I would be remiss if I didn’t make note of several things. Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer could not have been better as Cameron and Chase muddling their way through a very difficult moment in their wonderful relationship. Fantastic acting, especially by Spencer, but just perfect.
Hugh Laurie never ceases to amaze. We have been treated to two episodes of late featuring Hugh’s musical artistry. In “Unfaithful,” he allowed House’s feelings about Cuddy to pour forth from his fingers and his heart in his original composition “Cuddy’s Serenade.” In “Saviors,” we are privy to House’s true solace—his music. Pouring his soul in to a lush rendition of “Georgia on My Mind,” Laurie lets us in once again—this time into House’s false belief that he would, indeed be OK. It is clear that House is thoroughly enjoying this moment of solitary relief—House’s signature whiskey glass and Vicodin bottle are missing. House believes that he has gotten through the worst of it—regained his bearings (and his mojo) and saved another life. But Amber’s sudden appearance tells him—and us—that all is far from well.
So, with two weeks before we get another episode (and from the preview clip at the end of “Saviors,” it looks to be a wild and slightly scary ride) where do you all think this is heading? Is Amber a hallucination? A delusion? A fantasy? Is House as OK as he would like to appear, or is he headed off the deep end? Thoughts?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Jen
I have just recently found your column and I love it and have read and re-read all of the entries. I watch the show, read your post and re-watch and re-read, I am as addicted to House and HL as he is to vicodin. You write just how I feel and what I think. I love the parts about the acting of HL and how his eyes just look at you when he doesn't even speak. I too love his musical talents and love the shows that showcase that. Do you have articles from the first 4 seasons?
Great work!
2 - Phillip Winn
Jesse Spencer was amazingly expressive in this episode. For how little screen time they give the guy, he sure managed to make the most of it this week! Neither overstated nor understated, he nailed it.
Nice writeup, as always!
3 - barbara barnett
Thanks Jen, Phillip.
Jen, I started writing this column mid-season four, but I have all of season four and several commentaries from earlier seasons. Click the link at the top of the column "welcome to the end of the thought process" and it will take you to all of my House musings here on Blogcritics.
4 - Jen
I just found them! Yay! I have always loved TV and the heroes and never has one melted me the way HL does. I read your post about Romantic Heroes and now I know why! I also loved your post about not watching the spoilers in "I must stop doing that", I believe was your comment! I just love watching the spoilers too and can't wait for the next one. I look forward to your write up as well as next weeks episode! Thank you for sharing!
5 - cj_housegirl
The ending shocked me again. I was unspoiled with Amber and had no clue it was coming. I loved Hugh playing the piano and harmonica at the end (what a talented man indeed) and was smiling like crazy. We rarely get to see House happy and I was enjoying it immensely when all of the sudden he stopped and froze. And, wow, what an expression by House/Hugh.
So, yeah, all is not well in House's universe and it looks like he is in for some mental hardship.
Even though the Vicodin bottle was not part of the final scene at the piano, it was back in a big way. I thought House was back to treating his bottle of Vicodin like a pez dispenser. It's a big tell about his emotional state.
I have seen the next show's previews and, wild, is right.
6 - Wnkybx
Hi Barbara! Thank you, as always, for a fantastic review. I particularly loved your analysis of the flowers ... thanks for putting that together for us.
I was wondering how this episode was going to be after last week's highly emotional one, and I must say I was very satisfied. I loved how Wilson has stepped up to the plate and shown House kindness in the most understanding way. It was also good to see Cameron not be a heavy-handed savior as she would have been in seasons 1 and 2, and I was so happy that she finally leapt over her fear of commitment. Also, although I hated seeing Kutner go (he was my favorite duckling), I think the writers have finally struck a good balance of how to manage telling a story with such a large cast.
What do you think of Foreman and 13 being a subtle foreshadowing of what a relationship between House and Cuddy would be like? Barbara, I know you hated the whole "Foreman is House-lite" arc from season 3, but I do wonder. Foreman is shutting 13 out but also reaching out in small ways (like finally holding her hand at the funeral); 13 feels emotionally neglected when she is needing him. I remember Stacy mentioning that when she was with House, she felt very alone sometimes. Also in "Unfaithful" I felt as if House was putting Foreteen to the test with his ultimatum to see if they could keep sharp at the workplace and be together at the same time (knowing full well they wouldn't really break up for him). Although Foreteen's storyline doesn't interest most, I am keeping an eye on it to see how much parallel there will be to House and Cuddy.
As for what's going on in House's head ... yowza! A hallucination is the perception of sensory stimuli that aren't there; a delusion is a false belief (like believing that W is still president). Schizophrenia involves only auditory hallucinations, so House isn't really becoming a psych patient. However, long term drug use or mini-seizures can cause visual hallucinations. He could also be zoning in and out of sleep. I hope the writers handle the appearance of Amber well so that it's not too reminiscent of House's Head / Wilson's Heart in terms of story concept. I also wonder with all of this "House has lots his mojo" business, if the writers are going to explore who House would become if he lost his diagnostic skills, if he became average, forcing him to find meaning and purpose beyond his work. There is no way House is going to be okay mentally between now and the start of next season.
7 - Eve K
Hi again B and thanx for the review! Hate that it is two weeks till the next episode.
I saw on twitter that you alluded to a two hour finale? I wish!
Saviors.
At first I didn't know what to make of this episode.
It was kind of light hearted and flimsy in the aftermath of Kutners suicide. But I liked it.
The ending kind of grew on me. Again, the show is keeping it real. Its true that you don't always understand your own mind, not even House himself saw this coming. Scary as hell. "Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in" â€" to quote the goodfather III.
Ann Dudek is such a great actress, Im looking forward to seeing more of her. (But I hope they don't overdo it, the "seeing dead people" part.)
Loved Hugh playing piano and harmonica...
8 - Flo
Good review, thank you Barbara. It is true that this episode looks pale in comparison of last week's "Simple Explanation" but it was a good episode, probably diserving a second viewing (didn't do it yet).
Firts of all, I must say that it was good to see more Cameron and Chase. They got more than just one scene and it's good. They really grew a lot as characters and after last week it is nice to see how they reacted to the 'Kutner tragedy'.
I really felt for Chase when Cameron turned her back on him. His concern is completely legitimate and for half of the episode we (at least I) also wondered what Cameron was doing and why.
I think it is interesting that in the end it has nothing to do with House. It shows how much Cameron grew and matured but also shows how much she still has to grow. Nice. I really like her especially now. She is more independant but still fragile. Great acting by Spencer and Morrison.
Everyone was a little lost in this episode. I like that everyone didn't have a clue of what to do of the informations they got. House is lost about his patient, Cameron's interest in the case and Wilson' diet. Cameron is lost about Chase planned proposal. Chase wondered why Cameron is suddenly shutting down. Cuddy doesn't know what to think of Cameron's behaviour and Chase's worries.
They really struggle to try to come to a certainty about something (and eventually manage to do it, at least for the Cameron/Chase situation).
The discusions were like a ballet of irresolution and incomprehension.
House Thinks that Cameron is still interesting in him or/and wants Kutner's job but he doesn't know (yet) about Chase's plan to propose to her.
Same thing with Cuddy. Plus she has to deal with chase's worries after he comes to confide to her. I think she really is sympathetic and she feels for this poor guy (who wouldn't at this moment?) but she clearly doesn't know what to do of this confidence which also brings her insecurities back.
Chase wondered what is girfriend is doing and why she won't talk to him but he doesn't know she foud the ring.
House and cameron also think that Cuddy just want to "mark her territory" towards House but they don't know that Chase confessed his blues to her.
And all of this would have been avoided if Cameron simply had told her incertainty and her fears about the engagement thing to Chase in a first place!!!
That was nice.
On an other subject, Wilson was awesome! Screwing with House like old times! That was great. Also it served a bigger purpose. It was fun and for "the greater good". Can't expect more from Wilson. I agree with you Barara he is at his best in those moments. Completely made my day! "You manipulative b!tch" LOL!!!
"Georgia On My Mind" was also very well played by Laurie (impressive how he can play harmonica and piano at the same time); And.....Amber time!! I was surprised by the apparition, good writing. House is really in a bad place right now....
Okay that's it for this single viewing.
ps: Two weeks is too long!!!!!!
ps2: I like the fact that House's watch was Kutner's gift from last year.
9 - Fabouluz
I love your blog as usual, and I liked to think that we're only missing one week of House. That'll keep me happy.
I love to see Wilson like that, helping House in the only way that can help him. Next episodes promo look so ridiculously amazing for a House episode; right up my street.
xoxo
10 - nicole.o
Wow, I first want to start by saying I have never seen such a haunted look as the last seconds of House as he saw Amber. I replayed it several times and got complete chills. The touch of the harmonica fading was perfect. I laughed when he started playing it becuase I hadn't seen him play it before and it was clever. Then His whole face was...wow. Perfection. Just the right touch. Brilliant.
I also loved the looks on Cuddy's face when she cornered house in the clinic to ask about Cameron. She had a hidden smile when House confirmed nothing was going on, and when she got caught for her alterior motives she had a look that was classic. I'm not sure how to discribe it, but it was very, shoot, oh well I'll run away. But I also think she wanted House to know she cared whether or not he would get involved with anyone but her. Like Cameron said, she's staking her territory and it's fun to see. When Chase asked her if she was in love with House and she deflected the question and was also called on it, when he walked away she also looked like, I've been caught. Her eyes rolled a bit and she seemed flustered. And when she told cameron no one should be involved with House her tone was playful and almost excited, not believable. Cameron could see through her. Her feelings are coming to the surface and it's fun to watch it boil over.
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.
11 - 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. Lost...perfect word to describe it.
12 - blacktop
Barbara, good review for another strong episode. This one has definitely grown on me as I have rewatched it. I agree completely with the excellent analysis of Wnkybx about the parallels between the Foreman/Thirteen affair and the impending House/Cuddy match-up. I think that from the beginning Foreman has been drawn as a foil to help us understand by contrast and comparison more of the layers of House's intricate psyche. Now Foreman's office romance, under pressure from his fortressed personality, is definitely pointing toward the perils of a similar undertaking for House.
The savior imagery that you point out was well articulated in this episode as were all the floral references. House was the detective of romance here: uncovering that the patient of the week had tried to use the hated flowers to woo back his wife; trying to give a covering alibi for the unfaithful wife in the comic clinic scene; and forcing Cameron to face her real feelings and fears about Chase. As others have noted Jesse Spencer and Jennifer Morrison were splendid in this episode. It was such a complete relief to find that Cameron was in an emotional quandry over Chase rather than back on the dreadful treadmill of her unrequited crush on House.
I liked too Cuddy's seeking confirmation of House's feelings at the same time as she headed off potential administrative disruption in her hospital. Wilson was perfection itself with his wise, witty, and insightful handling of House's need to regain his equilibrium after the Kutner tragedy.
Amber's return as an hallucination was such a wonderful and welcome shock. She is the tough, unrelentingly honest, and affirmative voice inside of House that brought him back from the brink of despair at the end of last season. I wonder what role that voice will play now for House? I think he is going to crash, but I think that he is going to find the inner resources to come back to a new balance point of sanity and safety.
And I wish that every episode would end with Hugh Laurie at the piano, what a marvelous moment for the show.
13 - Debbie
"Fantastic acting, especially by Spencer, but just perfect."
I am so glad you stated this. I read your wonderful and insightful reviews of House on a regular basis, and in my opinion, it is about time that Jesse was finally able to showcase his tremendous talent after being pushed to the sidelines for two long years.
I truly hope he continues to have meaningful screen time on House MD. Jesse Spencer is a wonderful actor and deserves to be in the spotlight once again.
I loved your analysis of this episode, especially the layered meanings behind the title. :)
14 - carolyn
the same thing that's causing House to see Amber could've also caused him to crash his motorcycle. I think the preview hinted at lack of sleep, which would also be a reasonable explanation for losing control of his bike
the "manipulative bitch" scene made me laugh so hard - um and the scene in the preview with House dancing with hater blockers and a boombox? LOL!!!!
15 - anna
Wonderful review, Barbara. I really like your take on the episode, especially the insights into the flowers and music.
I do have a somewhat off-topic question, can you tell me why so many keep referring to the music played a few episodes back as "Cuddy's Serenade?" I don't remember a title to the music or any reference in the episode to that title, but I seem to be reading it a lot on boards. Is the title actually canon? Thanks.
16 - Heather
Lovely review of this episode Barbra. I thought that it was a bit flimsy in places but came together really well at the end. And Amber's return...I did not see that coming at all. It makes sense though; I never thought House really got any closure where she was concerned.
17 - Suzanne
Barbara - Great review, as always.
I must say, between the review above and everyone's comments, I don't have too much to add. Except this, a lot of really heavy stuff has gone on this season and this episode actually felt really light-hearted. Something about the tenor of the whole thing - between Wilson playing with House, the pre-Amber revelation montage and Cameron inadvertanly toying with House - it felt like early House. I liked it (not that that's saying much, I generally like/love/adore all episodes in one respect or another). And, it was really surprising having that reaction to this episode in particular, as it was really a study in people dealing with grief differently.
And agreed with all the comments on the mess that is most certainly headed our way in the last few episodes. It's definitely going to be a bumpy ride.
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!
Ok, that's about it. I don't know that I'll be able to wait two weeks, but I don't think I have a choice.
Non-sequitors:
- Loved the look on House's face in the end. It was so paralyzing for the viewer.
- Loved LOVED the music at the end. Hugh Laurie is one hell of a talented man. Seriously.
- I am all for Cuddy and House happening, but I love where it's at right now. It's reminiscent of mid-seasons of X-Files where it was clear what was going to happen but it was only a matter of time and you really just didn't want to push it because you don't want it to end. LOVE IT!
Ok, done....finally. I guess I had more to say than I thought - common problem.
18 - Jenn
Hi Barbara - Longtime reader, but first time poster. I always appreciate your thorough insights. I don't know if I was still upset from last week's episode, or if the dark and cynical atmosphere of the show is finally getting to me, but I had a difficult time getting into this episode. I missed Kutner's presence, and frankly I didn't feel like there was enough fallout from such a shocking death, especially from the team. It was "just a week" after all. Maybe I just was still reeling from that. I was hoping it wouldn't be a complete retread of the "Cameron has a crush on House" theme, because I thought that would a.) be way too off-kilter for an episode following a suicide, and b.) totally negating Cameron's maturity as a character. I was glad it didn't go that route. And I do have to give JS and JM props for professionalism - it can't be easy to have their story mirror their real life romance. Here's hoping Chameron has a happier ending.
I did appreciate Wilson/House moments, trying to regain what they had before Amber's death. That makes it all the more significant that Amber pops up later on. And I liked the reference that Wilson made about House wearing the watch Kutner had given him for Secret Santa (thank the Continuity Fairy for that). That was a subtle sign of remembrance, and even affetion, indicating not obsession with reasons, but just desiring to be reminded of who I think was House's favorite mentee.
Hugh Laurie is brilliant - the last 2 minutes of the show made it worthwhile for me. The gorgeous jazzy rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" with the completely startling segue to Amber. I had heard rumors that she had been on the set, but I was not expecting her to pop up like that. It is the mark of a great actor who can actually make the blood drain from his face when seeing something shocking. Please just give Hugh the Emmy now; maybe wrap up 3 or 4 more in a doggy bag?
19 - Eve K
Carolyn: Kudos for the "hater blockers" comment! LOL
20 - Val
Barbara, You've done it again. You always manage to tackle the most important aspects of the weeks episode. Thanks!
I absolutely loved Wilson this week. He (and RSL) was a his absolute best. There are many times when I've been as frustrated with Wilson as I've been with House (i.e. early season three when Wilson convinced Cuddy not to tell House about the successful cortizone shot, or even early this season when he flat out dropped House as friend and said he wasn't sure if they were ever friends). But, as you mentioned, this was Wilson at his best: a true friend to House by understanding what he needs and helping through it. I think their friendship is def on the mend, and perhaps stronger than before!
It occured to me, in the beginning of the episode, I felt worried that Cameron was going to rekindle her flame for House (I guess my slight House/Cuddy bias was reacting..lol). I found that she was dressed and styled a bit like she was in S1 and 2 especially the way that headband styled her hair in a cheerleader-type fashion. But, Morrison stayed true to her character's growth (and even a little snarky comment about territory with Cuddy for good measure)and when Cameron finally told House her fears (and yes, House was certainly a careful and genuinely concerned listener/friend)her growth over the past five years was certainly evident. Kudos to Morrison (and Cameron)!
Unfortunately, the PoTW did not keep me as interested as they usually do. I found him to be the bleh part of the episode. I echo the thoughts on Jessie Spencer. He was excellent and though Chase was always my favorite old school duckling, Spencer continues to pull off some excellent stuff. Hugh, well, his brilliance marches on and if he doesn't win his Emmy this year it will be an injustice to quality television.
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 ;)
21 - barbara barnett
cj_housegirl:
"The ending shocked me again. I was unspoiled with Amber and had no clue it was coming. We rarely get to see House happy and I was enjoying it immensely when all of the sudden he stopped and froze. And, wow, what an expression by House/Hugh. Even though the Vicodin bottle was not part of the final scene at the piano, it was back in a big way. I thought House was back to treating his bottle of Vicodin like a pez dispenser. It's a big tell about his emotional state."
I noticed that he was popping it like candy. He’s in a very, very bad way and has been for several weeks. I think the thing with Kutner is simply the straw.
#8 Wnkybx--"particularly loved your analysis of the flowers ... thanks for putting that together for us."
The flowers were an important avatar for love (or romance) and the value we place on it. Loved it (and loved House taking the time to “smell the roses”)
"I loved how Wilson has stepped up to the plate and shown House kindness in the most understanding way. It was also good to see Cameron not be a heavy-handed savior as she would have been in seasons 1 and 2,
Wilson was perfect, and I too was glad to be rid of Cameron the savior. But the story played on our (and her colleagues) perception of who she is "
I think the writers have finally struck a good balance of how to manage telling a story with such a large cast. Agree!
"What do you think of Foreman and 13 being a subtle foreshadowing of what a relationship between House and Cuddy would be like? Barbara, I know you hated the whole "Foreman is House-lite" arc from season 3, but I do wonder. "
I know that House sees the similarity between them, but I do not. 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. Just re-watched Greater Good and the way in which House stepped in and helped Foreman help 13 with no one else knowing about it. I can’t see Foreman taking that sort of a risk.
"As for what's going on in House's head ... yowza! A hallucination is the perception of sensory stimuli that aren't there; a delusion is a false belief (like believing that W is still president). "
Good pointâ€"so she’s a hallucination. I too wonder about the House has lost his mojo thing. It, like his emotional well-being have been touched on for the last several episodes. But no question that he’s in trouble.
"#9 â€"Eve K Hi again B and thanx for the review! Hate that it is two weeks till the next episode.
I saw on twitter that you alluded to a two hour finale? "
I wish! No. My twitter referred to 24 (and the reason House isn’t on next weekâ€"but I’m not even sure about that.)
"#10 Flo
I really felt for Chase when Cameron turned her back on him. His concern is completely legitimate and for half of the episode we (at least I) also wondered what Cameron was doing and why.
I think it is interesting that in the end it has nothing to do with House. It shows how much Cameron grew and matured but also shows how much she still has to grow. Nice. I really like her especially now. She is more independent but still fragile. Great acting by Spencer and Morrison."
Totally agree. Loved the writing of both characters. Now I understand why Jennifer could not reveal more when we spoke last month.
"The discusions were like a ballet of irresolution and incomprehension."
Nice metaphor, Eve. Very good.
"#12 nicole.o Wow, I first want to start by saying I have never seen such a haunted look as the last seconds of House as he saw Amber. I replayed it several times and got complete chills. The touch of the harmonica fading was perfect. I laughed when he started playing it becuase I hadn't seen him play it before and it was clever. Then His whole face was...wow. Perfection. Just the right touch. Brilliant."
Fantastic moment, I agree.
"I also loved the looks on Cuddy's face when she cornered house in the clinic to ask about Cameron."
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 a messed up as House. And it comes out at moments like this.
"#14 Blacktop Amber's return as an hallucination was such a wonderful and welcome shock. She is the tough, unrelentingly honest, and affirmative voice inside of House that brought him back from the brink of despair at the end of last season. I wonder what role that voice will play now for House? I think he is going to crash, but I think that he is going to find the inner resources to come back to a new balance point of sanity and safety."
...And, although she may be the tipping point of House’s sanity, she may ultimately prove to be his salvation (at least as she plays it out in his mind).
"And I wish that every episode would end with Hugh Laurie at the piano, what a marvelous moment for the show. "
Me, too.
"#15 â€" April 15, 2009 @ 15:59PM â€" Debbie
"Fantastic acting, especially by Spencer, but just perfect."
I am so glad you stated this. I read your wonderful and insightful reviews of House on a regular basis, and in my opinion, it is about time that Jesse was finally able to showcase his tremendous talent after being pushed to the sidelines for two long years."
I’ve always felt that Jesse is the strongest actor amongst the fellows. Kal Penn fit that too, but is alas now departed. There’s a real complexity to Chase that I think Jesse understands and knows how to express.
"#16 â€"Carolyn the "manipulative bitch" scene made me laugh so hard - um and the scene in the preview with House dancing with hater blockers and a boombox? LOL!!!!"
Can’t wait to see where that is coming from. Is it real or in his mind????
"#17 anna I do have a somewhat off-topic question, can you tell me why so many keep referring to the music played a few episodes back as "Cuddy's Serenade?"
It’s the title, and was called that somewhere on the House official site (not on the forum, but in the music section, if I recall correctly). Hugh Laurie composed it specifically for that scene.
"#18 â€" April 15, 2009 @ 16:58PM â€" Heather [URL]
Lovely review of this episode Barbra. I thought that it was a bit flimsy in places but came together really well at the end. And Amber's return...I did not see that coming at all. It makes sense though; I never thought House really got any closure where she was concerned."
Thanks. I think the entire year’s worth of emotional pressure is finally coming to a crash.
#19 â€" April 15, 2009 @ 17:06PM â€" Suzanne
It’s occasionally the case on House that the most light hearted of episodes have a very dark interior. Some of the funniest scenes have come in the bleakest episodes. Merry Little Christmas and House’s flirtation with the mom comes to mind as something lighthearted in one of the darkest episodes of the entire series.
"I am all for Cuddy and House happening, but I love where it's at right now. It's reminiscent of mid-seasons of X-Files where it was clear what was going to happen but it was only a matter of time and you really just didn't want to push it because you don't want it to end. LOVE IT!"
…And the endless arguments between the shippers and the noromos and everyone in between!
"#20 â€" April 15, 2009 @ 17:09PM â€" Jenn
Hi Barbara - Longtime reader, but first time poster. I always appreciate your thorough insights. I don't know if I was still upset from last week's episode, or if the dark and cynical atmosphere of the show is finally getting to me, but I had a difficult time getting into this episode. I missed Kutner's presence, and frankly I didn't feel like there was enough fallout from such a shocking death, especially from the team.
Thanks, Jenn. I think because a week has passed, people still have a hospital to run and patients to cure. It’s tragic, but they have to try to get back into it. And I think it was handled pretty realistically, even if we, the viewers haven’t had time to begin to process it, his colleagues would, by necessity have begun to get back to routine. It is the mark of a great actor who can actually make the blood drain from his face when seeing something shocking. Please just give Hugh the Emmy now; maybe wrap up 3 or 4 more in a doggy bag?"
Could not agree with you more! Fantastic acting from Hugh in that scene.
22 - barbara barnett
Val--I'm sure with all the European readers of this column, someone will be able to point you in the right direction.
23 - Ellen
I've watched this episode over and over (in an effort to contribute to the House wikia), and didn't see as much into it as you did. Excellent observations and well-written summary.
I think I was just too (happily) blown away by Anne Dudek's reappearance to think too deeply about anything else regarding House or any other character.
24 - nicole.o
Barbara,
I want to quickly thank you for taking the time to read our responses and comment back. It means a lot and is what keeps me coming back every week. Your devotion to your readers is truly something not seen these days. From all of us, thank you!
And to the fellow posters, your comments are so insightful and really add so much. You guys are the greatest. I love reading your posts, they drive me to think harder and dive in deeper.
Nicole
25 - barbara barnett
Hi Ellen--I've watched it three times now! I've always contended that most House episodes are written on at least three levels: one for the casual viewer of the procedural, and the others for people who follow the character drama, ethical and philosophical and social commentaries that underlie the "A" story.
After not re-watching much of season five because we've had so many consecutive weeks of House, i've been rewatching the season from the beginning. I really loving all of it, haven't fast-forwarded (except through one scene in Joy to the World) and have found much depth to the drama.
I can't believe we're at the end of season five. It's really gone by quickly. in a few weeks we'll be speculating about next season and what the finale meant.