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'House' Duplicity
Last week, House was all about obfuscation. This week, it was duplicity. In a way, House himself is almost always at least somewhat duplicitous, isn't he?
The patient of the week is a painter and not a very good one. That may or may not be a lack of true talent on his part, but it is especially clear when a portrait he was commissioned to create looks like it spent a week soaking in turpentine. It is up to the team to find a reason for his visual agnosia. 13 immediately thinks drugs, for which House declares her a moron. It's a claim he backs up by pointing out she is paying 12% interest on her car loan. Yup, he's had Lucas (PI Guy) investigating each of them. He reveals that Kutner is in the Guinness book of World Records for crawling 20 miles. Kutner asks what he found on Taub and House replies "Nothing. His wife on the other hand..." , but Foreman tells him that's enough. That's right, there's a patient to treat! There's also a PI to pay, but that is a task Cuddy refuses to let to hospital take on, no matter how many compliments Lucas pays her.
Kutner and Taub go to the check out the painter's studio, but Kutner seems more interested in finding out what Taub thinks House found out about his wife. Far more interested than Taub is, in fact. Meanwhile, Foreman and 13 run several tests on the POTW's head. When the studio and the head come up clean, House declares it's drugs. Not the kind of drugs 13 suspected. Rather, House has deduced that the POTW is a human guinea pig, undergoing pharmaceutical testing to supplement his income. It's that lack of talent thing again and it's driven him to participate in 3 trials at the same time. To complicate matters, he's been keeping this all a secret from his girlfriend.
Speaking of secrets, Taub asks House what he found out about his wife. Despite wanting the whole team to hear, House tells him that she's been keeping a secret bank account for the last year and making deposits in it each week. Taub claims to know about it, stating it is budgeted for her to buy new furniture. House disputes his claim on the basis that nearly $100,000 is an awful lot to spend on furniture. I just want to know what the heck Taub's wife does for a living!
In the interim, the POTW has taken a turn for the worse and begun seizing. They stop all his trial medications and put him on dialysis to clear his system. The next morning, the POTW is doing better and Taub demands that House leave his wife alone. House says he will, but also foretells that Taub is going to confront her about the account, forgive her for it, then confess his own infidelity and beg for her forgiveness. It's a plan House tells him will serve no purpose while simultaneously telling him that he's going to do it anyway. House is like Nostradamus! Lucas, gets in on the predictions by telling House he is making Taub miserable in order to drive him away. Which is a less impressive prophecy since we already saw House do that with Wilson and the rest of his former team. And the POTW gets worse. In fact, he gets so puffy from anaphylactic shock that his tear ducts and throat swell shut. This is chalked up to more effects from the drug combinations, or rather the sudden withdrawal of them. So, they put him back on the harmful cocktail to slowly wean him off again.
During all this, Lucas has kept busy with his investigations. Which have brought him to Cuddy, supposedly not because House wants him to, but because he is interested in her. Which is not entirely true, yet not entirely false. House does actually want dirt on her so he can blackmail her when he wants to do something she'll really hate, however Lucas is also really interested in her. He manages to convince her to hire him to get embarrassing information on House, a plan which he works into a lunch date of sorts.
Back at Taub's house, he and his wife eat a quiet meal. Until he tells her he was looking for a letter opener and was going through her desk drawers, where he came across the bank statements. He braces himself for the horrible news, only to have her tell him that she wanted it to be a surprise. She bought him the car he has always wanted and it will be delivered on Friday. You can almost see his guilt growing. It almost grows as much as the POTW's libido, which gets him a solid punch in the nose after he practically attacks 13. Horniness is one hell of a neurological condition!
As the team debates what this new symptom could be, Taub demands an apology from House while revealing the gift his wife planned for him. House points out that Taub must be feeling pretty bad about being given a gift he doesn't feel he deserves and then tells him to call her up, tell her he's going to be late due to performing a cranial angiogram, say good night and hang up. The clearer meaning being that he shouldn't do what House knows he wants to do; tell the truth.
Another truth is the one Lucas admits to House, namely that he is having a hard time lying to Cuddy because he likes her. House asks if he has a problem getting paid twice to facilitate blackmail. Lucas says he doesn't, because the real truth is that House wants information about her for the same reason he does - because he likes her too. So now it's a matter of "who gets there first". Are we accepting wagers in this war of hearts?
Speaking of hearts, the POTW has an arrhythmia in his, literally and figuratively. He asks Taub if he should tell his girlfriend Heather the truth. Taub tells him that the best case scenario is that nothing would change and the worst case scenario is that it would hurt her. As such, while it may seem noble to confess, it's actually selfish. It's something he's clearly been telling himself for a long time and is a convenient piece of logic for his needs. Logic starts to go out the window when the POTW goes into heart failure yet remains conscious, even when they have to use the paddles on him (ouch!). By the time House notices the POTW's hair has somehow changed to red in its newest growth, rationality seems but a fond memory.
While the team tackles this new development, Cuddy and Lucas meet for lunch, where Lucas brings along a photo of House...as a cheerleader. In exchange, he gets to ask Cuddy 3 questions about herself, but when her answers don't go further than one word, he deduces that she's figured the photo was photoshopped. Which means she knows House's real involvement in the scheme and he's busted. He's about to leave when he realizes that she knew their ploy and came to each lunch with him anyway.
Back at the hospital, the POTW is irritated when two strange doctors come to tell him they are going to sever the connections between his heart and his head to cure his symptoms. Unfortunately, the two doctors he claims to have never seen before are 13 and Taub, so the visual agnosia is back. The intermittent nature of the symptom gives Taub the idea that it wasn't the drugs but a toxic element in one of his old paints that has been stored in his fat cells - an idea the writers have recently become enamored of.
Taub wants to test his old paintings and House gives him an hour to do so while they prep the POTW for surgery. Which means Taub needs to find out where all his unsold paintings are. However, when he goes to ask the POTW, the girlfriend is also there. Taub tries to phrase it in a manner that allows the POTW to keep up his lie, but the POTW breaks down and tells his girlfriend the truth. He's only sold 2 paintings in the last 3 years and one of those was to his cousin, so instead he's been participating in 2 to 3 drug trials at a time. She's unhappy that he lied to her, but her love prevails. Taub's wheels begin turning.
But first, he has paintings to find. As he goes through them, he notices a pattern. He calls House just in time to stop the surgery, revealing that it is the drugs and not some weird vascular breakdown, because every other month the paintings devolve into visual distortions. It fits the pattern of the drug trials to perfectly to be anything else. However, the drugs were not being stored in his fat cells. Due to a bad reaction to antacids, a bizarre collection of undigested food has formed into a gross ball of pure nasty. That hairball like thing contains the medications that have been recently flooding his system and wrecking havoc. The surgery changes from severing the connection between his brain and heart to removing the giant mass of ick from his stomach.
Afterward, Taub approaches the girlfriend to ask if she is glad the POTW told her the truth. She claims that she is, but when he asks her if she was happier before her face falls somewhat, as if it hadn't occurred to her to wonder about that. We don't get her answer, however, as the frame is broken by a dangling car key. Taub's wife blindfolds him and takes him to the parking garage, where she reveals a brand new silver Porsche. She gets nervous when he doesn't jump for joy or even thank her. She asks what's wrong and he utters the words no one in a relationship ever wants to hear: "We need to talk".
Also talking are House and Lucas, while they jam on the piano an guitar. Lucas tells House that Cuddy figured the photo for being faked, adding that they probably overstepped since House isn't exactly the cheerleader type. House tells him that he figured she was less likely to take him for the type to photoshop a picture and plant it in an obscure college newspaper. Lucas one ups him when he informs him that he conducted some research and found out that the picture was not faked. He asks House if he wants him to back off from Cuddy and House asks "Would you?" Lucas replies "I barely know you". Let the games begin! Er. Again!
My favorite moments of the night:
House: You like her legs.
Lucas: Yeah, but it sounds less creepy if I say I like her shoes.
House: Less creepy but more gay.
Lucas: That's my firm's motto.
POTW: Are you going to tell Heather?
House: I couldn't even if I cared enough to want to.
Cuddy: How did you know I liked roses?
Lucas: I was in your house last night....No! I'm kidding. Who doesn't like roses?
Does Cuddy like Lucas or is she just trying to irritate House? How will House eliminate his competition? Will Taub leave the team as his marriage falls apart because of House's manipulations, allowing Cameron or Chase to return? If you could pick just one of them to come back, who would it be?
CHASE, but don't get rid of Taub, get rid of 13!!!!!!!
Lily | Oct 1, 2008 1:47:44 AM | #I was really upset about House meddling in Taub's marriage. I mean she is clearly a loving woman, and by admitting his infidelity, he is going to hurt her and most likely ruin the marriage.
I love Cuddy, and feel that she has great chemistry with the PI. I don't think House deserves to be with Cuddy, but I also don't think Cuddy and the PI will make it, simply because the show is called 'House'.
AC | Oct 1, 2008 2:47:43 AM | #The idea of toxins being trapped by fat cells and gradually released is actually an old one for this show--I think it was the season one episode 'Detox' where a kid in the hospital for a car accident gets sicker over time as he loses fat due to lousy hospital food, releasing toxins produced by a termite infestation of his apartment.
Nick | Oct 1, 2008 3:11:24 AM | #too much 13 bashing going on i had to post. 13 is a great character, she's interesting and she's of course beautiful. yes, i miss cameron and i do prefer cameron i just think that many people hate 13 because of the little time cameron has on the show. so i just had to say that not all the fans hate 13, it seems only the vocal ones who post in forums do.
this episode was okay, i usually find house's antics funny but i couldn't figure out why he is doing what he's doing to his team.
so did taub confess his affair to his wife?
joits | Oct 1, 2008 3:20:12 AM | #Nick, you are absolutely correct - it was in the earlier season. I had thought it was from a more recent episode. That's what I get for indulging in the recent House Marathon on TBS!
Jessica Paff | Oct 1, 2008 5:54:50 AM | #I too love Cuddy... HATE whoever dresses her. I could hardly pay attention to what she was saying in the office confrontation with the PI because her suit jacket was so tight... pulling at every button... all bunched up.. truly unflattering. This seems to be intentional because its becoming the norm. Surely there must be some way to say sexy (borderline slutty) in the office and still make her reasonably attractive. (better lighting would also help). Maybe the person to blame might look in the mirror and get the message. Dress Sexy... and AGE appropriate... buy, borrow, whatever... in the proper size! look at other shows, its certainly possible!
Jim | Oct 1, 2008 7:12:32 AM | #I LOVE THIS SHOW & I LOVE THE NEW GUY,LUCAS!!! HE'S LIKE THE SON HOUSE SHOULDA HAD..& TOTALLY HOT IN MY OPINION! THIS SHOW JUST GETS BETTER & BETTER..I PASSED ON NCIS FOR IT! THE ONLY THING "OFF" TO ME IS FOREMAN'S WEIRD POSITION IN THE GROUP...HOUSE JUST IGNORES HIM ANYWAY, SO WTH??
liz | Oct 1, 2008 7:29:34 AM | #I like 13 too.
Susan | Oct 1, 2008 7:58:50 AM | #Joits: "so i just had to say that not all the fans hate 13, it seems only the vocal ones who post in forums do."
Glad to meet another 13 fan! (You too, Susan!). That is also the reason I felt compelled to comment on the show. It's always the ones that shout their disgust that you hear most. I, in the other hand, prefer to talk about thinks I like (why would I want to loose my time with something I hate, right?). And House comes to mind. I think S5 is currently very interesting and, yes, better than older seasons. I liked the old team, but I prefer the new one (including Foreman, who's also part of it). 13 is interesting (O.W. is actually a very good actress), I enjoyed Taub's storyline in yesterday's episode (P.J. is another good actor), and I'm curious to know more about Kutner. I like the P.I. character and his relationship with House. The Cuddy/P.I. scenes were funny. All in all, the show is better than ever, and I'm very happy with it.
Sam | Oct 1, 2008 8:59:57 AM | #Decent episode although a little confusing. I agree with Lily though. 13 needs to go.
As for the PI Guy, I don't think the actor has the look for network TV. The character is ok but the actor looks like he belongs on a cable show a la Psyche.
Trav | Oct 1, 2008 9:11:45 AM | #Cuddy is gorgeous and she exuded a form of sexuality that she never exhibited before on the show. Her smile is breathtaking. I wonder how many takes Chase had to do to complete his two seconds of airtime last night. Foreman has become a waste of a great character and a terrific actor.
I am beginning to dislike House's character more and more each week. I am looking forward to the next episode in two weeks where Wilson will appear again.
How do the main characters (Chase, Foreman, Cam, feel about their parts being cut to almost nothing?
I thought I was the only one that thought Cuddy's suit jackets are just too tight. They are always pulling at the buttons and it really cheapens the look. As for PI Guy, didn't he play Olivia Benson's (Marisky Hargitay) brother in an episode "Law & Order SVU"?
Deb | Oct 1, 2008 11:08:59 AM | #Is it me, or is the "doctor" aspect of House really boring the heck out of me?
Actually, it bored me in Season 1 (OHHHH! Some really odd medical emergency every week!). I do like the character interplay, although at some point, they are going to have to bridge the old 3 and the new 3, but having 6 sidekicks is way too much for this show, along with dangling Wilson and Cuddy, both of whom are too central.
Tony | Oct 1, 2008 11:43:29 AM | #Poster L Shapiro put it best:
House, the character, is becoming more irritating and annoying each week.
In past seasons, they tempered his arrogance with humor, harmless quirky behavior or the occasional glimpse of humanity or true empathy. Last season and thus far this season, not so much.
When the main character becomes unlikeable (see Meredith Grey) and the medicine becomes boring and repetitive, that’s a clear sign the show is in serious trouble.
House MD needs a course correction, stat!
I loved the Cuddy/Lucas/House subplot. I want more!!! By the by I kinda missed Wilson.
Dory | Oct 1, 2008 7:12:24 PM | #It was a very good episode - I love the PI. I was realising the other day that I miss House at the clinic and his ability to figure out everything about a patient's private life from very minor clues. Episode should be good in 2 weeks - the road trip shows are always great (Atlantic City and Airplane episodes).
House Fan | Oct 1, 2008 7:39:54 PM | #13 sucks all the life out of every scene she's in. I agree she has to go. Even Taub is more interesting than her, and how many times has 13 been labelled the 'mysterious' one? There's actually quite a majority in fans who dislike 13, not a minority who are vocal. There are plenty of people all over the world who cannot stand 13 and wish she were gone.
As for Cuddy, I agree, they should seriously dress her properly, her clothing has gotten severely tighter this season and it is unflattering to her figure. You know when something is too tight when everything around the buttons all bunch up together. That's sexy? There are other ways of showing that without the expense of self-respect.
Rick | Oct 2, 2008 6:26:09 AM | #I absolutely love this PI and House together. I almost don't miss Wilson because of the PI. I wish he could stay and some of the others (Foreman & 13) leave the show.
Jeanne | Oct 2, 2008 10:03:10 AM | #I loved the subtle reference that Chase made to infer he and Cameron were back together when he pulled the hairball out of the patient and said that's why he won't let Allison get a cat.
KB | Oct 2, 2008 10:33:30 AM | #oh, shoot. missed another eppy of the jolly ol' doctor house. but just wanted to chime in and say that the pic at the top of the recap looks like ratatouille! he he
vicious circle | Oct 4, 2008 12:03:04 PM | #Another okay episode. The medical mystery was quite interesting, The Taub subplot tied in very well with the main plot, but I didn't care whether or not Taub told his wife or about the effect that his revelation would have on his marriage. Maybe this was because the scenes between Dr.and Mrs. Taub seemed kind of chilly and oddly formal, so it didn't seem that their was much of a relationship between them to begin with.
Cameron, Chase and most recently Wilson have all been replaced by new actors who perform essentially the same dramatic functions. Basically there are only two characters from the original seasons who still have significant roles : House and Cuddy. (Foreman hasn't been given anything interesting to do and say for a year.) They've also dropped clinic duty, which used to provide some entertaining comic relief.
I think House is really an entirely different show than it was in the first three seasons. I`m not sure I would be watching it, if I just saw it for the first time this season.
I`d like them to have Taub replaced with Cameron, because Shore and company haven`t been able to integrate her character at all. At least with Chase, in the current set-up they give 30 seconds of dialogue, Cameron gets nothing.
JustDroppingBy | Oct 5, 2008 1:45:58 PM | #TO THE WRITERS: Either get rid of the old team AND Wilson 100% (so that I can stop watching and it doesn't feel like a burden to watch anymore), or keep the new team (and lose House's original fan base).
Honestly, I really miss Cameron, and I am so frustrated/sickened by the fact that the writers are devoting an entire episode to 13 next week. What the hell?!
We've already tested the waters, and we've come to the conclusion that no one gives a damn about 13, Kutner or Taub.
You know, House used to be an amazing show. Now, it's become a JOKE. I seriously hope it continues to lose viewers.
Jade | Oct 8, 2008 9:44:00 AM | #I enjoyed this recap more than I enjoyed watching the actual episode. How sad is that?
This has become a wholly different show. I keep watching hoping it will be as good as it once was but I'm not enjoying it any more. The medicine has got pedantic and I'm not interested in the new characters except the PI and he's going to be gone soon.
RX:
Keep the PI as a recurring character and hook him up with Cuddy because I really liked her scenes with him, more than I like her with House. I also liked the House/PI scenes, especially the jamming at the end of the episode. Wilson will still have his role but less enabling and I like the PI who doesn't nag House or try to fix him.
Keep either Kutner or Taub but not both because they serve much the same function. Let Thirteen go climb mountains somewhere or change the world before she dies. I don't mind if they write her a good send-off as long as she's sent off. Bring back both Cameron and Chase, I don't care in what capacity but just have them on my screen again.
Bring back the humor and the clinic patients and the spark of decency that House used to have but doesn't any more.
Pat | Oct 14, 2008 7:52:13 AM | #
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