Season 5 General Discussion

Aside from the time Wilson took over House's DDX way back in "97 Seconds" has Wilson ever once interacted with any of the new characters? Wilson spent Last Resort in the DDX room with Cameron, Kutner, Taub and Foreman. He also interacted with them in Wilson's Heart a lot. He's had more to do with them than he ever had to with Chase in five seasons.

Mainly a lurker here, but I don't think I ever cared about the old team except for Chase. That may have been the accent, LOL. Really, I would be happy if I never heard from them again. Wilson and House are the relationship that is on point and complicated. I was rooting for Cuddy but not so much now. I would love him to have a relationship with Cate, Mira Sorvino or the dwarf mom or the handicapped doctor. Thirteen is annoying only because she acts like an anime star, but I find Taub and Kutner stand alone interesting characters. I do like that we are getting some clinic patient stories because they are the grave diggers in this piece. I still am fascinated with House, the character and I look forward to all the next episodes, wherever it leads.

For anyone who couldn't be bothered reading all that, I can sum it up with this: The old team had warmth. The new team doesn't. I agree with everything you said. I cared about every one of the old team for their good qualities and their faults. I cared about their histories and their lives. The new team leaves me cold for the most part. I don't really care about any of them to the point that I'd miss them if they disappeared. I'd do cartwheels if 13 disappeared forever.

On another forum, there was a poster who clocked Hugh's time onscreen in JTTW, with a stopwatch, and it came out at 18 minutes and change. This is out of a 43 minute running time? That's just not right. That pretty much demonstrates one of the problems some of us have been citing about S5 - not enough House. And, IMO, there is no way it can be fixed while the cast remains so big. With all due respect to fans of other characters, the show is called House and it was never an ensemble show. I myself don't want it to become an ensemble show. But either they trim the cast or it becomes one by default. I don't think some of the characters are interesting enough to make that work, and besides the show would become a much more generic medical show. I'd hate to see that. The best episodes IMO have a good patient storyline where House is closely involved, working with the team, working on the diagnosis, and working with the patient or the patient's family. Along the way we learn something about House and maybe the other characters, but it's a slow process of revelation. I sure wish they could get back to that. But, like I say, it won't be possible while they have to include so many different characters.

On another forum, there was a poster who clocked Hugh's time onscreen in JTTW, with a stopwatch, and it came out at 18 minutes and change. This is out of a 43 minute running time? That's just not right. That pretty much demonstrates one of the problems some of us have been citing about S5 - not enough House. And, IMO, there is no way it can be fixed while the cast remains so big. For some reason, I didn't notice at all that he was in the episode so little. Maybe I was just sitting back and enjoying the episode for what it was without overanalyzing it at the time. Weird... With all due respect to fans of other characters, the show is called House and it was never an ensemble show. You are so true. Although, IM ever-so HO, it's so hard to rectify everything being all about House with my unnatural worry for Hugh. Maybe it's just me, but if this means the man gets to take a few more mental health days, then I'm all for it. Even without House being in the episodes as much, I still see the episodes as being about him. Generally, when other characters interact, if they're not talking about him, then what they are talking about has been influenced by something he said to one or both or all of them. Yes, I know that we can all stand on our little high horses and decry the Thirteen and Thirteen/Foreman story line and its overexposure and its lack of relation back to House, but no one ever said this show is perfect or has ever been perfect. Who knows, maybe next episode, we'll see how two sets of couples deal with new challenges -- House and Cuddy with Cuddy's baby and Thirteen and Foreman starting off with something new knowing that they have a very strict deadline (13's death).

On another forum, there was a poster who clocked Hugh's time onscreen in JTTW, with a stopwatch, and it came out at 18 minutes and change. This is out of a 43 minute running time? That's just not right. That pretty much demonstrates one of the problems some of us have been citing about S5 - not enough House. And, IMO, there is no way it can be fixed while the cast remains so big. For some reason, I didn't notice at all that he was in the episode so little. Maybe I was just sitting back and enjoying the episode for what it was without overanalyzing it at the time. Weird... I didn't need a stopwatch to notice that House wasn't in the episode that much, and no overanalysis was involved. It was my gut reaction. Seeing the numbers just confirmed that it wasn't all my imagination. It's great to watch and enjoy the show; I do that too, only sometimes it's more enjoyable than others. I most enjoy the show when it's firmly centered on House, because he is, IMO, the most interesting character and the linchpin. With all due respect to fans of other characters, the show is called House and it was never an ensemble show. You are so true. Although, IM ever-so HO, it's so hard to rectify everything being all about House with my unnatural worry for Hugh. Maybe it's just me, but if this means the man gets to take a few more mental health days, then I'm all for it. If this is in truth why his screentime is less this season, I'd accept it with regret, because he makes the show (for me, anyway). I actually thought it was because they have so many characters that have to be fit in, since they didn't have the guts to pick a team once and for all and let the chips fall where they may. Even without House being in the episodes as much, I still see the episodes as being about him. Generally, when other characters interact, if they're not talking about him, then what they are talking about has been influenced by something he said to one or both or all of them. Yes, I know that we can all stand on our little high horses and decry the Thirteen and Thirteen/Foreman story line and its overexposure and its lack of relation back to House, but no one ever said this show is perfect or has ever been perfect. Who knows, maybe next episode, we'll see how two sets of couples deal with new challenges -- House and Cuddy with Cuddy's baby and Thirteen and Foreman starting off with something new knowing that they have a very strict deadline (13's death). People talking about House is not the equivalent of House being there, doing, thinking, pulling strings, or whatever. IMO. I haven't AFAIK decried the 13 storyline, and only made one small comment about 13 and Foreman not having chemistry, but if that's a high horse, so be it. I'm not just saying things to be a hater. I want the show to be as good as I remember. For you, apparently, it's fine. But others besides me see it differently. That includes some critics who used to love it, and the several million viewers who no longer watch.

As much as I love Wilson, I can't help but think if Wilson was getting the screen time any of the other characters were getting, there would be no complaints about how its ensemble show. Different people like different characters. Now, I agree that HOW the storylines are being handled are bad - Cuddy's OOCness...and I guess Foreman and 13 don't have huge fanbases to justify the storylines, but a lot of people don't even like when Cameron used to have storylines, and she has a lot of fans.. I don't mind when other characters take the lead for a while, but it needs to be done well. However, most people I know who watch House just like the medicine and get really annoyed by the personal drama. I'm totally the opposite.

Kerry, to a degree that is probably true. HHoW has a very vocal H/W contingent. But, other than the occasional scene with Cuddy, most scenes with Wilson also have House. Therefore an emphasis on Wilson would also result in House getting more screen time. ETA: And I, too, prefer the personal drama to the medicine. If I find that person interesting.

As much as I love Wilson, I can't help but think if Wilson was getting the screen time any of the other characters were getting, there would be no complaints about how its ensemble show. Different people like different characters. Now, I agree that HOW the storylines are being handled are bad - Cuddy's OOCness...and I guess Foreman and 13 don't have huge fanbases to justify the storylines, but a lot of people don't even like when Cameron used to have storylines, and she has a lot of fans.. I don't mind when other characters take the lead for a while, but it needs to be done well. However, most people I know who watch House just like the medicine and get really annoyed by the personal drama. I'm totally the opposite. I'm not sure I understand your first sentence? I don't think it should be an ensemble show, and I'd feel that way even if Wilson got more screen time. I like RSL but have disliked Wilson pretty consistently ever since the last part of S3. The best Wilson, IMO, was S1. He was in it just enough, and their friendship was something believable. I'm like most of the people you know, I prefer the medical plots *led by House* to be the focus of the show, with the personal stories kept more in the background. I like it when the A plot incidentally reveals a little something about the characters (mostly House). Not when I'm bludgeoned with romances right and left, especially when they aren't done very well. Same goes for 13's story. It's too big and too heavy for the rest of the show. They have to address it because of that, but it puts everything else out of balance when they do. If she'd been a fellow for 3 years, we'd gotten to know her bit by bit, and THEN we found out she was terminal, it might have worked better. I don't hate the character or the actress, but the part hasn't been written well IMO.

As much as I love Wilson, I can't help but think if Wilson was getting the screen time any of the other characters were getting, there would be no complaints about how its ensemble show. Different people like different characters. Now, I agree that HOW the storylines are being handled are bad - Cuddy's OOCness...and I guess Foreman and 13 don't have huge fanbases to justify the storylines, but a lot of people don't even like when Cameron used to have storylines, and she has a lot of fans.. I don't mind when other characters take the lead for a while, but it needs to be done well. However, most people I know who watch House just like the medicine and get really annoyed by the personal drama. I'm totally the opposite. I'm not sure I understand your first sentence? I don't think it should be an ensemble show, and I'd feel that way even if Wilson got more screen time. I like RSL but have disliked Wilson pretty consistently ever since the last part of S3. The best Wilson, IMO, was S1. He was in it just enough, and their friendship was something believable. I'm like most of the people you know, I prefer the medical plots *led by House* to be the focus of the show, with the personal stories kept more in the background. I like it when the A plot incidentally reveals a little something about the characters (mostly House). Not when I'm bludgeoned with romances right and left, especially when they aren't done very well. Same goes for 13's story. It's too big and too heavy for the rest of the show. They have to address it because of that, but it puts everything else out of balance when they do. If she'd been a fellow for 3 years, we'd gotten to know her bit by bit, and THEN we found out she was terminal, it might have worked better. I don't hate the character or the actress, but the part hasn't been written well IMO. Sorry, I kind of made a blanket statement. Obviously, not everyone here wants all Wilson all the time, and it's totally ok to care more about the medicine. I just was pointing out that here and more so at the H/W comm (obviously), the commenters constantly complain about 13's storylines, but if there was a long arc about Wilson's LLB with as much focus on the personal lives as in Birthmarks, you'd see cheering. Of course, Wilson is more of a 'veteran' character who deserves more explanation....but idk I just have this thing where I constantly need to represent both sides of issues. I'm actually pretty much a H/W shipper who doesnt like 13 and Foreman, so I agree with those commenters, but it does seem a bit one-sided. Once again, obviously not everyone holds those views.

As much as I love Wilson, I can't help but think if Wilson was getting the screen time any of the other characters were getting, there would be no complaints about how its ensemble show. Different people like different characters. Now, I agree that HOW the storylines are being handled are bad - Cuddy's OOCness...and I guess Foreman and 13 don't have huge fanbases to justify the storylines, but a lot of people don't even like when Cameron used to have storylines, and she has a lot of fans.. I don't mind when other characters take the lead for a while, but it needs to be done well. However, most people I know who watch House just like the medicine and get really annoyed by the personal drama. I'm totally the opposite. I'm not sure I understand your first sentence? I don't think it should be an ensemble show, and I'd feel that way even if Wilson got more screen time. I like RSL but have disliked Wilson pretty consistently ever since the last part of S3. The best Wilson, IMO, was S1. He was in it just enough, and their friendship was something believable. I'm like most of the people you know, I prefer the medical plots *led by House* to be the focus of the show, with the personal stories kept more in the background. I like it when the A plot incidentally reveals a little something about the characters (mostly House). Not when I'm bludgeoned with romances right and left, especially when they aren't done very well. Same goes for 13's story. It's too big and too heavy for the rest of the show. They have to address it because of that, but it puts everything else out of balance when they do. If she'd been a fellow for 3 years, we'd gotten to know her bit by bit, and THEN we found out she was terminal, it might have worked better. I don't hate the character or the actress, but the part hasn't been written well IMO. Sorry, I kind of made a blanket statement. Obviously, not everyone here wants all Wilson all the time, and it's totally ok to care more about the medicine. I just was pointing out that here and more so at the H/W comm (obviously), the commenters constantly complain about 13's storylines, but if there was a long arc about Wilson's LLB with as much focus on the personal lives as in Birthmarks, you'd see cheering. Of course, Wilson is more of a 'veteran' character who deserves more explanation....but idk I just have this thing where I constantly need to represent both sides of issues. I'm actually pretty much a H/W shipper who doesnt like 13 and Foreman, so I agree with those commenters, but it does seem a bit one-sided. Once again, obviously not everyone holds those views. I see your point and agree with you. Very nice of you to see and present both sides. Positively Libran - not that anyone at HHoW would believe in anything so un-Houselike as astrology. :)

I never watched House because of the medical aspect of the show. For me, it was all about House since the beginning, with the medical plots working like metaphors for the personal side of House's story. What I miss, mainly, is the subtileness that they had, doing that bridge between the medicine and the personal drama. It's a sure thing that I'd be the last person to count the minutes any of the characters were on screen. So it's something if I was able to notice, on a first view, how unbalanced was House's screen time, in JttW - and just as an example: during the whole H/W/A triangle, as far as I remember and with the exception of Wilson's Heart (where the story was still 'all about House'), there're only three very fast scenes with only W/A that House was not present - in Living the Dream. Even so, the emphasis in Wilson was actually an emphasis on House. Though, it's true that I'm not a Cuddy person, I can't help but think the main problem is how unbelievable that character became, how contrived are her storylines. I just can't connect with her drama. Everything seems an excuse to lead to some awkward H/Cuddy moment, in the most random ways, and for me this is working in the opposite way, the last thing I can believe it's that House and Cuddy are (or want to be) a 'couple'. Lately, I cringe every time Cuddy walks in a scene. It's the same problem with Thirteen. Suddenly, she was all over the place, with the story A + the story B - and sometimes even the story C. Too much! I don't hate Thirteen - actually I'm in the group who likes her - but I'm not interested enough to seat and watch a show about her struggles with a terminal disease and her search for true love, unless it's presented in small, tolerable doses. but if there was a long arc about Wilson's LLB with as much focus on the personal lives as in Birthmarks, you'd see cheering. This is true, to a point. It'll still need a well written plot and believable characters - as it happened in Birthmarks (IMO) - but if they started to tell me about the miserable life of the LLB, throwing anvils over my head and forcing silly, contrived 'moments' between the characters, I'm quite sure I'd be complaining. And I know that I'm quite biased, but I don't think that any of the 'Wilson's stories' ever dragged the show, or caused so much criticism - not even during the Tritter arc.

I think, though, that "contrived" really depends a lot on how much one wants to know about particular characters. I don't think most people who really like House and Cuddy's dynamic thought the kiss was contrived--I know I didn't. I loved the way it arose and thought it very realistic. I wasn't sure what to think of the way House treated Cuddy in Let Them Eat Cake but I ended up liking how where House and Cuddy ended up for this arc--it felt right. The silly baby plot didn't do a lot for me, but only because of the specifics of it. I believe how much Cuddy wants a baby. I also think there have been comments on how pointless and contrived each successive Wilson arc has been from people who don't much like Wilson. There were several posts from disappointed Chase and Cameron fans this year on how little another friendship exploration offers the show and how each one just ends up in the same place anyway. I love Wilson and all his arcs and I still thought the leap from Merry Little Christian to One Day One Room was ridiculous in terms of Wilson resuming prescribing for House. Just really unsupported characterization. And I know I do it--I felt Cameron's crush arc was extremely contrived and silly, and yet there are that contingent of fans that feels that was the best writing of the show. I think any supporting character who gets a major arc will have the plot get the accusation of contrived because it's not where those particular fans want the plot to be. The powers that be cannot win on that score.

I can see that some people may not like the Cuddy arc, or Wilson arc, or Cameron arcs. I don't care for Cuddy or Huddy, and I would absolutely love to see a new long Wilson arc, but I don't think the complaining was or ever will be like the way it is for 13. As much as I don't care for Cuddy and Huddy, I do accept it, and the focus of the last six episodes on her. I could also accept a Cameron arc, although I don't really see that happening anymore, but both make sense because Cuddy and Cameron have been on the show since the Pilot, and any arc about them (or Cuddy, in partcicular) will invariably involve House and really be about House. The same is true for Wilson of course, and as was said before Wilson/Amber was really about Wilson and House and that was why it was so brilliant and worlked so well. Gosh, I would love to see an arc about Wilson having a terrible crises and/or LLB, but any arc like that would really be about House too. But that is what to me at least is so fustrating and infuriating about the focus on 13 and all the tiime and attention there is on her. 13 does not have a twenty plus year history with House, 13 has no real connection to House at all. The storylines about her, Huntingtons, the clinical trial, being bisexual, etc. etc. really have nothing to do with House While I could enjoy a storyline about Wilson that has nothing to do with House, TPTB will never, ever do it. Actually I do want to see House's view and emotions about anything that is going on with Wilson, that is what is really fascinating about the them. So while TPTB would never do a Houseless arc about Wilson, or Cuddy, or Cameron, or even any of the others, why does 13 get several storylines of her own, all that have nothing to do with House at all, and that he doesn't nor wouldn't care about. To me that is what is so maddening about this whole ridiculous focus on 13.

I don't disagree that they need to tie in Thirteen's plotline more to House ASAP, though I also don't aqree it's had nothing to do with him--I liked the way House was understanding of Thirteen in Lucky Thirteen, because I think he's had his own despair and downward spiral to deal with, and I liked the way he was part of pointing out to Thirteen that she was choosing assisted suicide in Last Resort. But yes, for the amount of screentime she has, the story should be more tied in and really, I'd choose less screentime. I do believe House is the centre of the show and they can't move to an ensemble. I don't think Olivia Wilde is responsible for the negative reaction to less screentime for House--that's just not going to fly period, no matter how they try and shift it. I could also accept a Cameron arc, although I don't really see that happening anymore, but both make sense because Cuddy and Cameron have been on the show since the Pilot, But I wouldn't, unless it was actually a different arc from her first one, which I think was explored and brought to a believable close. If the writers choose to revive her arc from previous seasons in anything close to the way Jennifer Morrison described in that TV Guide interview, I'd be very upset with the show. I'd rather see Thirteen's story, just scaled back in proportion and tied into House the way it was in Lucky Thirteen. I think there is an interesting point to be made about why House never gives up, not only medically, but emotionally.

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