“My godson made me that mug.”
Robert Sean Leonard, uttering that line while Hugh Laurie peed into a coffee cup, was the only time I experienced pleasure last night watching House. I have a certain amount of hope (stoked by my colleague Michael Ausiello) that the House-Wilson household will continue for a while, because the dry byplay between Laurie and Leonard has always been — and to judge from last night’s thoroughly mediocre episode, apparently always will be — the best thing about this series.
Last night, it was confirmed that Foreman is the most boring character on this show when we were presented with the nightmare scenario of him being the House Squad’s new boss. During that limp, last-minute firing of Thirteen in order to “save their relationship,” it was difficult to tell whether the scene was an eye-roller because the premise was ridiculous or because Foreman’s supposedly all-consuming ambition is so devoid of energy or pleasure.
No, it’s only when RSL’s Dr. James Wilson is onscreen, being discreetly exasperated or mildly sarcastic, that House regains some of the charm that made the show interesting in the first place.
Maybe this is the grand plan: Whereas a couple of seasons ago the producers decided to overload the show with potential new cast members, perhaps now the plan is to slowly whittle the characters down to just House and Wilson. They’ll roam the hospital tending to the sick, each in his own particular way, only to return home in the evening to make dinner together and banter wittily over fresh pie for dessert and a nightly chess game.
I’d watch that. Would you?
Let’s be honest, the best parts of House are House, Wilson, and Cuddy. Taub is slowly creeping onto that list, but as long as those senior three stay put and stay friends and stay bantering? I’m in.
Absolutely agree – with the emphasis on House and Wilson. Every moment they were on screen was captivating. I am also pleasantly surprised that Taub is creeping onto that list. Really enjoyed his subtle, underplayed performance last night. He’s picked up the tone of the show.
Please don’t Cuddy in the mix with House and Wilson. I can’t stand and wish oh how I wish they would get rid her.
I liked Foreman last night. This show hasn’t been good for quite a while. I know we are to suspend belief but: hospitalized for hands that feel like burning???? I was 7 months preganant with the same symtom and went to my doc and then a neurologist. They dont just hospitalize you. BTW, he had a Head MRI, not a CT. Come on writers!!! And so way would House ever give his name to the on line question or get a check so soon. Show was so boring that was all I remember.
I’m sick of Foreman and Thirteen. Get rid of them and keep Cameron!
Boo hoo. Cameron is leaving.
Good decision for her career, rotten for the show. I’d quit too if I’d essentially been benched for 3 seasons.
I liked her before they made her a swishy blonde…….
Cameron was made a blonde because of the Star Trek movie.
I like her. Needs more to do. How about some hot scenes with Jesse Spencer, but don’t show her face. I am a blond. Why is Taub leaving (really)?
Actually, I think that’s her natural colour. That’s what somebody said when she first appeared with the changed hair, anyway. And I doubt she’d keep her hair blonde for several years just because of a small part in “Star Trek”.
Does anyone else think that Jennifer Morrison might not actually be leaving? First we hear from a British tabloid that Hugh Laurie might be quitting because the show is causing him physical pain. It turns out not to be true. Now we hear that Jennifer Morrison has been fired, but neither the show or her reps have confirmed this.
Maybe both of these are publicity stunts to get people talking about the show. That’s my hope, anyway…
Actually, Jennifer isn’t leaving of her own decision. She’s very loyal to the show and I don’t think she wants to leave at all. It was a “creative decision”. So to say it’s “good for her career” as if she felt like she wasn’t getting the attention she deserved is to be inaccurate.
I convinced Jennifer Morrison is leaving. Katie Jacobs had every opportunity to deny it and she didn’t.
It’s a big loss for the show. Cameron was a character that balanced House and he was more interesting in scenes with her than with the current team.
Yeah, let’s keep Cameron!!!
Another bad episode, with barely any life to it. And I really don’t want to hear House spouting pop-psych platitudes, even if it is with Andre Braugher.
Yo. Producers of House. I’m gonna say this once, so pay attention: I DO NOT WANT NOW, AND NEVER WILL IN THE FUTURE, TO WATCH THE “FOREMAN AND THIRTEEN” SHOW. They create ZERO chemistry or tension together. Foreman is actually so painfully dull, he could be played by a strategically placed potted plant and nobody would miss him. And I am so sick of the bisexual jokes and innuendo – it’s like the writers know that’s the only thing that makes Thirteen’s character even remotely interesting (well, aside from when she’s dying, that is…AGAIN…). The show is called “House,” I’m assuming, for a REASON. If you’re so intent on the other characters, then spin them off, but for the love of all things “House-ly,” give us some Wilson, already!!!
Really thinking that they are Ausiello’s blind item about on-screen lovers who hate each other. the lack of chemistry between them is ridiculous and the fact that they continue to get airtime is embarrassing for a show of this caliber.
But Omars’ body could have a show of its’ own:)
Couldn’t agree more. It’s not just that they have no chemistry at all, I actually think they may have negative chemistry! And it increases the longer they’re on screen together.
OE is pure D ugly. They should find out if Shemar Moore has a twin cousin. Otherwise I’m going to keep TiVn’g past ugkly everytime it graces my screen
House has just become a giant “jump the shark” moment. Nothing on the show makes any sense anymore, which is why I stopped watching last year.
then why do you spend your time reading an article about the show and take time to comment?
Was that coffee the dude threw at Foreman? I thought I saw straws sticking outta the cups in that closeup, so I assumed it was a soda. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that one of the best-written characters ever on TV, not to mention one of the best actors working today, is getting the major shaft. They better get their act together, or this show is going to start hemorrhaging viewers. If it hasn’t already.
I just re-watched: you’re right: soda! My mistake; sorry.
Sorry House fans but House is getting boring. Really dont care about the love life of the characters. Get back to the basic House..
IF IT WAS UP TO ME THE SHOW WOULD BE CALLED WILSON MD!!!
The Wilson/House relationship is definitely the best thing of the show, we need more more MORE of that. I never get tired of those two interacting, it’s always so fascinating.
WILSON and HOUSE/WILSON are the two reasons I am still watching this show.
To The Powers That Be @ HOUSE:
In a word, last night’s show was BORING. I almost fell asleep, a “shanda” while a drama w/Hugh Laurie is onscreen. Ditch “Foreteen,” FAST!
Talk about an apt title: EPIC FAIL!
So true, they couldn’t have found a better title for this epic fail.
He had a large cup of pop thrown at him, not coffee. Thus, no yelp. I agree that Foreman is boring though.
I thought so, Jim. Minor quibble, I suppose.
It surprises me that with all the clear dislike for Foreman and Thirteen the show would make an episode largely featured around them. They’re easily the two dullest characters on the show and have an equally dull relationship.
I enjoyed most of the episode but had the show focused less on their plot and more on House and Wilson it would have been so much better. House and Wilson have always been the center of the show for me so I would absolutely watch that.
I do really like Taub though and Chase is terribly under used. How about a show about House and Wilson with Cuddy, Taub, and Chase as supporting players?
Was I runk last night. Did Taub not QUIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That would work for me
C’mon, people! How can you diss an entire series based on ONE imperfect episode? Despite its flaws, there was enough good stuff in last night’s ep to keep me entertained (and excited about the season to come).
He had a large cup of coke thrown at him. Thus no yelp. I agree that Foreman is boring though.
I think it was Dr. Pepper.
thank you for that comment – I almost spit my water out while laughing
No, a waste of perfectly good Dr. Pepper would make me yelp.
I enjoyed last night’s episode. Ken was so busy nitpicking Foreman and Thirteen he couldn’t even be bothered to mention House resisting the pull of Vicodin and how he secretly won the $25,000 prize set up by POTW. And Foreman didn’t have a cup of hot coffee thrown at him. It was a cup of soda. Next time actually *watch* the show, Ken! Once again you were way off the mark!