by Stacey A. Smith

Created on: January 24, 2010

Every Tuesday at 8:55pm, I am parked on the couch waiting for the best hour of television to begin- HOUSE. Yes, it is, yet another show about a hospital and yes, the format is predictable: someone is sick each week and needs to be cured. So where is the fascination you ask? The characterization of Dr. Gregory House.

This is the most fascinating character on television. Dr. House is highly complex, ever-evolving and if possible never changing at the same time. This character never fails to have me wondering, guessing and  not really knowing what will happen next. Portrayed impeccably by Hugh Laurie, his rakish charm often allures the viewer into making allowances for his un-noble behavior. Always taking chances to solve the issue, nothing is deemed sacred in Dr. Houses' world. This is the mark of a good show, entertaining and keeps me on my toes yet does not confuse me.

He is accompanied on his medical path with a team of characters that help to balance out Dr. Houses bad choices. His voices of reason are: Lisa Cuddy, head of the hospital and Dr. James Wilson, his only true friend. Dr. House and Dr. Cuddy have an interesting relationship that ranges from possible romance to strictly professional; another element of the show that can keep the viewer guessing.  House also has a revolving team of doctors that help with his diagnostics consisting of: Dr. Robert Chase, Dr. Allison Cameron, Dr. Eric Forman, Dr. Remy Hadley and Dr. Chris Taub. This team has changed throughout the seasons but always consists of at least two of these members at a time.

The writing for this show is superb. Often, coming up with complex situations and out of the ordinary illnesses, the problems are not always solved. The hospital is the setting but the true stories are those not involving patients. Whether it be with Chase and Camerons romance, Dr. House's pill addiction, or Dr. Hadley's disease, the interwoven stories provide the heart to this series.

At the beginning of the show and at the end of the show I know where i stand yet gettng there is a ride. And when its over I dread waiting another week to be immersed in the world that is HOUSE. If you haven't caught an episode, you don't have to start at the first season, just sit down, watch and try to keep up. I dare you.

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