Oh, I agree, silja! Wilson does dig Cuddy. I think that he would be even more interested in Cuddy if he only realized how vulnerable, mixed-up, and needy she is sometimes. As it is, Wilson, ever the loyal friend, is not about to step on what he perceives as House's prior claim on Cuddy.

But what if House did acknowledge an interest in Cuddy?

My take on that scene in "House Training" is that at first Wilson thought that House was kidding about asking Cuddy on a date, hence the laugh. But when House turned around from the window to face Wilson, the hurt and seriousness was clear to Wilson who reversed his reaction accordingly. This scene reminded me of two identically staged ones in "Cane & Able." In the first, House enters Wilson's office, goes immediately to the window looking out toward the balcony and proceeds to reveal that he is fearful that his leg pain is returning. Wilson scoffs at House's complaint although the viewer can see from his hidden expression that House's torment and doubt are real. When House turns to Wilson, Wilson gets that House is serious, but tries to convince him that the pain is a fleeting concern arising from middle-aged exercise. In the second scene, House enters in the same manner and goes again to the window to look out as he angrily reveals that he knows that Cuddy was lying about the cure for his patient. Wilson again is sitting at his desk and doesn't know until House rounds on him that House believes that Wilson is the source of the lie. House's true anger is apparent at last. I don't think this staging is coincidental. In all three of these scenes, the window is used as a confessional through which we the viewer can see into House's real emotions on the topic at hand while he hides from Wilson's gaze. House's turn toward Wilson in each instance gives Wilson a rare glimpse into his friend's inner feelings.

My take on that scene in "House Training" is that at first Wilson thought that House was kidding about asking Cuddy on a date, hence the laugh. But when House turned around from the window to face Wilson, the hurt and seriousness was clear to Wilson who reversed his reaction accordingly. This scene reminded me of two identically staged ones in "Cane & Able." In the first, House enters Wilson's office, goes immediately to the window looking out toward the balcony and proceeds to reveal that he is fearful that his leg pain is returning. Wilson scoffs at House's complaint although the viewer can see from his hidden expression that House's torment and doubt are real. When House turns to Wilson, Wilson gets that House is serious, but tries to convince him that the pain is a fleeting concern arising from middle-aged exercise. In the second scene, House enters in the same manner and goes again to the window to look out as he angrily reveals that he knows that Cuddy was lying about the cure for his patient. Wilson again is sitting at his desk and doesn't know until House rounds on him that House believes that Wilson is the source of the lie. House's true anger is apparent at last. I don't think this staging is coincidental. In all three of these scenes, the window is used as a confessional through which we the viewer can see into House's real emotions on the topic at hand while he hides from Wilson's gaze. House's turn toward Wilson in each instance gives Wilson a rare glimpse into his friend's inner feelings. I loved this. It underscores House's insecurity and lack of trust regarding those he considers friends perfectly, especially regarding Wilson. It's easier for him to talk to a glass window or the ceiling because when he tries to talk to Wilson directly, his fears and concerns are instantly and robustly brushed aside. *refrains from thinking about Wilson's treatment of House for much longer because I'm in a good mood and don't want to ruin it*

Not all the time, Angelfrienze. Wilson still didn't change his plans or step aside and he patently refused to play House's game. To which I answer 1) House also said that he didn't really want to go to the play with Cuddy, it was just a test to see if she was really interested in Wilson or not. 2) Why should Wilson "step aside" and abandon his plans for the sake of one of House's whims, for God's sake? 3) Most importantly of all, Cuddy isn't a toy to be passed around - she's a human being! It was HER choice to go out with Wilson instead of House that night and nobody else's.

I maintain that they can both have her and she them. That's never been anything but a source of absolute fun for me. It's mainly the interactions between House and Wilson by themselves that leave me melancholy and wishing for a Bludger bat to beat Wilson with. As for Cuddy not being anyone's property, I only giggle and say that they're hers. She's said as much about House, though I'm taking that out of context. The medical bracelet, too. *laughs* See? I can look on the bright side!

2) Why should Wilson "step aside" and abandon his plans for the sake of one of House's whims, for God's sake? I agree, at this point Wilson's social life is even sadder than House's, he should not have to cancel plans because it might upset House.

This scene reminded me of two identically staged ones in "Cane & Able." In the first, House enters Wilson's office, goes immediately to the window looking out toward the balcony and proceeds to reveal that he is fearful that his leg pain is returning. Are you sure that wasn't from "Meaning"? I just rewatched "Cane & Able" and don't remember that scene.

DrSpaceman, you are right, the first scene, in which House tries to share with Wilson his fears about the return of his leg pain was in "Meaning." The fact that these identically staged scenes are in three different episodes underlines this significance pattern in presenting to viewers a "window" into how House tries to communicate his innermost feelings and truths to Wilson. The fact that Wilson at first has difficulty reading House in each of these exchanges is also important, I think.

Yeah, I watched Meaning last night to confirm. You horrible person, making me rewatch these episodes. ;)

I'd forgotten how much Chase and Cameron crack me up in this episode.

I'd forgotten how much Chase and Cameron crack me up in this episode. Their scenes together were gold, but Cameron's "dead husband card" was just beyond the pale.