On the other hand, no one much likes House at this point. Wilson has had a year to reconsider their friendship, and at least at the beginning of the episode, seems to have moved away from his co-dependent relationship with his best friend, rejecting his bid for a renewed friendship. Wilson’s wrist may be healed, but House has a long way to go I think before this relationship is fully repaired.
Wilson is the avatar for an audience that finds what House has done to be indefensible. Not only had House destroyed Cuddy’s home with his car, he has driven her completely, and permanently away. As House is told, Cuddy has moved out of town to take another position, leaving the day after the crash.
Even the naïve Dr. Park seems to have little respect for House. When House offers his worldly advice, she is unafraid to quickly bring up how little that advice is worth, reminding him of what he’d done last spring.
In the end, after House finally solves the mystery of the broken lungs and the transplant is successful, House’s own transplant back into Princeton-Plainsboro society begins to take hold. Rejection is no longer an option. Wilson can’t quite convince himself that House is no longer his friend, extending an olive branch (well, his arm, actually, in a semi-cathartic punch to House’s jaw). Foreman rewards House for his efforts by securing (at least part of) his old private office, and his “stuff,” which had been in storage. But only his name adorns the glass door, his rank as a director in the hospital heirarchy is conspicuously absent.
I found “Transplant” to be a solid transition episode, bringing House back into his “normal” environment. After a year away, House needs to be off kilter in every way but his reasoning and genius for connecting the dots. House is somewhat jarring to me in how little remorse he seems to show; but that is House. When he feels the most, is when he seems to feel the least. He pushes back to avoid confronting the emotions that exist just beneath the surface.
One of the problems I’d had with the last two seasons is that we’d seen sometimes seen too little of that—when it seemed most necessary. In “Transplant” we were privy to House’s thoughts; we observe his discomfort in settling in, fitting in, to his new role; his is in limbo. We understand when House ultimately concludes that he is really a bird in a cage—and awaiting a new judgment about whether his own transplant would take. We see it in his eyes, his body language.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - HouseMDFan
Wow, there are quite a few things I disagree with, if you don't mind.
1. Foreman. I think he has A LOT of respect for House. Certainly professionally - why would he risk his own position by bringing him back otherwise? - and IMO also personally. The latter wasn't the case for a long time, but that changed at least since he witnessed House's outbreak in "Help Me".
2. That "still-seeping wound" as you call it. It's not. That was the whole point of "Moving On", to burn it closed so to speak. Of course, facing Cuddy again might bring some things back, but at this point, I don't think that there is this big torment underneath, more like a lot of regret, and that's not the same.
3. Wilson. The rift between House and Wilson wasn't half as deep this time as the one caused by Amber's death. And seriously, how typical that Wilson's own feeling are worth an in-depth comment only because he doesn't mention Cuddy. And no, he is not an avatar for the audience, finding House's action "indefensible". Because HE DOESN'T. He just came to the (wrong) conclusion that the amount of bad outweighs the good in his friendship with House. Which, wait for it, doesn't have anything to do with Cuddy. Wilson is his own person, and for once he OWNED that, by hitting House and then asking him out to dinner, making his own decision about what is good for him and what he needs in his life.
2 - HouseMDFan
Oh, in case that wasn't obvious from my comment: I loved this episode, Foreman works strangely well as the new DOM, Wilson was great, House "wandering the halls" was great, the new doc very intriguing, and the actors who played the POTW and family really good. I'm also strangely happy that they are keeping the small roles straight, like Simpson, who has been around since season one. And YAY for seeing House think.
3 - Ladidah
Great review Barbara! I think Wilson probably finds the crash as hard to talk about as House does. I wonder if resuming the friendship with House feels like a betrayal of Cuddy (who was obviously traumatised enough by the crash to leave the hospital 'her baby'). I actually think Wilson wasn't actually so much angry this episode, but deeply hurt (perhaps feeling a bit of guilt as well as a bit of a blow to his ego at having no idea what House was going to do). And I imagine the 3 months in a tropical paradise probably hurt him worse than the car crash. I think in a way Wilson knew he was going to take House back from the beginning of the episode - as House pointed out it was probably his prompting that got Foreman to spring House out of jail, and however much he may have told himself it was for his patient, I doubt it was the only reason.
I think we saw House's guilt (if not remorse) for what happened in the jerky way he say 'don't need the details' after learning Cuddy left. What we see this episode I think is House the survivalist, shutting out the feelings of guilt and abandonment and desperately (and perhaps somewhat selfishly) trying to cling on to whatever scraps of security he can find - his whiteboard, his ball, his best friend. He points out to Dr Parks how useless he thinks emotional freak outs are, and how much better to just focus o the moment at hand (and enjoy not being in jail). I wonder what will happen when the guilt over Cuddy catches up with him - or will he be able to out run it?
What did you think of the new Duckling? I liked her a lot, I think she has a lot of promise as a character, and I liked that we got a sense of how deeply attached she is to her family. It will be interesting to see how House interacts with her in the future.
4 - BrokenLeg
First of all thank you Barbara for your review and article.
Second, Bravo for using “cojones” to define braveness of little GH assistant, is very “graphical” and well used to a small and apparently fragile woman, although I believe non Spanish speaking people really do not understand it quite well (in your article context, in Spanish is not as offensive word as web translators can make understand…)
Third, although I’m still processing the episode, I smell slides in it. For example, how was able Foreman to find GH, while in this last year nobody contacted him, nor he contacted nobody, nor even is former friend Wilson, nor 13 (who is in some kind of debt with him because he re-hired her , and that is able to understand his jail situation because she experienced it before).
Fourth, although I’ve expected it, it’s sad to dispatch the absence of Cuddy with only one line in the episode. Really it shows clearly the way of thinking DS , PB and lately the writers had shown to fandom in interviews, as if she , Lisa Cuddy, or the actress, LE, were the real responsible ones of the turmoil that ”Moving On” Kaboom had generated ( that, at my eyes means total lack of self critic spirit)
You say on your article: “It is interesting that Wilson never really brings up the “Moving On” crash"or Cuddy’s departure. And I understand that. I’m sure that (for now) part of House is happy that he doesn’t have to face either Cuddy"or the reality of his actions. And I think Wilson is likely sensitive to the notion that House isn’t ready to deal with that still-seeping wound quite yet. So a little avoidance…maybe not such a bad thing. I’m hopeful that the impact of “Moving On” won’t disappear too soon, and will frame at least the deep background of episodes to come as House navigates his newly altered reality.”
I hope so. And I believe that seven seasons Cuddy’s role deserves a better closure than that single line in Foreman’s mouth. And GH needs to process it and confront it much clear than “Transplant” had shown.
And I agree with 1@HouseMDfan about Wilson.
Said that, for me “Transplant” was a quite good episode, medium-high level one. But very “housian”, although I hope more and better ones in the [H] future season.
5 - Barbara Barnett
HouseMDFan--I called it as I saw it. My opinion and your mileage may vary. House, IMHO, is carrying a lot unsaid. I don't think he's carrying a torch for Cuddy at all (unlike he'd carried for Stacy), and I think Wilson will move forward, but I also think he's right if he treads lightly for now--and I think he will. It's not about the "who" it's about the "what" and what House did (and knowing the guilt he always carries) will weigh on him, and affect his relationships. That's all I was saying.
I don't like House for what he did. I love the show, I loved the episode, but House hasn't quite (as a character) quite won me back--again, it's not the who, but what he did (ramming his car into a private home intentionally).
I understand why he did it, and why he HAD to do it. I don't applaud it.
6 - Susan
Before I read the review I wanted to ask why it's not in the "Welcome to the End of the Thought Process" section......
7 - Nickel
Hi Barbara, personally I was hoping that it was House that severed the relationship with Wilson. Every time Wilson states that "House is a good doctor" (never acknowledging as to whether he is a good man-Pilot and again here), makes me really realize that Wilson does not quite comprehend who House is and exactly what House does for Wilson on a more personal level. It has always been my position that House has been a better friend to Wilson (and Cuddy, for that matter) than either of them has ever been to him. Yes, Cuddy kept House out of prison in season 3, however she NEVER once acknowledges, even for a moment, that basically it was her ethical lapse which ultimately put him on the path that he is currently on. Not to mention the fact that her "helping" him avoid jail was not only conditionally, but she also played a big part in putting him in the position of having to steal the medication to ease the pain he was in.
I get that House wants to build this illusion of him being a sociopath, but seriously, Wilson should at least by now realize that House does feel things. I never once believed for a moment that it was Vicodin that sent him to Mayfield, I always knew it was grief and his inability to process that which caused his delusions. Even a first year med student would be able to recognize that his breakdown was EMOTIONAL, NOT DRUG INDUCED. As far as I am concerned, had House not crashed his car into Cuddy's dining room, he absolutely would have driven into traffic (thus killing himself) or just disappeared out into the world away from everything that anchored him to this world. I think his next trip to Mayfield would not have ended so well for him. So in a way, after having sacrificed every part of himself for Cuddy (Recession Proof), thankfully his rationality overtook him and he decided in that last moment to not give up everything for her. I never thought it was anger or jealousy that drove House to crash his car, but the reality that Cuddy did in fact once again prove him RIGHT. She discarded him, just as she did Lucas (and let's face it House, and we as viewers, know just how much she cared about Lucas). The moment that House told Cuddy that it was not her fault (whether because House knew Cuddy for who she is and accepted that in her...that she could not help who she is and would therefore "screw up every relationship she ever has", or it was his acceptance that he was just unlovable), either way, as soon as House assumed responsibility of their break-up Cuddy was then happy to move on to her next screw-up. I personally was happy to see House finally place blame at the doorstep of where it belonged. Granted quite explosively, but I do understand it. Actually, I believe this is a lesson that Cuddy desperately needed to learn....(after all Lucas could just as easily done the same thing to her for her treatment of him) she certainly taught it to House enough times...The Greater Good: HOUSE SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLES LIVES MISERABLE WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY THE CONSEQUENCES. Those were Cuddy's words. Seems fair to me. Enough on the rant of Cuddy....I am sooo glad that she is gone.
I will say the dynamic between House and Foreman I believe will be better for House as well as Foreman. I have never been a Foreman fan, however I will say that they do NOT have the baggage of mindgames (Cuddy/House definitely did there and could not trust eachother even when they were honest), and therefore might be able to work better together. Foreman was open and honest with House (which we all know is the only thing that House ever wants), and House did as Foreman asked-thus the give and take of respect. I was glad to see Foreman return that with House's office and "stuff".
I really like Dr. Park. I was sure that I was not going to, but I do. She is the perfect lump of clay for House to mold. House has always had the air of do as I say, not as I do- and she will eventually learn that his words of wisdom greatly outweigh his deeds.
I do hope that we have seen the last of the Neo-nazis from prison, however I have a bad feeling that we will see them again at some point. Can't imagine that they will let House's little rouse go unpaid. However, we did lose Moriarity to the abyss, so who knows.
One last question-any idea what bracelet House was wearing on his right wrist?
8 - Kelly
I agree with HouseMDFan on pretty much all of it though I do like your reviews more than others.
I believe Omar Epps said it himself in a TV guide online article that he thinks Foreman deeply respects and even likes House and feels Foreman is playing a role at helping House put his life back together.
As far as Wilson goes, no he really doesn't have anything to do with Cuddy as far as how he should or should not be treating House because of the crash. They had and still have a VERY independent friendship that has nothing to do with Cuddy. As far as Wilson staying angry at House longer: Why, what would the point be? As stated in HouseMDFan's comment; the rift was not half as deep as season five and honestly, House has done things for Wilson that have been good throughout the friendship and I think in the end do out weigh the bad for Wilson. I honestly wished they would have addressed why Wilson hadn't visited him in prison. Not because I don't think Wilson didn't have a right to be angry, but because they had a very strong and long term friendship that I thought would've been interesting to learn the feelings behind that decision.
Liked the episode and honestly, I hope it does just move forward from here & away from the crash. Frankly, he had a yr (8mos in prison) to feel his remorse and guilt. I think it's time we all moved on.
Thanks for the review, insightful as always!
9 - HouseMDFan
@Barbara - TBH, I don't quite see how what you said is an answer to anything I said. Especially this: "I think Wilson will move forward". But he already did! Right there in front of your eyes! He hit House, and then asked him out to dinner, with a quite symbolic "I want steak." no less. (He also thanked House, which is a once in a blue moon occurence.) I mean, what else do you need here?
10 - HouseMDFan
@Barbara, PS: Like Kelly, I do appreciate your reviews and the level of thought you put into the show, unlike a lot of other people out there, that's why I'm here in the first place. So the disagreeing is only an expression of my own love for the show.
11 - Kelly
Great comment Nickel!! Don't think there's anything I disagree with as far as House's relatonships with Wilson and Cuddy.
As far as the bracelet goes; I saw it on him in a recent iterview so I'm wondering if it's just a pesonal item for him that he's choosing to wear.
12 - BrokenLeg
10@HouseMDfan
I can’t speak by Barbara’s mouth, but, why do you feel yourself so guilty of having a discrepant opinion from her?( at least it seems to me because your last posts).
I believe she will enjoy and welcome all opinions while they stand inside the levels of civility. She is so generous to put this forum open to us. Discrepancy is always good. And adds as different points of views, as persons are posting. And that is always good. At least to me. I thank all of you able to post and add visions to details I forgot, or make questions I never make myself, or have points of views different to mine. Because here, all we share one thing: we are all [H ] lovers!!
And that is the only that matters.
13 - doddle
This episode was good, better than the premiere.
The chinese dr is interesting. I just have a conclusion : House is a lucky guy!
He's always ok, he has again his best friend, his job, his drugs, his office, a new boss and friend who trusts him, and soon his old team at his side!
I never seen House as a miserable guy and now I think that we'll have a happy ending with this serie, Hilson of course, cuddy will never be mentioned, the total destruction of huddy don't allow a return of lisa edelstein. I can't believe that producers wanted her to be in season 8.
14 - Nate
Barbara,
As always it is great to be reading your insight into my favorite show. I may be the only one, but I felt in many ways like Transplant felt like a season one episode. The introduction of Dr. Park was as organic as Chase, Foreman, and Cameron. If you remember in the pilot, we meet them talking about the way House does things. With Park, she comes with the office. And I found it a breath of fresh air. Some people will say that this show is running on fumes with Cuddy gone. Cuddy was essential to the show before the relationship. But, after it, she needed to go. Everything she said to House at the beginning of season 7 proved to be lies she told him, and herself.
To talk about Transplant, I will say that it was fantastic. I hate watching an episode of House only to find that the majority of critics hate it. You Barbara, you are a critic that truly respects the show for what it is and understands the character. And I want to thank you for having weekly reviews. You show me that not everyone is so dense and one minded. They say things about the procedural, they say things about the lack of growth in the character, yet they seem to completely miss the point of the character. There is one reason why House and Cuddy didn't work. Something happened to him in his childhood that has made him the man he is. Nolan scratched the surface, but never really got to the heart of the issue. If this is never dealt with, House will always be House. And I mean that in the way David Shore does: he will never change. He will try, but he won't be able to. I think it would be fascinating for the writers to really dig into the childhood of House.
If they don't, then this story will end tragically. And I am fine with any ending they come up with. I will not feel cheated if the writers never have him deal in depth with his issues, because there are many people that never do. Maybe House is destined to be alone. It's a sad thought, but it could very well be where it's leading.
Judging from Transplant, I think the writers are even kind of relieved to have the character of Cuddy gone. I didn't miss her. I thought Foreman made a very good dean, and it will be interesting where that goes. Omar Epps is a very good actor, just watch euphoria part 1 and 2 and try and tell me different. In earlier seasons he was given much more to do. So I am excited to see how he handles this.
I look forward to another season of reviews Barbara, and if this is the last season, we will have eight seasons of this amazing show to watch over and over again. I think there are polar opposites in the TV land. I am a huge Breaking Bad fan. It is the story of a pole to pole character: good to bad. Whereas House is the story of character running in place. The last seven seasons have not been for nothing. It has all been in the journey, and even though we are back at square one again, House is a character we now know better than anyone else. It almost seems like now we have lived through the "bad" Wilson talks about concerning Stacy in season 1. And now it feels like we knew him before the Pilot. The pattern of the character has been played out before our eyes. It's fascinating to think it's just a cycle that continues on in that world, or maybe it ends with him finally changing. Either way, this show will always be a masterpiece and one of the main things that kept me company when I had none myself. I will always love House.
15 - MusicandHouse
First, @BrokenLeg Arrest and prision records are public record. It would not have been hard at all for Foreman to find House even though he has not had visitors or contacted anyone.
I really liked this episode and I agree, that so far Foreman works oddly well as DOM. In fact, I think i like him a little more in this role than as a team member. I agree Wilson was a little fast to resume the friendship (that punch was AWSOME) and I also agree that the friendship may not fall directly back into the old rhythm right away. However, I also think that the acceptance was sped along because we've already had the storyline of WIlson and House needing to mend their friendship back in season 5. We all know that Wilson will always take House back in the end, so there was no need to create an "A Story" plot about it this time.
I like the new girl a lot. She's incredibly akward, but in a cute way, not an annoying way (al la Zooey Dechenel on "The New Girl"). She sort of reminds me of masters but without being a totaly "know it all" and with more of an edge. I'm really interested to see how Yi and Anablle (Dr. Adams)work together and I can't wait to see both of them integrate with the previous memebers of House's team. We know 13 returns next week, but I am curious to know when the rest of them appear (*Mild Spoiler* If I remember correctly Jesse Spencer said he doesn't appear until episode 5 *END SPOILER*) and, as much as I have never been a huge Taub fan, I can't wait to see how he's handeling two women with two babies.
I think that,despite all the controversial shake up with the departure of Lisa E and the addition of two new characters (as well as Thirteens rumored leave which is said to happen next week but is not permanant, she may return) there are a lot of new creative posibilities to work with and, if this turns out to be the last season as many predict, it will definately still go out with a bang.
BTW Did anyone else love the return of the while board, the bouncy ball AND the ruuben?? The writers said they were getting back to the roots of the show and last nights episode paried with those simple inclusions indicate to me that this is what they really are going to do. I just with the announcement would come already about if this season will be the last or not. Of course I don't want it to be, but if it is I want time to prepare!
16 - Nickel
Kelly, we are definitely in the minority on those matters. I recently bought the DVDs and watched them start to finish, and I can tell you that I didn't like Cuddy on day 1. Of course by the time I got to 3 Stories, I really hated her. Talk about ethical lapses...ugh. Every time I think about Cuddy pouncing on House at his absolute lowest point (Help Me) because she believed that she could "OWN" him when he is broken, and then having the guts to tell him that she loves him and doesn't want him to change (after all she fell in love with who he is didn't she???duh), I gotta tell you wow. What a skank. I know why LE left the show, she had to have hated her character-I know that I did.
I too saw the bracelet on Hugh during the interview, however I thought he was on set at the time, so still think it has something to do with prison. No biggie.
I just hope that House has boundaries with Wilson this time around. The first time Wilson manipulates House (for some convoluted reason to change him), I certainly hope that House returns the PUNCH IN THE FACE.
17 - 2Lightworker
Barbara, Thank you as always for your faithful and insightful assessment of House, through all the twists and turns.
Is there an answer to #6@Susan's question about why this isn't headed, "Welcome to the End of the Thought Process?" I occurs to me that you tried to get this up as fast as possible and that may have slid by.
The range of fan response over the summer has had levels of negative projection that if I hadn't become deeply invested in the evolving story and of course in Hugh Laurie's performance, I might have succumbed to a huge avoidance reaction.
But you have your wise hand on the tiller, and guided this blog into Season 8, which I have much enjoyed in the first two episodes. So much so, that although I am aware this MAY well be the last season, I have non-so-secret wishes that it will not. But the best for all concerned must be my bottom line!
18 - Untouchable
Thank you for your (as always) insightful review, Barbara!
I’m thrilled about this episode, I must say, about several points:
House: David Shore was true to his word. House ‘feels’ like the character I knew on Season 1. Well, he’s obviously not the exact same, since a lot of things have happened since then, it’s just the feeling about the character. I really liked it!
Dr. Park: I liked how she handled House throughout the episode. I have a feeling she’s going to be a valuable asset to PPTH. I’m curious about what is going to happen to her next week.
Foreman as Dean: Since I’ve never been a big fan of Foreman (I disliked him during season 3) I was pleasantly surprised by his transformation this season.
Foreman and House: For he first time, I enjoyed the dynamic between them. I was wondering how the writers would deal with it, because House was Foreman’s boss for so long. I thought Foreman was hungry for some revenge on his old boss. Thank God that didn’t happen. Still, this whole episode felt like Foreman was ‘testing’ House to see if he could trust him. At the end of the case, getting part of his office back felt like ‘positive reinforcement’ from Foreman to House.
Wilson and House: I think these two are on a good path. No more mind games, no more manipulation, no more passive-aggressiveness. House told Wilson how he felt from his heart and Wilson responded with an equally honest punch and invitation for dinner.
I really like where things are going. I have great hopes for this season!
19 - Nickel
Oh, yea one more thing-for all those who couldn't understand why House would spend 3 months in a tropical paradise before turning himself in. Lets see-he just had major surgery on his leg with stitches torn out at lunch with Cuddy, so possibly he wanted to get that healed before subjecting himself to the standards of a prison doctor. (and now knowing the doctor that was there...good call House.) Not to mention in all the years that we have known House, he has never indulged in anything (other than his 2 new guitars and his motorcycle) so maybe a vacation wasn't totally out of the question. We do know that House bought Cuddy things: perfume (Unwritten) and Beads from Thailand (Changes) just to name a few, he also bought Rachel toys (granted, in order to help her get into a school which if nothing else would teach her how to eat oatmeal with her spoon properly). So yes, let him indulged a bit.
20 - doddle
@Nickel
I loved Cuddy in season 1 to 4, it's just writers who sucked in season 5 with this character. When they started something with House and Cuddy in S5, I knew that it would be the end for this character sooner or later.
Cuddy was great as a boss, but I'm curious about Foreman, he seems not to be a crafty one.
21 - Eloise
A really good solid episode, could really feel House's 'out of place' feeling. Felt sad for him with no proper office or his stuff.
I hated 'that song' but now it will always be H/W's song, that was so funny. And House bought Wilson lunch!
The shouting of 'prison' was good too, typical House to tackle that sort of issue head on even though he can't deal with his emotional ones!
Foreman has slipped surprisingly well in the DOM position and I'm interested to see where it goes for them. I dont agree that he dislikes House, he did, but since Help me he has seemed to 'get' House.
The new doctor show lots of promise, at the end I felt she has respect for House. I liked the way that she didn't just fold when he was rude to her.
I am really pleased at this season so far, I hope it continues in this fashion.
22 - Barbara Barnett
#6-Susan. The article is filed under Welcome to the End...
HouseMDFan--what I mean by "move on" was to move back into his relationship with House. But I think that relationship will be altered. It almost has to be. This was a significant thing House did--and evidently House thinks it's significant enough to serve time in prison for it. Wilson is a friend of both House and Cuddy. He will of course be affected by it--and affected by the reappearance of House after such a long time in prison. I'd be upset if this completely forgotten (although it could be, certainly). As always, feel free to disagree with me.
Nickel--Agree that it was emotional issues--dealing with all that had happened over the course of that year that sent him to Mayfield.
Wilson and Cuddy have both done him disservice over the years, agreed.
Also, don't forget the desk in her office :)
Untouchable--I like the new straightforwardness of Wilson re: House.
I really enjoyed the new doctor (Dr. Park). She's quite different than anyone else House has had on the team.
I do like where the season is headed!
23 - Linnet
I don't understand why some viewers insist on foisting guit on House. Is it so wrong that he does not feel guilt? I am reminded of Jean-Paul Sartre's adaptation of the Orestes story (Les Mouches). In the last scene, the hero, unlike his sister Electra, refuses to accept guilt and admit that what he did (murdering his mother) was wrong. He recognizes his actions and owns it.
Consider House's situation. After his breakup with Cuddy, he was living in unendurable misery. It was getting a little hard to watch. If he doesn't do anything, he would stay like that forever. Just from a narrative point of view, that would be boring. House did what he thought he had to do at the time to break out of it. Yes, it was drastic and questionable, but I find the moral outrage of much of the audience and their supposed "alienation" from House's character puzzling.
Maybe I just dont' have very good moral sense. But I'd rather have a House that resembles Sartre's Orestes than be guilt-ridden and bogged down again.
24 - 2Lightworker
@Nickel #7 (and 16) - This is exquisite and I am grateful to you for posting it. You have stated beautifully and concisely what I have come to think about Cuddy. It is of course how the character was written, and I do wish there had been more nuance in the season 7 relationship. With the uproar over the ending of S 7 and Lisa Edelstein's departure, your comments reflect what I saw as I reflected over the summer, and I have nothing more to add to your cogent remarks. I do find the barrage of hostile comment, leading to attacks on Hugh Laurie, to be appalling and unjustified.
Agree with Barbara - I do not see House carrying a torch for Cuddy because the soul and spirit connection was not what was conveyed with Stacy. House alluded to that early in S 7 when he worried that they had nothing in common apart from work and sex. If they had, she could not have treated him as she did. The dialogue and actions with Stacy were on a different level of emotional depth - showing that House can love and be in a relationship, even if affected by his attitudes.
That is not to say I did not allow myself to get caught up emotionally in the first 15 episodes of S 7, and was in shock for quite a while after the sudden and harsh break-up (mostly because the way Hugh responded broke my heart), in addition to being repelled by the more than usual sexism in the portrayal of women in Episodes 16 and 17. Very painful, but with distance, my respect remains with House, for all his character traits. Still something noble at his core, a fragile sensitivity, even with the crash, which I consider to have been very bad judgment with a cynical kick by the creative team. Looking backward, they seem to have pushed their macho games beyond most viewers' tolerance.
As to Foreman, whom I know viewers often dismiss as "boring," I think Omar Epps' range has not been used consistently, and I hope the writing will give him a chance to show the acting chops he has shown in the early seasons, most extraordinarily in "Euphoria" as someone noted above, and in an early ep just shown, "DNR." He has a lot more to give than is possible in the usual backseat, exasperated script he's given.
Don't have a sense the writers are inclined to explore House's childhood where the origin of his issues lie, but I wish they would. It could send the show over the top.
My hope is that the inner process he engaged in since he last stood on the beach in the fading light may have helped him make a subtle shift in how he takes on life, which doesn't mean he has to "change."
Also wondered about the bracelet, seeing it on HL's wrist in the video interview, thought maybe it was something connected to Hugh's music tours, but now think it's from prison or the respite paradise - and hope to find out what it represents to House - how it serves to remind him of someone or something, within or without.
Wilson, for me, serves the show best not as an admonisher, but in the more comic scenes that provide relief from the deep and serious themes that have held me fast.
25 - Jane E
I think you hit every item on the head and I don't have much to add. I am looking forward to this season and did feel this was an excellent transitional episode.