Survey of the House, M.D. fan community
2009 November 7
I am doing a very unscientific survey of the House fandom for a very large project, which will become public in the next few months.
Thanks for participating in this. Please let me know if I can quote you or use your name (and which name—screen name or real name).
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- When did you first start watching the show?
- What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
- What do you like best about the show?
- What annoys you (if anything) and why?
- In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
- Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
- House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
- Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
- Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
- Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
- Least favorite episodes?
- The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
- Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
1. I guess one year ago, when S2 aired in my country. From S2 season finale.
But she wrote very nice eps too.
2. At the beggining I dig on medical cases and that drama was and still is unpredictable. Now I mostly watch for Huddy.
3. I like that show is unpredictable, I still like medical cases, I love ’strange’ eps like ‘Locked in” when we see from patient view everything what’s going on or S2 finale when everything was just Houses ‘dream’. That makes show more interesting to watch.
4. What annoys me? Sometimes I’m annoyed that I wait for Huddy to happen since S1 and in S6 we got new rocks on the road. It’s getting exhausting but I still hope for Huddy!
5. Less concentrated on medical cases more on personal life of characters. Differren’t camera takes.
6. It scares me but I like it less than before. My ‘House’ obsession slowly dying.
7. As I said firstable I was watching for medical cases and for House as a character (I love how big jerk he is *lol*) Now I mostly watch for hospital characters and their stoires. I ship Huddy and Hilson friendship.
8. Huddy!
9. Fav: I forgot his name as I found out that he’s my fav yesterday *lol* but he wrote ‘airbone’ and ‘joy’
Least fav: Doris Egan ’cause she’s not Huddy and she brought back Lucas this season. *lol* She messes with our fandom
10. S1 Three stories
S2 No reason
S3 One day one room
S4 House’s head & Wilson’s heart
S5 Both Side Now
S6 don’k know yet
But honestly there’s hard to pick one from one season. There’s a lot of eps that I love!
11. Hmmm… ‘Instant Karma’ from S6. Sorry to tell that but IMO it was the most boring ep in whole series.
12. I think that it always put something interesting to show and reveal new qualites in characters. I know that even Lucas who’ll back in S6 despithe I hate this idea will bring something new and fresh to drama. I love those guest characters.
13. Yep, ‘caues there I got my Huddy ;-P
1.When did you first start watching the show? The summer after season two. We got all the episodes and watched them in order marathon style over the course of a few weeks.
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? Hugh Laurie (though embarassingly enough I didn’t realise it was him until a few episodes in.) But I saw him on the ads and that was what made me want to watch it. My husband got it for me to distract me while I was going through some health issues of my own and it did a great job of that. Sucked me right in.
3.What do you like best about the show? Hugh Laurie and the complex character of House. I adore House flaws and all.
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why? As a person who has chronic pain issues I get tired of the whole “House as drug addict who just wants to get high” attitude from other characters and (seemingly) the writers as well.
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? It has become less of a procedural show and more of a drama.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? I have always loved it even when it drives me bonkers on occation (cough*Tritter*cough)
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
House and his story. I enjoy the medical mysteries but if it weren’t for House I wouldn’t watch. I find his character very compelling and interesting and more “real” than any other character I’ve seen on TV.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I really enjoy House and Wilson- the friendship, the slashy undertones all of it. I now ship Lucas and Cuddy but that is a very new development after seeing them together with Racheal (How cute a little family are they?) I also loved the relationship between Kutner and House and Chase and House.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? Favourite- St. Doris. Least? I don’t really pay enough attention to who is writing what to know who my least favourite are.
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
season one- Three Stories
season two- No Reason
season three- Merry Little Christmas
season four- 97 Seconds, House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
season five- Locked in
season six-Known Unknowns
11.Least favorite episodes? Who’s your Daddy (I thought House breaking that girl’s finger was a bit much for his character) And while the episode where Kutner killed himself was ultimately very lovely I still hate the show for killing him like that. I found that episode shocking and upsetting even afterwards. My brain responded the way it might if I discovered that an old friend I’d lost touch with had died.
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I disliked the Tritter and Vogler arcs- I don’t believe that a show where the characters are constantly battling Death and illness needs a villan. As far as Villans go good luck beating those two. I found the Stacy thing a tad tedious but it more than made up for it by showing new sides to House and filling in a bit of his back story. The Survior Arc would have been better were it not for the strike and that’s certainly not the fault of the show. As it stands it took up too much of a shortened season.
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? Yes. I read it a lot when the show is on hiatis because I miss the characters (pathetic? yes, a bit) My favourites are the ones that stay true to character and include a lot of dialog. I enjoy dialog only fics quite a bit.
Oops, forgot to say you are welcome to quote me with my screen name.
1. I’ve watched the show since day one. I’d been a fan of/in love with Hugh Laurie for years up until that point, so tuning in was a no brainer for me.
2. Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard were the initial draw. I kept coming back because I instantly fell in love with the characters – Greg House, Jimmy Wilson and Lisa Cuddy, specifically. The writing was (and still is) top notch.
3. Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of Gregory House. He can say more with his eyes than most actors say with their mouths.
4. Nothing about the show itself annoys me; I’m more annoyed by the fandom itself than anything else. God knows I’m as obsessed as anyone else, but sometimes I feel like screaming, “IT’S JUST A TV SHOW, PEOPLE!”
5. I think it’s definitely gotten darker over the past few seasons. Makes sense to me. I mean you can’t have a drug addicted, pain ridden doctor fart sunshine and rainbows forever. Of course he’s going to become more cynical, of course he’s going to become more narcissistic and self-centered…
6. I love it just as much today as I did years ago. Plan on continuing to enjoy the ride up until the bitter end, too.
7. I watched for all aspects in the early seasons because the show was just as much about the cases as it was the characters. The procedural aspect was still very new, and we were clinging to any shred of characterization they gave us. A glimpse of Wilson’s family background; a nod to House’s relationship – or lack thereof – with his father; Chase’s issues; etc, etc.. Now that the writers have firmly established the roots of each character, I’m more apt to focus on (and get excited about) House’s story and that of the other characters. The cases come secondary.
8. I generally ship House himself – who the writers pit him against on a given week is all in good fun for me. If, at gunpoint, I had to align myself with a specific ship, I’d admit House/Cuddy romantically, House/Wilson bromantically.
9. I love when David Shore is one of the writers (a la “Three Stories”, “Broken”). Also love Doris Egan. Can’t say I particularly have a “least favorite”.
10. Season 1: Three Stories; Season 2: Distractions; Season 3: Top Secret; Season 4: House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart; Season 5: Locked In; Season 6: Broken
11. Season 2: The Mistake
12. I adored both the Vogler and Stacy arcs in seasons 1 and 2. The Vogler story line was great for establishing inner-relationships between House and the rest of the team. The Stacy line gave us a tantalizing glimpse of House’s past – and proved that yes, he could love someone other than himself (and Wilson). Wasn’t too crazy about the Tritter arc, if only because it was so incredibly dark, but I understand why it was a necessary evil.
13. Used to read it constantly back in the early days. Lately I only read stories written by friends of mine. Don’t really have the time to peruse anything else.
(And you’re more than welcome to quote anything I’ve said)
1. I started watching in spring 2005 I think, when House reached the UK.
2. Hugh Laurie! Hugh Laurie! And excellent scripts and ensemble acting. Robert Sean Leonard was the only other cast member I’d heard of, and I knew of him more by his mighty reputation rather than having seen him in things.
3. The fantastic scripts, excellent acting, and I do admire how it’s willing to take risks – eg Season 3 ending with House devoid of his team; the reintroduction of Amber; the season 6 opening ep – I know the success of decisions like these varies but I always see them and think that a lesser show would not even consider trying them. There have been some excellent guest actors, too, such as the girl who played the teenage patient in Joy To The World.
4. The insistence of focusing on Thirteen at the expense of Taub & Kutner in the first half of season 5 I found annoying, because it felt like the character was being hyped up to take advantage of Olivia Wilde’s looks rather than relying on the acting talents of the new cast members. If they’re as good as TPTB would have us believe, there’s no need to push it so vigourously, it will be evident. They didn’t push Jesse Spencer as a hot young thing, we saw for ourselves through his performance that he’s a fantastic actor as well as being very attractive.
5. It does feel like the show is more character-driven than it was in the early days. I don’t see how that could have been avoided though; until it’s known that the show will return for a second (and subesquent) season I can appreciate it’s difficult to get involved in this side of a drama series. But I’m glad that the medical mystery side has remained strong, I have seen other shows where the original idea upon which they were based has been allowed to wither away.
6. I like it more – as a showcase for Hugh Laurie’s acting talent it’s the best work he’s done I believe, I’ve been a Hugh fan since the mid-1980s and have seen him in so many things where his acting talents are clearly head & shoulders above everyone else’s and it appears he’s punching well below his weight. But with House, it’s never like that – I get the impression too that he likes the show because he’s working with the very best people, people whose talent matches his. And he continues to astound me by his performance.
7. I did orignally appreciate that the show seemed not to spend most of its time delving into the characters’ personal lives, a route I’d seen too many shows fall into in the past. However as the show has progressed (and no doubt as my involvement in the online fandom has developed) I have become more interested in the characters, particularly the relationship between House and Wilson.
8. The House/Wilson relationship is my particular favourite, I love its complexity and its tenderness and the way it appears strong and fragile at the same time. I think much of its success is attributable to the acting skills of Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard, much of the subtlety in how they play the characters would I’m sure not be evident with lesser-skilled actors.
9. I have to admit that the only writer who I am fully aware of (ie I know which episodes they were responsible for) is Doris Egan, with her strong association with the episodes which focus on House & Wilson. So, I would single her out as my favourite writer on this basis, and I don’t have a least favourite writer. I would say the same for directors, too – the only director whose episodes I am aware of in the same way is Katie Jacobs, there is something incredibly heartfelt and poignant about her episodes, but I don’t have a favourite or least favourite director.
10. One from each season? Hm. Season 1: Three Stories; Season 2: House Vs God or Daddy’s Boy; Season 3: Half-Wit; Season 4: House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart; Season 5: Birthmarks or Both Sides Now; Season 6: Epic Fail (closely followed by Broken).
Some of these are the favourites I like to watch, there are other episodes (such as Merry Little Christmas) which are amongst the very best episodes but I find difficult to watch. Birthmarks is the S5 episode I watch more than others, but I’m not sure if it is a better episode than Both Sides Now – but it is easier to watch given it’s slightly lighter tone.
11. I’ve never been a particular fan of Humpty Dumpty or Heavy, occasionally an episode will appear with a patient who I cannot be persuaded to care a great deal about (through acting or writing I can’t really say) which is the main turn-off in an episode for me. Also Adverse Events, with its complete lack of Wilson, is not one which makes good repeat viewing for me for this reason.
12. The arcs depend on how well they are played out. If I had to pick a favourite I would choose the Tritter arc, even though Tritter was a hateful character and made House suffer so much, I found David Morse’s portrayal compelling and I did like what House’s predicament brought out in terms of Hugh Laurie’s acting skills.
13. I do read fanfiction (and write it occasionally), 90%+ of what I read is House/Wilson focused – mostly (but not always) featuring them as a couple rather than a friendship. Looking at the fic I’ve saved to my laptop it appears I prefer angsty fics, which I think reveals more about me than how the House/Wilson relationship is portrayed.
Forgot to say – I’m quite happy for you to quote any of this as you wish. And I’m happy to be referred to as Tourmaline in the process
1. Around a year ago… October/November of 2008 when I was at my in-laws and a rerun of a S2 episode was on TV
2. I wanted to know why this character was leaving (which was Cameron at the time) and what had happened that made her leave… but also b/c of Hugh Laurie and his handsome-ness!
3. HUDDY… I like now that they are growing the the characters lives more than before; I also enjoy the mix of drama and humor thrown in together.
4. Nothing really “annoys” me about the show. I’d say all of the Huddy teasing can get annoying but I’m sure the payoff will be worth it in the end. Oh and I’m sad that sometimes the main character, House, isn’t in his own show enough. Sometimes I think there is too much focus on 13 and Foreman when the show should be more about the main character: House.
5. Well, now they definitely focus more on the characters lives, not just in the hospital environment, but I think that’s a good thing…
6. I probably like the show more now than the early ones mainly because of what I stated in answer #5… (B/c even though I didn’t start watching the show til a year ago, I quickly got sucked in and went back and purchased every season via iTunes and have watched probably every episode at least 2 or 3 times… some more)
7. I enjoy the complete package of the show, but I will admit that I am strongly pulled into it because of House and his story, specifically, and most recently his story and how it will meld with Huddy. But at the same time, I do think it’s wise that the entire story is not about “Huddy” otherwise it could get stale. (However, I will be the first to admit I could use a *little* more Huddy thrown in for good measure)
8. As I’m sure you get from my previous answers, I totally advocate House/Cuddy (Huddy)… but not in the way that they “run off into the sunset and live happily ever after.” I think it’s wise to keep the characters true to themselves… but that still doesn’t mean that they couldn’t have a relationship… even if it is not a typical one… they might still benefit somehow… and in the meantime, it would be amazing to watch. I was also never opposed to the Chase/Cameron relationship, but it looks like they have a major bump/permanent bump in the road approaching. It would be nice if Wilson got someone again… but not sure who that should be. I’m mostly indifferent to the Thirteen/Formean relationship b/c I feel it neither helps nor hurts the show.
9. To be honest, I don’t typically pay attention to whom writes which episodes but based on my favorite episodes I’d have to say my favorite writers are: David Shore, Lawrence Kaplow, Doris Egan… Can’t really find online where it lists which writer wrote which episodes
10. Favorite episodes of each season
S1: Three Stories
S2: Failure to Communicate + No Reason
S3: Insensitive + Top Secret
S4: Mirror, Mirror + It’s a Wonderful Lie + House’s Head+Wilson’s Heart (the last 2 eps have to go as a pair, I believe)… Sorry, seems like lots of faves in S4
S5: Joy + Last Resort + Let Them Eat Cake + The Softer Side + Under My Skin+Both Sides now (the last 2 eps here also go as a pair, I believe)… Sorry, lots of faves here too
S6: So far… I liked the 2 hour opener Broken Part 1+2, and the most recent ep Brave Heart
11. Hmmm, I’m really having a difficult time with this b/c even after looking through the lists of all episodes on my iTunes there’s really nothing that jumps out at me as far as a badly done episode… they’re all done well, I just prefer some (the Huddy related ones) more than others.
12. I typically like the arcs in each of the seasons because it adds an element to the basic medical storyline that otherwise wouldn’t be there. I preferred Tritter’s arc over Voiger’s, but I think that with each season the story arcs got better, as did the show as a whole. Tritter’s arc did seem to last a little long though; like I feel that by the end of it I was soft of just waiting for it to get resolved. I enjoyed the Stacy arc b/c it gave us more information about Gregory House as a person and who he was in life before the series took place. The Survivor arc was interesting because it added some humor to the plot as well as mixing it up with a variety of new people on the show. I guess I don’t mind an arc as long as it doesn’t take away from the main goal of the show and doesn’t detract from building the characters.
13. I don’t really read fanfiction… I guess mostly because I’m afraid/worried that it’ll change my perspective on what’s actually going on in the show, and star to tie in things I read that aren’t true with things that are happening on the show (I have a a horrible memory). The only time of somewhat “fan fiction” I indulge in is watching some of the cool video edits people make and post to YouTube of the show… I’m kinda YouTube obsessed. Also, I do, however, read spoilers from time to time…
1. When did you first start watching the show?
- One year late, but I started with the pilot and watched all of season 1 inside a week before starting season 2.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
- Intrigued and fascinated by character of House together with absolutely brilliant acting by Hugh Laurie. Plus, I love medical stuff and mystery solving and had always liked Sherlock Holmes a lot. So House was and is the perfect show for me.
3. What do you like best about the show?
-
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
- That as a die hard fan I/we notice small ‘mistakes’ that were seemingly overlooked by the production team. (Among others: time-line errors, running on missing leg muscle in “Meaning” after “Three Stories” made us believe that would never happen, and the constantly changing set, which is an annoyance pet peeve of mine). But for all I know, not everything I/we think is an error, actually is one, but rather something done on purpose. And in the greater scheme of things they are not important and are not making the show any less good.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
- It has gotten bolder in stepping away from the procedural one hour case and embracing what stories they can tell with the regular characters.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
- Still love it. I’ve always liked the exploration of House’s character best. The revelations about him – the slow peeling away of layers of an onion – has essentially stayed the same over the years and we are getting some awesome treats right now in season 6, so I’m totally satisfied.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I have to admit that while I find the diagnosing and treating very interesting I don’t quite care about the fate of the patients as much as I care about the fate of the regular players, most of all House himself. He’s the focal point for me. Whenever the other characters have good stories, or even the patient of the week is intriguing, that’s an added bonus.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
No. I’ve never been one to ’ship’ characters of any show I’ve watched. If you made me choose… I see great chemistry between House and Cuddy, but I’m not sure that would work out as an actual relationship in the long term, beyond the friendship and playful pushing-of-buttons they have now. Anyway, I think good stories are born out of conflict and not sunshine and puppies.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
If I had to pick a name, I think it would be Lawrence Kaplow. Though as someone who loves House the person, I could never leave out David Shore himself, who not only created the guy, but also ‘polishes’ every single script with regards to the character.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
season 1 – Three Stories
season 2 – Autopsy / No Reason (tie)
season 3 – Merry Little Christmas
season 4 – House’s Head
season 5 – Under My Skin
season 6 – Broken (and they’ll have to work hard to beat that with upcoming eps)
11. Least favorite episodes?
- Words And Deeds (all the built-up seemed for nothing and I didn’t like the patient or medical mystery. But this is pretty much the only episode I don’t like).
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
- I’m indifferent to Vogler. Not a bad impression, but not great either. But I watched season 1 very quickly. If not, I might have had a different view.
Loved what Stacy revealed in House and the arc was very good while it lasted, but I’m not cheering for a return of the character. That’s done.
I know a great many fans don’t, but I love the Tritter arc very much, with the exception of how it ended and the reset button that was pushed (see least favorite episode above). I’m a big fan of ‘dark’. You have to have ups and downs for characters and shows. And for a ‘down’ that was absolutely awesome. Maybe we could have seen a bit more of Tritter’s motivations, but once again I love what was revealed about House during the arc.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
- Yes, now and then. Sometimes to tie me over a break like House’s summer hiatus, or because it’s interesting to read a ‘missing scene’ or just to get a different view/interpretation of things.
I most like stories that stay within established canon. Medical mystery is a nice bonus, but not very many fics read like episodes. There are a couple authors I know write very well, and with them I’m willing to be more adventurous.
(I’m happy for you to use 3kelvin as my name if you wish, as that is also my House related website)
Oh dear… did I really leave out question 3? How embarrassing.
# What do you like best about the show?
I want to say ‘pretty much everything’, but I guess it comes down to:
No matter how much we learn about House the character, he doesn’t get any less interesting. I love watching him, love trying to understand him, love seeing things that the other characters don’t see and might not know about him. I love Hugh Laurie own the role with more talent and dedication, than I’ve ever seen any other actor put into a role.
Cheryl:
1. When did you first start watching the show? 2006. The first show was Distractions. I loved it and was hooked.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? House and House. I just love the character and the concept of a doctor as anti-hero.
3. What do you like best about the show? I like when House is interacting with Wilson and Cuddy for professional reasons the most. I also like when he has a lot of interaction with the case, which doesn’t necessarily mean the patient. I like it when he’s the leader of the case and shows wit, initiative and creative intelligence. I also liked it when he was dealing with clinic patients and clinic nurses which at one time was a hilarious part of the show. Basically, I like House and then Cuddy and Wilson.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why? I’m a little annoyed that they did away with the clinic situations. I also find that House’s interactions with Cuddy and Wilson have become more personal and less professional. I like it when House argues with Wilson over medical ethics or gets into it with Cuddy over whether or not a procedural is necessary. Those were often the most flirty/fun moments between them. There’s a lot personal angst between the three of them now and not so much fun.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? Well, again, they’ve lost the clinic scenes. I also think there is less focus on House, the medical cases and his relationship to his fellows. The show in the beginning had a strong House as teacher theme to it and he really hasn’t been a teacher in a long time. I liked that aspect of him and the show. There’s also a lot more focus on the relationships between secondary characters, like Cameron-Chase or Foreman-Thirteen.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? I would say about the same. The show continues to be innovative which keeps me watching. I generally have a habit of not watching a show after the third or fourth season because I feel at that point they’ve become stale and boring. In other words, I’ve had my fill of them and watching anymore would just mean watching more of the same. That hasn’t happened with House. I’m not saying every episode is a huge success or everything that they do works, but at least they’re trying. Most shows are so afraid that change equals failure that they never change, I like that House is not afraid to mix things up.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate. I definitely watch for House and his story, but also for the medical mystery. I like it best when House takes a leadership role with the medical mystery of the week; but I also like the struggles he goes through with his addiction to Vicodin and with the physical and emotional pain he endures. He is one of the most well developed characters on television and I view him as a rather literary one. House not only embodies Sherlock Holmes but also has a rather traditional romantic hero appeal to him as well. I like when all of that and the medical mystery manage to come together.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? I like House-Cuddy and House-Wilson the most. I don’t think I advocate for either of them but I would if asked!
I also think Cuddy-Wilson should get a little more screen time and development. They’ve been interesting in the few scenes that they get alone with each other.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? David Shore, Doris Egan, Lawrence Kaplow, Sara Hess and Liz Friedman, Russell Friend and Garrett Lerner, David Foster and Peter Blake are the only ones I really know and I like them all. I can’t think of a writer whose work I don’t like.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible. Season One – Three Stories/Honeymoon. Season Two – Autopsy. Season Three – Insensitive. Season Four – House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart. Season Five – Under My Skin/Both Sides Now. Season Six – Broken.
11. Least favorite episodes? Season One – Heavy and Mob Rules. Season Two – Spin. Season Three – The Jerk. Season Five – Painless and The Greater Good. Season Four and Season Six – None. I like them all.
12. Since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
S1. Vogler Arc: This is not a favorite arc but I liked how it ended. Vogler was a caricature rather than a character. His dislike of House and his power tripping was just so over the top and there was no real reason given for it other than he was a bully. On the other hand, the fact that Wilson and Cuddy both challenged Vogler on behalf of House was great. Cuddy’s speech to the board of directors in Babies and Bathwater is still my favorite monologue on House.
S2. Stacy Arc: I loved the Stacy arc! This one is my favorite. I love the idea of House having a great love lost by bitterness and blame. It suits his character. Stacy being implicated in the creation of his leg pain I think is fantastic writing and just added a whole load of depth to the character of House. I’m not sure they did as well with it in season two. There was a lot of love-hate talk between the two but there was also some great moments (like the Vindaloo curry story by Stacy in Failure To Communicate). My favorite arc by far.
S3. Tritter Arc: A re-telling of the Vogler arc really. I understand that David Shore wanted to add some consequences to House’s addiction and drug use but it too often went over the top. I like David Morse though and I think he managed to create a character even though the writers didn’t give him much to work with. I thought the arc ran too long and there must have been a better way to tell this story. I also think House became really, really dark during this period. On the other hand some of my favorite House episodes are during this arc too, including Fools For Love, Son of Coma Guy and Merry Little Christmas. Like the Vogler arc, I have mixed feelings about it.
S4. Survivor Arc: I liked it. After the angst and drama of season three it was nice to see House lighten up a little bit. There was a lot of humour and I liked all of the contenders in the competition: Cole, Old Fraud, Cut Throat Bitch, Silent Crazy Dude, 13, Taub and Kutner. I liked seeing House have fun again.
S5. Thirteen/Foreman Drug Trial Arc: I hated the drug trial arc. Hated it. It was very poorly written and just completely unbelievable. I’m not as dead set on their relationship as some people are but this was a mess. Thank God it only lasted three or four episodes. Worst arc by far.
S5. Post-Kutner Suicide Arc: I liked it but watching House slowly descend into madness was kind of dark and hellish. Hugh Laurie was at his best in this arc and he needed to be. Laurie never let his acting become maudlin but we also always saw House’s sense of isolation and mental decline. Disturbing really and hard to watch now because of it. Still, very well done.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? I don’t read a lot of fan fiction but have read everything from PG to Mature Audience (NC-17). Basically, I think House is a terrific literary character and would do well in short story or novel form. I would love it if a professional adaptation of the episodes was written or even new fiction created. It has happened for other series, most notably with Star Trek. That series has both an adaptation of its episodes (written by James Blish) and new fiction books that are very well done. It also would be cool if a publisher would put out a book of short stories by fans as has happened with Star Trek fanfic writers. I think House would do well in the literary form just as Star Trek has or Sherlock Holmes for that matter.
And, yes, you can use my name and quote me.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
2007
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Medical stuffs and than House/Cuddy, Lisa E. and Hugh Laurie.
3. What do you like best about the show?
House/Cuddy relationship, the banter, the complicated stuffs all about it. I love the medical part too.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Some storyline annoys the hell out of me, but they passed.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Personal relationships we have more of it, that good.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
More, really. We get the chance of know the characters more, its great, so I’m still in the ‘in love phase’.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
More about House and his story with Cuddy, it fascinates me how screw up they’re and how they can’t be together like a normal couple. It’s beautiful.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House/Cuddy of course, reasons above.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I really like David Hoselton, Sara Hess and Liz Friedman.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Three Stories, Babies & Bathwater Humpty Dumpty, Fetal position, House’s Head, Joy, Under My skin and Broken (so far).
11. Least favorite episodes?
Sleeping Dogs lies, Whatever It Takes, Emancipation and Saviors.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Yes, just for fun and I prefer House/Cuddy
1. When did you first start watching the show? The summer before S2. An acquaintance sent me S1 dvds, and I watched all of the eps in a couple of days. So, I was prepared when S2 premiered.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? An acquaintance told me that I had to watch this show, because it was so good. So, she sent me S1 dvds and I was immediately hooked after the first ep. Mainly the character of Dr. House keeps me coming back. I came to care for this character, and I wanted to see his story. Also the good writing and storytelling keeps me coming back.
3. What do you like best about the show? Dr. Gregory House. Hugh Laurie’s acting it never ceases to amaze me.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why? I can’t think of anything about the show that annoys me. I’m been very satisfied with the way the show has gone. A lot of the bitterness that I see online annoys me, because it can really take away the enjoyment of the show. However, the show itself has been very satisfactory. I still find myself excited for the next episode after all of these years.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? Hmm… I guess it seems more character oriented than procedural, which is great. I watch to see House’s story. His life. It seems each season gets darker than the previous. That isn’t a criticism. It has been a wonderful ride.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? I’m loving it. So much has happened to Gregory House, and it is understandable there will be dark times. Watching him trying to take steps to be less miserable and pain free has been great.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate. For me, House the character is the center. He is the sun, and I watch specifically to see his story. Not that I don’t enjoy the medical mysteries or the other characters. However, I am mainly interested in seeing how House reacts to the medical mystery. How he interacts and reacts to the others. That is the show for me.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? I am of the opinion that House’s relationship with Wilson and Cuddy are the most important, because I think those 2 people(Wilson and Cuddy) are the most important to House. Romantically, I wouldn’t be surprised if House never finds a relationship like that at the end of it all. However, if the writers choose to end with him in a romantic relationship, I think Cuddy is the only woman for him. Also, I’m quite fascinated by House’s relationship with his parents. I would hope we see more of his mother down the line, and perhaps more about his bio dad.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? I can’t answer this question, because I never paid attention to wrote the episodes. Maybe I will go back to the episodes that really struck a chord with me and see who wrote them.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible. S1: Maternity, Paternity, Three Stories, Babies and Bathwater, Damned If You Do. S2: Autopsy, House Vs God, Clueless, Forever, The Mistake, Failure to Communicate. S3: Son of a Coma Guy, Top Secret, Human Error, Insensitive, Half-Wit, Line in the Sand. S4: House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart, Frozen, No More Mister Nice Guy, Mirror Mirror, Ugly. S5: Under My Skin, Both Sides Now, House Divided, The Social Contract, Birthmarks, The Itch, Simple Explanation, Here Kitty.
11.Least favorite episodes? S1:Poison, Heavy. S2: TB or Not TB, Need to Know. S3: Words and Deeds, Cane and Able(only because I couldn’t stand Wilson in it). S4: Living the Dream, Whatever It Takes. S5: Big Baby, Painless.
12: The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them? I liked Vogler arc, because of what it brought out in House’s interaction with his fellows. Stacy arc was good, because we learned a lot about House the man. I wasn’t too thrilled about Tritter arc, because at the end I was just wondering “What was the point?” Maybe someone brilliant will be able to explain it to me. I thought the survivor arc was fun, and I enjoyed seeing House’s interaction with new people, also saw what House looks for in team members.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? Yes, I read fanfiction. I like reading a fan’s perspective on certain characters. My main preference is just that it not be out of character. I don’t mind AUs, as long as I can still recognize Greg House and Greg House. Although, I’m not a big fan of slash, since I just don’t see those characters that way.
1. I’ve watched since the pilot first aired.
2. The advertising campaign in the UK made the character of House look interesting. And, also, funny.
3. The character study of House.
4. Not so keen when the show heavily focuses on the romantic relationships.
5. The driving force of the episodes shifted from being about the patients to being about the main cast.
6. I think the show found a better mix this season of the patients and main characters. But season 3 remains the season that best mixed serialization with standalones for me.
7. I am mostly in it for House’s story and the effects the patients and supporting cast have on him.
8. My favorite relationship is House and Stacy. I wouldn’t describe myself as an advocate though.
9. My favorite is David Shore. Unsure about least.
10. “The Honeymoon”, “No Reason”, “One Day, One Room”, “Frozen”, “Both Sides Now”
11. The Survivor arc, “Top Secret”
12. I’ve enjoyed all the arcs minus the Survivor one. I found Vogler and Tritter both injected a change of pace into the show and allowed the writer’s to explore how the characters react in different situations. Similarly, Stacy revealed a lot about House in a way that no other storyline could have done justice to. By contrast, the Survivor arc felt like a fluffy way for the writers to stall for time while trying to rework the show. It didn’t provide any angst or reveal much of interest about House that couldn’t have been done in numerous other ways.
13. Never read any fanfic.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I started watching House in mid-season 1
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
My teenage granddaughters kept raving about it and insisted I should watch it with them. (Unfortunately, they were more interested in the procedural focus than in the deepening character development and have since moved on to a number of other shows, currently Bones and NCIS.) After my first episode, I was hooked on the character of House and the fantastic acting of Hugh Laurie. Those are still my main reasons for watching.
3. What do you like best about the show?
TPTB do not tie everything up in neat ribbons. I appreciate the ambiguity that often comes into play, and I treasure the subtleties that I sometime miss until the second or third viewing. Certainly, some of the best things about House are the superb writing and direction, as well as the other aspects of the technical production. You could almost write a book about the seemingly insignificant props–such as the Ball of Unknown Origins, the contents of House’s apartment and his many T-shirts.
Shore’s unique concept of a TV show that primarily tells the journey of a compelling, romantic anti-hero. He makes no apologies for that, takes risks that are rarely, if ever, seen on other shows, and lets the story have its own momentum, constantly defying any expectations I may have. (Although I have learned it’s best not to have any.) And, although this may sound a bit arrogant, House does not insult my intelligence. I would find it impossible to watch it while multitasking; it engages me completely, and demands that I actually think!
It should go without saying that Hugh Laurie’s acting takes everything else about the show to an unbelievably high level. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to give details here about his performance. It’s been thoroughly acknowledged in millions of ways since the show began–and increasingly as the show has allowed him to delve deeper and deeper into the character. Somehow, only the Emmy people have failed to get it.
Also, to me, Robert Sean Leonard and Lisa Edelstein do a fantastic job in their respective roles. Of the “ducklings,” I think Jesse Spencer does the best work and has definitely matured in the role.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
The show itself never annoys me, although I do miss the clinic patients. I do not like the six-act arc, and I would prefer that it be on at a later time. Most of my House-centered annoyance stems from the fans. While I certainly don’t expect everyone to agree with my take on House, I have a problem with fans who, in my opinion, are way over the top in expressing themselves.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Frankly, I’m not sure that it has changed–at least, for me. I think new viewers probably have the same initial experience that I did–it’s “another procedural, but with an unusual main character.” As for me, it remains what I saw in the beginning–predominantly the ongoing story of this guy, Greg House. I see the changes in the cast, the different arcs, etc. as the means to the end, which is always to peel away the onion layers, so to speak, revealing more and more about House and his relationship with himself and the others in his life.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
The more I watch, the more I like it–for all the reasons I’ve stated above. I know I will grieve when it comes to its inevitable end, which I have done only a very few times in my long life. MASH and West Wing come to mind.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I appreciate the unusual medical mysteries for themselves, and the patients’ stories are a part of that. TPTB do a great job in finding these stories and presenting them in the context of entertainment. As for the characters, I see them as a part of House’s life, and therefore important to understanding him. I have a general interest in their independent stories, but that’s not critical to my watching the show. I see Wilson and Cuddy as house’s primary “significant others.” For me, the other characters–past, present and future–are important to telling House’s story, but much less so. I certainly do not watch for them as individuals.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Not sure that I would say “advocate.” The House-Wilson friendship is central to the show, as is House-Cuddy. In the “shipping” sense, I believe House genuinely loved Stacey. At times, I must confess that the romantic in me would like to see her come back, but I quickly realize that they are both very different people from who they were before the infarction. I see a definite connection between House and Cuddy that has the possibility of becoming more. They obviously have deep feelings for each other, and House is now more aware of that–but who knows where the story is going?
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? I don’t have any favorites. I think the writing is superb, possibly the best in TV.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season One, Three Stories; Season Two, Autopsy, All In, House vs. God, Need to Know; Season Three, One Day, One Room; Son of a Coma Guy; Half-Wit; Season Four,House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart’, Frozen; Season Five, Both Sides Now, Under My Skin, Birthmarks, Simple Explanation; Season Six, Broken, Brave Heart
11. Least favorite episodes?
None that stand out. As a general rule, however, I don’t enjoy the episodes as much when House is not up front.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I don’t object to the arc approach. It provides a certain amount of structure instead of having just one continuous story. Each one gave us a different insight into House. The characters of Vogler and Tritter were somewhat exaggerated, but I think that was seen as necessary because of the relatively short time frame involved. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique “interviewing” style House employed in the Survivor arc.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I select stories based on my past experience with the writers’ efforts and also recommendations from others. I generally prefer those that offer a plausible, deeper insight into canon. I always appreciate good writing, however, and can therefore enjoy almost anything from great authors, including AU and slash–if it’s not graphically descriptive.
Barbara, you may certainly quote me if you wish.
When did you first start watching the show? I was channel surfing last November, came upon it on USA Network.
What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? How off the wall House was and the writing.
What do you like best about the show? So many things, but mostly what stands out is Hugh Laurie, Lisa E and Robert Sean Leonard when they are on the screen together.
What annoys you (if anything) and why? Wish Huddy would just get together already! You can still have good drama and chemistry! Just go to the fanfics!
In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? All the characters (especially House) has evolved.
Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? MORE! It’s not treated like a soap opera like other shows. The writing is excellent and the scenery is amazing (like the lighting in “Simple Explanation.”)
House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate. I like the clinic scenes. The interaction with House and all his fellows. How House treats his patients, things like that. Of course, there is always the chemistry between House and Cuddy.House/Wilson (friendship wise)
Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? House/Cuddy, House/Wilson mostly..
Who are your favorite writers on the series? Everyone of them are fantastic. Least? Nope
Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible. “Three Stories”, Honeymoon,Living the Dream, Emancipation, House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart, Birthmarks, Broken and BraveHeart
Least favorite episodes? No Reason and Last Resort
The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Vogler..I thought went on too long. However, the last story in that series was really good. Showed that Wilson stood up to Vogler and gave House what for. House was so contrite and showed how he cared about the pregnant woman and the couple with the baby.
Stacy arc was good.
Tritter arc was too long, by “merry little christmas” I was like “enough already!”
Survivor Arc was funny and showed the different interactions with House and the doctors trying to get on his team.
Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? Yes, I read the fanfic. The people who write these stories have a great imagination and writing skills. I like reading Huddy stories because like I said before, it shows you can still have drama and a edge to the couple.
1. I started watching the show around episode 4 when it started airing Spain about 5 years ago. After that day, I started looking for the episodes I had missed and then I moved on with the episodes. I watched Season 2 at the same time it was aired in the States. I prefer watch the episodes in original version rather than in dubbed version.
2. First off, Hugh Laurie. I was a fan of him before House so that was one reason. The other was House because it’s totally different from the characters you see on TV these days. His irony, his brutal honest and the intelligence he has drew me. He’s a very interesting man.
3. From the wit and elegancy of the writing of the show to the great performance of Hugh Laurie, Robert Sean Leonard and Lisa Edelstein. I love that the show takes risks when writing storylines and also the great care for small things like: a song that matches the mood with the storyline, the props, wardrobe…
4. One thing that annoys me is that the special fixation for 13. I think that the original secondary characters such as Chase, Cameron or Cuddy are more interesting that the new team. We have seen the background of Foreman and Chase. I’d really like to know more about Cuddy and her family, same goes with Cameron and Wilson. What also annoy me was the lack of Chase/Cameron last season and the absense of the clinic patients.
5. Well, through the years, the influence of Hugh Laurie is more and more palpable which is really good because it does not shadow with the work of the writers and directors. His opinion or ideas for each episode have made of Greg House a very unique character. There has also been a bigger focus on secondary characters such as Foreman, Wilson…
6. My love for House has grown through the years. I love the show so much and after six years, the show keeps giving me surprises with its excellence. A good proof of that is the sixtj season premiere Broken.
7. Well, mostly is because of House and what’s going on in his life but I also like the medical mysteries. It all depends on how interesting the medical case and the consequences that the case could have to the characters. Take the example of the Dibala case. Overall, it’s more about House and his personal struggles
8. Well, I’m a Hameron and as love relationship between these two is almost impossible, I’m just gonna focus on their “friendship”. I think that Cameron has paid a very important part in House’s balance when dealing with complicated cases, she’s learnt a lot from House, more than Foreman and she’s grown up thanks to him. They understand each other more with gestures rather than with words. It’s all subtle and I love that. I absolutely love the relationship between House & Wilson, their interaction is priceless. I’d really like some more Cuddy-Wilson moments, I’d like that friendship to be explored a bit more.
9.Well, I like all the writers, I think all of them make a great job but I do love when David Shore, Lawrence Kaplow and Doris Egan are writing.
10.
Three Stories (Season 1)
Autopsy/No Reason (Season 2)
House’s Head/ Wilson’s Heart (Season 4)
Under My Skin/ Both Sides Now (Season 5)
Broken (Season 6)
11.
Season 3 – Top Secret
Season 4 – Ugly
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Vogler – The Vogler-House arc was a battle of egos, which was very interesting to see. It’s not my fave but I liked the way it finished
Stacy – I love this arc because it showed a hidden part of House. It showed that House is a human being who’s able to love. I think that the natural chemistry between Sela Ward and Hugh helped a lot in order to create this arc because even the two characters have been apart, you feel the spark. Stacy also helped a lot to understand why House is the way he is, with her, we got to know Greg and what happened in that love relationship that has wounded House for his whole life. Failure To Communicate is central for this arc
Tritter – A big nemesis for House. Great job of David Morse. I think that an arc like this was necessary, I mean considering how House is, there is always someone who wants a vengence. It’s a dark arc because House goes through detox, near overdose, he goes to prison. All those phases were so well played by Hugh Laurie. Lots of drama
Survivor Arc – I think it was a very original arc because it was something I had not seen before but I had the feeling that it lasted too many episodes. Lots of very good comedy moments
13.I read and write fanfiction. Why? Well, I think House is a very interesting character and you can come out with lots of stories. The fanfiction also helps between summer hiatus. I like reading fiction which is related to what’s going on in the show plot and I like Hameron stories.
(Barbara, you can use my name. My username and my real name is the same, so go ahead
)
1.When did you first start watching the show?
I started watching from the first episode of season 1, when it first started airing in Brazil, about April 2005.
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I loved the character of House and I loved Hugh Laurie portrayal of him.
I keep watching because of House. I want to get to know more things about him and what makes him tick.
3.What do you like best about the show?
I like House, I like the patients and the medical mysteries. I like House’s interactions with the patients but they are becoming less frequent.
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why?
It annoys me when the focus of the story in not on House or the patient but on someone in the cast, unrelated to the patient’s story.
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
It stopped focusing on the medical mysteries and started focusing too much on the main cast. I love the show because of House (the character) and Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of him.
I am less interested in the rest of the cast.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it less because of the shift in focus but I still watch all episodes, sometimes several times.
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I like House and like his interactions with his subordinates, his superiors, his friends and his patients. I also like the medical mysteries.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I don’t advocate any particular relationship but I love House’s interactions with both Cuddy and Wilson.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Favorites: David Shore, Doris Egan, David Haselton, Lawrence Kaplow, Garett & Lerner
I don’t have any least favorite. All the writers have written episodes that I like more or less.
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
S1. Three Stories, Babies and Bathwater, Detox, Occam’s Razor.
S2. Failure to Communicate, All In, Forever, Skin Deep.
S3. Cane & Able, Informed Consent, Lines in the Sand, Son of a Coma Guy, Half Wit, One Day, One Room, Merry Little Christmas, Airborne – I like almost all episodes of this season very much.
S4. The Right Stuff, You Don’t Want to Know, Don’t Ever Change, House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
S5. Birthmarks, The Social Contract, House Divided – this season was very dark and I haven’t rewatched the episodes as many times as I did previous seasons.
S6. Broken
11.Least favorite episodes?
S1. Poison
S2. Humpty Dumpty
S3. The Jerk, Words and Deeds
S4. Whatever it Takes
S5. Adverse Events
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I think the character arcs were a very interesting way to show House’s reactions to events and situations outside the medical mysteries. I liked most character arcs but I thought the ending of the Tritter arc was very unconvincing and badly thought of.
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I used to read a little fanfic, mostly about House and Cuddy, but I haven’t read any in a long time.
1. Season 1 — caught the last 10 mins. of each ep. after putting my son to bed. My husband watched, and I was sorry I was never able to see the whole show. (This was pre-Tivo in our home). Was hooked from Season 2 and re-runs of Season 1
2. Hugh Laurie — couldn’t take my eyes off him … the depth he brought to the character, seeing that there was something beneath House’s callous surface, made me keep coming back. He took what could have been a very dis-likable character and gave him an inner life that was immensely compelling. Still is to this day. And those blue eyes don’t hurt, either ; )
3. The writing is generally remarkable. It is subtle and witty and incredibly smart. And Hugh Laurie’s acting is … simply astonishing.
4. The focus on Foreman, and now 13 and Foreteen, annoys me to no end. TPTB have some kind of blinders on when it comes to these two characters. They have created, IMO, the two most boring characters on TV, and yet they don’t seem to think so! Also, I tire of the comparison of Foreman to House. They *tell* us that he is just like House, but the character *I* see every week is nothing at all like House.
5. The characters have most definitely evolved over the years. There is now maybe more character exploration and less emphasis on medical mystery?
6. I like it more … I have become more involved in the characters, and look forward to continuing on this journey with them (and by “them” I mean House, Cuddy and Wilson).
7. Truthfully, I watch for House and his story. His is the most compelling of all the characters for me, and I see the show as his journey. I see all the different aspects of the show as a reflection on, or of, Greg House.
8. I advocate for none of the relationships. I do like to see all the relationships explored, but do not wish to see any of them blossom into romance.
9. Tough question to answer. I guess I like David Shore, some of Doris Egan’s work, Lawrence Kaplow’s work …..
10. Three Stories, House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart, Broken
11. Euphoria 1 & 2
12. Too long, badly crafted and completely unsatifactory. The good? Perhaps each arc showed us a part of House we might not otherwise have had a chance to see. House in love, House with principle’s he can’t forsake…
13. I no longer read fanfiction.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
From day one!
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
House was (is) different than any other character on TV; HUGH LAURIE is AWESOME
3. What do you like best about the show?
The Sherlock Homesian approach to solving medical mysteries
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
ARGH. SOAP OPERA-ISH RELATIONSHIPS.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Cuddy devolved. She used to be a smart, independent, confident woman. Also, the writers have begun to focus too much on personal relationships. Character development is a wonderful thing, but not all character development must be shown in the context of relationships.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
Sadly, much less. I still love it, but the honeymoon is over for me for the reasons I’ve expressed in #5. The writers have to find a balance between the medical procedural and character development. They also have to realize that there are a LOT of fans out here that watch the show faithfully, not just the fandom shippers. Show cast and crew that use the shipper smushnames and promote a certain ship by creating videos or incessantly twittering about it are frustrating and angering a large portion of the fanbase. It is, to me, inappropriate for people involved in the show to be so biased and friendly with only a very small percentage of the fans while being rude or dismissive of others.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I love the whole medical mystery aspect of the show, but I think everything you mention is important. I watch the show to see Hugh Laurie portray House (and brilliantly!). I wish they would bring back more clinic scenes, though. Clinic patients are the most memorable and funniest thing about the show.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Romantic relationships? NONONONONONOOO!!!! The only relationship I enjoy is the Holmes/Watson-House/Wilson dynamic.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I love Doris Egan because she’s a House and Wilson advocate. Honestly, though, I don’t pay enough attention to who writes which episodes to answer this question.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1 – Three Stories (best episode ever), season 2 – Autopsy, season 3 – One Day, One Room, season 4 – Frozen, season 5 – The Social Contract, season 6 – Broken 1&2.
11. Least favorite episodes?
Season 5, Lucky 13 through The Greater Good (especially Joy to the World and Let Them Eat Cake). Season 5 was not very good until the last half of the season, in which it was quite powerful and emotional.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Loved the Stacy arc. House in love was a wonder to behold. It was nice seeing how well he treated the woman that captured his heart. Despite not wanting relationships in the show, I enjoyed the Stacy arc because I knew it wouldn’t last. The writers also did a nice job with it (as opposed to the long, drawn out “Huddy” mess that should be put on the shelf permanently). The Survivor arc was pretty funny and entertaining, IMO. Vogler was despicable, but it was an interesting arc. I did find myself getting frustrated with it after a while though. I enjoyed the Tritter arc for the most part, though there were some episodes that were ridiculous and did not blend in with the other eps in the arc. Both Vogler and Tritter went on a bit too long for me.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Yes. I love fanfiction. Fanfiction answers the questions that aren’t answered in the show. It can take you in opposite (and often better) directions than the show’s writers took. It fills in gaps and explains things that can’t or won’t be explained by the show’s writers (for lack of time, for example). Fanfiction satisfies my need to have continuity as well, something that the show seriously lacks. I prefer House/Wilson fanfic (friendship mostly, but also slash), as well as gen fic.
Forgot to say that you can quote me.
1. Started watching the show from its beginning, the pilot “Everybody Lies”.
2. For me, the draw was the acting ability of Hugh Laurie, teamed with the medical mystery aspect.
3. I like the continual revelation of House’s character/background.
4. The only ANNOYING aspect of the show is the BORETEEN story. Bringing together these two characters, that on their own are cold and aloof, was simply a love fest that was never going to gel with the viewers. House himself stated that Foreman’s character would lead him to be a loner. Devoting a HUGE proportion of screen time to a ship that never left dock is, at best, a slap in the face to the loyal viewers.
5. I think the writing has changed a bit for House’s character. I see more of a morose, downtrodden character, instead of the ‘childish’ prankster. I miss House smiling! I know that has something to do with his growing addiction, but that doesn’t explain all of it. If you watch the episodes from start to finish, it is quite evident.
6. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I would say that I like it less. I enjoy the ‘unpeeling’ of House’s character, but I think the writers have gone astray in adding SO much personal drama for the tertiary characters.
7. As previously stated, I watch House with the specific intent to learn more of this fascinating and complicated genius. His masterful puppetry and social interactions are a joy to watch.
8. I would enjoy seeing one (or both) of the Huddy or Hameron ships come in. LOL. I think it only makes sense that he hooks up with someone that he works with daily. Cuddy and Cameron know him well enough to be able to see his soft romantic side.
9. My favorite writers for the series are: David Shore, Liz Friedman and Lawrence Kaplow.
10. My favorite episodes are:
S1:Three Stories, Honeymoon
S2: Distractions, All In, No Reason
S3: Meaning, One Day One Room
S4: Frozen, House’s Head
S5: Birthmarks, Under My Skin
S6: Broken
11. My least favorite episodes are: The Greater Good & Epic Fail… (BORETEEN).
12. The Vogler and Stacy arcs were done beautifully. I feel the Tritter and Survivor arcs should have been shortened.
13. No, I do not read House FanFic. I would MUCH rather watch the episodes again and glean every nuance out of each of them.
I have NEVER been able to watch repeats of any TV show. The inferior acting and shallow plots have always bored me to tears. That changed with House.
I have viewed each episode MULTIPLE times. I cannot say enough about the entire crew. The acting, writing, production, editing, set design…. (who did I forget?)… is magnificently proficient in every aspect. Yet, with that being said, I must admit that House would be insufficient without the genius of Hugh Laurie!
heyitsme2003 yes you may quote.
I guess I’m going to be in the minority here, since House/Cameron shippers fear to thread to your threads but here it goes
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Season 1, kids
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
The scene where Cameron agrees to comes back to work if House takes her on a date. Cameron was what kept me watching.
3. What do you like best about the show?
The DDx sessions with House and the original ducklings
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
House behaving like a spoiled year old brat in every scene with Cuddy
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
For the worse, less witty, more relationship focused, fan favorite characters being missed, too much storylines wasted on a numerical character, House isolated from the rest of the characters but Cuddy or Wilson…
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
Less, House hasn’t been the same to me since they dismantled the old team, the relationship that House kept with Cameron, Chase and Foreman cannot be duplicated and that’s what made the show interesting to me.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I watch for House and his relationship with Cameron, Foreman and Chase and I love a good medical mystery.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House & Cameron
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Favorite: David Shore, David Foster, Lawrence Kaplow, David Hoselton
Least: Sara Hess, Liz Friedman, Doris Egan, Garrett Lerner
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Least favorite episodes?
Favorite Episodes:
S1- Three Stories
S2- All In
S3- Informed Consent
S4- No more Mr Nice Guy
S5- Big Baby
Least Favorite Episodes:
S1- Babies & Bathwater
S2- Who’s your daddy?
S3- Top Secret, Airborne
S4- Ugly, Games
S5- Lucky Thirteen, Joy, Last Resort, Joy to the world, The Greater Good and Let them eat cake
11. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
They were all drawn too long, I liked the Vogler and Stacy arc but I hated how the Tritter arc ended and I thought the Survivor arc was the second stupidest idea the writers had after breaking up the team.
12. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I do read fanfic. Because it’s the only way I could get a fix of my favorite character these past two seasons. House/Cameron drama/angst/romance/friendship fanfics. Everything as long as Cameron is in it and it’s written by a House/Cameron author.
Feel free to quote me
1.From the beginning, although for the first few weeks I taped it and watched it a couple of days later.
2.The fascinating character of House, who was completely compelling when brought to life by Hugh Laurie. Previously I’d seen him only in comedy and children’s movies, and that he could do heavy-weight drama so well was a revelation.
3.The writing and Hugh Laurie’s acting run neck-and-neck for what I like best.
4.The thing that most annoys me has been the writing for first Cameron and then Thirteen. High school crushes on the boss and back-to-back medical emergencies for an already ill-fated character are too soap opera-y for me.
5.Well, the lighting is better. That used to be the darkest hospital on earth! Seriously, though, it really hasn’t changed that much aside from delving more into the personal lives of some of the characters.
6.I like it slightly less. This is because of the quite misleading “for the Huddys” clip that was released before the Season Five ending episodes. It felt manipulative and has made me somewhat cynical about the prospects for the characters. The switch to Mondays also made it slightly less convenient for watching it live.
7.I watch it as a whole the first time I view an episode. On subsequent re-watches, I usually skip through the patient’s story and focus on House and his team.
8.House and Cuddy, absolutely. Wilson and anyone who would make him not be so sad would be wonderful, but no one’s supposed to be happy on this show, right? I’d love to see Cameron and Chase work out because of how sweetly he wooed her, with the same for Taub and his wife because they seem to sincerely love each other despite their problems. But Foreman and Thirteen are really rather boring.
9.Doris Egan is my favorite.
10.Favorite episodes: Babies and Bathwater, All In, House vs. God, Forever, Son of a Coma Guy, Games, Frozen, Birthmarks, Under My Skin, House Divided.
11.Least favorite: Fidelity, Sleeping Dogs Lie, One Day, One Room, Needle in a Haystack, Whatever It Takes, Lucky Thirteen, Not Cancer, Epic Fail.
12.The whole Vogler arc felt forced. The Stacy arc was complicated and ultimately heart-breaking, but a wonderful glimpse into the great love of House’s life. The Tritter arc was redeemed by David Morse’s portrayal of the character, but went splat at the end. The Survivor arc was silly, went on too long, and one needed a crane to suspend disbelief that even House could get away with those antics.
13.Yes, I do read fanfiction and will read almost anything as long as it’s in character, not excessively violent, and is well-written.
(Yes, you may use my name and quote me.)
1. When did you first start watching the show? Season 2, when House and Stacy broke up
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? Hugh Laurie’s brilliant acting
3. What do you like best about the show? House’s one-liners; great directing: even if you watch old episodes again you can sometimes notice things that seem to have not been there previously; medical mysteries
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why? Too much focus on Fourteens and Taubs private life last season
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? There’s more focus on the characters now, the medicine has moved a little more to the background and unfortunately there are no more silly clinic-patients
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? When I watch an episode for the first time, I tend to think that the older one’s were better, but with every “re-watch” they tend to grow on me.
7. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
Like I said I watch each episode several times and I concentrate on different aspects each time. But I’m most interested in House and his story and his relationship with Wilson
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? Hilson
9. Favorite writer: David Shore; least: none
10. Favorite episodes:
Season 1: Three Stories
Season 2: No Reason
Season 3: Meaning, One Day One Room
Season 4: House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
Season 5: Birthmarks
Season 6: Broken
11. Least favorite episodes:
Season 1: Babies and Bathwater
Season 2: TB or not TB
Season 3: Airborne
Season 4: Don’t ever change
Season 5: Let them eat cake
Season 6: none
12. Story arcs and character arcs are o.k. really. They show the characters in a different light, because they have to deal with something other than just the medicine and the patients. It tends to reveal a little more about them really, which might not be possible otherwise.
13. Yes, I do read fan-fiction. I tend to look for House-Wilson friendship stories and for stories that are written “around” an episode and give ideas what might have happened afterward or in the “missing-scenes”. Let’s me know that there are others around that are just as obsessed with the show and I’m not totally nuts!
#1) When did you first start watching the show?
Day 1
#2)What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I fell in love with RSL in Dead Poet Society and when I saw that he was going to be in this show, I had to watch.
#3) What do you like best about the show?
HL, LE, RSL-need I say more? To be honest, I love pretty much everything about the show-medical mysteries, clinic duty, and the relationships
#4) What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Not really anything. I love the show. If I had one gripe it would be how they ended Season 5. I hated that it all turned out to be a hallucination.
#5) In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
It has become more character and relationship driven, which I actually like a lot.
#5) Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
The show is my baby and I am always intrigued by the story that want to tell. I will show up whenever they show it. Just tell me when and where.
#6) House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
To be honest, I am more interested to see what’s going on with House and the other characters than I am about the medical mystery. The medical mystery makes it a procedural show but the relationship-WOW-talk about dysfunctional. I love it.
#7) Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? Has to be House/Cuddy. These 2 have such a unique, sexy, unconventional relationship that somehow works and they light up the screen. Lots of sexual tension between the two of them. Hope it comes to fruition and I will be waiting for it if my tv doesn’t explode from the heat. Also love the relationship between House and Wilson.
#8) Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? I don’t dislike any of them. My favorites are DS, Lawrence Kaplow, Doris Eagon (wish she would write Cuddy like she writes Wilson) and anyone that includes a lot of House/Cuddy scenes together.
#9)Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Least favorite episodes?
Can’t remember them in any particular order but my favorites were
Three Stories
Houses Head/Wilson’s Heart
Broken
Joy
DNR
Least Favorite-to this day, it is One Day One Room. The actress totally turned me off.
#10)The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Probably my least favorite one was the Tritter arc only because it seemed a little unrealistic. I did love that it was Cuddy that saved the day for House.
#11)Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Really don’t read much fanfiction. I have only read a few writers but when I read it, I like it to be as close to the show and characters as possible. Hope she doesn’t mind the shoutout but Corgi is the one writer that I will read everytime and Sasmom when she finds time to write one.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
When I saw “Forever” on tv, it was “love at first sight”
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Cuddy’s storyline, her desire to become a mother.
3. What do you like best about the show?
Huddy interactions, clinic duty scenes, and House’s character with Cuddy of course.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I love every aspects of the show, I’m slightly annoyed by the repetitiveness of some storylines, like Foreman trying to be the boss.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I think it’s more about the developing of House’s character and less about medicine.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it more. House is “one man show”, more than a medical show. So I don’t except from House the same things I expected from ER in the past. The deeper exploration of House’s feelings, his desire to change and be “happy”, are more in the focus in these last seasons and this is why I like them more than the previous ones. Season 1 and 2 were more about medical stuff and interesting cases, the last seasons were more about THE MAN.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
The reason I watch is Cuddy, I love her character and she’s the reason why I started to watch back in the day. Of course the Huddy relationship is a good way to give Cuddy screentime and for me is another good reason to watch.
I’m not so interested in medical cases because I feel this show like a show about a man who happens to be a doctor. Again, it’s not ER, it’s not ALL about medicine. Every case, or most of cases anyway, are developed in order to show a side of House’s character, or his feelings over a subject. And this is what is interesting to me: his feelings. The way a damaged person tries to come back to life and his relationships with his friends and his love interest.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Huddy seems the only option to me. Hilson is good if we’re talking about friendship since I don’t get any romantic vibes between House and Wilson; and Hameron is done with Cameron growing and overrunning her crush for his boss. Chameron is cute, and Foreteen doesn’t interest me since I don’t like the 2 characters togheter.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I love Hess since she’s funny and she wrote a lot of my favourite episodes Cuddy-centered, I love Kaplow because he’s good “Cuddy’s writer” too in my opinion, and as a Huddy my hero is Hoselton (Joy’s writer). If I have to pick only one…Hess would be my choice.
I’m not so much into Egan because hilson is the focus of almost every episode she wrote and since she’s an amazing writer I’d like to see something from her not focused on House/Wilson relationship.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1: Maternity
Season 2: Forever/Who’s your daddy (Cuddy storyline covers both episodes slo I count them as 1)
Season 3: Insensitive
Season 4: Living The Dream / House’s Head
Season 5: Joy
Season 6: Epic Fail (until now)
11. Least favorite episodes?
Season 1: Fidelity
Season 2: Hunting
Season 3: Whack-A-Mole
Season 4: Frozen
Season 5: Emancipation
Season 6: Broken
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I liked some arcs and disliked others. I loved the Survivor arc, it’s was a new idea, 40 people on screen and the whole story wasn’t confusing, impressive!
The Baby arc: was a way to focus on Cuddy and I liked it.
Stacy: House and love, that was something interesting, even if it was too long.
I didn’t liked the Tritter and Vogler arc because I felt them as negative characters who weren’t bringing anything good to the show.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I don’t read many fanfics but when I read one, it’s usually about something we didn’t saw in the episode. A missing scene, a smut fic, something I’d like to see and I didn’t saw in the show.
1.When did you first start watching the show?
I began watching House MD mid-way through S3. The reruns during the Dec. hiatus got me hooked to this brilliant show!
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
What first drew me was the character of House. Here was this character that was outwardly such a jerk, but you could really see that despite his objections he did care about his patients and his work. And, of course, wonderfully portrayed by Hugh Laurie. I really don’t think ANYONE else could play House as beautifully and subtly.
3.What do you like best about the show?
I was drawn to the show because of the character of House and that still is the best part. He is so multi-layered. He affects everyone around him…good or bad…when it’s good it’s typically huge.
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I am not a huge fan of procedurals (only other procedural I watch is CSI:NY and that is because it has interesting characters) so I wouldn’t miss the PotW. Of course, then we’d miss learning more about House!
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I do believe the show has become more character driven (not just House, but others as well). As shown, in ques. 1-4, that is a good thing as far as I am concerned and it just keeps getting better.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it more because House has “opened” himself up more from S1 to S6. As viewers, we see that he suffers (physically) and has suffered (emotionally); each interaction he has affects him as well. I see clear defined roles that he has taken on over the past six years: I see him as a friend, mentor/teacher, protector, father-figure, potential romantic partner, savior to his friends, fellows, and even patients.
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I watch for House and his story. His story entwines with every other story. Hospital characters seem to have a parallel story, or are told in such a way that viewers are able to learn something more about House’s character. Hospital characters have their own stories, but do effect House directly or indirectly; whether he is desperately trying to save Wilson’s girlfriend or contemplating his own possible relationship with his boss while watching two of his employees muddle through a relationship. It always comes back to House.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Yes. I advocate for House and Cuddy. That was one of the relationships that intrigued me when I first started watching during the Tritter arc and saw Cuddy commit perjury for House. I thought that this man was more than just a doctor to her…if not,there was no reason to put her career and life on the line like that. As I rewatched S1 and S2, there interactions only confirmed it and the on-screen chemistry between the actors make it even more believable.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Doris Egan–she has an insight to House and Wilson’s relationship that I don’t see anyone else having. They are brothers. She can bring out the best and worst in both of them and the hiliarious hijincks that can occur when they are together.
Don’t really have a least favorite writer.
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
(in order for each season)
S1–Pilot, Damned if you do
S2–Failure to Communicate, Autopsy, No Reason
S3–Fetal Position, Half-Wit, Son of a Coma Guy, Lines in the Sand
S4–Wilson’s Heart, House’s Head
S5–Unfaithful, Birthmarks, Under My Skin
S6–so far…Broken,
11.Least favorite episodes?
Euphoria pt. 1 and 2, Lucky Thirteen, Airborne, The Jerk, Whac A Mole, Living the Dream
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Vogler and Tritter arcs: I found both of these characters to be a bit over the top. Tritter particularly was a bit too obessed with getting House; everytime I see it feel like i am watching an updated ‘Les Miserables’ where Tritter=Inspector Javert and House=Valjean. I enjoy finding parallels in literature to stories on House, but was not impressed with the way the Tritter arc played out. However, both arcs tied overall into House peeling away some of his layers and therefore I found them useful and well-crafted. Enjoyed the Stacy arc. Sela Ward was excellent. Showed viewers something very important about House: he could love and be loved. Character of Stacy matched wits well with House, but in the end we saw the differences that ultimately led to their separation. All I can say about the Survivor arc was that it was too long. Am not a fan of reality shows so was not a fan of the take-off of them though there were a couple very interesting characters introduced: Big Love, Amber, Bosley.
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Yes. We are all very familiar with most of the characters and some FF writers create very interesting new characters. I enjoy the House/Cuddy stories. Various background or future stories taken from the current storyline or going AU. When FF writers can stay on-character the stories can be particularly enjoyable during the winter and summer hiatuses
Barabara, you may use what you would like from my responses and my name. Good luck with the project. Can’t wait to see the finished product!!
Val
Thanks for including us in this very interesting project.
1. When did you first start watching the show? – From the US premiere.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? – I first watched because I’m a fan of Hugh Laurie. After a few episodes, I stopped watching for Hugh Laurie; I watched for House (the character). Also, as a mystery addict, I enjoyed the medical mystery plots and the suspense of how they would arrive at a diagnosis.
3. What do you like best about the show?-At this point, I’m back to watching mostly for Hugh.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why? – Mostly the way they changed House, beginning slowly in Season 2 but most dramatically from the end of Season 3 through much of Season 5. In spite of the drama of his breakdown, he is now, in my opinion, a less interesting and complex character than in the first 2 and a half seasons. They’ve broadened out the character, made him seem less smart, but cruder and meaner. They had to push the accoutrements of cool on him, and make explicit what to the audience had been implicit.
I am also annoyed by the change in focus to a more serialized show with emphasis on the characters’ personal stories; I don’t enjoy the writing for these parts of the show and feel it has a more “soapy” feel that diminishes the show.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? – See above.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? – Less, because the types of stories they are writing are not as interesting to me. House no longer towers over the show; his diagnostic ability has been downplayed; the medical mysteries are given short shrift and the process of solving them is rushed through so it holds no interest. They also often seem to be going for shock value, and frequently the characters’ actions don’t seem to arise organically from what we already know.
I’ve been questioned as to why I still watch. See Q. 3. And I keep hoping for a return to form.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate. – I watch for Dr. House and like it best when I learn something about him from the “case” he’s solving. As someone else posted, I also like to watch House as teacher and mentor.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? – None.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? – Favorite, probably Lawrence Kaplow. No comment on least favorite.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
S1, Three Stories; S2, Autopsy; S3, Merry Little Christmas; S4, Frozen or House’s Head, S5, Last Resort or Locked In; S6, Epic Fail, strictly by a process of elimination. None of them really stand out to me.
11. Least favorite episodes?- Words and Deeds, Whatever It Takes, Mirror Mirror, and The Greater Good.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them? – I don’t mind arcs. There’s a need to bring in occasional conflict outside of House v. the disease. I liked the Tritter arc the best, except for the awful cop-out ending. It didn’t live up to its potential, but it provided for some very good moments, episodes and acting. The writing was very good overall. The Vogler arc was a bit contrived but had some good episodes and showed us something interesting about the characters. Also, it had a satisfying climax. The Stacy arc would have been OK if it wrapped up at the end of S1. The Survivor arc had an inbuilt suspense that was entertaining at the time, but the character development there was backwards. The worst arc was the clinical trials arc – simply preposterous, and didn’t add anything.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? – No.
Yes, you may quote me. Thanks again for a very good set of questions. I’m enjoying all the answers.
To clarify #10 in my reply, “None of them really stand out to me” is in reference to S6 to date. My favorites from S1-5 are definite standouts in my opinion.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Between seasons 2 and 3. By accident, I caught an episode during the summer repeats on the USA network. Then I caught another, and another. After three episodes (not shown in chronological order) I was hooked. I bought the DVDs for S1 and S2 so that I could get myself up-to-date by the beginning of S3. I had NEVER done anything like that before!
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
The sheer awe-inspiring intelligence of the writing, the brilliance of Hugh Laurie’s acting, the “well-planned” feel of the episodes’ pacing, and the aesthetically attractive sets.
3. What do you like best about the show?
The sheer awe-inspiring intelligence of the writing, the brilliance of Hugh Laurie’s acting, the wonderful talents of Robert Sean Leonard and Lisa Edelstein, the chemistry among most of the cast members, the beautifully crafted production, the well-chosen music, the clever cultural and literary references, the occasional break-down of the “fourth wall”.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Occasionally, House’s issues and problems are portrayed in truly unrealistic terms. Even though a certain amount of suspension of disbelief is a prerequisite for enjoying the show, I get annoyed when I have to suspend mine a little too far.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I think the show has become less “distant” than it was in its earlier seasons, and more consciously reflective of what the fandom is expressing at any given point in time.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I’ve signed on for the whole ride, and have been enjoying the different aspects as the seasons have come and gone. That being said, I have a sentimental preference for seasons 1 and 2, which I still consider to be the Golden Age of House. (As Robert Frost said, “nothing gold can stay.”)
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
This is a great example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. All of the aspects are necessary. They’re used brilliantly by the writers not only to build the layered plots, but also to provide contrast in mood, to relieve tension, and to develop facets of House’s character.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Not since Stacy left.
I have to push against my own inclination, because like many other people, I love a good romance. But unfortunately, I think that good romances are hard to develop and sustain without turning most shows into soap operas. And as surpassingly wonderful as House is, I’m not sure it’s an exception in this case.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
They’re all so good. I’m ashamed to admit that I often don’t know who wrote an episode unless the information has been available ahead of time, or I specifically remember to look.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
1. Socratic Method
2. Three Stories
3. Hunting
4. The Mistake
5. Son of Coma Guy
6. Merry Little Christmas
7. Don’t Ever Change
8. Mirror, Mirror
9. Birthmarks
10. The Social Contract
11. Least favorite episodes?
1. One Day One Room
2. It’s a Wonderful Lie
3. Whatever It Takes
4. The Tyrant
12. Since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I didn’t like either the Vogler or the Tritter arcs. I thought both of the villains were drawn in much too heavyhanded a fashion. There were neither realistic nor believable, and IMO, they detracted from what the arcs were trying to achieve. I just wanted both arcs to be over.
I loved the Stacy arc for the way it showed us what House is capable of (positive AND negative) when he’s in love, and for the way Hugh Laurie portrayed all the conflicting emotions that the arc required. I thought that Sela Ward did a terrific job, and I was especially pleased that two frankly middle-aged actors were allowed to give full rein to their very convincing chemistry.
12. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I used to, but I don’t anymore. There are some astoundingly gifted authors out there, but watching and discussing the show takes up enough time, and I can’t justify spending any more of mine on House.
You’re welcome to quote me. Real or screen name – whichever works better for you.
1. The start of season 5, but have watched all the previous seasons on USA channel or DVD.
2. I had heard people raving about it, so I thought I would try it. I am totally amazed by Hugh Laurie’s acting and the character, dialogue and the medical and moral dilemmas raised
3. Hugh Laurie and the writing (see answer to question 2)
4. The focus on 13 and Foreman. I have never connected to that relationship.
5. House has shown more of his inner thoughts, turmoil, and vulnerability
6. I like the revelations of House’s character more, but do not like the addition of the new team members
7. I enjoy the medical mysteries but only how they reflect on House’s personality and relationships
8. House and Wilson (the bromance not the romance) I really enjoy. I thought that House and Stacy were a good match and very tender. I don’t go crazy like some fans do that House should be with one particular character.
9. Doris Egan Least? Love them all!
10. Favorite episodes Season 1-Pilot, Three Stories, Honeymoon Season 2-No reason, All In, Season 3-One Day, One room,, Half-Wit, The Jerk, , Season 3-, Meaning, Son of Coma Guy Season 4-Social Contract, Season 4 – Frozen, House’s Head Season 5- Birthmarks, , Under My Skin, Both Sides Now Season 6-Broken, Brave Heart
11. Least favorite episodes? Season 1- Poison, Love Hurts Season 2- Euphoria 1 and 2 Season 3-Que sera sera Season 4- Ugly Season 5- Adverse Events, Lucky 13 Season 6- None so far
12. I liked the Tritter and Stacy arcs- again I loved the tension between House and these two characters. I didn’t really enjoy the Vogler and Survivor arcs. They seemed to go on too long and were less believable.
13. Do you read fanfiction? No Why? I would rather watch the real program
PS You are free to quote me!
you can use this information and my name if you want.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
S4. Friends recomended it to me, I had just graduated from college so I had a lot of free time and wach the 1st 4 seasons in less than a month (internet), a week after i took my secret savings and bought S1,2&3
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
1.House and his personality, since the pilot we can see that he is tough in the outside but a very troubled and sensitive guy on the inside
2. Hugh Laurie, he nailed it since the pilot
3. What do you like best about the show?
Gregory House and everything he does, says and hides, and how Hugh can make House say so much without talking.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
13 she has too much on screen time and I don’t really care for her storyline, I think TPTB are keeping her for 2 reasons:
1. David Shore enjoys our hatred towards her
2. She is popular and attracts younger audiences
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
In the begining you could watch with no specific order and understand every ep and the characters, now every episode is more conected to the previous one. Also now we learn new bits about the characters through their personal life, before we did that through situations brought up by medicine.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it more, every week I care more and more about House and less about the medicine I would happily watch an episodes outside the PPTH and without medical mysteries.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
House and his story. I would watch Hugh Laurie playing House doing whatever the writers make him do. as tv crtic Alan Spinwall said after Broken:
“Watching “Broken,” I could easily see myself enjoying a weekly series where House never goes back to Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital but instead fights crime (maybe call it “House Arrest”), or becomes a talk radio host (“House Calls”), or even a crotchety country doctor (also “House Calls”)”
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
not a special one, I would like to see House with someone, it would be very fun to watch.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
fav: David Shore, Doris Egan, Lawrence Kaplow, Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner
no least favorite
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Broken
Three Stories
Detox
Autopsy
Failure to comunicate
Son of a Coma guy
Frozen
HH/WH
Social Contract
last 3 eps from S5 (even if it’s painful to watch)
11. Least favorite episodes?
poison (only good thing was the clinic patient)
fidelity
Needle in a Haysack
lucky 13 (except por the final scene)
I have another but can’t remember
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I like they revealed important character traits and make House interact with new people which is always awesome (I think that’s one of the reasons why clinc duty and House talking to the potw are very popular moments among fans )
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
yes I read them because i’m so adicted to House that I want to know more about the character and how other perceive him even if most of them very very OOC (plus i’m unemployed). my fav type it’s ship House/OC less oportunity for the writer to change a characters personality.
When did you first start watching the show?
I watched sporadically season 1 and it became more regular each season so by season 5 I was obsessive about it.
What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
What first drew me was the character House since I’m a fan of Sherlock Holmes and the medical mysteries. But I became obsessive when Huddy became a real possibility.
What do you like best about the show?
That the show can bring me to 2 emotional extremes in moments.
The show can make me laugh out loud with a snarky one-liner by House and the next moment can me me cry with some heartbreaking decision the patient has to make.
What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Nothing about the show annoys me although I did think they concentrated a bit too much on the Foreteen storyline last season. Some of the fans can annoy me though.
In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
It has become a little less procedural driven and more about the characters but that’s OK. It’s the emotional connection I have with the characters really make me care about the show.
Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I don’t mind the greater emphasis on the characters now. They are interesting in their own right as opposed to just the medical stuff.
House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I think the show is at its best when there’s a good balance between all 3. So far I think the season that best exemplifies that is season 5. There’s enough puzzle and ethical dilemna, there’s a bit of a reveal of the other characters and another step for House on his journey.
Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I strongly advocate Huddy. The chemistry between HL and LE is too good not to take advantage of. Along the same lines, I also enjoy the House/Wilson friendship and the “Hudson” relationship (Huddy + Wilson friendship). The relationship I couldn’t care less about is Foreteen. In fact, after the Wilson/Thirteen scene in “Instant Karma” I’m going to start advocating a Wilteen relationship.
Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Of course David Shore is one of my faves. Kaplow is also good. I also like Hoselton who wrote 2 of the most Huddy-centric eps of the show (Airborne and Joy).
I appreciate Doris Egan for her Hilson contributions but keep her away from Cuddy (and therefore Huddy!)
Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1 – 3 Stories
Season 2 – All In and Who’s Your Daddy?
Season 3 – Words and Deeds and Airborne
Season 4 – House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
Season 5 – Joy and Under My Skin and Both Sides Now
Least favorite episodes?
I find almost all episodes are worth watching again since there’s always something to be gleaned.
The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I’ve tended to enjoy the story arcs as they can give some insight into the characters as they are thrown into another situation. For example,
During the Vogler arc, Wilson was willing to get fired for House. Cuddy was protective of House and was strong enough to save the day. Stacy showed House’s softer side and revealed a lot of backstory with Wilson and Cuddy. During the Tritter arc, in the name of “saving” House, Wilson basically threw him to the dogs while Cuddy again protected him. It also showed how desperate House could become because of his addiction.
Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Yes, I do read fanfiction. I tend to read Huddy fanfiction because it’s a way of fulfilling my desires for what I would like to happen on the show.
You can use my name and any quotes.
1) I started watching House when the first season was broadcasted on Italian tv (2005).
No, I don’t. A little preference for Huddy (I like the alchemy between these 2 characters).
2) I’ve always had a taste for medical dramas (ER…). This is what first drew me to House. I keep watching it because of the main character. I immediately loved House, so different from other tv doctors, so caustic and so intriguing. But the foremost reason was (is and will be) Hugh Laurie. If another actor had played House, the show wouldn’t have the same success. The show is House and House is Hugh Laurie. Period!
3) I love House, of course; I love his “house-isms”, his genius, but also his weaknesses. And I love that Hugh Laurie plays House.
4) So far nothing.
5) I thing that in respect to past years the medical mystery is less important to the show; there’s more space for characters’ stories.
6) I like it the same; I think changes are natural and even necessary.
7) I like the show as a whole, even if House and his story attract me more than in the past. The collateral stories (Foreteen, Chameron…) are sometimes a bit annoying. As for the medical mistery, I’ve always appreciated the writers’ ability to find new and spectacular cases.
9) My favorite writers on the series are Doris Egan, Lawrence Kaplow and David Shore. The least? I don’t know.
10)Favorite episodes:
S1: Three stories; S2: Hunting; S3: Fetal Position; S4: House’s Head &Wilson’s Heart; S5: Birthmarks + Both sides now; S6: Broken (until now…)
11) Least favorite episodes (it’s hard to say…):
S1: Fidelity; S2: Who’s Your Daddy?; S3: Que sera sera; S4: Whatever it takes; S5: Emancipation.
12) I think all the story arcs are important to find out something more about House, his past, his feelings. I liked all of them; perhaps the Survivor arc has been too long.
13) No, I don’t.
Feel free to use my name and quote me.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Summer 2007
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
the first episode i’ve ever watched was
The first episode i ever saw was S01 Ep08, “Poison”. I didn’t know what this series was, i just randomly stopped on this channel while zapping. When the teaser ended and the start titles started, i was like, “what is this? what is happening to this boy? is he gonna live?” and i ended up watching intently the rest of the episode. the rest is history.
3. What do you like best about the show?
House’s character, the wittiness, the humour, Hugh Laurie’s acting, the ethical dilemmas, the twists of the plot, the chemistry H has with every woman and adds a spicy romantic element, the interaction between H and RSL.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Not much, little things here and there.
Bigger things: When the focus is not on House. When the focus is not on the medical mystery.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The medical mysteries sometimes are set aside, in order to explore the characters and their relationships.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I think i like it the same. I was always more interested in the interaction between the characters than in the medical case (in real life i HATE doctors, hospitals, blood, and this kind of procedures), but i have to admit, i don’t like it when the medical mystery is absent or not strong enough. It still has to be the core of the show.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
The show as a whole. House has to be the centre, he along with the medical mystery of the week. The realtionships have to evolve and be present, but in the backround.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
A disfunctional one with Cuddy.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Faves: David Shore, Doris Egan, Matt Witten, Lawrence Kaplow, Liz Friedman
Don’t have least.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
S01: Poison, Three Stories
S02: Humpty Dumpty, Failure to Communicate
S03: Half Wit, Lines in the Sand
S04: House’s Head, Frozen
S05: Both Sides Now, House Divided
S06: The Tyrant
11. Least favorite episodes?
Lucky Thirteen, Euphoria, Whac-a-mole
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Tritter arc, didn’t like it. Too much pressure, one-dimensioned character (Twitter), easy wrap-up.
I liked the Stacy arc.
Loved the Survivor arc.
Liked the Wilson-Amber arc.
House in Mayfield arc, i find it interesting, as long as it doesn’t get off tracks.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I read fanfiction yes. Only out of desire for fluffy, off screen pairings i wouldnt like to see on air because the show would become too soapy :p
mostly House and Cuddy.
Got distracted (phone, kids, etc!) and forgot to mention that you can quote me using my name. (I replied way up thread — if I counted correctly I was responder #14?)
1) I wish I could remember the first episode I saw. It must have been in series 1 as I waited impatiently for the DVD to come out
2) The character of House. A character so complex, dark and contradictory is almost unique in TV drama.I find his sceptical, unillusioned yet merciful view of human nature convincing and I admire his stoicism in the face of suffering.I am mesmerised by Hugh Laurie’s performance.He doesn’t act House, he inhabits him.
3) House again- The show is like an ongoing biography and I am amazed the writers can maintain such consistency as the story moves on. I also like the way the show challenges conventional ethics and uses the character of House to pose moral dilemmas that can’t be
solved in the ” right or wrong ” simplicities of most TV drama.
4)I find 13 annoying. It is surprising that such good writers cannot win one’s sympathy for her plight.I suspect it is the actress who plays her, she appears to have only two expressions- ablank stare and a smirk.
5) I dont think it has fundamentally.It sometimes seems as if it is going to tumble into melodrama or soap opera sentimentality but it never does.I am a little nervous of where it is going in series 6. House stuggling with real pain to ” do his job” is a stong character, House diverting his mind from imaginary pain by playing cook is a weaker one.
6)I am an addict !
7)The gradual revelation of House’s life and feelings , his relationship with other characters and his outside the circle personal ethics.
8)The Beatrice and Benedict relationship with Cuddy is fascinating, but I thought the brief encounter with Lydia was beautifully written and played. I would like to see House encounter his real father what an episode that would be!
9)Sorry, can’t remember who wrote what, but David Shore should get a prize for ” Three Stories ”
10)The Pilot, Detox, DNR,One Day One Room, No Reason, House’s Head, Wilsons Heart, Birthmarks,Under My Skin, Both Sides now, the first episode of series6 and of course Three Stories.
11)The Foreman/13 arc.
12)I like the arcs, they allow a more searching study of the characters and their relationships and emphasize the three volume novel aspect of the drama.
13)Yes I do and I am surprised how often Barbara’s ideas of how the story develops chime with mine. Perhaps we should collaborate on an episode !!!
There is so much to admire in House that I forgot to say that it is funnier than most overtly comic shows on TV – witty, intelligent and literate. What other show would include jokes about Schrodinger’s cat or Socrates ?
Hugh Laurie can make me weep and laugh almost in the same breath. Some of the most powerful and moving scenes are when House is alone and his thoughts and feelings have to be conveyed only by Hugh’s subtle mastery of expression and movement. These scenes are like silent soliloquies.I cant think of any otheractor who could do this.
You can add Autopsy and Lines in the Sand to my favourites, both episodes where House’s perceptiveness and empathy are allowed to show.
Why don’t people like One Day One Room ? It reveals so much about House’s experience and view of life and I think the actress who played Eve was most convincing.
More clssical music from House, please and PLEASE get rid of the convict hair cut !
You can quote me.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Accidentally caught an episode from season three while it was being aired, recognized Hugh Laurie from his earlier work and was intrigued by it in a way I’ve never been before. Caught up on all the earlier seasons and started watching the show as it aired from end of season four.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
The character of House and HL’s portrayal of him first drew me in. What kept me watching was the cynicism and darkness tempered with the humor and lighter moments, the nuanced way in which religious and moral issues are handled, the smart and sparkling dialogue and last but not least Cuddy/LE and Wilson/RSL.
3. What do you like best about the show?
Character of House followed by his relationships with Cuddy and Wilson.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
–>The vague way in which the issue of House’s pain is sometimes handled.
–> The way in which some of team members and their arcs have been written. I am talking about Cameron, Foreman, 13 in general and Kutner’s unexplained suicide in particular. This can never be an ensemble show because some of the supporting characters haven’t been very well written or well cast. This becomes painfully apparent when the focus goes away from House.
–> The constant repetition of the mantra by DS & Co that House can’t change and must always be miserable. It was unique and interesting for a long while. It’s getting a little old now, frankly. Like Hugh Laurie, I hope that House finds some measure of comfort with a kindred spirit.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I think House has always been a character study disguised as a procedural. In earlier seasons, they emphasized the procedural aspect more because it was new and they were introducing the Holmesian aspect of House to the viewers. As the seasons have progressed they focused more on House and his relationships.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
The same at the very least and sometimes times more because the change in focus (see my response to Q. No. 5) has been timed very well and works for me. I think it continues to be the best show on television.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I’ve always watched for House/HL first and his relationships with Cuddy and Wilson second. But all the aspects that you listed need to work for an episode to be good.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House and Cuddy all the way! I also hope that Wilson finds a measure of comfort with someone and that the Chase/Cameron and Taub/Rachel marriages last
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Doris Egan is my favorite. I also like Peter Blake, David Hoselton and Lawrence Kaplow.
10.. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season One: Pilot, Three Stories
Season Two: Autopsy, The Mistake, Forever. House vs God
Season Three: Son of a Coma Guy, Merry Little Christmas, Insensitive, Half Wit, Top Secret, Airborne, Act Your Age, The Jerk
Season Four: Alone, Ugly, Don’t Ever Change, Frozen, Living the Dream, No More Mr. Nice Guy, House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
Season Five: Birthmarks, Joy, The Social Contract, Unfaithful, Locked In, House Divided, Under My Skin, Both Sides Now.
Season Six: Broken, Braveheart
11. Least favorite episodes?
One Day One Room, Simple Explanation.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
–> Vogler: Too black and white and heavy handed. But worked for season one in terms of helping us to learn about House and the other characters.
–> Stacy: Great arc. Again, all kind of suspensions of disbelief were called for but the payoff was worth it because we learned so much about House.
–> Tritter Won’t say it had the most nuanced or logical writing but David Morse’s portrayal of Tritter was great and I did enjoy the drama. And we did learn a lot about House and his relationships with Wilson and Cuddy at the end of it.
Didn’t think any of them were too long but then again I watched them on DVD without breaks.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I started reading stuff involving House/Cuddy romance it after I watched LTEC and I felt like they were stretching the arc out in unreal ways. Grew tired of it pretty soon and rarely read it now
(Great questions, Barbara. And you can quote me by name.)
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I’ve watched since the pilot.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I checked it out because I’ve been a fan of Hugh Laurie’s for a long time–but I was a little suspicious of him with an American accent. However, from the opening scene, I knew I loved House. I believed in the character and cared about him. I can’t even see Hugh Laurie when I watch House. I just see House.
3. What do you like best about the show?
For me, it’s all about learning about House. I like the medical mysteries and many of the supporting characters, but though these elements help me like an episode when they are done well, the crucial factor is always House. I like knowing more about why he is as he is, and I like seeing his view of the world, including his ethics.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I’m annoyed when the show tries to move to more of an ensemble and doesn’t feature Hugh Laurie as the lead. I’m annoyed when the supporting characters don’t tell me something about House, and I’m annoyed when the show or the actor doesn’t sell something the writers want sold, and they keep trying to sell it anyway. See Foreman as just like House.
It’s occasionally annoying when the writers don’t keep track of their own canon, or don’t figure out that canon to begin with. The timeline on House is ridiculous. I’m getting a little concerned House’s pain issues will get equally nebulous, sometimes this way and sometimes that.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The balance between procedural and character-driven show has changed in favour of character, but I think that is a natural progression. I also think that the first season was working at establishing character and the show didn’t find its tone for a while. House’s harder edges were not as visible in season one, but I think he was always meant to have them.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I still enjoy the show. It doesn’t have the same sensation of discovery, because we know House much better now, but the flip side of that is I’m very invested in his progress.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
The best episodes are the ones where all aspects are done well, so there is nothing that is irrelevant to me. However, House and his story are the most important element. Weaving everything together to shed light on House, however, is the gold standard.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I more have some relationships I’m not fond of than one that I watch for. I didn’t buy House and Cameron and I have issues with House and Foreman. I adore House and Chase’s relationship, and I’m getting fond of House and Thirteen. I like many different combinations of duckling relationships. I love House and Wilson and House and Cuddy, but I don’t think there has to be a particular relationship that comes to fruition for me to enjoy the show. I’d like House to be a little bit happier, though.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I like David Shore and Lawrence Kaplow and Doris Egan . . . but I don’t really pay a lot of attention to who wrote what unless something really strikes me. I don’t really have a least favourite, though I do think Sara Hess sometimes brings out a hardness in her characters without giving us enough of a peek inside.
10.. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
This is a hard one for me because I like so many.
Season one: Three Stories
Season two: Autopsy, House vs God
Season three: Son of a Coma Guy
Season Four: Ugly, Frozen, House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
Season Five: Birthmarks, Joy, The Social Contract, Unfaithful, Locked In, House Divided, Under My Skin, Both Sides Now.
Season six: Broken
11. Least favorite episodes?
One Day, One Room, The Itch, The Greater Good
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I think House writers consistently have problems writing arcs. They usually go on too long and get out of balance. Fortunately, there’s usually great moments within them to enjoy.
Vogler: cartoon villain, unbelievable plotting and an annoying Cameron subplot. But we found out a lot about House and his relationships.
Stacy: Mostly just went on too long. A little bit of unbelievable plotting, but overall a good arc.
Tritter: cartoon villain, unbelievable plotting, the beginning of the slippy slidey nature of defining House’s pain and an unsatisfying denouement. No mention of the tension Wilson added to the relationship in the early part of the season, nor of any fallout from his walking out on House after an OD. Prescribing aspect simply not addressed once the arc was over. Fortunately, some great scenes with House’s demons and a lot of characterisation established with supporting characters.
Survivor arc: mostly just went on too long, though I would also say the ethical aspects of the show got short shrift. Show was most hurt by the writers’ strike that year.
House/Cuddy arc: a little too much of looking at the dysfunction while neglecting the aspects that draw them together. Fantastic arc end, though!
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Not anymore. For a while, I dipped into it, but the show goes its own way and I go with it, so I don’t invest too much in alternate visions.
Thanks Sasmom, and you can quote me as Jair if you like.
When did you first start watching the show?
Saw a few old episodes around the time the 4th season aired, stayed away for fear of becoming hooked, gave in at the beginning of season 5.
What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I loved that a procedural show could be so GOOD. They actually built up the regulars are CHARACTERS. I kept watching because it’s a unique procedural with captivating characters.
What do you like best about the show?
The perfect mix of drama, odd comedy, and procedure.
What annoys you (if anything) and why?
That it’s kind of shifted away from the more interesting PATIENT stories.
In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Patient stories used to be more captivating themselves. Now more focus is given to the regulars, which is great don’t get me wrong, but the balance of patient stories used to be better presented.
Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I wouldn’t really know, honestly. I mean, I got in pretty late in the game so I can’t really compare.
House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
Again, I watch for the perfect balance.
Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I suppose I ship Huddy. Loved Wilson/Amber, too bad, eh?
Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I love them all equally.
Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
1) THREE STORIES (all-time favorite)
2) House vs. God
3) Son Of A Coma Guy
4) Tie between Mirror, Mirror and House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
5) Last Resort
Least favorite episodes?
I’m afraid I won’t be much help here…
The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Loved Survivor–fit well into the writer’s strike season, I think (purely coincidence, of course). Vogler I loved because Chi McBride is one epic BA opposing character. Tritter really annoyed me as a character (like a Proffesor Umbridge in Harry Potter, just so obnoxious as a character you can’t stand reading/seeing them), but other than that I didn’t really have a problem with his arc. It brought a certain awareness of House’s character to the show. I loved Stacy too.
Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Most of it is just terrible writing, and even the good ones don’t seem to know the difference between telling a story and narrating flashes of life.
1.When did you first start watching the show?
In 2007. Pilot. I got the House’s season 1, 2 and 3borrow with a friends and see it all in the roll
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I did not like the pilot, but I got intriget with the series dinamic and let then another change. I see the second ep and like House! And one thing leads to another
3.What do you like best about the show?
Nowadays, the personal lifes of doctors. The medical part stay in background for me
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why?
That all House nd Cuddy moments are an alucination lol. Serious now: I wanna see House get more emotionally involved. I’m already seeing it, so I have not to complain about
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Is has changed, no doubt. But I think it was good ones. The large focus on personal lifes I think was the biggest of them.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
More.
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I beginning watch for the show as a whole, but now I watch because of Huddy! I’m a shipper person. But I appreciate the show too because of the conjunct of the stories. They made House, MD. I’m aware that the show is not huddy, md
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I really have to respond that?
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
No have one
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
3 stories, Who’s your daddy, foverer, House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart, the itchy, under my skin, both sides now
11.Least favorite episodes?
The Mira Sorvino one
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I love the way the series is writing. It’s very intelligent and the characters keep in IC most of the episodes. Of course the writters get wrong here and there (in my opinion), but in general it is pretty constant and in a high level.I liked all arcs. some more than others. For example, I liked Stacy, a lot. Not so much fan of Vogler. But, in general, I think they were written very well
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Course I do! They’re the paradise of fans. Where everything could happen.I only read the Huddy’s one. I like agnst
Sorry for my poor English. I hope that my opinion is useful. Good luck on the project
I started watching around 3 episodes into the first season – aired in the UK in mid 2005
I saw Hugh interviewed about it and kept thinking I must see it. I was a long time admirer of his work. Once I started watching, I was hooked.
I like the way that the writers mix humour and drama, the way that the characters relate to each other, the fact there there is often a challenging philosophical argument at the centre of the piece and the feeling that everyone who works on the show has some integrity and wants to tell the best story possible, in the best way. And Hugh Laurie is simply sublime as House.
I really cannot buy into Foreteen.
I think the show has changed as it has grown in confidence, it has evolved from being a basic procedural with a bit of character to weaving all the elements of the show together in a tight, cohesive action-packed drama. I like that House doesn’t seem so aggressive in S6 as he was in S5, though I understand the reasons for his aggression. I like the way the characters, particularly the original ducklings, have matured and stand up for what they believe in – I think House has been shown to be a good, if unconventional teacher.
Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I’m really loving S6 – I liked S4 and S5 but some episodes took some time to grow. These are immediately powerful and a joy to watch.
House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I like the mystery aspect of it on first viewings and there are always bits on subsequent viewings that I miss and enjoy later but for the most part, being a huge fan, it’s the interaction of the characters that keep me coming back for more – in particular, House.
Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
There is only one ship to sail, and that’s HOUO (House and BOUO – Ball of Unknown Origin – or as we now know it’s called, Ballie)
Favourite writers are Larry Kaplow for great stories, David Shore for the biting dialogue and Doris Egan for the subtext and backstories but really, they are all wonderful.
Favourite episodes
S1 Pilot/Detox/3 Stories
S2 Hunting/Failure to Communicate/No Reason
S3 Son of Coma Guy/One Day One Room/Insensitive
S4 Frozen/House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
S5 Birthmarks/Unfaithful/Under My Skin
S6 Broken/Brave Heart (so far!)
Least favorite episodes?
The only one that really annoys me is Guardian Angels – only episode that seemed lazy and unbelievable.
I like the arcs because the POTW are exactly that, weekly and one-offs so it’s good to have some cohesion running through the episodes. I HATED Tritter but LOVED the arc – it was so scary to watch and so interesting to see how it developed. I thought that Survivor was interesting, if a little trite at times. And I adored everything about the Stacy arc – it worked perfectly.
I don’t read FanFic – I have skimmed some but it’s not my thing. I like the episodes and all things Housian but don’t need to read more by other people.
One question you didn’t ask was about the different Directors – they play such an important part in how we perceive episodes – maybe next time you can look into that aspect.
Thanks, Jo.
1. in my anatomy class, saw some of S3 and the beginning of S1 became regular watcher at the start of S4
2. I loved the character of house, there was something about the way he practiced medicine that was so intriguing that i had to watch
3. I love that you can never predict where the writers are taking something, you’ll have it all worked out and bam they change it on you
4. the only thing would be the huddy story line get them so close and then there pushed back, but even that its interesting to see where the writers are taking it
5. i wouldn’t say its changed but i would say the characters have been more developed and you can really get attached to the characters
6. def. more I love the show and I love where they’re taking it the seasons tend to be better as they come but the pilot was very strong to begin with
7. I don’t watch for a particular aspect of the show, I love watching the medical mystery, medicine has always intrigued me and to see this unique case unfold in front of you is so exhilarating. The hospital characters lives are also very interesting particularly i watch to see cuddy and wilsons stories, and houses story is also something I love to see, particularly I love seeing the HUDDY and HUDSON story lines
8. HUDDY, I’m die hard HUDDY. I originally saw the show and thought they were together they’re chemistry screamed off the screen, when i found out they weren’t I immediately became a HUDDY
9. I love all the writers. I think they are all important to show and it wouldn’t be as good as it is if it weren’t for them
10. S1: 3 stories; S2: Humpty Dumpty; S3: Airborne; S4: House’s Head; S5: JOY; S6: so far I would say Known Unknowns or Broken
11. I don’t have a least fav. if any of them were replaying I would watch but I guess I would say Histories
12. The various arcs helped to build House’s character, I think they were neccerary for the fans to see how the characters would react to them. The Vogler Arc showed House would always do whats right and not care about the consequence, and it also showed how Cuddy and Wilson felt about him. The Stacy arc this opened up a new side to House the softer more emotional side of him, this showed he was capable of love and this helped the fans to build they’re various fandoms. The Tritter arc showed Cuddy’s undeniable love for him, be it professionally or personally, she didn’t want to see him gone and did what ever it took including comitting perjury to save him, this also tested house and wilsons friendship. The survivor arc was interesting but it showed that house did get hurt when the ducklings left and was healing
13. Yes I do read fanfictions, I only read the HOUSE/CUDDY fanfics
feel free to quote whatever you want and you can use my name.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I’m definitely a late comer to the show. My sister bought the Season 1 DVD last June (of this year) and I went through Season 1-5 in just a couple of months.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I’ve always been familiar with the show, yet I was never interested enough to actually watch it, but after seeing the first episode suffice to say I was hopelessly hooked. What made me come back and purchase the rest of the DVDs is my interest in how it plays out for the titular character.
3. What do you like best about the show?
Hugh Laurie is extremely convincing in the role, he has the gruffness and the right amount of sincerity and vulnerability to portray House. I can’t keep my eyes off him.
I also like the fact that the show thrives on ambiguity and gray areas.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I dislike it when the main focus is not on House. Inconsistencies in the timeline (Since I watched S1-S5 in a couple of months the glitches were more noticeable)
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The show has definitely given less importance to the medical mysteries and POTW.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
Yes I do. Character development and study proved to be more interesting for me than the medical aspect of the show.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I used to enjoy the POTW plot in S1, but by S2 I was more interested in the characters and how they are being explored and developed. I would say that I am definitely watching for House and his story.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I particularly enjoy House’s interactions with Cuddy (romantic) and Wilson (friendship). They bring out something in House’s character that I can’t really quite put a finger on. That and these three actors are effortlessly charming.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I like Shore, Kaplow, Friend, Lerner and Egan. Least? Well I must say Hess stories never appealed to me but I follow her tweets and I find her witty and charming.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
S1- Pilot and Three Stories
S2- Autopsy
S3- Meaning, Airborne and Half-Wit
S4- Mirror, Mirror and House’s Head (Season 4 was my favorite season)
S5- Last Resort and Under My Skin
S6- Broken, The Tyrant and Brave Heart
11. Least favorite episodes?
S1- Love Hurts
S2- Acceptance
S3- Words and Deeds
S4- —–
S5- Lucky Thirteen (Don’t get me wrong I’m one of the few who actually likes Thirteen’s character)
S6- Epic Fail (A very fitting title as well)
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Tritter’s arc was definitely too long. I enjoyed Stacy’s arc a lot, amongst all the arcs that they played out Stacy’s character gave me the most insight on the inner workings of House’s mind. The Survivor arc was also highly entertaining well crafted and played out.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
The existence of fanfiction in general just dawned upon me during this almost 3 week hiatus, I have (in attempts of filling the void that the hiatus has left me) actually read quite a good number of stories I particularly like stories about House and Cuddy.
I highly doubt I’m quotable but you can quote me by name if you want.
1. I started watching the show way back in 2005 (England showed it a year later than America) when my mom showed me a medical show that had actual medicine in it
2. At first it was just the interest in medicine I had that drew me. Then the moral fiber of the episodes and the way it made me think had be desperate for more. For some reason I liked the way the show challenged pre-conceived notions about society and how it challenged (by showing both sides to every argument) everything you had been taught about right and wrong from a young age.
3. Tough question. I would say the fantastic writing, its easily the best written show on tv right now. You can find metaphors, symbols and deep, complex characters and themes throughout the show that sometimes feels as though you are reading a book as opposed to watching a tv show. Its not about sex, violence or just pure shock factor, instead it focuses on a less glittery/blockbuster type of story.
4. Not a whole lot annoys me about the show, maybe some errors in continuity, the fans of the show tend to annoy me more.
5. I think the first 2 seasons were about establishing the kind of show it wanted to be. There was a lot more focus on moral dilemnas and the doctoring side of the show as opposed to the personal side. But once the show was on more solid ground and it looked like it was going to survive, the characters suddenly were made more complex, more attention was paid to developing the people in the hospital and less on the doctoring side.
6. I love it all the more.
7. I tend to watch the show for the whole, after all the medicine and moral issues the paitients bring into the hospital is what I initially started watching the show for and the more we learn about the main characters of the show the more I love it.
8. Yes I ADORE the relationship between House and Cuddy.
9. Favourites: David Shore, Lawrence Kaplow, Doris Egan, Sara Hess I love them all really.
10. Season 1: Three Stories, Season 2: House vs. God, Season 3: Fetal Position, Season 4: House’s Head, Season 5: Joy and so far in Season 6: The Tyrant
11. Season 4: Whatever it Takes, Season 5: The Greater Good.
12. I think the long story arcs like the ones you’ve listed above are always wonderful and are the things you remember from those seasons. Without the Vogler arc in season 1 we would have never been given the chance to see Cuddy as more than just the “nemesis” of House who always got in his way, we were able to see in fact she really was/is on his side. Without the Stacy arc we would have never known that House truly is human and can love people and that once upon a time he wasn’t as screwed up as he is now (also why he has his cane). The Tritter arc allowed us to see that House has “better friends than he deserves” and then the survivor arc (which I remember you wrote about so well in one of your articles) shows us what House looks for in employees. There are more arcs that are smaller than those major ones, but without them, large chunks about how we define the characters and what makes them who they are would be lost without letting large story arcs happen. I think they are handled brilliantly.
13. I do read fanfiction because I think the characters are so well crafted and so much of the lives of characters such as Wilson and Cuddy have not been delved into, its sort of trying to fill that gap for me. I really prefer stories that involve House, Cuddy or Wilson, preferrably all three of them. I also really enjoy character studies, especially Cuddy ones, because we’re not always gifted with how Cuddy came to be who she is and what she is thinking and why she is thinking it.
1. I think it was around March 2008, when season 3 was on in my country
but I also really love the mix of drama and humor, you never know when somebody is going to say something inappropriate, yet funny.
2. My mother’s friends showed me this show. What drew me back? I don’t know, probably the whole atmosphere of the show, great actors, great plot lines, the jokes and I’m also quite interested in medicine
3. Uhmm..probably personal relationships right now, since they’re really developing this season, well… I think that I’ve always been interested in relationships
4. The show is perfect.
5. I think it concerns more personal issues, the psychology of the man and most of all. A motto that people don’t change, was proved wrong which is quite positive in the real life.
6. I like it more and more with every episode. I think it’s amazing that even after almost 6 years of the show it never bores, it’s up to date.
7. I am most interested in House’s relationship with people, especially Cuddy. I also love House’s and Wilson’s interaction, as well as the whole team. I am less concentrated on the patients themselves, but I do find the whole ‘medical investigation’ thing.
8. House and Cuddy’s ‘relationship’, House and Wilson’s friendship.
9. Most fav. would probably be Lawrence Kaplow, Matt Witten and David Hoselton.
10. season 1: Three Stories, season 2: Who’s Your Daddy, season 3: Airborne, season 4: House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart, season 5: Joy, season 6: Known Unknows ( God! That’s was a tough choice! )
uhm, there is none, but if it had to be it’d be Euphoria.
11. They’re genius! They bring something new to the show, something from ‘outside the medical world’. They’re bothering when I watch them I mean..not as the histories, but those character: Vogler, Tritter… gosh.. they’re so mean, you just want to slap them. But they bring a lot to the show.
12. Yes I do, quite a lot actually. I prefer Huddy stories, but sometimes I read some weird stories with weird pairings such as: Cuddy/Cameron/Thirteen
If there’s anything to quite, go ahead
1. I started watching (loyally, anyway) during the 3rd season. I caught up with the help of DVDs.
2. Hugh Laurie was the original draw and is still the reason I keep watching.
3. I love the chemistry between Laurie and Leonard (and Laurie and Edelstein). I also appreciate great writing.
4. The (usually necessary) repetitiveness of any “procedural” show annoys me sometimes.
5. As with any dramatic show that manages to last beyond a season, characters have developed nicely and it seems that the actors have gotten more comfortable with each other, so they can better “disappear” into their roles. Also Cuddy’s hairstyle is much improved!
6. I like it more, for the reasons stated above. But every season has a few episodes that don’t quite hit the mark.
7. For me, the medical mysteries are a distant second to the interplay/conflicts among the main characters, especially those of House, Wilson and Cuddy.
8. Tough question, because we all know what a ’ship can do to a show (Moonlighting will always be one of my faves, though). But I think as long as the writers keep it interesting, a ’ship is not necessarily a bad thing. That said, I don’t much care for Foreteen!
9. I don’t pay much attention to who writes what – I appreciate the overall quality of the writing on the series.
10. Faves: Three Stories, Autopsy, No Reason, Son of a Coma Guy, Airborne, The Jerk, House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart, Birthmarks, Joy, Under My Skin, Broken, Known Unknowns
11. Least Faves: Euphoria – Parts 1 & 2
12. I didn’t much care for the Vogler arc; I thought that a character placed at the hospital solely to clash with House was somewhat redundant, since House clashed with everyone. I liked the Stacy arc because it provided insight into House’s character and backstory. Tritter was a nice foil for House; it was probably the first time the audience got to see a truly angry, defeated Greg House.
13. No fanfic please! Never have, never will, for any show. It sort of ruins (or cheapens) what the actual writers, producers and actors have accomplished.
You can quote me, B, with my first name. This was fun!
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I watched a few episodes during season 1, watched somewhat consistently throughout season 3, and started watching it religiously during season 5. I have since gone back and caught all the episodes that I missed.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
As a pre-med student, I was always fascinated by the obscure medical cases. I was a big ER fan, and I wanted another medical show for when ER inevitably went off the air. I have a habit of doing a bit of research while watching the show to see how accurate the medicine is. However, after watching a few episodes, I loved the fact that the writers used cases to parallel character development. It seemed like an intelligent way to write a medical show. Also, the more episodes I watched, I felt I identified with a certain character (Cuddy) more and more. Her character is a big draw for me.
3. What do you like best about the show?
I love the snappy dialogue that Hugh Lauire, Robert Sean Leonard, and Lisa Edelstien can deliver effortlessly. The relationship between those three characters is a true television gem.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I am annoyed that with the fact that being fired or quitting is very temporary on this show. No one actually ever leaves the hospital. This also ties in with my slight annoyance that characters are not really allowed to grow, but merely become more jaded/miserable. The status quo seems to be some sort of deity to the producers and writers. This annoys me a bit, but then again, we have seen some growth in Cameron and Chase, and now House, so made characters on this show just evolve at a very slow rate.
I am not a big fan of the “Foreteen” relationship. It severely weakened Thirteen as a character, I feel. And Omar Epps has been grossly underused since the fourth season.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
As the audience got to know these characters more and more, the writers spent more time focusing on the non-medical aspects of the show. The characters became a higher priority.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
As someone who loves the medical and the interpersonal drama, I love the show just as much as I did on day one.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I love it all. I would get bored if the writers focused on any one aspect of the show too much. I really enjoy when the medical and the personal parallel each other. I feel that strengthens both plot lines.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House and Cuddy or “Huddy!” I have wanted these two together since the first time I saw them interact. There is something so intriguing about their attraction, friendship, rivalry, and history, plus Hugh Laurie and Lisa Edelstein have phenomenal chemistry. I am torn as to whether or not I want House and Cuddy to end up together, or whether I would rather see a crazy dysfunctional disaster (Honestly, I think the ideal situation would be a combination of the two). However, I want those two to give it a shot at some point.
I also quite like “Chameron,” simply because of how adorable Chase was with his whole “It’s Tuesday, I like you,” thing.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Favorites: Sara Hess is probably my favorite, but I also really enjoy Liz Friedman, and Lawrence Kaplow.
Least: Leonard Dick is not one of my favorites.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1: Three Stories, Damned If You Do
Season 2: Safe, Forever
Season 3: Meaning, Cane and Able, Insensitive, Half Wit, Act Your Age
Season 4: House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
Season 5: Joy, Saviors, Unfaithful
Season 6: Instant Karma, Brave Heart
11. Least favorite episodes?
Season 1: Kids
Season 2: Daddy’s Boy, Euphoria 1 & 2, No Reason
Season 3: One Day One Room, The Jerk, Human Error
Season 4: Whatever it Takes, Frozen
Season 5: Here Kitty, Locked In, Painless
Season 6: none yet
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
In general, I like them. They spice up the format of the show, which has the danger of becoming monotonous. However, I have liked some of the arcs better than others.
Vogler Arc: Decent and enjoyable. Not my favorite arc, but certainly good.
Stacy Arc: Loved that it showed us a different side to House, but I never really was able to like the Stacy character. She seemed to have learned nothing from having ignored House’s medical wishes. Plus, the chemistry between Sela Ward and Hugh Laurie was hit and miss in my opinion.
Tritter: Good initial concept that went on way to long and went way to far.
Survivor Hiring: LOVED IT! I wish we had kept some of the other “contestants” though, as I prefer them to the team House created. (My choice: Big Love, Ridiculously Old Fraud, and Amber)
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Nope, only canon for me.
Feel free to quote!
1.When did you first start watching the show? – 2007 start of season 3, from around the episode Informed Consent
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? – intriguing characters, and the moral concept of “informed consent” at the time for the episode
3.What do you like best about the show? the medicine (in the first few seasons), Dr. House’s character
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why? the show is getting much more character centred in development, and the medicine is kinda taking on the back burner. Not that the character centred development is bad, it’s great, but I miss the medicine centred aspect.
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? refer to previous answer
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? refer to previous answer. I will still follow the show no matter what… being an inspiration for me to get into medical school. unless they kill of House then the show might not be worth watching haha.
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate. I watch the show as a whole. I guess, the key aspect would be “House’s Philosophy” of always being right, not “sugar coat” things, offering the wonderful truth.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? Used to be a House/Cameron fan – after starting to watch season 3 and getting hooked, went out and bought the 1st 2 seasons. But not a “shipper” in particular now.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Doris Egan, David Shore, Lawrence Kaplow, the whole team I guess…
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
season 1: Maternity, Three Stories
season 2: Autopsy, The Mistake, Failure to Communicate, No Reason
season 3: Informed Consent, Son of Coma Guy, Insensitive, Half Wit, Fetal Position
season 4: Alone, Frozen, House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
season 5: Birthmarks, The Social Contract, Locked In
season 6: Broken
11.Least favorite episodes?
don’t have one in particular, but if I had to choose it would probably be something from mid-season 5-ish where the show got a bit lost in the tracks. But most episodes are better when I view it again after reading your reviews and understanding a little bit deeper about the interactions.
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
the Survivor arc was wonderful! It was an ingenious idea by the writers to have survivor (not that I watch the show, but I do kind of know how it goes) run in House-style. Didn’t like the Tritter arc at all, seemed to drag out too long.
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? I used to… when I was shipping for House/Cameron hahahaha. not anymore though.
1. I started watching House when the episode Paternity aired (S1)
2. I honestly liked the medical mystery at first and I kept wondering what was the matter with his leg. However over time I have enjoyed delving into House’s psyche as much as the medical mystery
3. I like best that my long-time favorite British actor was cast as an American and pulled it off so well I almost didn’t recognize him when I watched for the first time.
4. I dislike the romance between Foreman and 13 because it seems manufactured. I also dislike 13’s bisexuality not being addressed seriously- not all bisexuals are promiscuous as 13 was before Foreman, and it’s a permeating stereotype.
5. I think it has naturally expanded from being a medical mystery show with a formula to a medical mystery show with relationships.
6. I think S1 is much different from the rest of the seasons- not necessarily better, just different in it’s own right. I enjoy watching the show evolve, although I do not like the “new” team, and I wished they had stuck with the original ducklings.
7. After the original 3 ducklings left I watched for House and his story, whereas before I had watched for the medical mystery.
8. Yes, I think House and Wilson should be romantically involved. I also like the Cameron/Chase pairing and I wouldn’t be opposed to House/Stacy or House/Cuddy.
9. Favorite writer is Doris Egan. Least is Greg Yaitanes
10. Favorite episodes are Three Stories, Skin Deep, Broken, WH/HH, Son of a Coma Guy and Detox.
11. Least favorite episode was Lines in the Sand because I thought the portrayal of the autistic boy was completely off and the story line, especially where he gave House the gameboy, was so manufactured, silly and unrealistic. I also disliked the episode (I’ve repressed the title from my memory) where House treated the soap star.
12. I liked Stacy’s story line because it successfully worked through House’s ability to be romantic and exposed that side of him to make him seem human. Vogler I thought did the same thing and was just the right length. I consider those to be pretty classic story lines. The Tritter arc was good at the beginning, then seemed to grow more and more unrealistic and lame, but it ended pretty well. Also, I though HL in Merry Little Christmas at the end was simply amazing and so totally Emmy-worthy. The Survivor arc was one I hated because I didn’t think the original characters needed to leave, and the team he ended up choosing stunk in terms of characters represented. I don’t see a use for Taub and 13’s portrayal of bisexuality is disgustingly stereotypical. Kutner was cool but they killed him off. I can’t stand Foreman.
13. Yes, I read fanfiction, usually out of boredom. I follow 2 particular writers because I really enjoy how they play with the characters. I usually read any sort of pairing except something involving Foreteen, and I really enjoy stories with just the Holy Trinity.
When did you first start watching the show?
I don’t remember which episode it was, but I remember being excited when I read that Sela Ward was going to be on the show, so it had to be sometime in the first season.
What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Hugh Laurie, mostly. And the super interesting medical mysteries. And House’s sarcasm. Love that.
What do you like best about the show?
Still Hugh Laurie. House is definitely my favorite character, and Mr. Laurie just brings it – emotionally and intellectually – every single time.
What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Foreman, kinda. He’s just so BORING. I didn’t like, in the earlier seasons, how Chase had a grudge against everyone – fat people, skinny people, druggies, rich kids, poor kids. It got old fast.
In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Other than the obvious (the new team), I think they’ve shifted the emphasis a little more onto the personal lives of the characters and less on the cases. Which is good because the cases – while still interesting – are a little formulaic, now, after six years.
Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
More. I liked it less in Season 5. In fact, I almost stopped watching until a series of solid episodes (starting with ‘Locked In’ through the season finale) kept me hooked, and now I’m really into it again, like I was in season 2 and 3 – when I was all about the House.
House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
Until very recently, I watched for the whole. I liked most characters equally, and the medical mysteries were always, at the very least, interesting. Since the finale, though, I’ve noticed that I’ve become more focused on House’s story, specifically as it relates to Cuddy, than anything else in the show. Which has definitely colored my perception of the series as a whole (and not necessarily positively). I still enjoy the rest of it – it’s just not my main focus anymore.
Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I like Huddy, of course. I wouldn’t be upset if Stacy came back (but not until the Huddy thing has gone away, or if it was made clear that it wasn’t going to happen). I love Hilson, but as neither character is gay, I don’t get the HoYay so much. I do dig the bromance, though.
Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I think Sara Hess is hilarious. I’m still learning all the writer’s names, so that’s all I’ve got right now. Shore’s always good.
Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Oh, God. Um… “Three Stories”, “Autopsy”, “Who’s Your Daddy”, “Airborne”, a lot of season four (“Frozen”, “Living the Dream”, “House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart”), and yes, five (“Joy”, “The Itch”, “Under My Skin/Both Sides Now”). Jury’s still out on Season six, but I really liked “Brave Heart”.
Least favorite episodes?
Didn’t particularly care for the “Euphoria” two-parter.
The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I like them, but I remember thinking that the Tritter arc went on way too long. I only caught the tail end of Vogler the frist time ’round, and I felt, too, that Tritter was kind of a rehash of that. I really liked the Stacy and Survivor arcs, and thought they were well crafted and gave us excellent insight into House’s character. The latter gave us a chance to root for certain characters to be on his final team, and I was pretty satisfied with who ended up as his new fellows (though I would have preferred Amber over 13).
Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
. 6×07 has gotten me on a college!fic binge, but I’m just starting out on that.
I do. I just started in May, after the finale. I used to read a lot of X-Files fanfic back in the day, so the differences in fandom are still kind of alarming. In X-Files, we had a clear majority of the MSR (Mulder-Scully-Relationship) ship and a comprehensive archive (gossamer.org) where just about every store could be found. This fandom has several different ships, with the dominant one being a slash ship (Hilson, which isn’t my thing, though more power to ‘em), and no comprehensive place to go. I ship Huddy, so I really just read Huddy. As it’s not the dominant ship, there aren’t nearly as many stories out there, and since there’s no archive, there’s no real measure of quality (which is not to say that there aren’t a BUNCH of great ones, it’s that the good ones and the bad have been presented with equal recommendation and it’s hard to weed through them), and no consistent rating system. I’ve gotten into really long stories, like writersblk’s “October/October” and the Cuddy’s House RPG that’s gone on for over two years (because I can put them on my Kindle so it looks like I’m reading something ‘real’)
Wow. Diarrhea of the mouth. Sorry ’bout that. Hope I’ve given you what you’re looking for!
Oh, and quote away!
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Began watching the fall of 2008, and became completely obsessed
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
A friend pointed to me the House-Sherlock Holmes connection; I was immediately sold.
3. What do you like best about the show?
The show presents an intellectual challenge; it prompts one to think of connections, I guess this is what I like best. And I love House. He is the ultimate bad boy—any woman’s favorite guy (or mine at least). But he is more than that—he is brutally honest, complicated, but most importantly mysterious and surprising. He lives on the borders of society, and has a special connection to energies beyond common people’s grasp. He has a deeper insight into things both material and spiritual (although he will probably deny the latter).
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I absolutely dislike the ways in which David Shore treats House. I have a feeling that he hates him. What happened to the character at the end of the fifth season was unbelievably cruel.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
It has changed by I cannot put my finger on it.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
Not having watched it from the very beginning I am not certain I have the license to make that kind of judgment. However, my sense is that the first three seasons were better.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I am fascinated by the ways in which House’s personal narrative is intertwined with the other stories. I guess I watch for House, but I love seeing and thinking about the ways in which we as viewers are prompted to consider his character through other, seemingly unrelated, narratives.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
They should give him Cuddy, for goodness sake, and quit worrying about the Moonlighting syndrome. The writers seem clever enough to be able to handle this successfully.Or they just should take up the challenge and run with it.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I do not know the writers really, so I cannot competently answer this question.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
I cannot name any, as I like most.
11. Least favorite episodes?
I think I disliked the one in which Kutner committed suicide. Certainly there was a more elegant way to off the character.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I found the Vogler and Tritter arcs exasperating. Not because they were bad but because of what those two did to House and how long it went on. I loved Stacy’s arc.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I do not.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Last summer reruns-probably around July
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Short answer – Hugh Laurie.
I don’t like medical shows and avoid them so I don’t know why I watched the episode, but it was the show with Dave Matthews, Half Wit. I had a really strong reaction to the kiss scene which surprised me. I wanted to know why the scene worked so well so I looked for a clip of it on the internet and realized it was the way Hugh Laurie used his eyes that made it so powerful. As a result of the youtube search I found out he was also in Jeeves and Wooster, a TV show based on the PG Wodehouse books that I had read when I was much younger and loved. I was delighted to find all of the Jeeves and Wooster shows on youtube and watched them all. I fell in love with Hugh Laurie’s work in that show (absolute genius) and just kept searching out more. I found that he was in Sense and Sensibility and realized he was the annoyed husband that I had remembered from seeing the movie but at the time didn’t know who he was. I realized what a great actor he is and how much I enjoy his work and as a result, started watching House. I became intrigued by the various levels on which the show is written and the ethical, religious, and moral questions that it poses and by the wit and humor in every line of dialog. Now I am completely hooked on the show and never miss it.
3. What do you like best about the show?
The dialogue between religion and science, the witty humor, the almost poetic writing at times.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
The number of patients who spew blood or other fluids in great quantities.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The characters have evolved and our understanding of them has deepened. There seems to be less clear-cut good/evil situations/characters and more room for interpretation, debate, discussion.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
More. The show has always had great writing but it gets better and better.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I don’t particularly care about the medical mysteries except as they pertain to House, unless the patient is a very interesting character. The priest in Unfaithful, the girl in One Day, One Room (my favorite episode), the gypsy kid with the toothpick problem in Needle in a Haystack, the pianist in Half Wit; those were interesting characters to me. Probably if I were in the medical profession I would enjoy the medical mysteries more, since I do like mystery stories and solving puzzles, but since I’m not really interested in medicine, I watch more for House and his story and how the two story lines of medical and personal complement and enhance each other.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
No, and that aspect of fandom irritates me. To limit the show to who’s doing whom is a great disservice to the talents of the cast, crew, and writers.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I don’t know enough about who wrote what to say.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Three Stories, All In, One Day, One Room, House’s Head, Unfaithful, Broken
11. Least favorite episodes?
Airborne
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I hate the Vogler and Tritter characters. The actors who played them did a marvelous job at portraying the most annoying, irritating, smug a**holes ever seen on a TV show. It was fun watching House vs. Vogler/Tritter and learning more about how House thinks and reacts to situations where he isn’t in control. I liked the Stacy arc that let us learn more about how House deals with relationships and his personal life, and the Survivor arc was a lot of fun to watch, although a bit of a stretch in the believability area, just for all the interesting characters.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Don’t read it. Usually the writing is abysmal and the subject is the writer’s personal fantasy about House and (fill in the blank). Step away from the pens and let the professionals do their job, fanfic writers!
1.When did you first start watching the show?
From the very start.
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I have been a HL fan since Fry& Laurie and Blackadder. Wanted to see him do an American doctor, and was not disappointed. Show was well written and well acted from the start and that is what draws me back.
3.What do you like best about the show?
The writing and acting; character development.
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Cameron. 14. ’ships in general.
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
There have been ups and downs, but that will happen with any series. I really like the way it has followed the changes (or lack thereof) of House over the years. They have really developed his character, and the characters around him.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it more, as it has matured, the characters have developed, and it is a richer show for that.
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I watch primarily for House, secondarily for the other characters, and lastly for the medical mystery, however they are all intertwined. I love how the medical mystery is used as a vehicle (sometimes paralleling what may be going on with other characters, or allowing for interesting revelations about the characters) House and his stories will always be the main reason I watch.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House and Stacy. I would have liked more backstory, and perhaps a bit more exploration (so that we could get more backstory) However, I think TPTB did a good job of ending that arc when they did.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Doris Egan. David Shore. Lawrence Kaplow. Can’t say I have a least fav.
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Three Stories
Failure to Communicate
Son of Coma Guy
House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
Both Sides Now
11.Least favorite episodes?
Hmm…
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Survivor arc lasted a bit too long, IMO. I thought the Vogler arc, Stacy arc and Tritter arc were all good, as they were vehicles for understanding the characters better, which is what a good arc will do. The Survivor arc was the only one that I felt didn’t add much to that.
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I have read some but not regularly.
1.When did you first start watching the show?
When it started – first show
2.What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
The preview. It looked like something different, and I loved his character, brash, sarcastic, rude, the kind of genius I would like to be.
3.What do you like best about the show?
The time in the Clinic
4.What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Commercials
5.In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I liked the times they used to go inside the body with the animation to show what was going on. They don’t seem to do that much anymore.
6.Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it more. The characters have developed, and we know more about them and their personalities.
7.House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I like the way they all mesh together to either emphasize a point, or get to the solution of the problem. Something you do an excellent job of in your column also.
8.Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I like the relationship that House and Wilson share. They fit so well as friends and colleagues and yet are so different.
9.Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I find it hard to distinguish.
10.Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
One – “Three Stories” also liked “Role Model” (Someone considered a black president back in 2005? They don’t call it the White House for nothing. Who could have thought……)
Two – “No Reason” (took me about 3 times watching before I figured it all out)
Three – “Half Wit” – I love and hate this one. I love Dave Matthews and all the music played in the episode, but hated all the fake brain tumor. Didn’t really sound like something he would do.
Four – “Alone” Loved the role of the janitor and that he came up with Lupus. It’s never Lupus. Also loved his 1958 Gibson Flying V.
Five – “The Social Contract” Loved the Cuddy/13 comments.
11.Least favorite episodes?
All of them with Tritter. I hated that guy but still liked the show.
12.The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Like I said above, I did not like the Tritter character and where that whole season was heading. It took away from the medicine of the show. But…….there always seems to be an anti-House person around whether it be Tritter, Vogler, Cuddy, Forman….to balance the whole thing out.
13.Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Try to stay away from it.
1.
I started watching the show in 2005 when it was airdated it Italy.
2.
I had been seeing the trailers going on for a while but I thought I was not interested in it. I remember thinking “Oh my! Another medical show! (in Italy there are really too much of them!) Why can’t they just come up with something new?”…I actually remember I didn’t really find the title intriguing at all….
Anyway once I was home looking for something interesting to watch and I casually run into it. I don’t remember what episode was on (somewhere in the middle of season 1, before Vougler came) but I was bewitched as soon as I watch Hugh Laurie acting: he was awesome! So talented and spontaneous! I thought I had never seen such a good acting on a TV-show. And then I noticed the chemistry between his character and Lisa Edelstein’s, who BTW is amazing too….they were great together, not a couple yet (or maybe they will never have been) but they were an astonishing duo. And then there was Wilson who was so great with House I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I kept watching and figured out the script was very VERY good. House’s character was magnetic: so controversial and intriguing at the same time. The lines were funny and witty and you never got bored of the medical stuff. Actors delivered their lines so well it was amazing to lose yourself so completely in their lives for two hours….but also the acting caught my attention: the tiny little details such as grimaces, glances and so on were an essential part of it.
In short, the show was great from every angle and I have been watching it improving since then.
3.
This is tough….Well, I like the fact that it’s unpredictable and never unadventurous. I’ll try to explain myself shortly.
It’s obvious a TV-show is something different from a book or a movie….creators start with a project on their minds, they submit it to the network, then if they think it could be successful they do a Pilot and if it win the audience they can start filming the other episode. Regardless it’ a work in progress….nothing is fixed everything can suddenly change because they need to meet the network’s wishes or feel their audience out from time to time. Obviously there’s a script to follow but it’s written piece by piece and it’s a teamwork so style can change and the plot could suffer from that.
But once again they succeeded in finding the perfect balance here. The storyline is perfect: characters do not suddenly change but realistically evolve. We can observe them changing step by step, hurdle after hurdle….We are told everything about them from the beginning, but they disclose slowly their past and personality….it’s like the more you watch the more you know them. Every episode gives you a new piece to solve the puzzle of their mind and still, you feel like every season is making you see them from a different perspective.
They do not rush the relationships between the characters but let them evolve and grow and gain naturally their space on the show…..in addiction the path the choose for their stories is never the easiest one or the more predictable so we are often caught of guard….we are still all recovering from the last season finale I think, but the same stands for season 4 witch was so different and ended up with an amazing two hour episode, or for season 3 with the Tritter’s storyline.
You are always forced to expect nothing and everything from the plot. That’s the best one can ask.
4.
Nothing in particular….sometimes Foreman maybe. I think his character has been losing interest lately….maybe because of the Fourteen issue, I don’t know….
5.
Season 1 was certainly the most “static”. I mean characters were great and the medical mysteries intriguing but we still knew nothing about people’s “background”….”Three Stories” surely changes the course of that when it provides us the scenario of House’s leg history.
Season 2 tried to focus on House’s character and his past with Stacy and his present with the others characters….here the writers are very subtle, they do not never give too much away, just let us make our own assumptions….Last episode really opens a world before our eyes: House’s subconscious as we have never get the chance to see it.
Season 3 is amazing. It’s like the rhythm keeps increasing….Tritter’s storyline is so good….there’s tension and suspense; and struggle and pain. For the first time House begins slowly to question himself even if at the end Cuddy need to save his ass lying for him….Season 3 is interesting because throughout the others seasons we had just got the impression that House and Cuddy liked each other: they surely had a wonderful chemistry but HERE for the first time we know about their one-night-stand in college and realize she has feelings for him ( the time he is helping her with the injections ) and that he founds her very VERY attractive. So, it is obvious here that the writers are pointing directly to something they had left in the background for a long time: a would-be relationship between the two of them.
Season 4 is all a different story. The idea of House hiring 40 people just to annoy Cuddy and toy with some of them was hilarious! But the very coup de théâtre came with the finale which was amazing and lead us to a blind spot: House must change. He can’t be that irresponsible and jerkish anymore, ’cause death changes everything and he must grow up if he wants his friend back.
Lots of fans do not like season 5. They find it too much focused on characters instead that on medical cases. I find it brilliant….much more complicated and interesting to watch….There are so many things to observe and so many details you missed every time you watch it…Medical cases and characters’ personal histories interweave so tightly and brilliantly!! The music list itself fits better than ever the dramatic situations….Lights are also very different as in some episodes there’s a gloomy and dim atmosphere which mirrors House’s feelings. He becomes more and more miserable and bitter throughout the season.
Writers now tend to follow his emotional issues much more closely and every episode unforgivingly lead us to the last two ones which are something between ” OMG they are genius!” and ” I feel like crying for him, why must they be so mean with my beloved doctor?”
As far as season 6….I think it started great, thanks to Hugh Laurie who is more and more talented….the angle is different so far but there are still the great ingredients of the past…..Except for Epic Fail the season his not betraying any expectation…on the contrary….last episode couldn’t be more perfect.
6.
As I said before I like it more because of the improvements they made. Characters are much more defined and the script keeps improving. Music lists is awesome and directors are brilliant. As you have written in your last article, episodes outside the hospital, or when people are trapped into it, are always amazing…..a nice change and a great experience.
7.
Maybe the main reason I watch it for, it’s House himself. He is so different from the typical TV-show hero…..’cause he is a negative character somehow.
He has a painful past, probably morally abused by a father who firmly believed in discipline. He turns out damaged, unable to respect any rule but its own: do not be a hypocrite. Saying all the truth nothing but the truth. Maybe once he was not so unable to trust anybody but he has always surely felt different as he couldn’t fit in as easily as anybody. He sees hypocrisy everywhere, he doesn’t like compromise but he is not narrow-minded: he doesn’t judge people but he likes to understand them, to solve the puzzle behind their masks…..Then he gives them a piece of his mind but this is never a lecture or a judgment….just a subtle way of trying to fix them….He do not believe he is god, ’cause god doesn’t limp as he says, but maybe he believes in something else which cannot be taken away from him….His leg is the exterior mark of his inner wound, it’s a remainder of who he is and what makes him different and special as well: his mind. He is a genius, so insightful nothing escapes his eyes or his mind….he is much more aware of anybody of the lies we usually tell ourselves and the others to live quietly or don’t face our ghosts.
But his gift gives him also a delusive power, ’cause he thinks he can solve and repair everything…but he can’t. He can’t repair his leg. He can’t save his relationship with Stacy or avoid the sufferance her betrayal caused. He can’t control everything……He is petrified by the feeling of being as powerless as anybody else, so he decides to alienate himself, to take away from his life anything which could not be coldly calculated.
He sounds like a jerk and maybe sometimes he acts like that but deep inside himself he is much more sensitive than Wilson, more just than Cameron, less smug than Foreman or coward than Cuddy when it comes to take responsibility for a medical procedure.
He has been struggling endlessly to find his way, his balance….and he keeps doing it in such a charming way, thanks to the writers! He is smart, funny, sarcastic, cynic, compassionate in his on way….he deeply cares about his friends and he is still learning how to prove that to them, ’cause he’s finally realized he is not better off alone.
I think his personality is the main reason I watch the show…..Huddy and Hilson are part of it of course, but I can’t really imagine House without them….they are part of who HE is. Maybe he couldn’t even have changed so much without the love he feels for them…..but we all change, or better, adjust ourselves to the onese we love, right?
8.
I strongly advocate for Huddy. They wants each other that’s obvious…..and they can’t deny it anymore because the have a mental and physical chemistry so strong they know they couldn’t ever be so good for somebody else…..but that doesn’t’ mean they are soul mates….or that they could be happy together.
Their timing was never right. They screwed with each other so many times…for fear, stubbornness, cowardice, pride….They have still a long path to make, but they know and understand each other so well as only two deeply bounded people could do.
9.
Favorite ones: David Shore, Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner, Lawrence Kaplow.
Least: Maybe I sometimes do not appreciate very much Peter Blake…I mean, I found “Here Kitty” and “The Tyrant” pretty lame episodes but on the contrary I loved “House’s Head” and “Wilson’s Heart” or “Joy to The World” but there he was partner in writing with David Shore so I don’t’ know if the merit it’s his or the talented House’s creator’s! I liked very much “The Itch” though….
10.
Season 1: Babies & Bathwater, Three Stories
Season 2: Euphoria Part I and II, No Reason.
Season 3: Cane & Able, Top Secret, Fetal Position
Season 4: House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
Season 5: Lucky Thirteen, Last Resort, Let Them Eat the Cake, Painless, The Social Contract, Locked In, House Divided, Under My Skin, Both Sides Now.
Season 6: Broken, Instant Karma, Brave Heart, Known Unknowns
11.
Just recent ones….the others are all good: Adverse Events, Here Kitty, Epic Fail, The Tyrant.
12.
I found all of them quite interesting characters actually….all of them were well-defined, not nice at all actually ( I used to hate Stacy, ‘cause she sounds a little snobbish and overconfident)
First there was Vaugler who hated House’s behavior and his inability to follow rules and submit to others people’s authority…..he was the typical self-made man: rich, proud, arrogant…he thought he could buy everything with money, even people’s respect and council’s allegiance in firing House. He was a real pain in the ass for House also because the latter HATES to humiliate himself in order to show a false sense of respect for people he dislikes…..Vaugler was a key character somehow because through his perspective, even if he was wrong most of the time, we started doing some thinking about House’s character. He was obviously unable to take a NO for an answer and even if he was right he must learn to shut up and do what’s best not only for his integrity but also for the others….or the hospital. Vaugler made Cuddy realize how much she needed House in the hospital but at the same tame she lost a huge amount of money because House was unable to act his own age, using diplomacy.
Then Stacy was the new entry of season two. She was not a very charming character in my opinion, but there are fans that are still in love with her and think House should stay with his “true-first-love”. I think otherwise….
For a start she was not his true-first-love….nobody never told us she had been the very first important person in his life, so I don’t see any reason for fantasizing about something writers never mentioned
Secondly I believe her character was aimed to show us WHY House had become so distrustful towards the others and WHAT had been the problem between the two of them. She obviously hadn’t been able to understand how stubborn and proud he was….that he would have never forgiven her for what she was doing; at the same time he was not so in love with her to decide it was better to stay alive with her than leaving her alone or giving up their life together. I think once again she gives us the chance to look at his personality from a new different angle: we understand his attitude towards love, relationships, trust, friendships….we also finally know he is not ready to change for her, for them. Actually there’s no them there: he is not into her as much as he thinks he is: he likes her and cares for her but they are not something unique…..they are actually so different they never feel the same way at the same time.
Tritter was my favorite and my least favorite villain at the same time. He was a jerk and an arrogant, but he was right at the beginning…..House stepped over the line with him as a patient….He needed to learn some humility and respect. His methods were awful and I really suffered for House during season 3 but that was a lesson he must have…..even if in the end Cuddy saves him as usual. No doubt it was the right thing to do because he surely didn’t deserve going to jail and lose his medical license….but maybe if Twitter had been more caring or really concerned about House (more concerned for him that he was for his sense of proud) he would have make some real good for him.
13.
Sorry but I don’t read them. I do not like to have characters’ personalities twisted because they have to meet our deep fantasies about them. They are what they are, as in life….I am a Huddy shipper for example but I want them to end up together coherently with their past, their story, their present…with who they are!! I want them to stay in their characters and keep evolving as peoples do, step by step.
Well it was fun, I love talking about House and write this stuff in your wonderful language!XD Hope there were not too many mistakes up there and that I didn’t bore you too much with my endless blabbing
You can quote me if you like.
Thanks for the project and congrats on your reviews, they’re always awesome and very insightful….keep up the good work!
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I started watching from the pilot episode in 2004.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I knew of Hugh Laurie from watching Blackadder and the Stuart Little movies, so I was intrigued to see him in something so different. Also I was fascinated by the parallels to Sherlock Holmes.
3. What do you like best about the show?
I adore Hugh Laurie’s courageous performance, it is subtle, funny, poignant, commanding and amazingly sexy all at once. Never seen anything like it in fifty years of TV watching. Secondly, I love the chemistry that Laurie has with co-stars Lisa Edelstein and Robert Sean Leonard. The intelligence that these two bring to every scene is so compelling. I am also fascinated with the unfolding of the character of House which is the central mystery of the show.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I used to be annoyed by the stilted attempts to insert a romance with Cameron into the storyline. I did not feel that the acting in the scenes with Cameron rose to the mark of the other elements of the show and the chemistry between the actors was painfully absent, in my opinion. Now that the emphasis on Cameron has been reduced, I am much more satisfied with the storylines and the overarching development of the show.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The showrunners have become more bold and edgy in portraying the unpleasant side of House’s character, which I find refreshing and courageous. Hugh Laurie is absolutely fearless in his portrayal of House’s weaknesses as well as his strengths.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like the show just as much today as I did six years ago. I am intrigued by the medical aspects of each episodes, but I live for developments in the personal storylines, especially those involving House’s long-standing attraction to Cuddy.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
As noted above, I watch for the elaboration of House’s character and for his relationships with his friends, especially the one with Cuddy. I am also interested in how he related to Wilson, but I find that a little of that aspect goes a long way for me.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I am a strong supporter of House’s rocky passionate romance with Cuddy. I find the ups and downs of that relationship to be infinitely fascinating and revealing of the characters of both partners in the affair. I also like the friendship between House and Wilson and its parallels to the original Holmes stories.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I like Doris Egan, Lawrence Kaplow and David Shore the best. I always worry when I see that Sara Hess has written something.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season one: “Three Stories” and “Babies and Bathwater;” Season two: “All In,” “House vs. God,” “Who’s Your Daddy?” “Hunting,” “Autopsy;” Season three: “Cane and Able,” “Act your Age,” “Half Wit,” “Top Secret,” “Insensitive,” Son of Coma Guy;” Season four: “Games,” “Mirror, mirror,” “Ugly,” “House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart;” Season five: “Unfaithful,” “Joy,” “The Itch,” “Birthmarks,” “Under My Skin,” “Both Sides Now.”
11. Least favorite episodes? “One Day/One Room,” “the Jerk.”
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I liked each of these arcs for different reasons: Vogler because it had some of the best early episodes like “Babies and Bathwater” and it showed House in a position of fear and worry for the first time. Stacy for the romantic side of House that was revealed along with the real chemistry between Hugh Laurie and Sela Ward that was showcased. Tritter for the strong performance from David Morse and the horrible drug overdose and rehab stint House had to go through which led to some extraordinary acting from Hugh Laurie. The Survivor arc was fun, lighter than the others, loved all the supporting actors it featured.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Yes, I read lots of fan fiction. I prefer those that feature a House/Cuddy romance or House character study. I like stories which do a good job of examining House’s birth family and childhood relationships too.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
From the first episode.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Before it aired, I’d read an article about it in my local paper. I was hooked after that. Once the first episode aired, I was in heaven. I loved the show. The acting, writing, directing, etc. were superb. I used to live right outside of Princeton (had worked there, spent much time on campus), and was thrilled to see PPTH was the old Palmer Hall (Physics building where Albert Einstein once worked). So, there was an air of “being home.” Also, I’d had a physician (specialist in internal medicine) who was like House: a brilliant diagnostician, perfunctory, aloof and sometimes almost rude (unless you were seriously ill, then he leaned more toward being like Wilson), and nothing fazed him. I loved the three-dimensional, character-driven nature of the show. And I enjoy the medicine, even though I often see errors and find things to laugh about. I’m an ex-medical professional.
3. What do you like best about the show?
The characters and their development and the incredible cast, crew, directors, writers and showrunners that make them come to life. It is truly one of the best television shows ever. I’ve been watching TV for over 50 years, so that’s saying a lot!
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
That the show is only an hour long, and we only get 45 minutes or less of actual airtime.
I don’t like that they changed Cuddy from a strong, dominant character to a rather wimpy, pathetic one in later seasons. It was too drastic and too unrealistic.
I do sometimes get annoyed by what I see as bad medical goofs: patients making sounds around an ET tube or House trying to auscultate a chest when the earpieces of the stethoscope are not in his ears (bad continuity error in “Damned If You Do” – that actually made me laugh). I realize some of these are due to production/story-telling issues, but some are just mistakes. The other thing that annoys me is whenever they show surgery it’s incredibly bloody. You never see that much blood in surgery unless it’s a trauma victim or something has gone horribly wrong. They really need to cut way back on the fake blood.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I think they’ve made Cuddy a somewhat pathetic, weak character at times, as I mentioned above. I miss the humor of the clinic patients. (Yes, people really ARE that stupid!) Otherwise, I think the show has been fairly consistent.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it more. Overall, it’s gotten better each season. I love the character development and the background revelations. The showrunners continue to outdo themselves and amaze me.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I watch the show as a whole, however, I am most invested in House’s story. He is the most intriguing of the characters to me. Wilson is second. Cuddy is third. The rest of the team (old and new) is fourth. I am particularly interested in the House/Wilson dynamic/friendship.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Yes, House/Wilson. I also found the relationship between House and Dr. Nolan to be quite interesting. I wish they had House continue to see him on-screen once in a while. I do enjoy the other interactions/relationships, too.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I would have to say Doris Egan and David Shore are my favorites, however, I honestly can’t say that any of the others are a least favorite. I think this show has amazingly talented writers.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible.
Season One: Damned If You Do; The Socratic Method; Histories; Detox; Control; Love Hurts; Three Stories.
Season Two: Autopsy; Daddy’s Boy; Hunting; Failure to Communicate; Distractions; Skin Deep; All In; No Reason.
Season Three: Meaning; Cane and Able; Lines in the Sand; Son of Coma Guy; One Day, One Room; Half-Wit; House Training; The Jerk; Human Error.
Season Four: The Right Stuff; Whatever It Takes; Frozen; Don’t Ever Change; House’s Head; Wilson’s Heart.
Season Five: Dying Changes Everything; Not Cancer; Birthmarks; Last Resort; The Softer Side; Locked In; Under My Skin; Both Sides Now.
Season Six: “Broken”, for now. (I’ll have a better idea at the end of the season.)
11. Least favorite episodes?
Airborne, though I did like the two medical mysteries.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I loved them all. I like to see House challenged by “forces” outside of the hospital. (Vogler was still an outsider). Vogler, Stacy and Tritter each challenged a different aspect of House’s personality, forcing him to look at his own behavior and motivations. The Survivor arc was great fun. It added a lot of humor to the show. All of these arcs revealed more of House to us.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Yes, I read it. I read it because I like to see how people take the characters beyond what we get on the show. Fanfic can go places that the show obviously cannot.
I like fanfiction that is well-written, first and foremost. Bad grammar, punctuation, and spelling will turn me off immediately. I do make exceptions for those writers who are not native speakers of English, although many of them are far better than some native speakers! Bad medicine also turns me off. No reason one can’t do the research. The internet makes it easy. I also like AU fanfic, such as werewolves and vampires. I prefer to read House/Wilson stories, however, I do read well-written House/Cuddy, House/Wilson/Cuddy, and House/Wilson/Chase. I will also read general fanfiction that does not have a particular pairing, but instead involves all the characters … more like an episode of the show itself. I prefer to read completely original stories as opposed to stories based heavily on an actual episode, though I do enjoy some “missing scenes” fanfic. Finally, I prefer long, multi-chapter stories to drabbles or single chapter stories, but I do read all lengths.
(Yes, you may quote me and use my name.)
1. When did you first start watching the show?
Early 2006, mid Season 2.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
The first episode I saw was a rerun of “Autopsy” on USA. Needless to say, this is a pretty powerful episode and I was hooked right away. The medical mysteries and the intelligence of the writing were a huge draw to me – I was a sophomore in college at the time, working towards a degree in neuroscience – but the character of House also sucked me right in. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
3. What do you like best about the show?
Hard to say because I like it for so many reasons. Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of House would have to be number 1 though – snarky, intelligent, flawed, wounded, witty, etc… the list could go on and on.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
When too much time is spent focusing on one of the lesser characters, especially 13. No matter what how her character is written, her story will never be as interesting as House’s. I feel the same way about Foreman.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The new set of fellows for Season 4 was probably the most drastic change. I liked the three that House ended up with (and the process by which they were chosen), but they couldn’t full replace Cameron, Chase, and Foreman. At the same time, it did bring new life to the episodes and I’ve learned to adjust.
I also feel like there have been less clinic patients lately – those were some of the funniest moments from the earlier seasons and I’d like to see those brought back.
We’ve also learned more about Cuddy, Wilson, and House’s past in the later seasons, which I’ve really enjoyed.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I can’t say I’ve loved any of the more recent seasons as much as season 2. But still, I would say that over all I like the show the same, to more. Even though I don’t like some episodes as much as others, I feel like they are all enriching. As the characters and back stories grow, so does my love of House.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I like the medical stuff, but I tune in each week for House and his story. House has got to be one of the most compelling characters ever written and I just really want to know more!
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Huddy is my favorite – House and Cuddy feel like they’re on equal footing to me and have a history that make me believe that something between them could work out. I love push-and-pull way the interact and feel like a relationship could elevate the storyline rather than bring it down.
I actually liked House with Stacy. She brought out a side of House that I loved and a past that I wanted to know more about. I wouldn’t mind if she appeared for more episodes.
I can stomach some House and Cameron in fanfiction, but never on the show.She is just not, and never will be on his level.
Not a fan of slash, and so I like House and Wilson as friends, maybe as “brothers”, but never lovers.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Can’t say I know enough about the writers to pass judgement.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1 – Three Stories (how can you not like this one?), Honeymoon, Control
Season 2 – All In, Autopsy, and Failure to Communicate
Season 3 – Half Wit, Insensitive
Season 4 – 97 seconds, Head & Heart
Season 5 – Under My Skin & Both Sides Now
Season 6 – Brave Heart
11. Least favorite episodes?
I don’t think I’ve got one for this – there are some that aren’t my most favorite, but I just looked through all the episodes and I couldn’t find one that I didn’t enjoy.
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I like the stand alone episodes, but I also enjoy the story arcs – for the most part. There were a few story arcs – mostly those that aren’t an arc for House. I loved the Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, and Survivor arcs because they gave us more House in a story spanning multiple episodes. Arcs that do not focus on House (13 and Foreman’s romance & drug trial) get in the way of the story and I wish I could skip those parts of the episode. It took screen time away from the medical story and the characters that I like better.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I do read fanfiction and I have read yours (which I loved by the way). I love fanfiction because the show can only give you so much – even if there were endless episodes and seasons. The creative writing of others fills in the holes and although they aren’t cannon, the stories expand the “House Universe” in all directions (past, present, and future) to give you so much more. Sometimes it takes a bit of work to sift through all the stories – there’s a lot of garbage, but there are also a lot of gems.
I pass over a lot of the smut and slash because it doesn’t interest me. Most everything else is fair game though. To me, the most appealing fanfics are those with good grammar and strong characters – if House ain’t House, then it’s just not right!
P.S. – Feel free to quote me if you want to!
1. When did you first start watching the show?
After I read a NYT review mid-season in season 1.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Hugh Laurie and on a secondary level Lisa Edelstein and Robert Sean Leonard. Laurie is so exceptional.
3. What do you like best about the show?
House and the interactions w/ Cuddy and Wilson
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Foreman and 13 and a general over-emphasis on Foreman
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I think the characters own stories have become more important and this has added depth to the show.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I am not quite as compulsive about watching the show but I still like it tremendously. I do not watch TV episodes again unless I am cooking and Law & Order is on. However House is the one exception [but I do not do this regularly.] I just love the acting and the writing.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I have a hard time responding to this. I watch for House but both Cuddy and Wilson seem so central to his story line that I think if asked to chose I would say I watch for the stories involving the 3 of them. These are the one’s that stand out in my memory.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
Huddy
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? I don’t pay that much attention to this except to know that David Shore wrote 3 Stories.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1 – Three Stories
Season 2 – Autopsy
Season 3 – the Dave Matthews episode – Half-Wit [?]
Season 4 – House’s Head
Season 5 – The last episode – Both Sides Now [?]
Season 6 – Don’t know now
11. Least favorite episodes?
Tritter
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them.
The 2 longer arcs, Stacy and Survivor have had their weaker moments where the stories seemed to lose a bit of momentum. However if you look at most of last season as the long slow unraveling of House that was an arc too. And Laurie made it magnetic TV to watch.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
Not often – I dipped my toes into Huddy land but aside from your work and one or 2 other pieces was not that satisfied. I often didn’t finish stories. Altho I did find it surprising how much work has been written.
1. When did you first start watching the show? When we moved to Argentina about a year ago, and I saw an episode on TV. I had avoided it in Canada for years, as the short ads for the show don’t come close to doing it justice.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching? The acting, the strong characters, the complex relationships between the characters, and the depth of the issues tackled.
3. What do you like best about the show? I like the mix of ethical/moral choices, and the very subtle ways the interpersonal relationships shift over time.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why? Even though I don’t really care about the medical mystery in itself, or most of the patients, it still bothers me how often the final diagnosis is a magic bullet, leaving the patient smiling and perfectly healthy. Or (rarely) the patient dies. I would prefer some of the patients to be left with permanent health problems that would reinforce just how seriously ill they had been and what the consequences are. Also, I don’t like how often they use the “patient lied about sneaking off somewhere exotic to have sex, and now has ooga booga disease” device. It was fine the first couple of times, but has been overused.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years? The dialogue has become less subtle, but the focus on relationships between the doctors (not just House) has become more important.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why? I thought the series was not consistently strong through Season 4 and early Season 5, but since then I have been really impressed.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate. I care very little for the medical mystery, although I really like it when a patient shakes up the atmosphere on the show (such as the ’schizophrenic’ woman being looked after by her 15-yr-old son, or the rape patient, or even Carl Reiner). Mostly, I watch because of the relationships between House and the other doctors.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)? Unfortunately, relationships often make for more boring stories. Since the characters are not real people, I don’t feel bad hoping that they will stay single and miserable.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least? I have no idea. I notice differences in style and substance from episode to episode, but never look into which writer did what.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible. I haven’t seen all of the old episodes, but here goes… Season I: “Socratic Method”, “DNR”, “Detox”, “Control”, Three Stories”; Season II: “Autopsy”, “The Mistake”; Season III: “Meaning”, “One Day, One Room”, “Half-Wit”; Season IV: “Wilson’s Heart”; Season V: “Social Contract”, “Locked In”, “House Divided”, “Both Sides Now”; Season VI: “The Tyrant”
11. Least favorite episodes? “Need to Know”, “Painless”,
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them? I really disliked all of those arcs. There were some good moments in each, especially House/Stacy, but they were far more of a burden to the show than a help. The Vogler arc seemed horribly contrived and completely out of character for the show. The Survivor arc was a “jump the shark” time, but happily they managed to bring the show back to life in Season 5. The ’story arc’ I have really liked is the ongoing development of the professional relationship and personal understanding between House and Cameron. She understands House better (or at least differently) than any other character, and he respects her opinion more than anyone else’s. I am very glad there was no romantic relationship between them — that would have been a disaster for the show. One day, I would like to watch the entire series in chronological order, just to watch the relationship between House and Cameron.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic? No. This will sound harsh, but there is almost always a very good reason that fans are fans and not writers. What little I have read of fan fiction has been cringe-worthy.
Oh, of course you can feel free to quote me.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
3 years ago. But I have returned to S1 and watched every episode of House!
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I started watching House because I’m a nursing student and heard a lot about House being medically accurate and interesting. But before long, I really fell in love with House’s character. I loved House because he was (and still is) the heroic doctor who does everything for his patients, and crack his brains or defy authorities or even put himself at risk to give what is needed for his patients. I also love how he is a very sensitive man behind his abrasive facade.
3. What do you like best about the show?
It is very intelligent and mature in the way it handles many profound issues–ethical, philosophical or about relationships.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I find the increasing amount of sex cheapening the show. This is a very intelligent show and charms its viewers with its complexity. We don’t need a sexy Cuddy to distract us from that. And to be fair, Cuddy is a character way deeper than a hooker to House. Please don’t cheapen her character.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
It has lost its medical accuracy but that’s totally fine with me. In fact, I’m happy about it because I can’t stand people watching House for the medicine instead of the story.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like House more and more. The writers and actors never cease to surprise me.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I like all of it. I don’t think the show will work just as well if any of it is taken away. Of course, House’s story is the focus. But I think all the other aspects are important because they comment and explore House’s story from different perspectives.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I love all of them. They explore different aspects of House.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Sorry, but I don’t really take note of who wrote what. But I’m thankful that all the episodes flow so well with each other. You won’t see a drastic disparity in quality between episodes.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Least favorite episodes?
Wow… that’s hard. I’ll need a day or two to deliberate on this. But off-hand, I think I love “Known Unknown” a lot.
11. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I think they are good. They disrupt life at PPTH and allow us to see how House and Wilson, Cuddy, etc. react to them.
12. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
No. I don’t read them because it’s a desecration to the original show.
1. I first started watching this show during Winter break 2008. I watched all 4 seasons with the “current” season 5 episodes during that 14 days.
This show now has all the perfect element of being the best show on TV. Humor, relationship, mysteries, controversies.
2. The first thing drew me to it was actually the critics and ratings. House’s witty comments, interesting characters on the show, House/Cuddy, House/Wilson, and the trio made me come back and keep watching it.
3. I like the character of Gregory House and his relationship with his colleagues/friends the best, especially Wilson & Cuddy. House is such a cynical and misanthropic character that I do not see on a daily basis. His interesting personality definitely has its appeals. Also, House/Cuddy/Wilson just made the show even more enjoyable. I never get tired of these three.
4. I don’t think there’s anything annoying about the show, except the negative criticism about the show jumping the shark. Those comments irritate me so much because they obviously don’t like change. People also criticize about how realistic this show is. I mean, this is a TV SHOW. Many things are dramatized in the show, even including the medical mysteries.
5. The writing and the focus have definitely shifted throughout the series. I agree that since season 4, the show has been focusing more on the character of House and his relationship with people, which is a good thing. Moreover, the dynamic has change. I don’t mind that though. I like both the old ducklings and the new ducklings. Lucas too.
6. I definitely like it more. I am kinda a soap opera girl, not saying that House is a soap opera, because it definitely is not. But analyzing relationships is definitely one of my favorite things to do.
7. I think I answered this question with previous answers already. I watch it for the humor, intelligence, the relationships, and the character study of House and somewhat other characters too. I always find myself liking every week’s episode no matter how other people criticize it. The show as a whole is an amazing show with phenomenal acting. Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard should have gotten an Emmy since the beginning. Jesse Spencer is getting very good too.
8. I definitely advocate some relationships on House. Romantically, Huddy all the way. I do not mind other ships but this one just got me in my heart. Friendly, Huddy, Hilson, and Wuddy, and the trio. They have so much chemistry together. I also like the old ducklings’ friendship and working relationship. The new ones, I don’t know about them, because they have been in the background since the beginning of the season, and Kutner is gone.
9. I don’t think I have any favorite or least writers because I actually do not really pay close attention to this thing. But I would say Katie Jacob’s works are amazing. Emotional and deep stuff there.
10. Season 1: Three Stories; Season 2: All In/Forever/Humpty Dumpty; Season 3: Finding Judas; Season 4: House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart definitely; Season 5: (really hard to pick) Joy probably; Season 6: The Tyrant for now.
11. No least favorites. At least I cannot think of them right now.
12. I think all arcs are fantastic. I am a pretty shallow viewer, I’ll admit that. I just enjoy the show as a whole and do not really criticize it. So yeah. One of my favorite arcs has to be the Stacy arc though. It just shows a different side of House.
13. YES I READ FANFIC. Usually limited to House/Cuddy though.
1. From the very first episode. I was totally mesmerized by this actor/character who played the lead. I had never seen him before.
2. Hugh Laurie/Greg House
3. Hugh Laurie/Greg House
4. 13 – very boring character and the lack of ‘clinic duty’
5. Cuddy seems less strong of a woman. Never warmed up to the ‘new team’.
6. A little less but I never miss it
7. House, House and Wilson’s friendship, clinic duty, (was great comic relief) and when a patient really gets to House like cancer girl. (sorry, name of episode escapes me now)
8. House and Wilson’s friendship. House and Stacy. I want them to be together at the end.
9. Doris Egan, David Shore, and whoever wrote the ‘cancer girl’ story. I appreciate all the writers if they write a good story.
10. Three Stories, Honeymoon 2. Failure to Communicate, Need to Know, No Reason 3. Lines in the Sand 4. House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart 5. Birthmarks, Dying Changes Everything
6. so far: Broken, Brave Heart, Known Unknowns
BUT I MUST ADD the episode with ‘cancer girl’. I just don’t know the name of it. HELP!!
11. Any episode with Tritter in it. Any episode that is heavy on 13 or Foreman.
12. LOVED Stacy arc. LOVE House with Stacy. HATED Tritter arc. He was a mean son of a gun.
LIKED Survivor – did NOT like who House picked, especially 13. Liked the old guy who
wasn’t really a doctor. I think he and House would have gotten along so well.
13. No, I do not read fanfic.
You may call me KaramelwithaK
So here are my 13 cents.
1.: In Janurary 2007. Since I’m from Germany, we’re somewhat behind. So I started during the airing of the second season. Well , the first episodes I watched were some reruns of season one, during a winter break.
2.: The characters and dynamics were interesting. I also liked the fact that they didn’t just do medical stuff. One of my first episodes was “poison”. It reminded me somewhat of police work. I liked that.
3.: I like watching and figuring out people. With House that never gets boring. You have to really pay attention, or you’ll miss something, some information. It’s also fun to watch them argue and fight most of the time.
4.: Can’t think of anything of the top of my head. Well… It’s not really annoying, but sometimes I wish there wouldn’t be a black spot to every ray of sunshine. To give an example: somehow I think the fact that at the end of “joy” the baby was still alive and healthy was enough to make me happy is a bit sad.
But I guess that’s part of the package.
5.: The characters and their stories got more focus.
During the first three seasons it was nearly completely relationship free, not anymore.
The set horizon has broadened. During the first season the only thing you’d see outside the hospital usually was House’s place. (If it wasn’t diagnostically relevant.) These days scenes outside the hospital walls without a direct diagnostical context are fairly common.
6.: I like watching the characters and their interactions. So I like that their stories have grown. As long as the relationship issues don’t become the dominant topic I don’t mind. Until now, they haven’t.
7.: I mainly watch for the characters. Although I’m interested in HOuse’s House’s personal story, the episodes I love most have lots of interactions between him and the team members (former and current).
8.: Since nearly all of them had at least their fair share of bad stuff happening in their lives, I’m just hoping the existing relationships will be given a chance to survive and flurish so people can have a chance to be at least somehwhat happy. . Since the show we’re talking about is House, I doubt that will actually happen. *sighs*.
9.: I have to admit, I didn’t pay any real attention to who wrote wich episodes. Perhaps if I looked who wrote my favorite episodes I’d detect a pattern.
10.: 1.: Poison, Sport’s medicine, Role model.
2.: House vs God, For ever
3.: informed consent, lines in the sand, House training
4.: Games, (Although that’s more my favorite of the season than an actual favorite.)
5.: birthmarks, Big baby,
11.: Adverse events, alone, airborn, no reason
12.: I usually like them. Real life doesn’t happen in weekly intervals where at the end things are over. Real life takes time. After all it’s a series not separate films with the same characters.
13.: Yes. I guess the main reason is that they’re so readily available. (Since I’m blind getting reading material outside of the internet usually involves some work.) I mostly read House/Cameron stories. Not because I’m necessarily a shipper, but because They’re my favorite characters. Since there are nearly no stories where both are mostly present and not getting or being involved, i’m mostly reading these. I like stories best, where everybody gets their share of plot involvement.
I know it’s not really an ensemble show. But I like them as a system.
Guenni
p.S.: Quoting with Leseguenni is ok.
1. I first started watching show during Season 3 with Lines in the Sand.
2. My co workers were always talking about the show so I thought that I would take a look and see what they were talking about. I was instantly hooked. The characters on House drew me in and keep me coming back.
3. The great story lines, the characters, and Hugh Laurie are what I like best about the show.
4. The only thing that annoys me has nothing to do directly with the show – it is reading spoilers, and the fighting that has gone on between the ships. For this season I have gone about 90% spoiler free and I no longer read any ship based messages on the boards.
5. The show seems to have move more towards the personal relationships of the characters and away from the medicine.
6. Right now I like it the same although with JMo leaving I will like it just a little less.
7. I watch show as a whole but I am drawn more to House and his story. The writers do a good job though of trying to interweave all the aspects of the show into the whole.
8. I am a Hameron but I do not think that I stress the fact. I can enjoy all of the relationships except for Foreteen. It would be interesting if someone would do a study comparing the personalities of all the different shippers – to compare/contrast the personalities of a Huddy, a Hameron, etc.
9. I think that I could list Lawrence Kaplow as my favorite writer as he has written a couple of my favorite episodes. I do not feel that I have the necessary qualifications to judge the writers to pick a least favorite – they are all good at writing otherwise they would not be where they are.
10. Season 1 – Three Stories
Season 2 – a tie Daddy’s Boy and Distractions
Season 3 – Half-Wit
Season 4 – House’s Head / Wilson’s Heart (can’t split these)
Season 5 – Birthmarks
Season 6 – Broken (I know that it is early in the season but
I do not think that this one can be beat)
11. Season 1 – Pilot – but only from a technical standpoint: lighting,
wardrobe, etc.
Season 2 – Hunting
Season 3 – Top Secret
Season 4 – Don’t Ever Change
Season 5 – Lucky Thirteen
Season 6 – Like everything so far…………
12. I enjoyed all of the arcs with my favorite being the Tritter arc.
I think that they opened up a way to see the different sides to
House.
13. I read fanfiction with my preference being Hameron story lines.
I have several favorite House fanfiction authors.
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I started watching when I saw the kiss between Cuddy and House in “Joy.” It was the first scene I saw and I knew I had to figure out what led up to that point.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I was drawn to the difficulty of House’s character. Then I was drawn to how he related to everyone else. Especially Cuddy and Wilson.
3. What do you like best about the show?
The exploration of House and his relationships. And his wit.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
It annoys me when the patient doesn’t have enough to do with the rest of the episode, like if there aren’t enough parallels or themes. I also don’t think storylines centered around Foreman interest me that much.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
I think that the medical formula it started with has evolved into a much stronger tool to show character development. The more we learn about these characters, the more interesting their interactions become.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like all seasons. Each of them show a different aspect of all the characters.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I watch for House’s story and the rest of the hospital characters. The patients help reveal more about the characters and watching House’s process is the most interesting part. A DDX is never just a DDX. The subtext of the show, the intelligence and wit of each line is the reason I watch every week. I want to be friends with people this intelligent and banter with them. However, even with their intelligence, their emotions get in the way of their logical side, and I can relate.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House and Cuddy. All the way.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Doris Egan. Everyone’s great.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
1-Three Stories, DNR
2-Autopsy, All In
3-Cane and Able, Half-Wit, Fetal Position
4- House’s Head, Wilson’s Heart
5-Joy, The Itch, Let Them Eat Cake, Unfaithful, The Softer Side, Simple Explanation, House Divided, Under My Skin, Both Sides Now
6-Broken, Known Unknowns
11. Least favorite episodes?
1-Cursed
2-Spin, Hunting, Clueless
3-Que Sera Sera, Family
4-Don’t Ever Change
5-None…
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I loved the Stacy arc. Her character was very likable and introduced us to a completely new side of House at the time. The Vogler arc showed how Cuddy was willing to stand up for House. Same as the Tritter arc. The Tritter arc also explored House’s addiction and his authority issues. The Survivor arc can’t be judged because of the writer’s strike. It was unbalanced because there weren’t enough episodes during the season for it to work as well. We were shorted on the greatness of Amber!
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
No. Unless someone wrote in the exact style of House, I’m typically not interested.
1 When did you start watching the show?
I started watching House at the beginning of the third season but was introduced to it by a young coworker who lent me her season 1 and 2 DVDs. I watched the first two seasons during the summer of 2006 and was hooked.
2 What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
What drew me in and kept me coming back is the character of House, so brilliantly portrayed by Hugh Laurie. I think I love the brutal honesty of the
character the most. He says the things we all wish we could say and gets away with it because he is brilliant and quick witted.
The complexity of the character is fascinating. He is a mass of contradictions. He is unlike any other character on television, in the whole history of television.
3 What do you like best about the show?
I like everything about the show. I like the medicine, and the character studies. They are completely intertwined. The medical puzzle and how House “almost always” reaches the final diagnosis is part of who House is. For a man who believes so completely in science, the fact is, that many times, pure science is not all he uses to solve the puzzle. He reads people and is able to combine that intuitive skill with his medical knowledge to solve the medical puzzle.
4 What annoys you (if anything) and why?
I really hate to complain because I think David Shore and company have always taken us on a unique journey, but the main thing that annoys me is the lack of continuity. The writers give us little tidbits and than drop them with no follow-up. For example: I would like to know if House ever went to visit Daniel with Wilson and why no mention was ever again made about Cuddy’s new desk.
5 In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Well, it has definitely become more character driven. The medicine is not as prominent as it was in the first two seasons, and I do miss the clinic patients. But creating complex characters seems to be a real strength of the House writers, and it would be a shame to waste that talent.
6 Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I still love House and am willing to go wherever TPTB want to take me. As long as House continues to be the brilliant, sarcastic, honest, and, dare I say it, caring (secretly of course) doctor, I will keep watching.
Having said that, my least favorite season was season three. I didn’t like House very much during the second part of that season. I felt that he just became a mean, egocentric busybody. I saw very little of the Byronic hero that I think makes him such an interesting character.
That he ended up in a psychiatric hospital at the end of season 5 almost seemed inevitable. He had lost his humanity somewhere along the line, and a man who isolates himself from humanity so much of the time was almost certainly going to have to have help regaining it. I don’t want House to be too nice, but I hated that he was so completely miserable, and I do believe that he can still be House without being so utterly unlikeable.
7 House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I love the show as a whole, but for me, House is the show. He is a unique human being. Watching him interact with other people is fascinating.
House has an enormous ego but is not afraid to be wrong. He believes in each and every medical idea he comes up with until it is proven wrong. Most doctors, most people, would come to doubt themselves if they were wrong so often. He trusts that each failure will ultimately lead to the correct diagnosis. This character trait was expressed fairly clearly in DNR when House and Foreman were talking about humility and House said, “Of course, when you’re right, self-doubt doesn’t help anybody, does it?” That line really stayed with me because it takes a very confident person to not develop self-doubt in the face of multiple failures.
8 Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
I do love the House/Cuddy flirtation and would love to see some kind of resolution, but I know that House is not a picket fence kind of guy. Now that Cuddy has a child, it seems even less likely that they could have any kind of committed relationship. As any mother will tell you, their child will always come first. Would House make a good father? Actually, I think that he would, but I doubt that this is a storyline that the House writers will pursue. It would change the basic premise of the show too drastically.
The one relationship that I truly and dearly love is the House/Wilson friendship. Wilson has his own problems, which are hidden from the world by his friendly, caring exterior, but House knows Wilson better than anyone. House and Wilson compliment each other so perfectly. They keep each other in check. I like how the friendship has evolved over the six seasons. They have pushed each other away and come back together again. Any episode which includes some House/Wilson interaction is a good episode.
Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
9 The names that show up the most on my favorite episodes are Doris Egan and Larry Kaplow. I think Kaplow excels in writing medical drama and Egan is wonderful with the House/Wilson dynamic. They rarely disappoint. I have also come to trust in Garret Lerner and Russel Friend and David Foster.
I have no least favorite writers.
10 Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1 Three Stories, Detox
Season 2 Autopsy, Safe
Season 3 Merry Little Christmas, Informed Consent
Season 4 House’s Head, Alone
Season 5 Both Sides Now, The Social Contract
Season 6 Broken
11 Least favorite episodes?
Season 1 Poison
Season 2 No Reason
Season 3 Episodes 16 – 24. Top Secret is my least favorite
episode of all 6 seasons. It is the only episode I only watched once.
Season 4 Whatever it Takes, Living the Dream, and No More Mr.
Nice Guy
Season 5 Joy to the World, and The Greater Good
Season 6 Epic Fail
12 The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I did not particularly like the Vogler and Tritter arcs, but they did introduce some reality into House’s isolated world, which certainly served to emphasize his nonconformity. Non-House fans are always quick to point out that a doctor such as House would not be practicing in the real world. House fans know that, TPTB know that also. The Vogler and Tritter arcs were an acknowledgement of that fact.
I loved the Stacy arc because it gave us a window into House’s pre-infarction life. My view is probably overly romantic, but knowing that House is capable of living in a committed relationship will always be an important reference to how things could work out in the future.
I actually enjoyed the survivor arc, though I know many fans did not. I agree with David Shore that it is exactly the kind of thing that House would do. And House doesn’t look for the same personality traits that most employers do. He is looking for that rare person who can follow orders, but who will also stand up for themselves if they happen to disagree with the boss. He is looking for characteristics that cannot be read in a resume or discerned during an interview. House is most assuredly not a micromanager.
13 Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I do occasionally read fanfiction, mostly during the summer or long Houseless breaks.
My favorite fanfic is that which explores the House/Wilson friendship. I also read fanfic with a realistic House/Cuddy pairing or a House/Original Character pairing. I start loosing interest when House becomes a sweet, emotive family man, which is why I admire the show’s writers so much. They somehow manage to keep House House while at the same time showing us his humanity. I love House the character but know that I could never live with House the man.
You are welcome to quote me using my screen name.
1. I began watching this past May, quite by accident. nothing on tv, channel surfing,
House marathon on USA channel, etc.
2. what grabbed my attention was House hurling on Cuddy after the sensory deprivation
experience in House’s Head. I started to laugh so hard I nearly peed my pants and I had
to rewind it. I was at a place in my life where I wasn’t doing much laughing, so I figured
that if watching this guy House puke on someone was gonna make me laugh it might be
worth checking out. that little arc of House’s Head and Wilson’s Heart was so compelling
and just so, SO good I couldn’t help but be helplessly hooked by the end. oh yeah, H0use’s
burp on the bus made me howl with laughter, too. I know, but I’m just funny that way…
3. what do I like best?? that’s a hard one to keep short. obviously the writing is just
incredibly done. the show is unique, it’s unexpected, and it is not for everyone. if you
like all the sunshine and moonbeams crap that takes up the airwaves these days, House
is not for you. if you like to be made uncomfortable from time to time, have your heart
squeezed a lot, and love a character you should by all rights hate, you’ll fit right in.
the show stays far out of the established comfort zones. it isn’t afraid to take risks,
especially in the way the character of House is written. but I have to say, and I think that
the rest of the community would agree with me, this show would never, COULD never
work without Laurie in that role. you have this bastard of a doctor, sloppy, scruffy,
rude, crass, insensitive and perpetually crabby and under the influence of opioids and
Laurie has taken him and made him into a real person. a believable one. and even at
House’s most cringeworthy moments, when he’s being his coldest and cruelest all you
have to do is look into those soulful blue eyes of his to see that yeah, this ass**** DOES
feel and he DOES care. he’s just in his own agony. Hugh Laurie plays this character as
though the role was custom made for him. pretty awesome stuff. after watching him
for years doing all his other stuff, who knew he had these kind of acting chops?
truly an amazing talent. and a musician, too!! lol.
4. Cameron. never liked her, never thought she was a good fit with House.
Foreman needs to have his pompousness slapped off him again. he’s getting too full of
himself and too uppity.
5. over the seasons House went from being “reasonably” neat and tidy to the unpressed,
scruffy and borderline slovenly t-shirt, jeans, sneakers, perpetual 3 day scruff and
mussed hair and Hugh just ROCKS that look. could you EVEN imagine Greg House in a
turtleneck sweater and slacks now??? I don’t even think so. and by now Laurie has the
American accent spot-on. in the beginning one could hear his dialect bleed through
every now and again, but really if you didn’t know he was British you wouldn’t have ever
noticed.
6. I just love this show, and have grown to adore it more and more. there are some
things I would love to see happen…I guess we’ll see!
7. this show is comprised of several elements…yes. there is the medical story and the
background stories and then House himself. in the beginning the medical issues had me
hitting rewind constantly. sometimes they still do, even though sometimes the whole
procedural gets a little repetitious and played out. that happens from time to time.
but the show is called ‘House’. it is watching that character fight through his life and
find answers, try to make everything have meaning and make things count that draws
me to it. seeing his evolution, his struggle, his pain, his victories, all of that. as I said, it
is like he is a real person. the fact that you are pulling for him even when at the same time
you are going, OH NO HE DIDN’T!!!! it’s his interactions with Wilson (priceless), Cuddy
(sometimes cute, sometimes cringe worthy) and his team and the rest of the above that
make this show so worth watching.
8. House and Lydia. I know I’m in the minority, but there was real chemistry there and
the interlude with the two of them was written with such sweetness and tenderness, so
unlike anything I’ve seen House experience that I was truly saddened to see her go.
my second choice (formerly my first) is House and Stacy.
9. Lawrence Kaplow and David Shore. Doris Egan. I can’t say I have a least favorite.
10. my favorite episodes. okay. Season one, Paternity, Detox and Three Stories.
season two, Euphoria and No Reason. season three, the whole Tritter
arc-Fools for Love, Que Sera Sera, Son of a Coma Guy, Whac-a-Mole, Finding Judas, Merry
Little Christmas, Words and Deeds. and One Day, One Room blew me away.
season four, House’s Head (my ‘hook’ episode) and Wilson’s Heart.
season 5, The Softer Side, House Divided, Under my Skin, Both Sides Now.
Season 6. Broken. without a doubt.
11. my least favorite?? I can honestly say there isn’t an episode I hate, but there are a
few that I maybe didn’t like as well as the others. season one, Cursed, Mob Rules.
season two, Deception and Safe. season three, Needle in a Haystack and The Jerk.
season four, The Right Stuff. Season five, Here Kitty, Simple Explanation. Season 6,
Instant Karma.
12. I loved the arc with Stacy and the one with Tritter. he needs to come back!!
I HATED Vogler. it just didn’t work for me. with Stacy, you could see that he is
capable of loving someone else, you could see a gentler side of him. Tritter was
just the ultimate foil for House. and he HAD him by the balls. what a great nemesis
he was and beautifully played by David Morse. Loved that arc and the darkness of
it. Vogler just annoyed me, I can’t say why.
13. I have never read fan fiction, no reason why. I actually didn’t even know that
people did this until I joined a House board. I guess I should check it out…
had to change up my user name a bit. someone had mine already, so I am now
“Ellykatt”. please feel free to use anything I said if it interests you to do so. I am
jonesing to be included! so glad there are people out there that love House like I
do!
1. In mid-2006 when the first episode aired here in Germany. After about four or five episodes, I ordered the US-DVDs of the first season and watched it in two days. From then on I was hooked.
2. The mystery that Greg House seemed to be. In the first season I sensed that there must be a lot more to his character than what you see at first sight. Especially the final scene of “Paternity” left me wondering who this guy really is and what his story is. It had me intrigued and made me come back for more. I thought the medical side of the show was good, but it was not the reason for me to come back.
3. It’s still House and how we slowly learn more about his character, the bit by bit “peeling of the onion”. Furthermore, the friendship between House and Wilson, as well as the wonderfully complicated relationship with Cuddy is what I like best. And of course that the show can still surprise me. Not in every episode (and I wouldn’t want that), but every now and then they have an extraordinary episode that simply leaves me in awe.
4. If anything then it’s probably the fandom and not the show. (On the one hand, it’s very enriching to talk about the show and get other people’s views/opinions, on the other hand, it can be very frustrating, because there’s so much negativity). I don’t expect the show to always be incredible and extraordinary. I can live with weaker episodes, minor plot holes or unused opportunities. That’s why I’m rarely really disappointed. All in all, it’s still the best show for me out there.
5. For me it feels like it added a lot more colour, got richer and more diverse. The medical formula is still the same, but the character stories are more elaborated now. I loved it that there wasn’t that much character insight and development in the first season. It made it all mysterious. But I also think it’s good that they opened up after that and put more focus on the characters, especially House.
6. I like it the same. I find great things about the first seasons, but also great things about the latter. I wouldn’t want to miss any of them.
7. As I said, the medical side was not what got me watching and while I still find it interesting, my focus is more on House. However, I wouldn’t want to miss any element, because when the writer’s are at their best all of the mentioned aspects come together and form a great story. I have always loved it how patient stories mirror character stories and give them more depths.
8. I love(d) various relationships on the show. Mainly the friendship of House/Wilson, but I found beauty in House/Stacy and Wilson/Amber, and I’m still a fan of House/Cuddy. However, I don’t necessarily want them to be together at the end of the show. I just really enjoy their journey.
9. I can’t really say and I also don’t think that much about who wrote which episodes. I guess all writers have weaker and stronger episodes. And as I’m not that interested in that, it’s hard for me to judge who e.g. writes a better House or House/Wilson or medical mystery or whatever.
10. Season 1: Three Stories, Season 2: Autopsy, Season 3: Half-Wit, Season 4: House’s Head, Season 5: Both Sides Now, Season 6: Broken
11. I have a couple that I find quite boring, but I don’t have any to name right now. I don’t actually have episodes that I truly hate.
12. I loved what they did (or tried to do) with all of them. I especially loved Stacy, because early on it showed us another side of House and paved the ground for how we see him in later episodes from time to time. I also loved (the much hated) Tritter arc, but was a bit disappointed that there were too little consequences from that and it did not really get picked up later. There were some wasted opportunities for me. The survivor arc could have been a bit shorter, but as season 4 was so screwed up by the writer’s strike I don’t know how the season would have worked if there had been 22/24 episodes.
13. I read less fanfiction than I used to, but that might be a time issue. There are wonderful writers out there who get the characters so right, but of course there’s also a lot of crap, especially when it focuses on the romantic side of the show. My favourite stories are therefore probably gen fanfics with good character voices, character development and interesting storylines. And I also love everything with a little twist in it.
(You may use my screen name.)
OMG, did I really forgot to mention Hugh Laurie? Well, he of course is one of the best reasons to watch the show and fall in love with it every week again.
1. From day one.
2. Jesse Spencer was the initial hook for me, I had a huge crush on him as a teen. What kept me watching was the multi-layered characters (particularly the House/Cuddy/Wilson dynamic) and also the medicine (I had just started med school)
3. The H/C/W dynamic, the ethical issues it brings up, and the stunning artistry of how it is filmed. Also I will admit a huge part of why I love it is because of the House/Cuddy relationship- it has such depth and history and underlying tenderness, it fascinates me.
4. Occasionally a medical inaccuracy will bug me, particularly if correcting it would have absolutely no impact on the storyline. Certain characters/actors sometimes do things that get on my nerves, although that doesn’t change my opinion of the show at all.
5. Obviously the characters have changed. The medicine is less interesting, which is understandable because it is less of a focus. And this season in particular, everything is so much more intense.
6. Much much more, this season might become my favourite. Probably because I love the intensity, I love H/C/W, I love H/C and I love Chase- all things that are getting attention.
7. My main interest is exploring House’s character and following his story. I enjoy the medical mystery because I like racing the team to a diagnosis, but I rarely care that much about the patients and their stories.
8. House and Cuddy. As I said before, they fascinate me.
9. They all have their good moments and their not-so-great moments, I can’t single any one writer out.
10. Favorite episodes
S1- Babies and Bathwater
S2- Autopsy, Sleeping Dogs Lie
S3- Lines in the Sand, Half-Wit
S4- Alone, House’s Head/Wilson’s Heart
S5- Under My Skin, Both Sides Now
S6- The Tyrant
11. Least favorite episodes?
S1- Role Model
S2- Need To Know
S3- One Day One Room,
S4- Whatever It Takes
S5- Joy to the World
S6- I’ve liked them all so far
12. Generally wonderful, even when I don’t like them. The Tritter thing went slightly too long and was a little too similar to Vogler, but I enjoyed it anyway. Pitting House against an alpha male brings elements to the show that you don’t get with the regular cast. Even though I grew to dislike Stacy, her arc was extremely important to the show which I appreciate. And I don’t care what anyone says, the Survivor arc was awesome fun and completely different, which was exactly what the show needed. The only disappointing thing is that they can’t do it again.
13. Nope, not interested.
Feel free to use any of this
1 – When did you 1st start watching House?
I believe it was in spring 2008. I studied cinema for years and I’m not into TV show that much. I already was a fan of “The X-Files” and “The West Wing” and watched a bit of “The Sopranos” and “Six Feet Under” when I could but that was it. Anyway, my sister watched that show and one day she tells me that I should take a look at it because she thought I could be interested in the writing and the construction of the main character. As a student and somewhat script writer and director myself, I really pay attention to this. So here I come, lol!
I Chose not to look at a season 4 episode but instead went directly to the Pilot because I thought it was better if I wanted to comprehend this show and have a real good start. I found this episode to be really interesting and kept watching by curiosity.
2 – What 1st drew you to it – made you come back and keep watching?
I immediately thought there was a great quality in the writing and the character was intriguing. On the other hand, I must say that I was not really that impressed by mid-season 1. I thought the show was too procedural and the formula had trouble to renew itself and I was getting tired of it. The journey into House’s mind was much more compelling to me. So, like I said, it was curiosity for the character that made me keep watching. This and the fact that my sister told me it was going to get better by the end of the season.
She was right. “Three Stories” was great and I still consider that it’s a turning point. The show really got going from there.
3 – What do you like the best about the show?
Well, the journey into the mind of this complex character that is House. How all the other characters orbit around him and how all the interactions with them help the audience to much discover and appreciate him. I watch for the writing and when all the element of the show (the characters story and the medical element) are in perfect accord with each other that’s when the show is at his best and it’s a very beautiful thing to watch.
4 – What annoys you (if anything) and why?
When the writers start to do too much and somewhat lose their rhythm and wittiness. It usually leads to characters acting out of character and the style can become ponderous. A good example of this is the episode “Whatever it Takes”.
5 – In what ways do you think the show has changed over the pas years?
It is less procedural and more character driven. The writers take more risks with plots and characters development. They are not afraid to upset what apparently works so well.
6 – Do you like it more, less or the same and why?
As much as I love the first years I think I like it more now. For the reasons I named above. I’m not a big fan of the first season (with few exceptions) but I think from there it gets better and better. I know a lot of people didn’t really like the fifth season but I’m one of its fierce defenders. I consider it to be the more cohesive season since the third which I also love. The writers weren’t afraid to take giant steps to go further into House’s soul. It’s just great.
7 – House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patient and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories, and there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I watch the show as a whole of course! For me it is the only way to watch this show. This is the only way to see all the multiple layers the characters have and to appreciate the complexity, subtlety and beauty of it. I tend to think you can’t fully understand the show and its inner construction if you watch for one thing and almost ignore the rest. You really have to try to not make favourites even if it’s impossible to do.
Watching the show as a whole is the only way to be as less biased as possible and therefore to be sure to not miss something important and misjudge a situation or a character because of that. If you don’t do this, you risk being obsessed by favourite aspects, seeing just that and judge the show not on what it is but on how you think it should have been.
For me it’s vital. I always use what I call “the chess metaphor” to explain this. Okay, ‘pompous and pretentious mode on’ (sorry for that): The show is like a chess board. If you want to have a chance to win at this game you have to constantly (important word) look at the whole board. Otherwise you lose. It’s the same thing for a TV show. All the characters are like pawns that, when moved in a right way, will further the game to its end. Sometimes you even have to sacrifice pawns along the way. But to do that correctly and win, you have to watch the whole board.
‘Pompous and pretentious mode off’
8 – Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which Ones?
None of them and all of them! For the reasons above. I’m not a ‘shipper’ and I hate the terms “huddy”, “hameron”, “hilson” and so on… because the show is not about that. I think those terms undermine (not to say sometimes downright deny) the independence and the individuality of the characters.
I like all the interactions and how they make the show going on. For me there is no such thing as “huddy”. There are just to individuals who interact with each other in many different ways, and wether it leads to a more intimate relationship or not they are still two individuals. Same thing about “Hilson”, “Hameron”, “chameron” or whatever you want a call a pairing. Each character exists outside those parings therefore nobody should confide them to this cliché.
9 – Who are the favourite writers on the series? Least?
I don’t know. Anybody who can tell a compelling story with good dialogues and a good balance between the medical drama and the characters stories are my favourites. It changes according to the episodes.
Just want to say that as much as I have huge respect for Doris Egan and as much as I like the episodes she wrote, I think she is better to write both House and Wilson characters than the others. It’s quite unbalanced. Too bad. Thomas L. Moran wrote two episode I don’t like “Fidelity” and “Whaterver it Takes”.
10 – Favorite episodes. Try to name at least one per season if possible.
Argh! Tough!
Hum…first season I’d say, “The Socratic Method” and “Three Stories”. We discover many things about House in those.
Season 2: “Autopsy” and “All In” great case and talk between patient and House in the first and the second is just pure genius.
Season 3: “Merry Little Christmas” of course, and “Son of a Coma Guy” because the first is a turning point of the season and the other for the scene when we learn why House wantzed to be a Doctor.
Season 4: “Ugly” maybe and of course the two parts finale. I like how the intrusion of the camera change everything. I liked Taub. The Finale was powerful.
Season 5: “Simple Explanation”, “Unfaithful” and the finale. Three great episodes which gave good insight of the characters.
Can’t say anything about season 6 yet.
11 – Least favourites?
For sure season one’s “Fidelity”. Not a bad episode and interesting case but i could do without it.
Season two’s “TB or Not TB” I could do it without it.
Season three’s “Airborne” even if it is fun to watch.
Season four’s “Whatever it Takes” because House is OOC for most of the episode and it is not even funny.
And I also could do season five’s “Here Kitty”
12 – Since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs. Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor etc. What do you think of these: too long? Badly crafted? Wonderful? Elaborate.
All these arcs were there for a purpose. Just like a scene leads to another, a story leads to another etc. In that regard, I like them all. I think the Stacy and Tritter ones were the better written. They had more impact on House and his story. They were the more powerful. “Survivor’s” was fun and made us see House on full teacher mode and see how he builds a team around him. Nice.
Vogler was the worst for me. Not uninteresting but less compelling. The show was still under construction in its first season.
13 – Do you read fanfic? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
I do not read fanfic because I don’t want it to interfere with my viewing of the show. I actually read a couple of yours by curiosity though. The character study was interesting, but I think it is just not my thing. I believe most of these stories are more about the fans fantasies than the show itself, which is perfectly ok, but that does not interest me.
Well, that wasn’t easy! I hope you find this interesting, you can take everything you want in there (assuming you do want), I swear I won’t press charges lol! I don’t know if there is others Flo in there, If yes, my name is Ondet, Flo Ondet.
First of all, thank you so very much for the awesome response to this survey. Your answers were insightful and well-thought out. So many good things in them. I appreciate your time and will let you know when and how they will appear. I can’t just yet.
Barbara
Thank you Barbara for this fascinating survey. Wish I could fill out a survey myself. House/HL is my obsession. I’m a RN so the annoying things are the medical mistakes(walking in an OR without a mask or scrubbing??)or misuse of the nursing staff (I’d love to take him on professionally) Keep the bromance JW + GH but romantically love Huddy!
Sorry, I’m late – but if you’re still interested… And yes, you can quote me!
1. When did you first start watching the show?
When the pilot first aired in my country (May 2006)
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
I have no idea (and cannot remember it) how they made me deliberately switching in a hospital show (shudder…) But I liked the character from the start (or better: was intrigued by him) and the sarcastic wit. Later I discovered the amazing acting skills of Hugh Laurie and the intelligent writing (which took me some time because of watching the show dubbed) – the combination of these two made me an addict.
3. What do you like best about the show?
This show is asking for an intelligent audience on every level of its execution. Even after watching an episode over and over again you can discover “new” stuff. I love it that this show really makes you think. Well, this and the great, great acting by Hugh Laurie.
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
It annoys me when there’s too much focus on the relationships of secondary characters (I watch for House and his journey).
It annoys me when they write House as a buffon instead of an adult, damaged, complicated man (that’s the character I love).
It annoys me when they seem to ignore what we have learned about House’s pain problem in the past. Somehow I feel betrayed.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
The show’s focus today is mostly on the characters and their personal relationships, the medicine seems to have lost its importance.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
As much as it saddens me to say it: less. I prefered earlier seasons when the character study and the medical mystery/patient story (and often the clinic scenes, too) were ingeniously woven together and you had to read subtle clues and watch the characters interact to learn more about them. Now instead of showing it they (meaning TPTB) often simply tell.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
The show is at its best when it’s working as a whole. When everything that’s going on is part of one story – this one story beeing House’s story. I’m not talking about heavy handed parallels, but about subtle hints and clues.
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
No. Well, I like the House/Wilson dynamics.
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
Somehow I lost track after season 3, but until then I really liked David Shore, Doris Egan, Lawrence Kaplow. Least favourite Sara Hess (but I’m pretty sure she’s written some great stuff in later seasons)
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1: Three Stories
Season 2: No Reason
Season 3:Merry Little Christmas
Season 4: House’s Head
Season 5: I still have to watch the last four episodes, but up to that point it’s The Social Contract
Season 6: can’t decide after only one viewing. But it’s not Broken (as much as I loved watching House and HL front and center for two hours)
11. Least favorite episodes?
Season 1: I like them all!
Season 2: Acceptance
Season 3: Meaning
Season 4: I hated the whole survivor arc, impossible to pick just one…
Season 5: Adverse Events
Season 6: see question 10
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
Vogler: Has never been a serious opponent to House – if he had fired House it would have been the end of the show… But I liked the execution (especially in Babies and Bathwaters)
Stacy: Showed us a side of House we wouldn’t know without her.
Tritter: The ending was a cheap cop-out to me. But it gave us some really great episodes – and I’m a sucker for “dark House”.
Survivor: Loathed it, especially for the way House was written in it. A mean buffon. House riding a roller coaster – seriously? House arranging tribal council – seriously?! No, just ridiculous.
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
No, never.
If it’s not too late, here’s my 2 cents (you can quote me and use Vi)
1. When did you first start watching the show?
I started to watch the episodes in order, from the pilot with the DVDs. But the show was already in it’s 3rd season.
2. What first drew you to it—made you come back and keep watching?
Started watching because my sister told me their was a show in the US with Hugh Laurie (I live in France and was a Blackadder fan) where he was the lead and he was a sarcastic doctor.
I stayed for the sarcasm and the hard truths he tells.
3. What do you like best about the show?
I don’t care for the medecine. But I like it when the patients story parallels House’s (or the team, or W and C). I like the relationships/friendships/ethics issues that make you question your own life and way of thinking.
I love the one-liners and the sarcasm.
And the clinic scenes!!! The humour of the show!
4. What annoys you (if anything) and why?
Foreman, the most boring character ever, the “He’s like House” tagline.
5. In what ways do you think the show has changed over the past years?
Less medical mystery procedural show and more character development.
6. Do you like it more, less or the same, and why?
I like it … differently. Maybe less. I used to like the humour and sarcasm. Without the clinic scenes, we have less of that. So now, I only like Wilson-Cuddy-House interactions…
And can easily rewatch episodes from the first 4 seasons because there was a lot of humour.
I find there is no point in rewatching season 5 or 6 (even though I liked the character development) ’cause I already know “the story”.
7. House is really several shows in one. There is the medical mystery, of course, the patients and their stories, the hospital characters and their stories—and then there’s House and his story. Is there one aspect you watch for? Or the show as a whole? Elaborate.
I have to admit I used to watch it as a whole, when it was a procedural. For the humour and how the patient’s problem echoed our own questions. Then I got bored by middle of season 4, then they brought back Amber (which was a GREAT idea). Then she died and I was bored again. What got me watching again was Joy and the House-Cuddy kiss and the hope of a relationship between both characters (I thought the creators would never explore it). Otherwise, I might have quit watching (like I did with other shows)
8. Do you advocate for any of the various relationships on House? Which one(s)?
House-Cuddy.
And I loved Amber-Wilson. Too bad they killed her…
9. Who are your favorite writers on the series? Least?
I don’t pay attention.
10. Favorite episodes —try to name one for each season if possible
Season 1 : 3 stories
Season 2 : All In
Season 3 : Lines in the sand
Season 4 : Ugly, Frozen (I can’t choose)
Season 5 : The social contract (because I liked the patient)
Season 6 : no favourite…
11. Least favorite episodes?
Season 1 : Cursed
Season 2 : Sleeping dogs lie
Season 3 : Son of a coma guy
Season 4 : Whatever it takes
Season 5 : Simple explanation
Season 6 : no idea…
12. The since mid-season one, the series has worked through various character arcs and story arcs: Vogler, Stacy, Tritter, Survivor arc, for example. What do you think of these…too long, badly crafted? Wonderful? Please elaborate on what you like and dislike about them?
I liked them all! Because it leads to discovering more things about House and changes the pace of the procedural.
Vogler : It ended a bit abruptly and too easily
Stacy : I’d never thought they’d bring House’s old lover. I thought he didn’t have any feelings. Glad this showed me I was wrong.
Tritter : I was annoyed at House and his treatment of Wilson during the whole arc. But in the end, it showed another side of House (even if I didn’t like it) and it was a very thought provoking arc about friendship, guilt, responsability…
Survivor Arc : Hilarious (even if a bit too extreme at times – the Cuddy’s thong part). This is why I watch. Even if it’s not believable (I don’t care)
13. Do you read fanfiction? Why? Do you have a particular preference for the type of House fanfic?
No. Because it’s not canon. I tried. But it never “felt” ou “sounded” like House…
1. Inadvertantly caught the last ep of House 1st season. I stayed away originally, because I did not like “medical” drama, and avoid that genre like the plague. I could never even stomach the commercial promos for shows such as ER, Grey’s Anatomy…etc. Except for Scrubs, someone I respected told me it was good and so caught that show after it was already in the 3rd or 4th season. My husband and I enjoyed Scrubs, tho never enough to watch it repeatedly. House stuck out in my mind after one viewing, though I was skeptical, I think slightly put off at first by the sheer arrogance of House. But, I have what I call my House laugh, a short kind of sharp huh-ha, that really only coughs out of me when I watch House – Hugh Laurie’s acting of course – is simply hard to resist.
2. The writing and Hugh Laurie’s character portrayal of Dr. House.
3. The tightness of the writing and House himself.
4. At first, I thought that the manner in which House has his “epiphany” each week…runs out of the room mid-sentence…ect., was pushing my suspension of believe too far. However, after becoming a fan and watching each week, I looked forward to that moment. That point in the show is basically predictable, tho comforting and brings
closure to the case and confirms the genius I want to believe – House is.
5. It has not changed for the sake of change in my opinion…it has been consistent and introduces some sense of new in the universe of House each season. It has always been a fine blend.
6. I like it more. Because I have come to feel – that I know the characters, and I love them – they are alive in my imagination.
7. House and his story, without that, I would not watch.
8. I alway root for House and Cuddy, because it is unlikely and likely and I like that.
9. I must say, I should pay attention to that more. I am aware of Doris Egan, and Daniel Shore.
10. Wow, I don’t remember the titles..so I had to look this up. Here goes. S1-Paternity. S2-Hunting, S3-Lines in the Sand, S4-Frozen & House’s Head, S5-The Itch & Under My Skin.
11. I always find something intriguing about each episode. However I did not care much for Here Kitty, Lucky 13, but the EP about the guy with a gun who takes hostages and wants a cure – I thought WOW, this is so beneath the
writing for this show – the concept seemed like a cheap Hawaii-5-0 script.
12. I enjoy the story arcs…as it moves the show along and pits the characters against something newly introduced.
13. I enjoyed one fanfiction over the Summer..by gosh, I think it was by a Ms. Barbara Becnnett, wouldn’t ya know. I guess I am a hopeless romantic, like many of the House fans, those who root for House/Cuddy in particular, so if I notice a link to a – I hate to use the word…”Huddy” – ok, I said it..story…I will try and read it or bookmark it.
Please excuse my mistake above. I know it is David Shore, (not daniel).
bluehue.
Good article, good looking blog, added it to my favs!