The case of the week on House this week was amped up a bit, simply because the patient was Cuddy’s mom, and there was some nice commentary on why doctors should not treat their own family members. How can you be an objective doctor when your patient tells you she loves you, but she doesn’t really like you? Ouch. It was pretty great that Cuddy’s mom didn’t turn out to be a hypochondriac, though. Her character is anything but stereotypical and I think even that small attention to storyline detail really did her justice.
I think my favorite part of the episode was the dynamics between House and Cuddy. She clearly values his dishonesty when it benefits her, and he can be ridiculously honest at times, a House we don’t often get to see. When House told Cuddy that she never confronts her mother and that it pisses him off, that was a really important moment in their relationship. And Cuddy respects House enough to finally tell her mother off and save her life.
Throughout all of the tense moments in this drama, House and Cuddy remained united and strong — and to me, that’s telling. I hope they keep this up and don’t contrive a reason to split them apart.
Now, the thing that bugged me most about this episode is how stupid it was that they didn’t just talk to the attending physician assigned to Cuddy’s mom’s case. Was all that sneaking about really necessary? For the storyline, perhaps; but honestly, they could have just talked to the guy first. The last seven seasons have been about House’s ego, but if this doctor wouldn’t listen to his staff or House and Cuddy, then he’s the one with the ego problem.
This and that:
I honestly didn’t notice Wilson was missing until you pointed it out. While I love his friendship with House, he’s become a one-note character. Their scenes all feel the same. I would love to see him do something unexpected.
From the start I couldn’t stand Masters, and I’ll be so happy when she’s gone. She’s a younger, less confident version of Cameron, and she irritates me in a “Mary Sue” kind of way. I mean, does this show really need a medical Wesley Crusher when you could bring on a believable character instead?
The House/Cuddy thing is going as well as can be expected. But I didn’t particularly enjoy this episode… except for that blackmail scene between House and Masters. I just loved how evil House looked with the shadows on his face.
*POST AUTHOR*
I know, for all the hype, it was probably one of my least favorite episodes this season.