Not since Rob Morrow left Northern Exposure have I followed a network (or, for that matter, cable as well) TV series. To be sure, I have enjoyed a miniseries here and there and an occasional episode of a number of well-written shows (including most recently Grey’s Anatomy), but until watching an episode of House with my sister-in-law on Sunday while in Cincinnati, I never really felt engaged by a TV series.
So compelling was this TV show that I heard myself telling my newly 4-year-old nephew that he would have to wait until the commercial for my assistance with his puzzle (I had spent the better part of the day playing and shopping with him and his younger sister who, like a TV character of yore, can “turn the world on with her smile“.) While I left him alone struggle with the puzzle on his own (which could have turned out to be a good thing), I did have to turn away from the tube when his local uncle (my other younger brother) arrived at the house.
What I so liked about the show was not merely Hugh Laurie‘s crusty demeanor, but the ability to the writers to make the show about something more than the matter at hand. In the particular episode I was watching, Dr. House was treating a one-time nice guy who started speaking his every thought about those around him. (Kind of a foil for the show’s protagonist?) Without saying so directly, he show thus seemed to be asking a great (and fundamental) question: who are we really, our persona (the “mask” we wear everyday) or our passions (many of which we conceal in order to fit in — or not offend). Good writing that–to pose such a question through a story-line.
The show, despite one major casting flaw, seems to succeed for the same reason a number of good shows have succeeded: sharp writing, good casting and a smart premise. Nice to discover something this good on the tube when I had thought the only good TV today was miniseries.
House has actually gotten a bit worse in the last couple of seasons. It was a lot better during it’s first few seasons. I highly recommend getting them on DVD.
It will soon be the last season of Lost. I have to prepare myself mentally for the level of obsession I’m going to experience. I’ve had a few months off, but it will be back to trying to sort out unresolvable paradoxes, watching characters I truly care about face existential questions, researching obscure para-science–oh, golly, I’m just not ready! All that blank time between episodes. This will mark a chapter of my life–the Lost years. Oh, John Locke, why must you be my avatar in this difficult world?
This is interesting. I’m not a big fan of television fiction programs either.
I agree, Rob Morrow’s departure ruined Northern Exposure.
But Grey’s Anatomy? I’ve seen a couple of those with my mother, and it’s a total chick show.
BTW, who is the one major casting flaw on House? I mean you can’t mention something like that and then not name names.
It’s hilarious the difference between Dr. House and, say, Prince George:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT52HhtJ6kU
CLDave, didn’t mention the name of the casting flaw on House because I didn’t get her name. It was the woman with the long hair. Seems she was cast for the straight guys. She’s attractive, just don’t come across as a doctor.
Our go-to show is “Burn Notice”. Jeffrey Donovan…. mmmmmmmmmmm!
Is _House_ the subject of this post? I had to re-skim it a few times to figure it out. I was engaged by it for about 3 or 4 episodes, then they started seeming repetitive and overly formulaic to me, and the diseases more and more far fetched. (The person ate bubblegum followed by paperclips followed by 5 different medical study drugs, which caused a skin reaction that stops their heart on alternate Tuesdays.)
It’s all good. But, you are right about the chief of medicine, Cuddy (sp?). She is eye candy for those who get into large breasts. On the other hand, she does provide a foil for House’s prurient comments.
(Burn Notice does have a particularly ambisexual attraction)
I saw this same episode on Sunday too! I’ve never been a fan of the show because of the main character. Why does he have to be brilliant, yet a complete a**hole in his personal life? And that leg injury annoys me to no end. That episode did get me thinking about people who conform to what others think they should be. With that character, he was obviously unhappy in his life.
By the way, did you see the episode before it? It was about a boy who had both male and female chromosomes. The family would not tell him the truth about this until after he got sick. That was a really good episode.