Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'House' Calls on Tuesdays
We’re pulling for Hugh Laurie, the Droopy Dog-esque star of FOX-TV’s House, during tonight’s Emmy Awards (from the Shrine Auditorium downtown) as best actor in a drama. His role as pain-pill popper Dr. Gregory House is a heartbreaking study of pathos. As the brilliant "leader" of a crack team of physicians who take on the medical cases no one else can solve, Laurie’s character borders on being antisocial; but the hospital he works for can’t get rid of him because, well, he’s that good.
In the words of Nick Lowe, House is cruel to be kind – and though at first we’re supposed to be turned off by his brusque bedside manner, deep down we know he really cares about his patients. Sort of.
Take last Tuesday’s premiere of the show’s second season. House would rather treat an inmate scheduled to die than take the time to confirm the terminal cancer diagnosis of a young woman, much to the chagrin of one of his team members, Dr. Allison Cameron (Jennifer Morrison). He only allows further tests on the cancer patient when Cameron agrees to take over more of his weekly clinic hours. (The thing about House is that he usually doesn't like patients, or people in general: He thinks they all lie.)
While the episode focuses on the serious ethical dilemma of exactly who deserves medical treatment, the show does have its lighter moments, which isn't surprising since Laurie is a lauded British comedian. In an exchange between House and his pal and former Dead Poet, Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard), Wilson finds the good doctor in a patient’s room eating lunch and watching a soap opera. “The man’s in a coma,” says Wilson. “You’re getting crumbs all over him.”
The show’s other supporting cast, including Omar Epps, Lisa Edelstein, Jesse Spencerand newly added Sela Ward, are great foils to House’s eclectic behavior. But the show is all Laurie’s. Instead of robbing viewers of brain cells, this show actually makes us think – setting House apart from most of the pabulum on TV. (Can you say Stacked?)
Tune into House. It airs Tuesday at 9/8c on FOX.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
