HOUSE: The Choice
May 6, 2010 by Erik Wilkinson
Even in a tough economy, most of us would not apply for a position as “Third Wheel.” The tricky job of being the odd man out at a dinner party or movie is far more taxing than a depleted bank account. Even experienced “plus ones” struggle to balance their obligations to contribute just enough to the conversation, then to say good night at the proper hour. At the ripe not-quite-old age of 33, I am experiencing this phenomenon in hyper speed. My closest friends are all married or in committed relationships, and I believe that they genuinely want me to find the same satisfaction.
Here’s the dirty secret to being a third wheel, one that Gregory House must accept. There is no conspiracy to leave anyone behind. It is not anyone’s fault. People have to move forward on their own terms. To wish less for your friends is selfish. To want more for yourself is natural. The worst thing we can do is to react to our loved ones’ maturation with resentment or jealousy.
This week’s House dealt with the consequences of being a third wheel from several angles. Whether you are a best friend, an adoring bride to be, or an adulterous spouse, the paralyzing symptoms of loneliness are equally humbling. It is the next step that determines whether you will turn the page to a fresh start.
Eva Amurri is best known to the public as Susan Sarandon’s daughter, or for her guest role as Jackie on “Californication”. Besides an alluring presence, the actress behind jilted bride Nicole seems to have inherited her mother’s gift for acting. As longtime readers know, I rarely connect with the patient stories on House. This one, however, intrigued me because of Amurri’s contributions.
The politically correct way of exploring Tom’s sexuality would dictate that Nicole’s initial shock would slowly evolve to acceptance of her fiance’s true self. Thanks to a bold choice by writer David Hoselton, Amurri was free to be angry and defiant. When Cotter wept as he held Tom’s hand, Jackie asked him to go away. Humbling confessions about sexual dysfunctions reduced her to the brink of shame. No matter her partner’s good intentions, Jackie was a victim of betrayal. She refused to be the third wheel in her husband’s heart. This was a creative story, bolstered by a standout performance.
My funny bone was tickled by House’s revolving door of baby sitters. It was akin to the Robert DeNiro movie, “Everybody’s Fine,” when his children would spend 24 hours with him, then hurry to send him off to the next sibling. Karaoke night with Chase and Foreman was a genuine hoot, with Jesse Spencer exhibiting a shocking supply of soul (if that was his voice) and Omar Epps playing along with the “cane-ography.” Sending House out to a lesbian bar with Thirteen was a lazy device, but the lingering question facing his character came out of her mouth.
“My self pity’s optional. What about yours?”
Two interesting nuggets were unearthed in this hour. First, House is substituting liquor for pills in his struggle to manage his chronic pain. Based on the teaser for next week’s episode, I anticipate we will hear see that story fleshed out, so I’ll reserve judgment. Second, House rebuffed Cuddy’s invitation for a platonic dinner, insisting that being friends is the last thing he wants.
At the risk of raising the ire of the pro-Huddy forces, can someone explain where this scene fits in to the narrative of the show? Aside from Wilson, I still believe that House’s favorite person is Lucas, as evidenced by their banter in Season Five. Based on the events of “5 to 9,” House is capable of supporting Cuddy’s personal and professional decisions with some level of maturity. Would you be satisfied to see these two come together as a rebound for Wilson leaving House alone? Is that love, or is it merely circumstance? The concept of Huddy does not strike me as offensive. The path to bringing them together, however, should be far more convincing than this.
There is more to discuss, particularly Taub’s aversion to being stared at by his colleagues, but I am curious about your takes. Let the conversation begin!
*Are you intrigued by how this season will end?
*Where is Wilson & Sam’s relationship headed?
*What did you think of Nicole & Tom’s storyline?
*Can Taub salvage his marriage with the use of ceramics?
*How do you feel about the House/Cuddy prospects now?
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Filed under #1 featured, House, House Recap, Posts by Erik
i think they’re gonna leave us with a major cliff hanger for sure. the “appisodes” for Nurse Jeffrey are supposed to quell us until House’s return in September. I think Wilson and Sam might get married, or it will end in disaster and he will run to House. whether or not House will take him in is another matter. I think Taub is heading down a dangerous road, but it shouldn’t be as relevant as they are making it. I don’t approve of Huddy. i think all that would be is a struggle for power/dominance. they would fight at work and we would have to watch them be all lovey dovey in filler moments of episodes. I think a platonic friendship is he should have with her. She is happy with Lucas. I’m not liking the idea of the writer splitting up House and Wilson’s friendship YET AGAIN with ANOTHER WOMAN. But considering that RSL and HL are both signed on for at least 2 more years, i can;t honestly say what i think will happen with House/Wilson/Sam/Cuddy. Like i said they’re going to end the season with all kinds of loose ends. It will torture waiting through the summer.
Personally i’m a total Hilson shipper through and through. but i also think that romance should not be a main dynamic of this show. I don’t think anyone should end up with anyone. Like i said, let Cuddy have Lucas, House and Wilson have their friendship, and let well enough alone. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. If Sam is their way of ending the Hilson friendship that would cause for me to stop watching. But forcing House/Cuddy together is terrible. Not so much if it is just rebound from Wilson, but it shouldn’t last.
I just don’t know. some of the directions David Shore and the writers are taking are making the show somewhat unbearable. don;t get me wrong I’ll watch it none the less lol. Just don;t ruin everything good about it.
sometimes you have to remind yourself that it is just a show, and that this show in particular is mainly about one person…Gregory House. Whether you love him or hate him(i love him lol) the show IS about him. Not Wilson, Not Cuddy or any of the other teammates…just House. These plot twists and turn of events are designed to affect HIS life. when you have a show like this and you watch it from the beginning, you grow attached and you sort of grow up and mature with them, in a way. So when something happens that you don;t like, you have to remind yourself…it IS just a show. And DAMN GOOD on at that. ^_^
Erik, I haven’t watched this ep (I don’t really ever watch House, even though I think I’d really like it), but the first two paragraphs….DUDE. You and I are living parallel lives. 33 and surrounded by couples and families. Fun, huh? Too bad you don’t live closer – we could be each other’s plus ones and use the time to plan our world domination! 🙂
Jonathan: Thanks for mentioning Nurse Jeffrey, who has become quite the online phenomenon. My approach to reviewing House can be overly analytical, to a fault, so I have failed to note his humorous contributions. I look forward to discussing the appisodes this summer, though I know it won’t be the content most fans will be salivating for after the finale.
The myriad of cliffhanger possibilities for the Season Six finale does validate the producers’ decision to insert Sam into the show. As a Cynthia Watros fan, I was happy just to have her on the show. The impact of her character has heightened the stakes leading into May 17th.
One thing is for sure, if House is “just a show,” I wish more creative teams would strive to equal its level of quality.
well its like i said, some of the directions the creator and writers are taking, just seem so I don’t know, so unlikable, and also a bit redundant(i.e. splitting up House/Wilson over a woman). i watched the 2 minute spoiler, and my thoughts are/were either something happened to Wilson/Sam or Alvie(there were no indications of that in the video, so I’m not spoiling). anyway it looks like its going to be intense and possibly a tear jerker.
I like the idea of house and cuddy getting together eventually in the very last ever episode of house bec it would mean house finally matured and grew up. I don’t think it will happen anytime soon though.
I don’t like Sam and it could be bec I don’t like the actress playing her, but it is nice to see Wilson happy… and wonder a bit if there is room in that story for House to see that people grow and change and can make things work out if they try… after all House is why Wilson doesn’t have Amber. I wonder if Amber will resurface in House’s dreams with the alcohol starting to take over for his pain management… and maybe House ses it as a way to put a wedge in between Wilson and Sam.
we’ll have to see…