Analysis "Brave Heart"

[luridlurker]

There are two interwoven themes in "Brave Heart": Miscommunication-or rather missed opportunities to communicate-and how much braveness of heart is needed (and not always found) to try and break the cancerous silence.

Comments

[luridlurker]

M.E.W.: Many thanks for your comment! Yes, I also loved that scene, *everything* House feels and thinks is clearly visible (Hugh Laurie is brilliant). Very well said! House hasn't been paying attention to Wilson because he was too caught up in his own pain and misery: He usually is such a remarkable observer, who always knows what's going on with the people around him, but he's had no idea what his best friend is going through--and that realization hits him hard.
Wilson is not good at showing his emotions when they concern himself either. There's a huge difference between the calm and uncomplicated facade he presents to the world outside and what's really going on inside of him. In fact, he is a very complex and deep character.
In many respects he and House are quite alike: House believes everybody lies and Wilson that people say things they don't really mean because they're appropriate or expected. Which is more or less the same thing. Usually House is pretty clear when it comes to voicing his opinion, something Wilson appreciated in "The Social Contract" when talking about his relationship with Danny, because this is something real he can rely on even if it's not always easy to bear. But House is still recovering, fragile, doesn't trust himself; he's much more careful than he used to be.
IMO Wilson absolutely needs honesty, because he doesn't open up to people easily and he has his own trust issues. I think he feels attracted to people like House (and Amber) because they don't care about social niceties and speak their minds.
But Wilson is also very vulnerable and lonely, a good liar and a master at concealing his feelings. Whenever House gets too close or when Wilson is worried about him, Wilson lashes out to protect himself before opening up.
He's just beginning to realize that there is an option of a real relationship with someone who truly loves him and wants to share his life.