What still bothers me (ok, just a little) is the inscription in the book. Why did he call her Lisa (he never does) and why did he sign Greg? It doesn't sound like him. Got any explanation that makes sense?
I suppose it was inscribed that way for the same reason that Wilson signed the book he gave House to "Greg."
It was supposed to be an atypical, very personal gesture, and using first names made it that much more personal. At least that's my best guess.
I suppose it was inscribed that way for the same reason that Wilson signed the book he gave House to "Greg."
It was supposed to be an atypical, very personal gesture, and using first names made it that much more personal. At least that's my best guess.
Well, Wilson calling him Greg sounded weird, too. Maybe they all call each other by first names (including Cuddy) when we are not watching...
:)
Eeeww, hell no! They can't do that! :P
Although when I started watching House for the 2nd time, I called everyone with their first names and I didn't know why I used those names. :P
I think, with the exception of Wilson, it's House's way of keeping the relationships on a business footing without being formal. A way of keeping people at arm's length.
When House addresses or talks about Cuddy in front of civilians, he refers to her as Dr. Cuddy (as in when he yells to her across the clinic in DNR.) He has also referred to members of his team as Dr. ___ on occasion.
I think using first names on a gift is a way of saying "this is purely personal. It has nothing to do with our professional relationship."
I think, with the exception of Wilson, it's House's way of keeping the relationships on a business footing without being formal. A way of keeping people at arm's length.
When House addresses or talks about Cuddy in front of civilians, he refers to her as Dr. Cuddy (as in when he yells to her across the clinic in DNR.) He has also referred to members of his team as Dr. ___ on occasion.
I think using first names on a gift is a way of saying "this is purely personal. It has nothing to do with our professional relationship."
This is exactly my feeling, too.
House is surprisingly formal in hospital setting, when he talks in front of patients. Only when he feels under his peers, he gets a bit less formal, but only in direct speech. When he referrers to Cuddy with Dr. Nolan, for example, she is still 'Cuddy', or 'my boss', even when he talks with Cuddy in private settings about business matters, she remains Cuddy.
The book is something personal, very personal, that's why it's all on first names terms.
Just watched the director's commentary for this. Greg Y and the tech consultant tell us how authentic the episode was and the breakthrough camerawork and how it was lit and the effort they put in to make it as close to a real disaster scene in look and sound and procedure: all interesting and illuminating stuff. But what still got me was watching the performances and, having seen it, knowing what was going on and watching it all happen in House's face. Even with all that technical talk going on, i was in tears by the end. Really as good as it gets. None better. That guy Hugh Laurie must have a million Emmys by now. Completely engaging and moving, but never for a second over the top or grandstanding, just completely believable, thinking, making choices, feeling, all on so many levels: mesmerizing.
The one moment that gets to me each and every time is when he asks Cuddy "You here to yell at me again?"
He sounds exactly like a kid who expects to be punished and he doesn't understand why.
The one moment that gets to me each and every time is when he asks Cuddy "You here to yell at me again?"
He sounds exactly like a kid who expects to be punished and he doesn't understand why.
I have exactly the same reaction every time I see it, and your image of a child is right on. That, to me, was House as vulnerable and powerless as we've ever seen him. I think a big part of it is conveyed by the question's utter rock-bottom simplicity. When it comes to House, this is as atypical as it gets. Again, kudos to the writers--and, of course, Hugh's brilliance in bringing the words to life.
