As much as this entire journey will be for House a greater emotional risk—a far greater emotional risk, since it has been so long since he’s been involved. I hear in my head, Wilson’s admonition to Cameron back in “Love Hurts” about the potential fallout if things don’t work out.
On the other hand, it is six years later and House’s psyche (“therafied,” drug free and anti-depressed as it has been for a year) may be able to better withstand the rocky shoals of a real relationship than he has been in years. For Cuddy, the risks are different but just as great. As dean—and House’s boss—she needs to prove both to herself and the hospital staff that she can rein in the village maverick. But she also needs to prove to House that she really can control him. He is so good at finding the weak spots, that if she doesn’t show him right off that he can’t get away with more than he had before, chaos will reign.
Interestingly House has no interest in testing Cuddy's authority nor the bounds of her position as his boss). House is solicitous to a degree not seen since the end of season four. Astute fans (and my readers are among the most astute on the planet) should recall another time when House has been so destructively deferential (and against his better judgment). That, of course, was in “Wilson’s Heart,” at the end of season four.
Back then, House was concerned about Wilson. Over and over in that episode, House backs off the riskier (and perhaps more effective) choices to resist making waves with Wilson (and perhaps risking their relationship).
Cuddy is taken a bit taken aback at House’s compliance. You would think she would appreciate this new and more malleable House, but she seems unsettled by it. And this forms the core conflict of their first week as lovers as they grapple with how their relationship can possibly, and at all, work while keeping the hospital standing and the relationship secure. “I just don’t want our relationship affecting our jobs—or the other way around.”
When Della requires a lung transplant and her body rejects the donor lung, the 14-year old and her parents are faced with an impossible choice. Della’s brother is a match, but a donating such a significant organ may cut his lifespan even further, perhaps in half. Do the parents ask this of themselves and their son—or risk losing both of them: Della immediately and her brother within a few short years?
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Kristin
As usual BB, I totally agree with your thoughts on the show. It is nothing less than I expected from some of the best writers in Hollywood today. I knew they could handle this relationship well and within the world of House. I am amazed at how brilliant they have done.
The storyline was touching and fast paced. House and Cuddy are honestly the most accurately portayed couple out there on tv today. They are middle aged, realistic and touching.
I look forward to the next episode and until you mentioned it, I didn't even realize it was Amy Irving. WOW! I haven't seen her in a while. Still love the movie, "Crossing Delancey".
2 - Orange450
Thank you Barbara! Great review of a wonderful episode.
I just loved it. Solid, well-rounded, well-balanced. All the plotlines beautifully interwoven. In fact, I had a mental picture of all the storyballs - skillfully set into motion by master-juggler Eli Attie - describing graceful arcs as they swooped thought the air, until he gently caught each one as the final credits rolled :)
I thought the PoTW story was unusually gripping. In fact, I actually thought that the difficult decision and resolution experienced by the family trumped the impact of House and Cuddy's air-clearing argument - although that was very powerful, and satisfying, as well. Both of them are staying very much in character, which doesn't surprise me, but is fun to watch.
For the record, I'd like to comment that House was wearing a PINK SHIRT. As I've observed in previous seasons, he reliably wears his pink shirt when he's happy. I was very glad to see it. I also noticed his elegant silver-tipped cane right away - another indication of celebration on his part.
All in all, I agree that the season is off to a terrific start.
3 - DebbieJ
I thought tonight's development of their relationship was handled well. We got an obligatory bedroom shot, which I'm not complaining about ;) and loved when he kissed her forehead. He actually smiled and I have to admit that did me in. But at the hospital, it was handled how I expected it would. At first I was a little concerned that he would be too compliant (so OCC), but there was a nice mix of compliance and rule bending on his part. Then loved how they threw a total House/Wilson moment in the cafeteria with the salad/french fries!
What I noticed about how the fellows reacted to the news - It was as if the writers chose each of them to react just how the fandom is split, Huddy shippers (Foreman), Huddy haters (Taub) and those who are indifferent (Chase).
The sorely-missed clinic story was absolutely priceless tonight! How very funny! House's one liners about the patient's age just killed me! And, did you notice he pocketed $20 out of the deal? ;)
4 - Sera G
Dear Barbara,
As usual, a wonderful recap/review of "Selfish." I, too, enjoyed this episode very much, maybe more for what it avoided. They could have written that he was going to show the team that he was his own man, not on Cuddy's leash, and act out just because that is what he might have done in the past. I don't want to see House be an a** just to be an a**. That is far too shallow for this character. The writers were very shrewd to show House detemined not to screw things up and therefore, almost doing so because he wasn't being true to himself. It reminded me of the scene in "Softer Side" when he agrees to the parents' request for a test he knows their son doesn't need because he feels good and is not in pain.
Cuddy, too is determined not to ruin things. What they almost forgot is that what makes them such a great team professionally; the brutal honesty between them. As we have said, she gives him boundries and trusts that he knows what he is doing. I was about ready to shout at them both. The scene where they let loose; once again, not seeing anyone but each other and getting lost in the intensity of their exchange was a relief, exhilarating and dare I say it, a bit erotic.
A few more things that caught my attention on the first (of many viewings);
The love scene was delightful. It was light, more comfortable and funny. I loved last week, but the love scenes had such undertone. I want to see these two play. You know it will be fantastic. I am thrilled to see how physically demonstrative House is to Cuddy, stroking her skin, many kisses. As we have said before, he is not a toucher. Cuddy was touching House more, too. I noticed she didn't do too much of that last week. Perhaps holding back, letting him take the lead. As you have said, he pulls back when others move forward before he is ready.
Robert Sean Leonard can reduce me to out loud laughter with a look, a raised eyebrow. He is a marvelous foil for House.
How do they manage to film a scene?
The father/son team were a hoot. Those guys were great. Their family dynamic was the perfect mirror for being so unselfish that you end up hurting the one you love (not to mention yourself).
The family story was very touching.
All in all, a really strong second episode.
BTW, can't wait to see Amy Irving. I loved her in Yentyl. Candice Bergin as Cuddy's mother will be sheer delight. I want to see mother/daughter interaction; not to mention how Mrs. Cuddy and House get along. She might just appreciate him as much as her daughter does.
Again, thanks, Barbara. You are the best!
Sorry, that went on longer than I intended!
5 - Lynn D
Did anyone notice House's comment to Della's brother, "damage has a way of spreading to everyone around you." What do you think we should make of that?
6 - PH
An excellent episode. House has his groove back!
I felt Hugh's influence on 2 of the most hilarious scenes. The "I think you straightened out my limp a little", and his "cause let me tell you, she actually does go south" scenes just reeked of HL's humor.
The entire episode (first two drawn-out minutes excluded), meshed well together. The clinic, the POTW, the cottages' interactions and House's smart ass quips, rang like the House of old. Bravo to the writers and crew!
Glad to see Taub get some meaty dialogue also. Peter Jacobsen is quite adept at delivering his kidney punches. I was quite surprised that Foreman wasn't throwing it back in House's face concerning his relationship with a co-worker. But I've noticed he's been rather supportive of House ever since their karaoke date. :)
My fave part was Cuddy storming into House's office to challenge his "she sits around on her bureaucratic ass" remark.
HL performed his crawl-under-a-rock lines to perfection!! Seeing a 'whipped' House, albeit short term, was the equivalent of getting a cheesecake on my birthday... with ice cream... oh, and a little fudge.
7 - PH
Oops, forgot one thing.
Is anyone else finding the kissing scenes a bit too closed-mouth?
I mean, open those lips Hugh, like you did for the Cameron kiss and live a little.
8 - Zay
"I mean, open those lips Hugh, like you did for the Cameron kiss and live a little."
-- Well, Hugh is married and he's worked with Lisa Edelstein for years now. And he's expected to make out with her in front of the whole crew as well as the audience. I can understand if he's a little awkward about taking out every single stop. Besides, the love scenes looked great anyway, so I don't think it's a problem.
For me, it was a very strong epi - as everyone else is saying, vintage House, cursing the commercial breaks, laughing (RSL steals every one of his scenes, even the one where Cuddy groped House's package) and just all around thinking, trying to reason out the ethical dilemma. I also loved the performance by Della's brother. He was excellent.
As Sera G said, it was nice to see them "play" a little this week. Last week was playful, but there were layers there, kind of like an unreality - they romped around last week just to get used to the idea. This week, it was comfortable and the great banter we've loved so much came back. Now that House has actually seen the body he is always mocking, it gives his remarks an extra edge - and all the groping was both sweet, invasive and hilarious. There were so many Houseisms this week too!
Overall, it's definitely an episode to watch again. Dunno how anyone can keep complaining about Huddy now. I really think they are going to make this season shine.
9 - Delia_Beatrice
Dear Barbara and fellow "House" lobers,
I couldn't be happier with this episode. It was a perfect sequel to last week's emotion-loaded premiere, and it reveals the beginning of a new "House"-era, which, just as Barbara beautifully pointed out, will be a marvelous ride for viewers.
I applaud the return of clinic duty, and with such a classic-"House" case. I applaud it with my hands AND feet - to many, many returns this season!
To pick up on the selfish/selfless dichotomy that Barbara talks about, i would say that i agree: House and Cuddy, just like everybody else, were being both selfless and selfish. If nothing else, it brings back the echo of something that House states very often: that any selfless act is ultimately a selfish act too, if only for the satisfaction it provides to the person doing it, and also because it is usually deeply motivated by fear.
In this case, in regard to House and Cuddy, i would say that the selfless part emerges from the abandon they both allowed themselves to give into. So much in love and finally free to explore and indulge the feeling, they are both overwhelmed with their joy and emotions, and as true lovers do, they lose themselves in one another. The personal boundaries wiped out, the professional identities blurry, they are lost in each other and in their feelings and find it very hard to pull themselves out of the wonderful abandon and regain hold of who they are - other then each other's lover.
The selfish part, as Barbara pointed out, comes from their fear not to shake things up in their new (and still fragile) relationship. We all know how much is at stake here. House has entered this with all his heart and hopes for a less miserable existence, and for him, this is his one grand chance on so many levels, it feels only natural that he is terrified of making any wrong moves.
For Cuddy, apart from the professional stakes that Barbara points out, there are also the personal ones. Cuddy herself has undergone a long, long journey of self-discovery and self-awareness, and she has tried several recipes for happiness, that failed her to different extents, until she finally had the courage and maturity to admit that nobody but House can ever fill the void in her life. So her stakes in it are huge too - perhaps the failure of Huddy would not leave Cuddy as devastated and broken as House, but still - he is the one for her, the one that nobody else can ever replace, without whom her life is far from being complete.
On Taub: yes, i believe House was right. Taub is aware of the mess in his own personal life and i think he did enjoy having House's company - and it must be incredibly haunting for him to see that even House, the pathetic misanthrope, has a better chance at happiness than he does.
The episode was indeed lighter in many ways - and highly enjoyable. A few moments that were delightful to the extreme:
- the smile in the lobby, after the classic "mom!!!!!" - and the look on House's face as he says he can wait until lunch to make their relationship public - such pride and joy and excitement on his face: Barbara, congrats for using the most appropriate expression to describe it: "ready to conquer the world with Cuddy at his side"!
- House's reaction to Cuddy's crotch grab - HILARIOUS: that naughty smile and the "she didn't even ask me to cough" and "i think you straightened my limp"...
- their smiles and eye contact after the "she does go south" comment in the HR office - so naughty, so satisfied, accomplices in love:)
- House's repeated, apologetic "i said well-formed", as the ultimate defense to the "bureaucratic ass" line. It cracked me up, it was so typically masculine and incredibly funny
- House fully aware of her facial microexpressions and what they mean: the way he kept going about her "head tilt" and "half raised eyebrow", in classic House style: how well he knows her, how passionately he observes her
- the bed scene: the way he rolled all over her and took her with him as he reached for the phone (so sexy, because it showed just how tiny and powerless she is in his arms), the kiss on the forehead, how he kept his right arm under her all the time, her caressing his arm, the very sexy way in which he mocked her "really", and their natural and happy smiles
- Lisa's soft look of abandon when she says "i should probably be more mad at you": summing up the whole episode, their impossibility to draw any boundaries and regain control over their professional selves, because of how overwhelmed with love they are at this point
- the way she took his hand from her bottom as they enter the elevator - in the now classic Huddy hand clasp
- in the final scene in the elevator, Cuddy is looking forward with a beautiful smile on her face, while House is looking at her, watching her reaction, just watching her.
Also, Barbara, i fully agree that we are privileged to assist at the reenactments of many famous House-Cuddy scenes from the past. Many moments have and will be replayed, like the ones from "Let Them Eat Cake", thus offering a long-awaited healing for our frustration and disappointment over the years, at all their missed opportunities and wrong timings and mistakes and misunderstandings.
Lovely episode and what great hopes for what is to come!
10 - Eileen
"Overall, it's definitely an episode to watch again. Dunno how anyone can keep complaining about Huddy now. I really think they are going to make this season shine."
I couldn't agree more! Great episode, fabulous review, and, as always, very insightful comments.
11 - Delia_Beatrice
PS: Barbara, i hope it's OK to say this here: for everybody who is a fan of the Hugh-Lisa / House-Cuddy chemistry, it will probably please you to take a look at the new TV Guide interview they gave. Apart from the stunning photos, the interview simply burns the page with their extraordinary chemistry, playfulness and humor.
12 - Colin
PH ,you are absolutely right, the episode meshed great and was hilarious,I found myself laughing the most at Wilson's expression when he realized the salad wasn't house's ...epic expression haha. Love reading your comments by the way, short and to the point :)
13 - barbara barnett
The moments between House and Cuddy were, of course, great. I loved the scene of H and C in bed (and the knowledge that he slipped the nanny and extra $40 to stay another hour). He's very tactile and I had always figured that once in love House would be romantic, possessive, and pretty darn devoted. We've had so many clues in the past into his heart. It's a lot of fun having all that validated!
14 - Blackberry
I agree with much of what has been said. Hugh Laurie and Lisa Edelstein are great actors who can bring so much nuance to the roles. The supporting cast provide so much as well and together the ensemble is excellent. Add into that the high quality writing and the result is a totally watchable new series. I'm not going to miss it.
15 - Delia_Beatrice
Oh, Barbara, that last line of yours sounds like it's come out of my mouth. Adding "tactile" and "romantic, possessive and pretty darn devoted" to House's previous list of attributes takes me to an even further level in my adoration for him. The sky is the limit...
16 - Janine
loved this episode and can't wait to watch it again. My only complaint 9and its not eve really a bad thing) is that the episode ran three minutes over just so it would be a stronger lead in for Lone Star and I missed the begining of my show at nine. But at least there were three extra minutes of House ( when i saw teh clock say 8:59 I thought oh god, one minute left, this is gonna have a bad ending, but I got a pleasant surprise)
17 - Janine
BTW did anyone else notice that the mom was Flo the progressive lady?? That distracted me for a good portion of the episode
18 - Ellen
Barbara: As usual, you nailed it! This was classic House. So many great scenes it would take forever to disseminate them all! Next week looks just as great.
19 - Erin Koch
I loved the review Barbra! I am a big fan! I was so happy that the show ended on somewhat of a happy note and not a sad one. In your personal opinion do you think the House and Cuddy relationship will work out in the long term? because everybody is saying including LE and Hugh that the relationship is doomed to fail! So, I was just curious about what your take was on the longtivity of the relationship.
20 - ruthinor
Enjoyed the review very much. Loved the episode. The only problem I had was with my DVR (I don't think Tivo has the same problems). I thought I was safe because I also chose to program my DVR for Lone Star, so I would see all of House. It didn't work. Several minutes at the end of House were chopped off, including the most crucial scenes. I was watching live, so I didn't miss those scenes, but I can't see them again. If others had this same problem, this episode will be replayed on USA in a week or so (w/o the annoying Lone Star ads), and hopefully fit into an hour. This episode seemed to have so many long breaks for ads, more than usual. BTW, I did watch Lone Star last week and it wasn't bad. Just didn't see it as the incredible show the critics loved.
I will be so disappointed if these two flame out. They are so good together. And I don't think the series loses by having them together, trying to work things out amid a very intense work situation. I hope we see them go to House's therapist together (I just love Andre Braugher...and what happened to that terrific series with him and Ray Romano??). Looking forward to the rest of the season.
21 - genagirl
But it was boring. I like House being House, not this version of him. I had to fast forward through all the Cuddy scenes. I did, however, pause on the Wilson scenes. RSL can do not wrong. He's the only saving grace on the show any more. If House doesn't "snap out of it" I'm going to have to watch Dancing with the Stars.
22 - barbara barnett
genagirl--I will respectfully disagree. Yes, this was not House being House, but that was completely acknowledged by both House and Cuddy at the end--and that was the whole point. House was NOT being House and they both know it can't work that way.
23 - Michele1L
Loved it loved it loved it! I'm loving the way these great writers are handling this relationship so far. As long as House and Cuddy are still House and Cuddy, I foresee nothing but a great ride -- no matter where it ends (although, if they remain who they are, I don't see it ending.) The return of the banter, arguing in the workplace and their playfulness with one-another. -- And this love scene was appropriately more relaxed than those in the first episode. -- Perfect. -- And I loved the clinic story with the elderly gentlemen. The loveliest part of it for me was that House actually returned their money.
DebbieJ- What a keen analogy about the different reactions from House's team about Huddy. The writers probably did that deliberately. (They don't seem to do anything on this show without careful consideration.) How smart that was to have each of House's team members represent a different position on the Huddy relationship!
PH - Those kisses look pretty convincing to me.
SeraG #4- Totally agree with you about Robert Sean Leonard. One of his funniest reactions for me was when he heard House speak Hindi for the first time. (The episode where House gave himself a migrane.) -- I howled with laughter.
Janine#17 - Yep! I noticed Flo straight away. I've seen her in other comic roles before, but this is the first time I saw her in a dramatic role. She was quite good.
Zay#8 - Not the first time House has seen Cuddy's bod. They slept together many years before when she was an undergrad. (Backstory, of course).
The one thing I did miss in this episode was the female perspective on the team. I look forward to the eventual return of thirteen -- in the meanwhile, it will be interesting to see Amber Tamblin join the cast soon as a temporary replacement.
24 - Janine
@Ruthinor
I agree the Lone Star commercials were annoying as hell, I counted 7 in the span of the episode. I'm guessing that on USA they will just cut some of hte add time at least for the first airing. After that they might cut scenes (thats what they did with Last Resort in reruns)
25 - Val S
Hello Barbara and fellow commenters!
Barbara: enjoyed another great in-depth look at 'Selfish' and my two great viewings of this episode. Yes, Attie does pull some great stories and this was no exception. It is so great how Laurie and Edelstein are both spot-on their characters; they must both have a great feel and understanding of them. We've had glimpses of how honest and open House can be in the past; it's great to see a follow through. Not out of character at all. The bedroom scene was my favorite of the evening with the blow-up a close second...I didn't realize just how much I missed them last season. Right before House's rant, he seemed to almost have an epiphany that he HAD to do it; to go with his gut even if (and maybe hoping) it would get Cuddy to react.
I am throughly enjoying all the comments and insights brought to the discussion of last weeks episode that went on for a good part of the week! I want to add to those who paralleled H and C to potentially be similar to Furillo and Davenport on the 80s classic Hill Street Blues: after reading the comments I had to go back and Hulu a few episodes and--wow! I couldn't agree more. It is interesting to me that their relationship had been established since the pilot (definitely different than H/C and not something seen a lot today unless the couple is married), but it appeared the an episode (at least those that I've seen so far) ended with them, in one form or another discussing and supporting each other. I could completely envision such interactions btwn House and Cuddy...perhaps even more since she is more connected to him at work than Furillo was to Davenport...had to put my two cents in on that :)
Michele1L #23: I missed 13 too!...and a female perspective. Particularly since 13 seems to have a keen insight and/or perspective on House that none of the other fellows do. Remember that she was the one to note that House favored romanticism or steady relationships (one of the two; maybe both). Since the beginning, I've always loved her one-line insights into House(almost like she was confirming our thoughts, or helping us and others understand him)and it is missed. But, I do like AT...thought she was great in Joan of Arcadia and even remember her on General Hospital...one of House's favorite early soaps, if I recall correctly :)
Two episodes in...great season. Now I know why I trust the House powers so faithfully...haven't let me down yet.