Despite all this contrived drivel, you should watch House for one reason: the character of Dr. Gregory House and the portrayal of him by Hugh Laurie. House is the ultimate wisecracking misanthrope. No matter how much you may be wounded by his words, he'll still say them. He is surly, churlish and impolitic. There is no line he won't cross; racial, sexual, or personal — especially personal. House will be blunt to the point of commenting on a female resident's breasts. He'll call his pretty boy resident a pretty boy. He’ll ask a patient's relative to leave the examining room "because you are annoying me.” You know the stuff that goes through your head when you are trapped in a multi-hour meeting with your windbag boss and a bunch of moronic corporate yes-men? He says those things. Out loud. Gregory House is a hero to everyone who keeps a civil tongue out of fear of reading "not a team player" on their annual performance review.
The show, as it is, can't last. However melodious the the tune, it's still a one-note samba. The sarcasm font will run dry and somebody will decide that it's time for House to "grow"; then kiss it good-bye. In the meantime, take a moment to appreciate the shear, unadulterated malevolence of it. Refreshing, really. Tivo it and fast forward when House is not on camera.
By the way, if you want to get a good sense for the incredible acting range that Hugh Laurie has, seek out his work with Stephen Fry in the BBC's production of Jeeves and Wooster. From an upper class twit in an Edwardian comedy of manners to a hyper-sardonic pain-killer addicted, misanthropic American doctor, he is never less than exceptional.
Article comments
1 - RJ
Hmm.
I heard from a co-worker of mine that this is a superb show.
But, after reading this review, I am ambivalent...
(I've never seen an episode before, but have been curious about it...)
2 - Paul Hayes
Just a small correction, for future reference - the "Jeeves and Wooster" series was done by ITV, not the BBC. Good review though!
3 - M
I do think S2E3 is not as good, S2E2 is much better. But if they have more eps like "The Three Stories", then it will remain the show I like the most. Especially when the patient's character/choice reveals deeper sides of each doctor's character, responses, and choices they make, or the issues (mostly put out by House) they touched on, it's often thought provoking.
But I do agree that Hugh Laurie made the show along with the writers. Some dialouges is just laugh out loud funny, especially delivered by Hugh's perfect timing and rubber face. He's really brilliant in this role, such departure from J&W and BlackAdder, and can't be more different than the Stuwart Little's Dad.
Here's wish the show slowly develop more character plots, but not soapy melodrama as S2E3 perilously close to get. More edgy issues, then along with Hugh and other good company, I'll watch the show for a long time to come.
So check it out, give it couple of tries, it may not be your cup of tea, but who knows? You may find you're craving for a good dose of sarcasm every Tuesday. I know I am.
4 - Carebear
I agree that S2E3 wasn't the best episode of House - every show does have a few klunkers in a season. If you look at the S2E1 was fantastic. RJ - give House a chance after the playoffs, It will be worth it.