by Dee Schneider

Created on: September 28, 2008

House was a fresh show, with a twist on your usual Doctor/medical television genre.
I use the past tense intentionally.

Dr. Gregory House is a non conformist, brilliant diagnostition. In fact he is touted as the best in the United States.

His has a sharp wit, razor tongue, astounding insight into the human race, intensely keen observation skills, and a rotten bedside manner.

The show uses a very addictive and powerful combination of an anti-christ, who is also saving lives.
Dr. House is attractive, damaged, rough around the edges, brilliant and a loner - just the right combination to provoke the admiration and affections of his lady fans.
He also displays bravado that would appeal to most men. He is a likable character, who sometimes behaves in a manner that tests your loyalty to him.

the supporting cast of his team members, never really stamp their authority on the show. They have been written in purely to shine light on the character of house, and that they do.

House's oncologist "friend" Dr. Wilson, is probably the most centrally placed character other than House. Wilson is House's conscience.
It is a strange friendship that is more a co-dependancy. Wilson is the classic enabler, and House the abuser. The friendship is often tested, with House often showing little respect or regard for Wilson. Wilson's neediness and "niceness" allow him to be a co-dependant and victim.
Wilson is often questioning House, and forcing him to face his demons - Some of the shows best dialogue occurs between these two characters.

The Dialogue is quick, witty, analytical and impressive.

The first two seasons were offering something new, something fresh. Unfortunately, the writters have found a formula that worked to start with, and have never quite explored much beyond that.

Each episode is a re-hashing of the last, patient presents with multiple symptoms, House and his team mis-diagnose, patient gets worse, almost dies, House has an epiphany - saves patient at the last minute, and everyone can breath again and live another day.

If you are watching for pure enjoyment of medical drama, your interest will probably have wanned somewhere around season three.
If however, you are watching to enjoy the human interaction and dynamics, then there is still life left in this show for you.

We have witnessed some pretty intense moments between the characters. Friendships have been tested, and professional boundaries relentlessly examined - the show wins on the level of shock value, and continues to produce outlandish scenerios so as to keep its audience.

Certainly enjoyable viewing, but perhaps not so fresh anymore.

Learn more about this author, Dee Schneider.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.