professional secure woman who is emotionally about as insecure as possible. I like it, and it's real. Cuddy is as socially inept as House, but covers it well by very good professional skills. In the realm of the personal, she's as messed up as House. And it comes out at moments like this."
I reckon this is absolutely spot-on.
I don't feel that Cuddy was being unprofessional in talking to Cameron and Chase - she was trying to speak as a friend, not merely as a boss.
I prefer my shows a little less cookie-cutter than "Mature character" and "Immature character", "Relationship that is perfect" and "Relationship that won't work". I enjoy my characters a bit more complicated and life-like. Ditto relationships - I appreciate seeing the struggles that make them real.
Ultimately, it's characters' vulnerabilities and relationships' complications that make them interesting to watch and to care about.
('Innocent' banter?? *Really?*)
37 - Flo
#11 " April 15, 2009 @ 15:42PM " nicole.o
"Flo, you said it perfectly, they all seemed Lost. Lost and troubled and they don't know exactly what to do to fix it. Except that it's obvious a simple fix will not work this time."
Thank you Nicole. Yes, they all are in a bad place right now especially House and it is clear that it's gonna be really hard to fix.
#21 " April 15, 2009 @ 18:00PM " barbara barnett
"I think Foreman is less self-aware than House is. House's coldness is calculated and he uses it *usually* to promote a greater good. It allows him to mentor and express care without being seen as doing so. Foreman isn't like that. His distance comes from a different place, I think."
I agree that Foreman and House are not at all similar. I never understood that arc myself.
But I also think that what Wnkybx wanted to say is that even if Foreman and House are different the way they shut down might have similar result on both their relationship.
Of course I can't speak for Wnkybx but that's how I understood this point. It is an interesting theory. I don't know if it really match though.
"The discusions were like a ballet of irresolution and incomprehension."
"Nice metaphor, Eve. Very good."
Eve???? My name is still Flo...
Thanks for the compliment. I really couldn't find another way to express it. This ballet made me think of absurd or burlesque theater. It was like a comic play except that the subject of the discussions was serious. I really think the way the discussions were "orchestrated" was part of the fun of the episode. Nicely done.
Finally I totally agree with JL and Barbara when they say that Cuddy is not a teenage girl with a crush. It is more complicated than that. characters are not one-dimensional. They are not just "teenage girl in love", or not just "miserable, cynical jerk" etc.
Cuddy and House are really similar in some ways. They both lonely and scared of this loneliness at the same time.
Barbara comment on Cuddy being "a secure woman emotionnaly insecure" is, like JL said, spot-on.
sandra said that "it's none of her business what either Chase and Cameron feel or want or do as long as it's concerning their private life." But it is Chase who came to her to talk about his problem.
"I prefer my shows a little less cookie-cutter than "Mature character" and "Immature character", "Relationship that is perfect" and "Relationship that won't work". I enjoy my characters a bit more complicated and life-like."
Couldn't agree more with you JL!! There is no "ship thinking" for the writers just individual characters who interract with each other in many different ways. That's why we can't label characters like that. Things are not right or wrong or black or white. Everything is grey.
#28 " April 15, 2009 @ 20:45PM " Veresna
"Speaking of credits, it took me a long time to realize that the 'co-executive producers' and other related titles were being given to the writers of the show. I have noticed Greg Yaitanes' name up there as well. I assumed last week he got the co-exec producer credit because of directing that episode, but the credit was there again this week. As far as I can tell, he is the only director to be given the producer credit as well-anyone have any further information?"
I think it is something about how he is into the creative process of the show. I think that someone has to participate in some important way to have the producer title. For a movie I think it is something like being responsible for at least 30% of the creative (artistic or financial)process to have the credit title of producer. Now I am French and I don't know how it works for tv.
Plus, if you have a lot of power you can even have that kind of title without having brought your share Tom Cruise has been credited producer for a lot of films without even being involved in 30% of the film in question.
So I guess it can be honorary. That being said, Yaitanes is not Cruise and I don't think it is just honorary.
#33 " April 16, 2009 @ 03:22AM " Reba
"Being from Europe I can tell you that it is quite normal to be one season behind of House or any TV series. But in some countries, and I think this goes for France, they are up to date with the 5th season (not entirely sure, but...)"
In France we are not up to date. In fact yesterday evening (around 9:00 pm local time) was aired the two last episodes of season 4!!
I watch season 5 in streaming because In France the channel aired the episode one year after the US and in the French dubbed version. It is awful!!
38 - Luisa Borges
Hi Barbara, and fellow commenters,
Like I say, Barbara reading your column after watching House is such an intrincate part of my House experience that I don´t feel like I´ve had my full House fix until I get to do both.
Being away for over a week on business (I did get to watch "Simple explanation" when it aired as I was in the US) has really stacked up my House to-do list.
But you´re on very the top of it so I read last weeks column on my Iphone (just didn´t comment on it because that little keyboard drives me nuts).
I was also wondering how they were going to follow up on such an emotionaly charged episode and "Saviors" was a welcome surprise.
I like the balance between the intense and the light sutff in House. The humor and the dark sides. And Season 5 has proven this skill many times over, to me it´s such a great season to watch and amongst my favourite ones. I feel like all the cast has gotten their turn on the spotlight, the balance between the characters is found and the amount of in depth insight into the characters psyche is just perfect. Lots to mull over.
"Saviors" presented a great moment for Jesse Spencer and Jennifer Morrison, I really liked seeing Chase and his reaction to Cameron´s issues. Like you pointed out, House and Cameron´s interaction was also a great one to watch, and showed out aspects of House that I love to see (House the man that can give great advice and shead light into matters). Jennifer was also great as the on the surface sporting Cameron.
Wilson´s antics were my big fun past time, what a remarkable epi for Robert Sean Leonard. The way Wilson engaged House and got him to function was pure genius.
Cuddy´s significant moments also were great. I love the subtleties of Lisa´s acting when she demonstrates, as you have pointed out, how insecure and socially inept Cuddy really is. It´s so real and so much in parallel to House´s own way. The way she was marking her territory, and didn´t dispute when Cameron said "You don´t care about me you are just marking your territory" was very telling indeed. Also liked how she (apart from the more light snub to Chase´s comment about her loving House) Cuddy was not on defensive mode, denying her feelings for House up front when confronted with them by others.
And to finish it of, my favorite House treat. Hugh on the piano. This is just so great to watch and her that it´s a feast to all senses. I was greatly enjoying my ride, swooing away to "Georgia on my mind" (in such a beautiful arrangement with the harmonica plus) that I literally jumped of the seat when Amber showed up as House´s hallucination.
Since "The Softer Side" (with the methadone treatment) I was more accutely aware of House´s psych issues. And in this episode I also noted as you said that he was back to popping Vicodin like there was no tomorrow. In "Locked In" it came back with the camera POV in the end. And now we have Amber as resident hallucinatory jiminy cricket. And he can´t sleep. Many bread crumbs on the trail of psychological deterioration and I´m really curious to see where they lead to.
On one last not, major kuddos for Hugh on the lightspeed mood switch of his scared face, harmonica still in place. Perfection is the best way to define it, and it´s such a hard switch to do.
All the best to everyone. I really enjoyed reading all the comments.
39 - 60 plus
Barbara,
As so many others have said, thanks for making it so enjoyable to plumb the depths of each episode.
Considering all that you do, I was amazed to learn that you had begun a new House fanfic.
I strongly suggest that all who appreciate your reviews read "Wonderland," where you capture one possible scenario for House's journey after Kutner's death and his other losses throughout the past season. As usual, spot-on insights into our favorite doc.
Just as I wait for the next episode and your next review, I am eager for your next chapter! The story gives us new material to digest during the two-week void. Our appetites are never satiated! :)
40 - Orange450
Hi JL, I haven't seen the episode yet either, but I find that I enjoy it even more when I see it after reading Barbara's review and all the comments. (This may have something to do with the way that I read most books - back-to-front :-))
You wrote:
"I'm intrigued to know how Amber is now functioning as part of House's subconscious. Why has his mind chosen her, and how does she relate to what is happening in his life?"
As I read Barbara's identification of the episode's "saviors", I had a strong feeling that Amber is one of them as well. Just like her role in his subconscious saved House at the end of last season when he didn't want to get off the bus - so she will save him now. How, remains to be seen. She was one of the most life-affirming characters in all the four seasons of the show (maybe even five), and she'll continue to work her magic somehow. I can't wait to see how she does it!
41 - JL
Orange! Hi! Been waiting for you!
What a good idea - I hadn't made the connection that Amber might be one of the saviours.
I'm thinking of her description of herself as someone who will do whatever it takes. Clearly, I need to find a list of quotes from her (no luck yet).
House has a strong will to live, no matter what, even in the face of misery and pain - maybe his mind is giving Amber's face to that part of his psyche.
If so, that's interesting, given the recent developments.
In 'Painless', House was prepared to give up his job (and his friends?) to remove his pain, but ultimately chose to accept pain to keep his brilliance. Even though Cuddy tried to persuade him other aspects of life were also important, House saw his gift as the most precious thing he believed he had.
Lately, House has been seriously worried that he's lost his gift.
Will he still have the will to live without it?
I'm putting all this together and wondering whether, as House breaks down, Amber is the part of House's psyche that will be fighting for his survival.
Gosh, I'm all terrified for him now...
42 - Orange450
Hi JL, Passover took over my RL for a while, but it's over now :)
I'm thinking that just like Amber played the pivotal role in enabling House to solve the puzzle of HH/WH, she'll do something similar now with his "lost mojo". Remember how her avatar - the mystery woman - prodded and teased him into deciphering clues in HH? And then how she herself appeared in his mind (in the red suit) and poured him sherry, which allowed him to finally get the answer? And then how she(he) ultimately sent him(self) back to "the land of the living" because it wasn't his time yet?
It almost seems a little too obvious on the part of TPTB to effect such a parallel towards the end of this season, but it *does* provide a nice symmetry, and I can see how such a direction could even tie up some loose ends, while still leaving an obligatory few to dangle.
43 - debbie
Can't add much more than what was already said of this awesome episode but to say how much I loved all the House/Wilson goodness! Man, how I have missed it this season (and I'm not even an H/W shipper). The best line of the night:
House: I lost my mojo.
Wilson: Did you retrace your steps?
Or perhaps: You manipulative bitch!
Too funny.
However, for an episode with such light, humorous scenes, it was pretty heavy, too. (Love how the writers are terrific in such a balance.)
I noticed how much more Vicodin he popped throught this episodes than in recent ones. Toward the end, he was shaking the empty bottle. I fear (but also anticipate) that he is headed for a major meltdown, whether it's physical, emotional or both.
44 - Kevin
After some the predictable stuff that has happened in this season so far, I find it refreshing that I was completely caught off guard at House's hallucination of Amber. Would be a bit of a creepy situation if Amber was Kutner's "replacement" on the team (not that he needs one. As first 3 seasons demonstrated, 3 is plenty really), House coming up with answers, but Amber expressing them. As another reply pointed out, "Amber" points him to a lot of the answers in the last 2 episodes of season 4. Next thing we'll know, she's wearing a doctor's coat with Foreman, Thirteen, and Taub wondering why House keeps nodding at the empty seat.
On the other hand, it could really mean something. I mean, the first time House tried to remember what happened in the bar, he chalked Amber's presence up to him associating her with Wilson all the time now. In retrospect, he could've considered the possibility she was actually there in the bar with him.
45 - Orange450
Ooh, ooh, ooh - I had a thought!
Remember the end of Games, where House fires Amber?
GREG HOUSE: Amber, please stand.
[Amber stands nervously.]
AMBER VOLAKIS: You didn't call me "bitch". Is that bad?
GREG HOUSE: You play the game better than anybody else here.
[Amber smiles.]
GREG HOUSE: But for the wrong reasons.
AMBER VOLAKIS: Reasons don't matter. Results are the only thing...
GREG HOUSE: You were wrong. [beat] Twenty years ago, [points to the record player] this was recorded by Jim Moskowitz. Who later became known as Jimmy Quidd. Loves kids, apparently has a heart, perhaps even a soul. If you're gonna work for me, you have to be willing to be wrong, willing to lose. 'Cause you just did. [somberly] You're fired.
At the time, I thought this interchange was going to lead somewhere interesting eventually, otherwise why would House have bothered to counsel Amber on what she had to do in order to work for him? But nothing has ever seemed to come of it
What if Amber(House) is going to remind him(self) of this now to teach him some life lessons? Games; reasons vs. results; heart and soul; being willing to be wrong and willing to lose; House's mojo. I feel like there might be some significance here. Or maybe not :) Time will tell.
46 - Celaeno
Hi, everyone. I'm a new reader and wanted to tell you how thrilled I am to have found this excellent column. The lively discussion here is a VERY refreshing alternative to what you typically find on the official forums.
I'm particularly interested in the theories about why House is hallucinating Amber. Until now I had assumed that she is an embodiment of his guilt, here only to taunt him and torture him. It's very interesting to think of her as... what was it?... "the part of his psyche that will be fighting for his survival".
=]
47 - Kim
#20 Val
"Lastly, I recently got a job offer in Europe and will likely miss the two last episodes aaahhh! I am wondering if anyone knows about ways to view current episodes online in Europe? Most of Europe (I understand) is a season behind and it will be hard to wait for the DVDs. Luckily for me, Barbara's excellent recaps and analysis, and our lively conversation will keep me in the know ;)"
Hi Val, I am here to save your day..hahaha. I am from Spain. Here Fox Spain and the local TV are airing the 5th season. Next week it would be released 5x17 The Social Contract. So, as you can see here we are up to date taking into account that it takes time to dubbed into Spain.
But don't worry here is a webpage were you can watch it online or download the House episode one day after it has been released in EEUU.
When you are in there, scroll down and look in the right side for the list of the TVshows. Then click on the House link and it will appear all the House episodes they have uploaded.
This is the web I visit every Tuesday morning to download the episode so I can watch it over and over again..yeahh I am that crazy..
I hope this help you. And if you have more questions do not hesitate to ask.
48 - nc
I always enjoyed CB. Anne Dudek must hold a patent on the sidelong glance. Her catlike "that canary was yummy" smile made CB look knowing in a way calculated to get under people's skin. It's tough being smart, determined, and female. The culture has a way of turning you into what rhymes with witch, whether you are or not.
But I just saw one thing and thought of another that have me heartened in on case and a little horrified in the other.
First, the good news: in case you haven't seen it, Amazon is taking preorders for the Season 5 DVD set. When I saw the page, Sunday morning, it was #56 in its popularity category.
Second, a horrifying thought: what if House and Cuddy wind up in bed thanks to bachelor-party alcohol? Aiyeee, that could be a mess!
Barbara, you're one of my must reads. I come looking for your reviews every week. Thanks for combining insight, intelligence, and good writing.
49 - Johnna
#48 nc: "Second, a horrifying thought: what if House and Cuddy wind up in bed thanks to bachelor-party alcohol? Aiyeee, that could be a mess!"
I agree! Here's another Huddy fan sincerely hoping that that does not happen. It would ruin the whole Huddy storyline in my opinion! But I trust the writers...I figure if they've made us wait this long for House and Cuddy, they won't disappoint.
50 - Amie
Once again, great review, Barbara. I really liked how you managed to find the analogy with the flowers.
And it is always a pleasure to read everyone's take.
This is really the greatest place to discuss House!
"Am I the only one enjoying the termoil of their feelings? Cuddy's feelings are showing through in subtle ways and that is beautiful acting on the part of Lisa. Classic wanting what you know you shouldn't have... love it."
Count me in!!!
I know a lot of people are annoyed by the will-they-won't-they dance and Cuddy-acts-so-childish. But, IMHO, it is so real. Even an adult can be insecure about his/her feeling, afraid of being rejected. Their tiptoeing around eachother is so true. Cuddy knows what's at stake on a professionnal level and has been rejected when trying to push things forward (boob grab in LTEC) so she took the hint and has been pushing back her feelings ever since.
She can't help being attracted to him (Hence the dance in Unfaithful) but she knows he's a jerk and it couldn't work out. For me, "nobody should be involved with House" was her trying to convince herself she was better off without him.
Tonight's episode was a big step for her. It was not a ok-we-get-it-she-likes-him.
Her running away (for the first time and not answering him with a snappy reply) was HER realizing she WAS in love with him. And she needed Chase and House to confront her with the fact.
I'm not a big fan of the huddy sex happening. I think there is material to develop a very "interesting" relationship and I do hope the writers give it a try.
Something tells me the sex is going to ruin everything...
On a another note, about the preview (so don't read on if you don't want to be *mildly* spoiled), I liked the parallel of Amber's "I'm not a fantasy, I'm a hallucination" with Cuddy's "I'm not a hallucination, I'm a fantasy" (or something to that effect in House's Head)
51 - JL
Amie, I like that parallel, too. It shows House still at work in his own head trying to reason out his own madness (for want of a better word).
And I just love your ideas about Cuddy's thoughts and actions during this episode.
I agree. The sex will ruin everything.
Except I think that's the point, really.
This show's motto is, "Quit you're ahead and try something different to keep everyone on their toes."
Witness the moves by The Powers That Be so far:
TPTB: break onto the scene with an edgy show.
Response: uproar. No-one knows what to make of 'House, M.D.' or its central character.
By Season 3, everyone has decided they love the show and House.
TPTB: Throw out half the cast and replace them with newbies. i.e. Ruin everything.
'Familiarity breeds contempt.' It's well known that once people get comfortable, things can only go downhill (I believe I've read a quote from David Shore to that effect, too).
The old team had gotten to know how House worked. They knew how to respond. The viewers knew how 'House, M.D.' worked. Everyone was much too comfortable.
Either you change, or you go stale. Just like House himself.
This is why I don't agree when people (not you, Amie!) say, "Why can't we just go back to the nice banter of the earlier seasons?" Don't get me wrong - it was terrific. It was BRILLIANT. We all loooooooved it. And we all got a bit too comfy.
Can't go back - wouldn't taste half so sweet now.
So bring the sex. Let's get fresh and wreck everything! Again!
But I'm with you on the 'hoping TPTB don't ignore the interesting relationship possibilities' front. Because I think that 'miserable House who can't be with anyone, or change, ever'... is going to start getting stale...
52 - Jonesy
@JL - it was a real pleasure reading what you've written.
53 - JL
@Jonesy - and backatcha! Made my morning!