House: Season 3 Premier

[Vince]

Anyone mind PM-ing me a synopsis of the evening's show (including the ending)? I don't watch, but I saw enough damned commercials today to be intrigued.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sending now.

[WSUCougar]

Mmmm, urine.

[FrogMan]

"explain him how to tap the keg"



FM

[Eaglesfan27]

I've been meaning to post in this thread all day, but just had a chance to search it out:

Mrs. E and I both agreed that this week's House episode was the best we've ever seen in the series. I don't want to reveal too much for anyone who still has it on the DVR/TIVO or who might track it down on the internet, but it is an episode that searches heavily into House's subconscious. It was brilliantly acted by Hugh Laurie, great camera work, and excellent direction as well as a great story. One of the best hours of TV I've seen on non-cable this year.

[ISiddiqui]

I still think "Three Stories" was better. But this was pretty good.

Spoiler

Though I'm not sure if a cracked skull would have you running all around as it did with House

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I still think "Three Stories" was better. But this was pretty good.

Spoiler

Though I'm not sure if a cracked skull would have you running all around as it did with House

Spoiler

True. Also, I disagree with them sending him home to sleep with his concussion and his cracked head, but I overlook the medically wrong stuff and enjoy the show for what it is. "Three Stories" was a great episode as well.

[Radii]

So I had all 5 episodes that started after the writers strike ended on the DVR but hadn't seen any of them yet. A buddy of mine almost spoiled the finale so I decided I'd start catching up on them. I ended up watching all 5 of them tonight, the final two episodes were just spectacular. Tonight's finale was, without giving anything away hopefully, very moving given my attachment to the characters they've been developing since day 1.

[RainMaker]

Tonight's finale was odd. I kept waiting for him to figure out her problem and fix her. I'm kind of glad they had someone die. Don't think they had anyone all season die. Hospital shows need some stories like this.

I was a HUGE fan of this show the first few seasons, but just didn't like this one at all. Outside of Kal Penn, I don't like the new characters at all and preferred the other guys from his team. The storylines are just getting so far out there that it's getting tiresome. I mean the guy gets a serious concussion, cracked skull, overdoses on ahlzeihmers medication, has a heart attack, and is then walking around the hospital making diagnosis within a few hours.

The show was better when he was more controlled, had less craziness. They have some interesting storylines for next season to build on, I just hope they tone down the crap that made this season the worst so far. The soap opera episode this season was almost the end for me with this show.

[rowech]

When you think about those two episodes together, I think they're probably the best TV I've seen all season. I don't think this was the best season for House but I still believe it to be the best show on TV.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by rowech

When you think about those two episodes together, I think they're probably the best TV I've seen all season. I don't think this was the best season for House but I still believe it to be the best show on TV.

Agreed. Watched last night's show when I got home last night and that was a terrific finale. It will be interesting to see how this transforms Wilson as well as the Wilson-House relationship and how that changes House. Great episode.

[RedHawk00]

Good finale, very much interested in many things...
how 13 changes throughout the next season because of her diagnosis
how the conversation House had on the bus with Amber at the end changes him.
and our course the house-wilson relationship

[Crim]

Tell ya what. I thought there were holes in the finale, like there usually are in this sort of show, but I really thought it was well acted, well directed, and well done.

Spoiler

I'll miss Amber as a character, though.

Any chance she can come back as a spectral Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon character next season? (j/k... sort of.)

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Crim

Tell ya what. I thought there were holes in the finale, like there usually are in this sort of show, but I really thought it was well acted, well directed, and well done.

Spoiler

I'll miss Amber as a character, though.

Any chance she can come back as a spectral Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon character next season? (j/k... sort of.)

I actually wouldn't be surprised if she plays a role in House's head and kind of haunts/helps him along. They can use the severe trauma he's had with his head as an excuse for it.

[Kevin]

Probably she'll just turn up in the shower with Bobby Ewing.

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Tonight's finale was odd. I kept waiting for him to figure out her problem and fix her. I'm kind of glad they had someone die. Don't think they had anyone all season die. Hospital shows need some stories like this.

I was a HUGE fan of this show the first few seasons, but just didn't like this one at all. Outside of Kal Penn, I don't like the new characters at all and preferred the other guys from his team. The storylines are just getting so far out there that it's getting tiresome. I mean the guy gets a serious concussion, cracked skull, overdoses on ahlzeihmers medication, has a heart attack, and is then walking around the hospital making diagnosis within a few hours.

The show was better when he was more controlled, had less craziness. They have some interesting storylines for next season to build on, I just hope they tone down the crap that made this season the worst so far. The soap opera episode this season was almost the end for me with this show.

I feel the same way.

The diagnosis aspects of each episode have become rather silly, IMO. Guess, counter-guess, be proven wrong, repeat.

I do like many of the characters, but next season will have to start off well or I will probably bail.

[Lathum]

Just caught up on all of season 4 thrugh netflix.

The end was amazing, my wife was bawling through most of it.

For my money House is easily the best characture on TV right now

[Lathum]

dola- I never much considered the actor who plays Wilson one way or the other, but he was absolutly increadable

[Jas_lov]

Is anyone watching Season 5? I thought the last season ended pretty well but this season has been average at best. Tonight's episode was terrible.

We really need Thirteen to die, Taub to succeed at commiting suicide, and the old team to get back together. Kal Penn is ok so he can stay. We need much more Wilson-House interaction, more House doing clinic duty, and more interesting cases. Tonight's case was boring.

Cameron as House's boss may be a nice temporary change of pace, but they really need to go back to the old formula or they'll run this once brilliant show into the ground. At least there's still the re-runs on USA to remind us how good the show was.

[ISiddiqui]

I, for one, liked the episode. Especially the ending, when Foreman is trapped in a dilemma, knowing 13 is on the placebo, and House realizes he did cause the pipe to leak.

I've always like Taub and his snark, but I think they are underusing Kal Penn. Or, at the very least, not giving him that much depth as a character.

As for Cameron, Chase, etc, that story line had really run its course. If they kept to the old formula, the show would have been basically on last legs now, rather than still being very high in the ratings.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I, for one, liked the episode. Especially the ending, when Foreman is trapped in a dilemma, knowing 13 is on the placebo, and House realizes he did cause the pipe to leak.

I've always like Taub and his snark, but I think they are underusing Kal Penn. Or, at the very least, not giving him that much depth as a character.

As for Cameron, Chase, etc, that story line had really run its course. If they kept to the old formula, the show would have been basically on last legs now, rather than still being very high in the ratings.

I agree. The ending of this one was great. I think Kai Penn's character is great, because he more than any of the others understands WTF House is up to.

More Wilson though please.

[Jas_lov]

You liked that boring case and Taub? Ok, but don't you agree that House doing clinic duty and Wilson-House were some of the best parts of the show? And now they completely eliminated all of that because there are 70 characters who need screen time.

Thirteen, Taub, Kuetner, House, Foreman, don't forget about Chase and Cameron for 30 seconds, Wilson, Cuddy and her fake baby. It all started to go downhill with that Tritter storyline. And what about the episode this season where House gives back the gun? Just terrible.

[Alan T]

House is still my favorite show on tv, and is almost the only one that I put aside my computer and don't do any work so I can focus entirely on the show. I like 13 and Taub just fine, the show has always been best though when it is House + Wilson, so it could use more of that, but I understand why they backed off on it as it was becoming almost too routine even.

I never really liked Cameron and Chase too much anyhows, so the new staff isn't any worse to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

As usual, I disagree with Jas. I thought it was a very good show last night. I love Foreman's dilemma. He has already manipulated the schedule of a patient which is a minor-moderate ethical violation. He is now faced with a very serious decision that could cost him his license or at the very least a massive law suit. Foreman has always been a career first type of guy, I think it will be an interesting fall out either way.

This is still my favorite show on TV. I loved the ending last night where it turned out House was responsible for his pipe issue after all.

As far as the staff changes, I liked Cameron and would like to see her more and it looks like I'll get my wish with Cuddy's decision. However, I always disliked Chase and think any one of the new group are a major upgrade over him.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Jas_lov

You liked that boring case and Taub? Ok, but don't you agree that House doing clinic duty and Wilson-House were some of the best parts of the show? And now they completely eliminated all of that because there are 70 characters who need screen time.

I doubt it's because of 3 new characters. There was plenty of room for Wilson earlier on in the season, when House was trying to get him back (and the great PI character). I think they are trying out some new things. House, MD was pilloried in its first two seasons for being waaaay too formulaic and I like that they are moving in different directions a bit. Don't worry, Wilson will be back.

And Hell, in interviews, Robert Sean Leonard basically has said he loves his 2 or 3 scene role because of how little work it ends up being.

And what about the episode this season where House gives back the gun? Just terrible.

Different strokes... I thought that episode was great. One of the breaking out of the formula ones.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

As far as the staff changes, I liked Cameron and would like to see her more and it looks like I'll get my wish with Cuddy's decision. However, I always disliked Chase and think any one of the new group are a major upgrade over him.

The problem with Cameron usually is that they've gone so far down the path with Chase as the romantic interest that they can't disintangle that. At least not easily.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

As usual, I disagree with Jas. I thought it was a very good show last night. I love Foreman's dilemma. He has already manipulated the schedule of a patient which is a minor-moderate ethical violation. He is now faced with a very serious decision that could cost him his license or at the very least a massive law suit. Foreman has always been a career first type of guy, I think it will be an interesting fall out either way.

This is still my favorite show on TV. I loved the ending last night where it turned out House was responsible for his pipe issue after all.

As far as the staff changes, I liked Cameron and would like to see her more and it looks like I'll get my wish with Cuddy's decision. However, I always disliked Chase and think any one of the new group are a major upgrade over him.

+1 on the Foreman stuff. I'm really interested to see what he's going to do. You can see he's got feelings for 13, the question will be if he's willing to switch her over into the meds group vs. the placebo group or not, and what the ramifications of that are.

House+Wilson was becoming almost too formulaic with "oh he's talking to Wilson...here comes the solution." It was almost an eye-rolling type of thing. Now at least there's different stuff going on - shit I'm still not even sure what made him think of epilepsy last night.

Kuttner+13 are great - Taub I could probably do without, although he has had some great moments - like the "elective plastic surgery" thing. The 13-thing has really become a significant part of the show, and I enjoy that.

Cameron vs. House should be amusing

[ISiddiqui]

shit I'm still not even sure what made him think of epilepsy last night.

Interestingly enough, the ball scratching by the plumber.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Interestingly enough, the ball scratching by the plumber.

aaah - i must have looked away for a second when that happened.

*nods* okay, so not the most interesting thing, but it did allow them to do that whole little story with him being pissed about the pipe and all. which at least was different and amusing.

i'm not opposed to wilson+house at all, but i think it becomes more effective when you balance it out with some other things too. honestly i'd like to see his team helping out in that respect every so often - right now it seems that they're not at all, except to eliminate things.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

honestly i'd like to see his team helping out in that respect every so often - right now it seems that they're not at all, except to eliminate things.

That is my only real gripe with the show.. fellows do get things right every once in a while

[ISiddiqui]

Hmmm... now I'm really thinking that the actor playing Wilson isalso involved in something else, giving him less time to do House, MD.

Another episode where we barely see him. Though it was great that he tried to con Cuddy with that picture.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Hmmm... now I'm really thinking that the actor playing Wilson isalso involved in something else, giving him less time to do House, MD.

Another episode where we barely see him. Though it was great that he tried to con Cuddy with that picture.

Don't see anything at least "in work" on imdb for him. I did just find out for the first time though that he was one of the schoolboys in Dead Poet's society.. I never even put that together.

Anyhow, I honestly think this is just the writers trying to shake things up a bit. The same as last season they pulled away Chase, Cameron and Foreman and brought in a new staff to shake things up, I think now they are distancing Wilson some to keep it from getting "stale".

I actually am thinking that it is being set up for a Wilson and Cuddy getting involved which will lead to some type of issue between House and Wilson down the road.

[ISiddiqui]

Perhaps so... but a few eps of no Wilson-House is ok to shake it up... but its about time they had a scene together again, isn't it?

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Alan T

I actually am thinking that it is being set up for a Wilson and Cuddy getting involved which will lead to some type of issue between House and Wilson down the road.

+1

Or at least House having the perception that they are involved.

[Jas_lov]

I thought the last episode was better than most of the others this season. I'm warming up to Taub, maybe he just needs more character development. Cuddy getting back at House was amusing and a heavy dose of Wilson was excellent. The case wasn't that great but it got everyone thinking about their own lives.

Sounds like this week's episode will be postponed thanks to President Obama and his damn stimulus bill. Apparently Obama has events planned for the next 3 Monday nights so who knows when the next episode will air.

[Jas_lov]

The show is getting back on track. Tonight's episode was the best of the season and the main reason is that the case and patient were interesting. Sprinkle in some Wilson and Chase/Cameron and it makes for a great show.

[WSUCougar]

Yup, I enjoyed it, too. The priest character was excellent.

Alas, I thought we were finally rid of Foreman, but no such luck. He's such a weak link.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

Yup, I enjoyed it, too. The priest character was excellent.

Alas, I thought we were finally rid of Foreman, but no such luck. He's such a weak link.

He used to be my favorite of the three (Chase, Cameron , Foreman), but I think as we've had less exposure to Chase and Cameron, I have just gotten tired of Foreman now. I still think I like him better then Chase, but I would be completely fine with them further seperating Chase, Cameron and Foreman from the script all together.

More House, Cuddy, Wilson with the 3 new staff members makes this a good show now.

[Eaglesfan27]

We didn't get around to watching this last episode until last night. I thought it was one of the most interesting of the year with House choosing to be a brilliant miserable doctor over a "good" doctor who was pain free. I've always subscribed to the theory that it was his pain which made him a miserable human being and not a longer standing personality issue and last night was the first clear confirmation of that which I can recall.

[Jas_lov]

The Mos Def episode was sheer brilliance. What a powerful performance by such a great actor. One can only expect the same next week from Meat Loaf. Next week's episode looks like the end of civilization, or at least that's how they promoted it. I have a feeling one of the team members will be gone after this year and it's looking like Taub.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Jas_lov

The Mos Def episode was sheer brilliance. What a powerful performance by such a great actor. One can only expect the same next week from Meat Loaf. Next week's episode looks like the end of civilization, or at least that's how they promoted it. I have a feeling one of the team members will be gone after this year and it's looking like Taub.

yeah, it was actually a lot better than i expected!

[ISiddiqui]

This is why I can still handle the obvious formula (well, aside from the characters and the story arc of House's ass-ness and Cuddy and Wilson's attempt to find out what's beneath it), because every once in a while, they come up with a story of utter brilliance. I still consider "Three Stories" to be one of (if not THE) greatest one hour of television I've ever seen. And then there was the greatness of "House's Head" and "Wilson's Heart" last season. And now this one and, it seems, next week.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by Jas_lov

The Mos Def episode was sheer brilliance. What a powerful performance by such a great actor. One can only expect the same next week from Meat Loaf. Next week's episode looks like the end of civilization, or at least that's how they promoted it. I have a feeling one of the team members will be gone after this year and it's looking like Taub.

I enjoyed the episode as well, but it was clearly either a rip-off or homage to (I think it was the latter) of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly The first 10 mins or so of the "Locked In" stuff is practically 1:1 repetition of the film. It definitely starts to veer off before too long, though. I just don't want people to think that the most brilliant part of the episode was their doing -- it was obvious mimicry of some sort (as I said, I assume an homage, not some sort of lame plagiarism).

[Jas_lov]

I see. Still a great episode though. Between this episode, the House taking methadone one and the guy who couldn't lie, they have salvaged the season. Didn't really care for that cat episode though. With Meat Loaf anchoring next week's cast, I have no doubt it will be another classic.

[Alan T]

I think if I commented in this thread after every House episode, you all would get tired of me. Clearly loved this week's episode, and just the previews for next week gave me chills and is a must-see (as really House every week is).

House is probably 3 or 4 levels above any other show there is out there today in my opinion.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Alan T

I think if I commented in this thread after every House episode, you all would get tired of me. Clearly loved this week's episode, and just the previews for next week gave me chills and is a must-see (as really House every week is).

House is probably 3 or 4 levels above any other show there is out there today in my opinion.

Agreed. It wasn't the most original idea, but I thought the locked in episode was the best executed hour of TV this year.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Agreed. It wasn't the most original idea, but I thought the locked in episode was the best executed hour of TV this year.

Agreed.

[Bearcat729]

Alright this weeks episode was unexpected.

[Jas_lov]

It was an absolutely horrid decision by the writers. The season was coming back strong and it all came to a crashing halt tonight. Meat Loaf did not dissapoint, but Kutner's death was much too sudden. They should have just renewed Penn's contract instead of killing off a popular character. Just atrocious.

[DaddyTorgo]

add to that that Kuttner's character seemed to be the one that was most effective in coming up with answers or looking at things "out of the box" and it's a shame.