House has been holding back his feelings for Cuddy, choosing to act against his natural inclination and be a grown up about it. Likewise, he trying to be an adult and not interfere with Wilson and Samantha. He’s trying not to act out, but there is a personal cost for him.
The pain is worse (likely exacerbated by his internal anguish—and he looked pretty down for most of the episode), and the ibuprofen is probably irritating his stomach (anyone notice how he was holding it when he went to speak to Wilson?). It could also be his liver, but off Vicodin, it’s not likely that.
But House’s choice to play along with Wilson is a good one and he proves to himself that he can actually have a civil social night with 13—and with Foreman and Chase. I loved the scene in the lesbian bar with 13. She has had his number since season four. He doesn’t intimidate her or put her off. She is more direct with House than anyone else—but never from a disdainful or nasty way like Foreman or Taub. Likewise, House has mentored her and protected her since the beginning. I don’t see them at all romantically involved (as he says to Wilson, he can’t sleep with her—she’s his student!)
I also liked the karaoke bar scene with Chase taking the lead on “Midnight Train to Georgia” with House and Foreman singing backup. Jesse Spencer has a nice voice and the choreography (which I understand they did themselves) was delightful! It was nice seeing House have a purely for fun diversion, kicking back with two people he’s worked with for six years. None of them have chosen to be with each other, having either been paid or (in House’s case) persuaded into it; but the manipulation seemed to work and divert House from his sadness and pain.
And then there was House playing relationship fixer with Taub. Great stuff and classic House to do something nice in the most convolutedly annoying way possible.
But in the end, although House has fun with them, he can’t change who he is, no matter how much he might want to do that. House is a loner even in a room full of people (“House Divided,” 5x22). “Wisdom is knowing the difference between what you can change and what you’re born with,” House argues, just before he gets his patented epiphany moment. He can be friends with he fellows: it becomes a valid choice for him—but what prevents him? House defeats the idea before it can hurt him. But Wilson counters that House is being a coward by “labeling what you don’t want to change as being innate.”
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - byzantine
Dear Barbara,
I’ve been looking forward to reading your thoughts on this episode. And how beautifully you’ve put them together. Thank you.
I cannot believe that I am the first to comment and here I am bravely taking this first step:) The episode elaborates on some of the ideas broached in the past three weeks: about facades, appearances and oscillating identities. We can make ourselves think that things are certain way, that we are certain way, but we ultimately and always revert to our nature. People don’t change which has been House’s mantra since day 1. The parallel between House and the patient was clear, the two of them wavering between the at least two identities they have chosen for themselves. At the end they were both displaced, had no place or someone to go to (well, House does but it is more in theory than it is in practice)
I absolutely loved the last scene between House and Cuddy. It was so powerful in its simplicity and so foreboding. There was something in the choice of showing the characters’ profiles: first Cuddy, than House, than Cuddy. As an art historian I could not help but think of Pierro della Francesca’s famous double portrait of the Duke of Urbino Federico da Motefeltro and his wife Batista Sforza, both shown in profile, both intended to be seen and experienced together. Was this a veiled reference to renaissance portraiture? I do not know, but why not. There was something so poignant about the artistic choice that made me think about the importance of the face, and especially of the one better, or bad, side or half, we tend to show in photography, literally, and in life, metaphorically. The face is also our façade, and in the case of House and Cuddy we literally saw only half of theirs. What is on the other side? This is the question that plagues me. Is it pain and depression for House, and pretence of happiness and fulfillment for Cuddy? Was the fact that House was playing poker when she walked into his office significant? Should we, the audience, think that House has assumed a ‘poker’ face"one that reveals almost nothing of the true story?
I am surprised that after watching, and re-watching every episode of House shown, I still have no idea where all this is going. I have to admit that I am dreading the last two episodes, because I have a feeling that the “Knight Fall” might be a nightfall. Which is never good.
2 - rsg
Barbara thank you for your review! You have become essential to my House experience.
I was so happy viewing this episode! Even though I have enjoyed this season, I felt like the House, (show and character), I know and love had finally returned. I'm sorry to know that the season is ending so soon though.
3 - marykir
This episode really got me to thinking about the difficulty of writing House episodes. It was very well done; I enjoyed it; and it all felt very, very familiar. The writers could easily have written 130 "classic" House episodes like this over the last 6 seasons. But if they had, would viewers (and former viewers, for that matter...) still be so invested in the show? Or would if just be one of those shows you sort of half-watch while folding your laundry or paying bills because you more or less know what's going to happen?
4 - Meena
Barbara, thank you for your great review.
And Byzantine, thank you for the Duke of Urbino reference! I always learn something from the show, and certainly from its astute viewers who are so kind to share their knowledge here. I remember studying that painting in college, now that you mention it (but that was some distant and faded memory:) ).
I feel I need to watch this episode again to digest it - but speaking of profiles, one thing I did notice was that the bride at the very beginning was also shown in profile, framed from a distance. It felt to similar to how House and Cuddy were framed at the end, with a certain air of quiet mystery.
I think weddings, too, are a time of putting on a facade - not saying that weddings are false, but there is the act of presentation, of trying to control how one is perceived. Still thinking this one through...
5 - Michele1L
This episode reminded me of why "House" is such a great show. Well-written, well-directed intricately weaving several arcs together, using all of the characters and especially, bringing House back to the center of what should always be his universe.
Barbara, great review. - I think it may be House's liver and I fear he may be destroying it. What I've learned about subtlties on this show is that they cannot be overlooked -- and I, too noticed House rubbing his upper right abdominal area -- which I believe is the liver area. Perhaps, though, you're right and it is his stomach. Ibuprophen can cause stomach bleeds. If it were his liver, the writers would have an opportunity to bring House's biological father into the picture, if House were to require a transplant, because, being a drug addict, he would never get on a transplant list ... but, of course, I'm just speculating.
Pathetic and sad as it was, I loved the scene between Cuddy and House at the end. I have felt from the last three episodes that Cuddy has been reconsidering her decision to get involved with Lucas rather than giving House a chance. I believe it was inspired by Wilson's renewed relationship with Sam. I don't believe Cuddy simply wants to be House's friend -- I think it was a "safe" thing for her to say to him, because I feel in a lot of ways Cuddy is as much the emotional cripple as House. It's difficult for her to just come out with her feelings for him. I believe her asking him to dinner was about taking baby steps toward what might be possible between them beyond the hospital. In my view, he should have gone --Lucas or no Lucas. It's not as if she's married. He had no problem trying to pry Stacey, who was married, away from Mark -- or having relations with a married-with-child Lydia. It's so interesting -- he went out with all of his team -- initially with resistance, but the one person he really longs for, when she genuinely reaches out to him, he refuses. (sigh) As much as he says he no longer wants to be miserable ... he has become so comfortable in his discomfort, he insists on remaining there. I feel so bad for this character. I both fear and look forward to the future, and I know the final episode of this season will have me dying for the Fall to come.
6 - tigerfeet
Thank you Barbara, for yet another great and insightful review.
I loved this episode, much to contemplate. You and the above commentators have already eloquently expressed my concern for House’s current frame of mind. It was lovely to see a long awaited “Huddy-moment”, and I am delighted that he again has expressed his feelings for her. It’s important that Cuddy know. Hopefully this will lead to more interaction between these two next season. I almost don’t care what type, as long as there is some! (Here I define “Huddy” as anything going on between them, not necessary a romance.)
On a lighter note, “Pottery by Taub”! LOL. And it was great to see a rare smile from Foreman at House’s joke ”You should be a doctor.” I also absolutely loved the scene around the table where House was about to drink the coffee with the patient’s breast milk in it!! Superbly acted by Hugh and the rest. Of course he was only screwing with them, he never intended to drink it (imo). So even if he seems to be more and more depressed, he can still have some fun. Like the karaoke " what a fantastic trio they made!
Marykir # 3 " I follow you completely.
Looking forward to the last two episodes, but also sad that it’s almost over for now…
7 - PH
Again, thanks for the review Barbara. You always point out aspects that I hadn't considered.
I loved the scene of House waking up in Esteban's bed. Alongside a police escort, his one-liner, "I met the neighbor's", was CLASSIC and had me ROFL.
I love the extra dimensions that the writers put into each episode.
Something as simple as showing House playing online poker lets us delve into his psyche even further. His self-induced isolation has not only changed his relationship with Cuddy, but has even cut him off from Drycleaning Man and Bus Stop Guy.
As Nolan has pointed out to him, isolation breeds depression. But House has had a narrow focus this season. Cuddy. His socialization skills/practices have suffered.
With only 2 epi's left for the season, we will soon learn where this destruction takes him.
Just one peeve for TPTB... Wilson & Sam need to brush or gargle before their early morning trysts. I couldn't stop saying Ewww.
8 - simona
Thanks for the review Barbara.
This time the writers did a wonderful job!
[H]ouse speaks directly to my stomach, some episodes more than others and this is one of these.
I state that my personal popularity rating with House is “shed tears” and this time I paid a lot. Huddy’s final scene was really heartbreaking and made palpable the profound House’s awareness, House who always anticipates all perceptions to what is happening. But mostly I was struck House’s gaze, the look of a man who sees "beyond", a man who already knows the answers to the questions. His eyes spoke throughout the episode. And in the end he had the look of one who has chosen. This time he chose to be honest with himself first. He has become the questions and was given the answers. And he answered everything about his situation, looked himself without screens, helpless.
Cuddy: Your patient will go home tomorrow
House: he has never a home
Cuddy: I just wanna us to be friends.
House: Funny. That´s the last thing I want us to be.
And throughout the interaction with Cuddy, House never looked down, he always looked straight in her face with a direct and disarming gaze. He looked down, exhausted, only after she leaves the room.
Here, I think that Cuddy as she went away has felt helpless and equally exhausted. I do not think that her proposal for a dinner was only an offer of friendship but it concealed a deeper, unspeakable and unconscious need. The need of House.
About the other events I need to see the episode again, and again and again :-). So much stuff to think about. Actually I can only add that the karaoke scene saddened me, I have not found it funny, House seemed resigned and sad.
@byzantine: "face is also our façade, and in the case of House and Cuddy we literally saw only half of theirs".
Very interesting thought...
9 - nc
When House woke up in the neighbor boy's bed and saw strangers' faces looking back at him, I thought he was hallucinating. The scene certainly played out to give that first impression.
And that line in the chorus of "Midnight Train to Georgia": "I'd rather live in his world than live without him in mine." Yikes! That could apply to every one of them. House regarding Cuddy (and vice versa). Chase (perhaps) about his life with Cameron. Et cetera.
I feel equal measures of dread and anticipation, waiting to see what lies ahead and feeling certain that if good things spring from these remaining two episodes, they probably don't "pay off" during this season. Quite the contrary.
10 - Orange450
Barbara, thanks for a great review, as always. Thanks also to David Hoselton for doing a masterful job of gathering up several critical threads introduced but left dangling in recent episodes, and weaving them into a tapestry which is starting to look like the lead-up to a season finale. And especially for infusing House with the deep humanity which has been a little less evident lately, especially in last week's episode. In fact, there was something so vulnerable about the first sight we had of him last night, sprawled fully dressed and fast asleep on the neighbor kid's bed, that I actually said "poor baby" out loud. Not what I usually say when I first see him! (For a moment I actually thought that the rocket ship sheets were his own. It wouldn't have surprised me :))
After the initial reference to his drinking too much (I guess Sam is having the same effect that Amber had on House's perception of his relationship with Wilson, and House is falling into an old pattern) I waited the whole episode for that theme to be picked up again. It was worth the wait, with the interaction with Cuddy as the emotional cause of physical pain, the low cross-view of the ibuprofen bottle, and then the shot of whatever he was drinking. His "choice", in a way. What a brilliant way to forge all the elements into one incredibly evocative scene!
It seems that faith in the writers is its own reward. I finally get it that we're experiencing a brillaint contrast from the lead-up to S5's end, when it was obviouse that House's world was falling apart. Then, every episode saw the tectonic plates crack a little more, and finally we watched him fall into the abyss. During much of S6 things have seemed to move right along (what with the nice new apartment and all) but as you point out - all is not well under the surface. No coincidence that the past few episodess have focused on surface relationships masking deep truths quite different from what's immediately apparent.
The lack of self-worth referenced with William of Knight Fall, (whose Lady Fair is committed to someone else who is "better for her", so he'll step aside - for her happiness - and let the "better" guy have her. Shades of Cuddy and Lucas?) gives way to Ted's self-loathing. Poor House! How sad was it when he asked Wilson how much had to be paid for his fellows to hang out with him??
I'd definitely felt that Taub's fidelity issues just aren't interesting enough by themselves for so much attention - only if we're gaining insight into House. But last night began to justify the time spent. Choices. OK, you are who you are. You get to choose how you live your life, but to what extent can one successfully struggle against the innate? And how do we learn what is innate and what isn't? It's all about House - delicately layered in narrative about Taub and the PoTW. David Hoselton composed an intricate fugue of an epsiode - tossing the melodic lines lightly from one voice to another :)
That was a great line from 13: "ok, so my self-pity is optional. What about yours?" No matter how sorry Hugh Laurie makes me feel for House, he deserves that line. (I'd almost forgotten about the Huntington's.) I also thought that "Get them all in the same room and get the truth" seemed like good foreshadowing - but of what? Taub, Rachel and paramour? Cuddy, Lucas and House? Wilson, House and Sam? All of the above? Many possibilities.
When House commented that Ted has no home to go to - I was afraid that was a foreshadowing too. And not a happy one for House. I can't wait for next week! One good thing about an upcoming season finale is that we won't be in suspense about all of this for too much longer.
11 - DebbieJ
I loved the issue/topic the POTW faced, how it wasn't black or white but such a shade of gray. So many points of view on the subject of an individual's sexuality. And the whole debate as to whether being gay is a "choice" or being born that way. I have to say I loved 13's expression in the patient's room when he declared "I'm as straight as any of you".
I again found 13 integral to the story and thought Olivia did an okay job (which is an improvement from previous seasons). I do enjoy her scenes with House.
House waking up in his neighbor's son's bed was funny, at first. Until you realize what had transpired. I was wondering what in the world was going on when I saw the rocket ship bed sheets. His grunt/growl when he realized he wasn't in his own bed was so funny, made funnier by Wilson's own grunt/growl when the cops brought House back to the condo.
Love how House "almost" drank the coffee with the breast milk a few times and the looks on the team's faces! Then the look on his face after they left! LOL
The karaoke scene was adorable, although a bit indulgent on Fox's part. Still enjoyed it, though and am glad that House realizes that he *could* be friends with Chase and Foreman outside of work. (baby steps)
Loved how House manipulated Taub into being faithful to his wife, which really is pathetic that it is necessary for him to do so. Just love the Housian spin.
And the last scene with him and Cuddy was so, so..... damn, I wish I could describe what it made me feel. A complete turn on for sure. His reply to her "I just want to be friends", was so sensual and so haunting at the same time. "Funny. That's the last thing I want us to be". The way he looked at her, almost willing her to respond. Or cower. But the look of pain/regret/sorrow in his eyes when she left was just heartbreaking. And then he goes into the drawer for his liquid pain killer :(
Glad to see Dr. Nolan back again next week. House definitely needs a visit with him.
12 - barbara barnett
Great to wake up to so many comments, and for the first time in months I have time to savor them and respond (the final edits for the book have been turned in--except for season six, of course).
Byzantine--congrats on being first to jump in! People don’t change which has been House’s mantra since day 1. The parallel between House and the patient was clear, the two of them wavering between the at least two identities they have chosen for themselves. At the end they were both displaced, had no place or someone to go to
House has tried this season (particularly in the second half) of fitting himself into a hole into which he doesn't fit. And it's been eating away at him. He tries (for Wilson's sake--and maybe his own as well, but unsaid) to be social. But he's still wary of that sort of socializing. I think House is the sort of person/character who forms a tie and is dedicated to it. If the tie is involuntarily broken, there comes a void which leave him adrift.
He enjoyed being with F and C. Clearly he had a good time. But what happens in the end game of that relationship? Is it reliable? House is doing the math and coming up with "they'll leave and I'll be alone anyway, so let's cut to the chase and skip the heartbreak." Obviously he didn't say that, but it may be his calculation.
I caught the line about the patient being without a home. The way he says it it's clear that it's something that resonates with House, who is feeling displaced from his comfortable home with Wilson. I find it interesting that when everyone expressed their concern about him, he didn't deflect. He sort of went along with it. Is House concerned himself that he's slipping backwards? Or is it that he'll accept whatever people say and then make whatever choice he wants: a facade of acceptance that falls away when people have left him alone? Just a thought.
Marykir--you raise an interesting point. I think that yes, this was a House "classic" sort of episode. Well written and nicely interwoven A, B,C and even D plot threads. It's the House signature. But what makes House great is the classic left turns and break-the-formula moments. Episodes that challenge and force you to put down the knitting. It always frustrates watching the show with my daughter who knits while we watch. She's only catching half the show and missing the nuance.
I can't help but compare House to Miami Medical, which I've caught several times because I adore Jeremy Northam. It's entirely predictable and everyone is so good and altruistic, I was actually shocked the first time I ran a comparison in my head between the two shows. This has been a season of "different" on House, which to me it's felt somewhat transitional. Then again, this is a transitional year for the character of House too.
Michelle said: I don't believe Cuddy simply wants to be House's friend -- I think it was a "safe" thing for her to say to him, because I feel in a lot of ways Cuddy is as much the emotional cripple as House. It's difficult for her to just come out with her feelings for him. I believe her asking him to dinner was about taking baby steps toward what might be possible between them beyond the hospital. In my view, he should have gone --Lucas or no Lucas. It's not as if she's married. He had no problem trying to pry Stacey, who was married, away from Mark -- or having relations with a married-with-child Lydia.
I think Cuddy wants to believe they can "just be friends." Another take on this is that she shares Wilson's worry about House, and feels some guilt about causing it. Back in Known Unknowns, House scoffed at the idea that he was so fragile emotionally that Cuddy had to keep Lucas a secret. But after months of accepting the relationship, he is very clearly not over her. Maybe Cuddy realizes that (it's just another interpretation of why she would choose now to approach him).
But House isn't letting her get away with settling for that. He doesn't want companionship (especially fueled by pity). He wants her romantically and sexually. He can't have that with her, and nothing else is going compensate for it.
nc: I had the exact same thought. I was going "Uh-oh" is House hallucinating? And I can totally see him with rocket ship sheets (but his bed linens at his apartment were always very standard issue and not childish).
Orange--The lack of self-worth referenced with William of Knight Fall, (whose Lady Fair is committed to someone else who is "better for her", so he'll step aside - for her happiness - and let the "better" guy have her. Shades of Cuddy and Lucas?) gives way to Ted's self-loathing. Poor House! How sad was it when he asked Wilson how much had to be paid for his fellows to hang out with him??
Very nice set up between patient and House as the weeks have gone by (for many of the episodes) drawing this line to where are going. House's self-worth has taken a real hit lately. I've also noticed how dismissive of House the team has become from time to time.
I loved so much about this episode. The Taub manipulation was absolutely classic House, but is was done well. You really never know if House's manipulations are benevolent or not (this year in particular).
The final scene I've already written about, but I believe that was a bottle of single-malt whiskey (If I read the label correctly).
13 - janine
I loved this episode!! I agree that is was a "classic" House and wove all the stories very well. I am so worried about House and where this season will lead. I have a sinking feeling that House will wind up back on vicoden or some equivilant. In Knight Fall, we saw him popping ibuprofin like candy, and this week that was not strong enough, he had to turn to alcohol. I hope that Cuddy soon makes her "choice" about whether she wants House or Lucas.
Hallucinations were actually the last thing I thought about when I saw House in the bed, I thought they were his sheets (also side note, spoilers for this episode had said that House would wake up in a strange bed next to a woman, yet another internet spoiler that has been proven wrong). One question though, if House was in the kids bed, where was the kid sleeping?
You all mentioned House holding his stomach in Wilson's office, and I agree that that is a sign of something, either liver failure or the desire to give up ibuprofin because it hurts his stomach. But, did anyone notice that when Thirteen was drinking in the lesbian bar, just before the scene ended, her hand shook (very clearly, as if deliberatly done by the actress)and House looked at it shake but didn't say anything? I wonder if this is a sign of her Huntingtons getting worse. In a recent interview, Katie Jacobs said that one of the characters not named House would be going though some drama that would resonate next season. Origionally, I thought this would be Taub with his marriage, but after this I am begining to think the character will be Thriteen.
Can't wait for next week for the return of Nolan and your interview with DE.
14 - barbara barnett
Janine--House explained that Esteban was sleeping in mom's bed (as he said--"fortunately"). House did notice 13's hand shake. He saw it while he was on the phone. He probably noted it and filed it. He'll be watching her much more closely, I'm sure. He looked concerned, but it was fleeting because he was talking to the team about the patient when he noticed.
15 - Sarah H
Agree with all that this was a wonderful return to House at its best. In addition to the other parallels between House and the POTW, I was wondering about how House views his own "conversion" therapy that's occurred over the past year. Many comments were made by House throughout the episode about the dubious, dangerous and ultimately ineffectual means of trying to change the POTW's sexual orientation -- I couldn't shake the thought that maybe House sees his own work as equally fraudulent, that he feels being the recovering addict, rejected-lover-but-trying-to-be-mature-about-it and "very nice man" and that Wilson called him a few weeks back just isn't who he is, any more than the POTW is straight. If so, it makes me look forward to next week with Nolan even more.
I loved the humor and the quickness of the humor this week. I also finally appreciated how much Chase, Taub and Thirteen have gelled as a team in the scene between the three of them in the lab (when Taub keeps saying that none of them have a reason to look at him). The team hasn't felt this solid to me since mid-season 3.
As for Thirteen's hand shaking, is that about when she was draining the last of her drink? I thought that was to emphasize the drops of water falling off her glass and lead to House's thought about leaking CSF. Or did I miss something?
Barbara, I love coming to this site and reading your reviews and everyone's comments. Thanks for adding to my House experience, and congratulations on the book!
16 - byzantine
You are right Barbara and you put it so clearly--House puts up a facade of acceptance, but that is all. I agree with Simona (#9) that he seemed resigned in this last episode; he went through the motions but I did not perceive sincere enjoyment. The change he has undergone so far has been on the surface, like changing costumes, as in Knight Fall.
On Cuddy going to him at the end--I think she is trying to avoid the grand disaster of last season, when she seemed aware of his condition but did nothing to remedy it. She is the queen of guilt. However, this does not dismiss the fact that she took the next logical step--he 'took' her for coffee in the previous episode by buying her the espresso machine (I cannot take credit for this idea, this was someone else's ingenious interpretation) and dinner is what one would expect to follow. I think that she was dishonest when she told him that she wanted them to be just friends and he caught her--he was his true self at that moment. This was the raw honesty that he uses to reveal the true motives for other people's actions.
17 - sheryl
Such wonderful insights here so far. I've been an avid reader of your reviews, Barbara, but this is my first post.
I can't help but think back to this season's "Wilson" episode--and in particular the scene where House pushes Wilson to express some anger. Wilson says something to the effect of, "You can't change a table," to which House replies, "Sure you can. You just have to be willing to use the can of paint," or something like that. I was always struck by that, because it signalled House's new acceptance of the idea that he himself could change. That early in the season, he was much more optimistic like that.
Now, that comment strikes a new chord with me. Painting a table doesn't really change it--it just changes its appearance. Seems to go nicely with the idea of facades that we've seen woven into the recent episodes.
One more quick comment. I used to follow one other newsgroup on House, but I'm finding it hard these days, as the posters there are so consistently negative. "Not enough X!" "Too much Y!" "Nothing's happening!" And yet there's such a richness in this season's threads and themes. This is the only place around where posters look more closely at the eps. There's a lot there, even if some of the stories this season (just most recently) have been less watchable. I chalk some of it up to poor scheduling, and too many hiatus, and of course, all of the thoughtful things already mentioned by Barbara and this crew.
Thanks for letting me share!
18 - xinyuActor
Great review again, Barbara, thank you.
Michelle-I'm all in with you about the Cuddy pretty much like House issue. When something got emotionally, they both will much likely screwd it up.
I'd rather believe that the House's stomach (or liver) stuff in Wilson's office will turn out as nothing more than a casual action of Hugh. Still remember the blur scene at the end of "Lock-in?" We've guessed over and over AND it was really a nothing! = = But I could be very wrong, could I?
And I cared the very last scene of this ep (I mean the booze scene) a lot. I've been thinking through this season about, after vicodin free, what would be next? And the answer finally goes: alcohol! We've learnd about House's bad alcohol habit before, but never have drunk like this ep. And at this point, the liver can be more convincing.
Particularly, after this episode I get a feeling back to season 2. It was soo House. Everything whatever, was all around House the character, and whatever happy things went along with him will ended up a sad, depressed House. Bad for the man, but hopefully good for the show.
I'm a none-English speaking fan from China, so hope I can at least made my thoughts clear. :(
19 - simona
Re-watching the episode I was particularly struck two times:
1 " “I don’t need a temporary, I need a permanent” (beginning of the episode, Cuddy said by phone when House comes to PPTH). Reminded me to Known Unknown when Cuddy told to Wilson that she needed “someone you can count on every day”. But at this point.... Who is really the one she can count on every day?
2 " “One night I was drunk and went to bed and he came into my room .....and one thing let to another”. (Ted speaking with Nicole about his gay-story). So, again Known Unknown, said by House to Cuddy during the breakfast about the beginning of the relationship with Lucas and mostly during the dance scene (unforgettable!)
I am always surprised about the authors' attention to details and how they can, eventually, compose the mosaic. I really think that there is a very significant link between all the individual episodes, a bond that probably will emerge only at the end of the season.
Actually the alcohol abuse together taking ibuprofen could cause serious damage to House. This is why there is a link to “Wilson” that worries me, when House said: “I am your friend too and I might need a piece of your liver.....”
God! this should not happen, please
20 - janine
@Barbara
thanks for clearing up the bed thing, I didn't catch that the first time.
@Sheryl
LOVE you're reinterpritation of the table quote from Wilson. that quote always resonated with me too, but I never thought of it they way you said. House is trying to change, but he can't change what is inside, like the patient.
@Shrah H
I also agree that the "new" team has gelled quite well in the last couple of episodes. They are quickly becoming my favorite team combonation, and I really hope none of them leave (many speculate they will because the three years is almost up, but since Chase and Foreman are still there I don't think that rule really applies)
21 - Ferejohn
Barbara, your essays, as always, are eloquent and huighlight bits I missed. One small complaint: How about adding a spoiler alert for the Jane Eyre reference :-}
22 - barbara barmett
Frerejohn--
I would never have thought to do a spoiler on Jane Eyre! Sorry if I spoiled it for you.
Read it anyway (or watch it--I recommend the Timothy Dalton BBC version)
23 - Val
Barbara, lovely written review. What an addition to such an intricate script full of depth. I will have to take another look at the episode.
As everyone else, I can't pass on commenting on the final scene. Beautifully written, directed, acted, lit...what else!? Just about everything. House's (show and character) mantra--that people don't change--was illustrated to a tee. While it was a poignant and telling scene it was also very Housian and very on-character for each of them.
My thoughts went straight to the roof scene with Stacy, when House had also made the choice of pursuing her, a married woman. "The prescription for his heart condition…” he had said. He had made his choice. For him, it was simple and he told her so. Again, the choice is simple for him. He can no longer only be Cuddy's friend: it's all or nothing, as it often seems to be in Housian logic. Perhaps that is where the poker comes in…being ‘all in’ or ‘folding’. In his simple statement and intense eye contact illustrated what play he is making. He is making the same play he did in season 2. He hasn't really changed, it only seems his approach is a bit different.
I am a fan of 13 and I continue to enjoy her involvement as a mirror, and even as an opposite from House. Her talk to the PotW at the end reminded me of House’s, except a bit more gentle. She is honest and even blunt, but not as harsh or even cynical as House. The more 13 reveals herself, the more Housian she seems…even more than Amber’s CTB persona. Conversely, the only other person at PPTH that rang with familiarity was Cuddy. The few times we’ve seen Cuddy interact with patients (typically, it seems, with expecting women) it was with a similar kind of approach, I think.
House’s nights out with the team were great! In season 3, we were never really sure if House opened that door to see C, F, and Cameron. We now see he has taken that step…that was a big one, indeed.
Am I the only one to think that maybe this season won’t end in gloom? The season started off quite hopeful. How crazy would it be for them to end on a (semi) hopeful note. That is certainly a state we’ve have not seen from House (show or character). Maybe?
24 - Jacquelyn
@byzantine - THANK YOU for the Pierro della Francesca reference! I could see that painting in my head as the scene played out; I just couldn't place it. It was also echoed in the very first scene with the fiancee about to walk down the aisle.
I, too, was literally left speechless and breathless at the final scene. I thought House's comment about the patient not having a home was intriguing. House, too, doesn't really seem to have a home. I've said this many times, that even though Wilson is House's best friend, there are so many times where his actions belie him. Paying the fellows to go out with House? What kind of friend actually DOES that? And I find it even more off-putting that the fellows would *accept* Wilson's money.
And the exchange between House and Cuddy. That was simply beautiful. The words, the angles, the lighting. What else could Cuddy do but walk out? What could she say to House? And you're right, you really can't say "I just want to be friends." The damage is done here - and House's statement has finally put the ball in Cuddy's court. I thought it was interesting how when she came into his office, he was playing a game of poker - alone - a nice contrast to last week's game between Wilson and Sam. Now House has laid all of his cards out on the table, and Cuddy will need to make the next play. He's All In now.
There were also a lot of great little quotes in this episode - the POTW on being as straight as anyone with Thirteen in the room, Thirteen's comment to House about self-pity (which reminded me of the exchange between House and Amber in Wilson's Heart; "Self-pity isn't like you" "No, well, I'm branching out from self-loathing and self-destruction"), the Greek references (with a dead-on accent!), and more.
I think it's going to take a third viewing before it all sets in - pretty remarkable how an episode that didn't quite catch my attention at the beginning (I was really tired on Monday night) had, by the end, done a complete 180 and has given me much to think about.
P.S. - Barbara, I'm starting to look forward to your reviews as much as the episodes themselves. Too bad I'll be out of the country for the last two episodes, but I'll be eager to see them/read your thoughts ASAP!
25 - Orange450
Barbara, at the risk of spoiling Jane Eyre a little more, I have to comment on your description of the "friend" scene. Regardless of what may have happened in the various movie and TV productions of the work - in the book itself, Rochester's response is not angry at all. It's: "Ah! Jane. But I want a wife". Prefaced by Jane's remark "he helped me". It's Jane who'd like to be more than a friend, but isn't exactly sure how Rochester will take to the notion. I've always loved that scene - so calm and gentle, yet so deep and true.
I deeply hope that in the fullness of time - and well before we have to say goodbye forever to our characters - House and Cuddy will come to a similar place of peace and understanding between them!