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'House' When you're happy, I'm...
For the last several weeks, many fans of House have complained about how he's gone from endearingly caustic to being an outright jerk. Tonight, he reverted to form. Was it enough?
The episode starts with 13 making out with a random girl, which cuts to a shot of them laying in bed together, aglow. 13 goes to the bathroom while the girl tries to entice her back to bed. When sweet talk doesn't work, she has a seizure. Go for the gusto! As they rush into the ER, Cameron asks the usual questions; what was the duration of the seizure? Three minutes. Is there a history of epilepsy? She didn't say. What's her name? I dunno. What's more surprising than 13 hooking up with a girl and not even bothering to find out her name? Cameron turning the case over the House. She says it's because she thinks he'll find it interesting - but why is that? Because of the possible medical mystery or because of 13's involvement? House takes the case because of 13, of course.
However, at the offset, he's more interesting in the practical joke he's played on Wilson. We don't see exactly what it was, but it does land Wilson on his back, with a thoughtfully placed donut nearby. Yet, even beyond his success, House wants to know why Wilson is an hour late. Wilson says he had a breakfast meeting at Mickey's Diner with the people from Mercy Hospital, to tell them he was leaving. He adds that the donut was a nice touch, before taking a bite, while House quips back that it is his way of saying welcome back. We know that isn't the last we'll hear of it, but first he has to torment 13.
She's less game to engage in his typical verbal sparring and is equally ready to dismiss her one night stand as a hypochondriac who had too much to drink. House tries to mix 13's downward spiral into the diagnosis, but there enough inconsistency for the whole team to get in on the differential. They decide to test her bone marrow and House picks 13 to run the test while he oversees. In a scene filled with innuendo, House finds out they did everything he thinks they did with the lights on, that 13 isn't shy about talking in the sack, and that she rates a solid 7 in performance.
Lucas, the PI, is back tonight, because House wants him to find out why Wilson was really late. As he explains, Wilson loves Mickey's Diner and always orders a french toast tower so there is no way he'd come to the office and eat a donut. Lucas offers the insight that House is actually just worried that their friendship has changed because not only did Wilson not laugh at the joke, he also hasn't retaliated.
Back at the hospital, 13 has been doing some investigating on her own, of the POTW. It seems she has been trying to get House to see her for a year. She accuses the POTW of using her, but it's pointed out that 13 was doing some using of her own. 13 counters that she made her motives clear and the POTW tells her she might have figured out her motives sooner if she had ever bothered to ask her name. Checkmate! The POTW says she had only planned to follow 13 and ask her to help her get in to see House, but that 13 had come on to her rather aggressively. 13 accuses her of faking the seizure and tells her she's going to discharge her. Which is when the POTW loses the ability to breathe and crashes.
The team meets to discuss the new development, as a patient with a history that is only marked by fatigue and a retinal hemorrhage went on to have a seizure and then heart failure. Eye to brain to heart makes it a real case. However, now he thinks it may be drugs. 13 rolls her eyes and explains that his theory means the POTW either brought drugs to her apartment or took something from her medicine cabinet, which means they need to search her place and she would offer to do it herself, but that would be less titillating for House, so he will come up with a convoluted medical reason for why she has to stay while he goes through her things. House merely states that her dad had a bypass so she's a canidate for atherosclerosis and needs an ultrasound, but it does end up with him and Foreman going to her apartment to search.
Foreman is ostensibly going because he can pick locks, but he agrees to keep House from stealing 13s underwear. However, House didn't need anyone to pick the lock, because he had Lucas make duplicates of everyone's keys. Which begs the question, why did he want Foreman there? Foreman has questions of his own, namely where the key to his home is. But House claims to not have bothered getting his key, because he already knows all about him. He also doesn't find much of interest at 13's place, except an absence of sex toys - which he claims means she's picking up strangers for sex often - and an asthma inhaler.
And a brown recluse spider, which he captured and puts on the conference table. He mentions that it wasn't the only interesting thing he found, which results in a tense moment. When he pulls out her inhaler, he gets another roll of her eyes, but he points out that there was something else she was worried about him finding. In he meantime, since the ultrasound turned up nothing, he tells 13 to check the POTW for a spider bite. During the exam, 13 and the POTW discuss their brief encounter, with 13 admitting she hadn't planned on ever seeing her again and the POTW mentioning they have potential. She also displays numbness in her hip, which is a new symptom. 13 theorizes a kidney problem and House orders a CT scan.
And then he goes to stake out Wilson's home with Lucas. While they sit outside, a woman with a certain air about her walks up and Lucas points out that she isn't delivering pizza. House declares that Wilson isn't the type to pay for pizza, and states she must be for different unit. But indeed, she does go into Wilson's apartment. Meanwhile, Foreman tells 13 he found what she was afraid House would see - a new test result that indicates she has less time than she thought. He tells her to stop self-destructing and take care of herself, but she isn't interested in exercise and a healthy diet, she just wants to cram as much fun into her remaining years as possible. Having less fun is the POTW, who has calcifications round on the CT removed from her kidneys, and then suffers a collapsed airway and is intubated.
At the differential, 13 is conspicuously absent while House decides to cause another airway collapse vie treadmill. He goes off to try and find 13, but Foreman stops him because he found out House was investigating him. House admits that he did, but all he found out is that Foreman is boring. Cuddy finds 13 in the clinic administering IV fluids to herself after an obvious night of partying. She wants to run a drug test but 13 refuses and House backs her up. And then fires her, stating that he's already protecting one doctor with a drug habit and that the slutty party girl is only fun until she pukes on your shoes.
House goes right from firing 13 to Wilson's office and it's just like old times. Or it would be if in the old times Wilson admitted to dating a prostitute who he hired but then felt sorry for because she's a single mom who made some mistakes but who now wants to go to law school. So he's going to help her with her tuition. I'm not buying it until he says that Amber wanted him to move on and be happy and Debbie (does Princeton?) makes him happy. House replies "If you're happy, I'm...." and then walks out.
Elsewhere, Foreman tries to comfort 13, but she's too busy trying to save her job by saving the POTW. Which she does when she realizes the POTW has lung cysts and the treadmill test will kill her. She arrives just in the nick of time to re-inflate a lung. Back in the office, she tries to make recommendations, but House tells her his employees can take it from there. She argues that she proved she can carry her weight but he believes that she only proved she can make an entrance. The team goes to run more tests and find out that the POTW has a terminal illness. House finds 13 and tells her deliver the news, but it doesn't mean she's getting her job back. 13 agrees because no one deserves to get that kind of news from house.
What follows is a lot of 13 spending time with the POTW, revealing that she too has a terminal illness. The bond over the idea that they only have a decade left when the POTW begins bleeding. The team is back to running tests, one of which has Foreman asking Chase if he really is boring. Chase confirms that he is and honestly, in his behavior for the last two seasons...I have to agree. After the tests, House decides the POTW needs a bone marrow transplant. Not because he knows what's wrong with her of course. And the treatment could kill her. He tasks 13 with getting the consent and she does.
Lucas is waiting in his office, with Wilson's trash. Which reveals Wilson to be a heroin addict? House marches into Wilson's office and announces "You're back!" while Wilson curses having overplayed his hand. House grills him about where he was and Wilson finally caves so far as telling him to be follow him at 8pm that night. When House gets back to his office, 13 is waiting for him and he rehires her, stating that while she's crashing and burning, he can still use her. 13 accuses him of trying to save her by forcing her to spend time with the POTW and to connect to her, which is when House's epiphany comes. As he stares at her cracked lips.
The POTW never cried, not when she got her diagnosis and not when House cuts an union in front of her. She doesn't have the terminal Lam, she has the treatable Sjorgens, which attacks saliva and tears and caused her symptoms and some sort of mouth infection that she passed to 13, causing cracked lips when it was further irritated by use of her inhaler. Foreman congratulates 13 on getting her job back, but it seems like 13 would have been happier having a terminal partner as she replies that she just feels alone. At least, until she picks up a blond on her way home.
House makes his way to Wilson's home and then follows him to a baby store, where he's met up with Cuddy. They reveal that Wilson was late because he was attending a meeting with her to act as a character reference in her adoption proceedings, and she was approved. She asks House if he's going to congratulate her and he replies "If you're happy, I'm..." and leaves the store.
There was a whole lot of funny tonight, but here were my favorites:
House: How does 13 know about it?
Cameron: She was with with patient last night.
House: At 3am? Oh yeah! Penthouse Forum meets medical mystery. Maybe there is a God.
House: 13, go stick a needle into your girlfriend's pelvis and no, that wasn't a metaphor. Suck out some marrow. That one was.
13: You'll have to forgive Dr. House, he mistakes immaturity for edginess.
POTW: You're Dr. House?
House: I assume my name came up last night in the form of a moan.
House: You're just upset because the whole time she was with you, she was thinking of my huge, throbbing, diagnostic skill.
House: Oh my god! You invoked your dead girlfriend's name to sell me. You're my hero.
What did you think? Was House less of a jerk? Do you buy Wilson's turn around? Do you wish 13 would have held on to the POTW a little longer? Maybe an episode or two? Where you glad to see the return of Lucas? And is Cuddy really, finally getting a baby?
Jessica- I wouldn't mind a little less recap and a bit more analysis. House's reaction to Cuddy adopting a baby was a critical moment (I think he's upset that everyone is moving on with their life and he is still his bitter old self), and you said almost nothing about it.
Liked the episode- House was much less of a jerk, and how can I not appreciate some girl on girl action? Also, Cameron and Chase had some scenes, which is always nice.
AC | Oct 22, 2008 12:37:11 AM | #i totaly get all this , it tweek's me out. i like to read what i think is fuckery in my meantal head
house | Oct 22, 2008 3:19:28 AM | #House did not seem happy about the baby idea. His face looked like he was thinking they should be having a baby together. He was not happy at all.
Bo | Oct 22, 2008 4:35:41 AM | #I keep trying to watch this show..but the old magic is lost. I turned in the first few seconds tonight-I thought I'd mistakenly put it on showtime or something-did not flip back until a few seconds before 'Fringe" and got basically the same shot of softcore porn. I am not gay and do not want to see people who are-Don't get me wrong-I don't want to see Hetero sex on tv either-especially at 8:00 primetime with my kids in the room. I will no longer be watching House. I'd rather aimlessly flip channels for an hour.
Christie | Oct 22, 2008 5:21:16 AM | #House definitely looked like he and Cuddy should be having a baby together!
HOUSE LOVES CUDDY kinda of big moment to leave out of a recap!
Ari | Oct 22, 2008 5:29:43 AM | #I thought I was the only one to think that House was going downhill fast the last few weeks (the show, not just the man LOL). I thought too that it was much better last night, with House at least attempting to do his job and not just being a jerk the entire show. I don't mind him being a jerk, it's part of the show, just participate in the medical stuff as well! I still think it's not as good as the first season or two.
Ellie W | Oct 22, 2008 6:05:20 AM | #By the by at the beginning of the episode when you see Wilson on the floor, house hands him a wheel from his chair which is why he was on the floor. Also that moment at the end with Wilson, Cuddy & House I thought that it looked like House was crying when Cuddy told him she was adopting. But maybe thats just me. Whatever I;m looking forward to next week's episode.
Dory | Oct 22, 2008 6:31:02 AM | #The main plotline about 13 and her one-night stand wasn't interesting. Too many scenes showing 13 contemplating her mortality, by staring emotionlessly into the middle distance while being shot in soft-focus. It would be cheesy in a t.v. movie, and I have higher standards for House.
For me, the only interesting parts of the episode were Wilson's practical joke and, of course, the big reveal at the end - Cuddy's impending motherhood. That was the highlight of a pretty mediocre episode.
The episode was just OK. House wasn't such a jerk, which was a relief, but the magic seems to be gone. Hope the writers fix it soon.
JK | Oct 22, 2008 9:31:07 AM | #I am starting to think they are going to change the show from House MD to 13MD. What is with all the interest in her. She is the most boring character on TV. I want to know more about the lives of the old team before I even want to know about her. The only high light in last nights episode was the House/Wilson interactions and when House found out about Cuddy adopting. The look of hurt on Houses face was heart breaking.
GM | Oct 22, 2008 9:51:56 AM | #I guess I'm in the minority. I somewhat like the 13 part. I think, and it may be me, that they are trying to draw some parallels between the issues that 13 and House each face. A possible romance? Probably not. A father (okay that might not be the right term, mentor rather) figure to her that eventually pushes House to slightly change? Perhaps. I think there's value there.
Was it me, or did it partially seem like they were trying to build something between Foreman and Dr. "13" Headley (Sp?)? that might be mildly interesting ... albeit cliched (the wild party girl and the boring doctor bringing each other to happy mediums).
Tony | Oct 22, 2008 10:14:06 AM | #House was fairly happy this show, for him. He sure enjoyed Wilson's joke and it appears he was helping "13" by keeping her from the blood test that would prevent her from getting a job elsewhere. For those upset with all the air time "13" is getting I have a feeling it will be greatly reduced in the future. Next week will be about Cuddy and "her" baby. Cameron and Chase have key roles in another upcoming show. Speaking of the old guard, I thought it was funny how House got under Foreman's skin by saying his P.I. couldn't find out anything about him because he was boring.
Chuck | Oct 22, 2008 10:17:38 AM | #christie
dont let yur prude nature alienate you from great programming. respect others personal choices. people may not agree with your political standpoint, but many watched both parties conventions
To Anonymous..who said anything about watching the conventions?? I'm not a prude at all but prime time is not the time for scenes like this..our children are constantly bombarded with images like this. It's bad enough when I flip channels and accidently they see "straight" couples engaged..but to have to explain two women going at it!! naw..man I'm done. And please don't be so lame as to use "anonymous" ...
Christie | Oct 22, 2008 11:07:27 AM | #I thought this episode was a little bland, it seemed that instead of instilling a sense of edginess within the writing, they chose to do it with imagery and obviously sex and drugs.
I'm not one to complain if done right, but last night I didn't really buy into it.
I enjoyed Taub's storyline last episode a lot more, speaking of which...when do we find out about the "talk".....and are we to expect a Kutner centered episode next?
Shane | Oct 22, 2008 11:45:15 AM | #Christie,
Did you watch a different episode than me? All I saw was a kiss and a cuddle.
Of course, you have the right to choose what you want to watch in your house, but I'd say that House's pill-popping and rude behavior is by far the worse things that you could have your family see.
Affection displayed by two people isn't something you should be ashamed of, or embarassed by.
Tom | Oct 22, 2008 12:37:40 PM | #Boring episode. They've been dull all season, although Laurie hasn't let up. I agree: 13 puts me to sleep. And I completely agree that there was far too much boring hand-wringing. The girl sex is also about as dull as could be and there was so much of it. "A little less conversation, a little more action please...."
Nadine | Oct 22, 2008 12:41:27 PM | #Tony, I don't think you're in the minority, I think it's mostly the minority that posts in these blogs. I like 13, and her storylines. I also love Taub and Kutner, and await more storylines for them.
Jane | Oct 22, 2008 1:58:14 PM | #Oops, meant to ask, what happened to last week's recap, with House's father's death and the trip with Wilson?
Jane | Oct 22, 2008 1:59:22 PM | #"House" is getting a little bit stale. You'd think House & Wilson's relationship would actually evolve, but it's the same old stuff.
And if House and Cuddy hook up next week, the show will jump the shark and I'll stop watching. The sexual tension is key between the two, but if they actual act on it, then it's over.
MC | Oct 22, 2008 2:59:25 PM | #tony you're not alone... i'm a fan of 13 too. definitely an interesting character and this episode was excellent.
joits | Oct 22, 2008 4:47:01 PM | #I've not been a big 13 fan, but I really enjoyed this episode. For a start, to label her as bi and not show it was pointless. The idea of her wanting to live life, but to be in control hence just hooking up with girls was showing us something about her character, and 13 has been the blandest so far. Plus I liked her gf!
Very interesting to see House's reaction to Cuddy adopting. You can't have missed the talk about House and Cuddy having a kiss in the next ep. To be honest, we've had a few mentions of the 2 of them -when the PI was interested in her, but House's reaction was odd. He looked as shaken up as we've ever seen him. NOT happy! Cuddy with a baby in tow could get boring quickly. Wonder if it will happen.
Nice to see a bit of Chase and Foreman. Of all of them, I think I would like Taub as my doctor if I was sick. OK, so House would diagnose my rare and potentially fatal illness, but he is the most compassionate IMO. Liked that he tried to stick up for 13.
Enjoyed this ep a lot, and good for character development all round.
ALL 13 SCENES=BORING!!
The rest of the episode was good.
I'm sure the House/Cuddy hook-up is not going to be for very long.
Would like a BIRTHMARKS recap and discussion please?
Now THAT was a GREAT episode!
My fav line of the show was when house was at 13 house with forman and he said,
Your a discrace to your steriotype
Jawad Ali | Oct 22, 2008 9:40:53 PM | #I adore the House/Cuddy idea. Whoever wrote this is brilliant. I was starting to think of House as a complete waste of male flesh. He needed to fall in love with some one.
BUT. It can't last long. House would start to be completely, un-House if he fell in love SO they might resolve to kill Cuddy off. and knowing this show, the plot would be like this:
House notices that Cuddy is having weird physical problems (like that girl not being able to cry). Then she faints. So him and the team start trying to treat her. He can't figure out what it is. And he is not able to save her.
And I'm sure every one who is sane would not enjoy that show, because then House would be depressed and weepy.
THE END.
All in favor of this show, say aye...All I can hear is crickets...that must mean that House is not allowed to fall in love, Cuddy or not.
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