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House M.D. has captured my loyalty as very few shows have in the past. I am an avid viewer of Law and Order and both it's offshoots, and had not found a show to rival them for my attention. Then there comes along a television show that is both engrossing and intelligent. The cast is a breath of fresh air in that they are in fact almost all new to television series ( aside from Omar Epps, and Lisa Edelstein). Hugh Laurie is simply brilliant as the doctor you love to watch do and say the most outrageous, politically incorrect yet utterly truthful things. His dead pan delivery and dry humor create a character that could be hated if he was not in fact saving lives in miraculous ways. The creators of the show surrounded House with characters who each serve an undeniable purpose, namely to keep him in check and help him come to his conclusions while doing as little harm as possible. They are at times his conscience, his moral compass, his friend, his keeper and whatever else he may need. As it is explained through the series, each one was chosen because of a practical function that they bring to the table. Cameron is beautiful but works extremely hard, and House surmises that she is flawed, broken and this appeals to him. Foreman is tenacious and actually has a criminal past which serves to win him the position because House wants someone with audacity and a risk taker on his team. Chase is described as gaining his position due to financial offerings from his father, however he challenges House and is as stubborn at times. The three together help solve the puzzle of illnesses yet in non conventional non linear ways. They also happen to idolize House which is a major criteria in and of itself.

Wilson, his best friend is his polar opposite, yet there is an authentic connection between these two men that is sensitive and fulfilling for both. It is risky at times for Wilson demonstrates a vulnerability that defies macho conventions and yet House responds to him, with great sarcasm, but none the less. The casting of a woman, Lisa Edelstein as the head of the hospital is a brave and effective choice. Her best role to date, she must keep House safe and balance that with the needs of the patients and hospital knowing that he is indispensable. Her constant frustration provides a great deal of comic relief as well as sexual tension.
The on point medical jargon and special effects provide a view into the body that no medical show has done to date. The feeling is that the audience can almost play along, deducing the illness from the clues so vividly provided. As the doctors explore the patients history and work to diagnose and treat them, they and we learn something very relevant about each character. The characters develop in a natural way and this is the reason the show is so powerful. There is an investment in the weekly plot and a greater one in the story of the people of House M.D.

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