House, M.D.: Season 6

Medically based dramas have traditionally been the staple of television programming. As a lifelong audience member with more decades of experience sitting in front of the TV than I care to think about I really can’t recall any significant period of time where there wasn’t a hit series set in a hospital. Just as the soft and cuddly housewives of the fifties like June Cleaver been replaced by do-it-all moms that juggle home, careers and frequently affairs the same type of modernization has extended to the television doctors. The clean white lab coats and optimistic attitude has been replaced by a doctor with little concern for his appearance and even less for the feelings of his patients. The prototype for this new standard of television doctor is exemplified by Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie). You might think that a prerequisite for a career in medicine for be a concern for humanity but that is a factor that never was embraced by House. For six seasons now this series has worked to change the nature of the medical drama amidst a certain degree of controversy the show has succeeded in doing just that. ‘House’ is everything that you would not want in a health care provider; misanthropic, misogynist, addict with less social skills than a spoiled two year old child. This had to be a difficult concept to sell to the network since it was a complete departure from anything ever attempted for one of the most popular and beloved genres in the history of the media. There were a few mitigating aspects that thankfully were obviously sufficient to get a shot but what ultimately made this show such a success is the commitment made by cast and crew to the undeniable quality consistently displayed here. I do admit that even though I have some serious reservations about the flagrant disregard for medical ethics and established procedures I have remained a steadfast fan of the show.

The series could easily have become as single premise affair that would quickly be beaten to death. Fortunately the series creators David Shore and Paul Attanasio devised the foundation of the series in such a skilful fashion that the story lines were well suited to changes representing an organic growth of the characters and situations. Some long term fans, including myself, have some degree of trepidation that this flexibility has been stretched past its limits endangering the future of the series. It may turn out alright since the sixth season discussed here did represent a major change in the overall affect of the characters. Still, in most cases they not only survived they flourished. I’ve watch main episodes with a close friend who is a nurse practitioner. I respect her medical professionalism and while she can admire the writing and acting there is the little matter that a chief of a department in a hospital walking down the halls insulting patients, demeaning staff and popping Vicodin like Pez would not only be fired but would face several criminal charges no matter how much of genius he might happen to be. In the last few seasons the writers have infused a certain degree of accountability to the character of Gregory House. He was pursued by detective he humiliated resulting in drug charges. His extreme narcissism contributed to the death of the woman his best friend loved and finally he was forced to face his addiction by going to detox, rehab and therapy.

At the start of season six House finds himself an inpatient at the Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital and as soon as the pain of withdrawal eases a bit he demands his release, Dr. Nolan (Andre Braugher) refuses forcing House to remain there at least for the first few episodes of the season. House may be off his self medication but has a long way to go to address his numerous personal issues and personality faults. While still in the hospital House cannot resist messing with the fragile minds of his fellow patients. After diagnosing one patient and coming up with an ad hoc treatment results in his death House is almost thrown out but manages to make a deal with Nolan. In many ways this event is a catalytic one for House; now with his mind clearing from hid former perpetual narcotic induced haze is beginning to realize the ramifications of his actions. After his release House eases back into his life becoming hooked on cooking. He finds his advanced knowledge of organic chemistry translates well to this new pursuit. It also offers him a means to garner the praise he requires in large, regular doses without endangering a person’s life. The siren call of the hospital is just too strong and before long he’s back bothering hid team. Still second in command is Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps), the acting department head for diagnostic medicine and ostensibly House’s boss. He has just broken up from a romantic relationship with Dr. Remy ‘Thirteen’ Hadley (Olivia Wilde); normally very secretive especially concerning her own serious health problems. Then there is Dr. Chris Taub (Peter Jacobson), former high price plastic surgeon who wants to truly help people. Helping to keep House in line is his best and only friend, Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) and his boss, Dean of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein). House and Cuddy have always had a very complicated relationship frequently flirtatious but it initially appears to be finished when she adopts a baby and becomes engaged to a much younger man. House’s newly found sobriety forces him to reconsider just how important Cuddy is to him.

One pivotal episode in this season was called ‘Tyrant’. In it a merciless African dictator, Dibala (James Earl Jones) is admitted to the hospital demanding the best doctor to diagnose is ailment. The patient is infamous for his draconian rule consisting of ethnic cleansing, torture and mass murder. Dr. Robert Chase (Jesse Spencer) is approached by a member of the tribe being destroyed to take care of the clear and present danger to his people quietly under the guise of medical mal-outcome. This results in a moral dilemma that eventually drives a wedge between Chase and his bride, former teammate Dr. Allison Cameron (Jennifer Morrison). This initiated a debate among the characters over such intense topics as the oath to do no harm when saving one patient will result in the murder of tens of thousands. This is indicative of the series, particularly this season. There have always been themes that presented controversy and were cutting edge; going far beyond the usual illnesses depicted in a traditional medical drama. With the loss of the addiction sub plot the writers expertly introduced new situations to keep the series fresh.

Posted 08/29/2010