Huddy
Quick question, LiveJournal: is this what "jumping the shark" looks like?
I say no, but lots and lots of people (internet people, which makes them worth only about 2/10's of normal people, but still those numbers add up) disagree with me.
If you haven't been watching "House" lately, they're finally doing the House/Cuddy romance they've been teasing since the beginning. The initial reaction to this on the internet was not favorable, as many people figured it would ruin the show. They said (and not entirely unfairly) that the character of House would have to be softened to much for the relationship to ever work. And while I agree with that, I also think that they've missed the point entirely.
I can't claim to have been watching "House" from the beginning, but when I finally started watching I owned all the available seasons on DVD inside of two weeks, and I've seen every episode at least twice. So it's safe to say I'm a huge fan of the show, and of the character of House in particular... and I can understand the resistance to making any changes to his character.
But on the other hand, I also know that shows don't last forever, and "House" is probably winding down at this point. I disagree with the people who say the quality of the show has taken a huge dive over the last few seasons (I actually think the show is as interesting now as it has ever been), but it's also just getting along in years, and I'd hate for "House" to overstay its welcome and become a weak and sickly thing in its final years.
And as a fan of the character of House, I want to see him get better. One of the main themes of the show is that House, although exceptionally brilliant, is also miserable and alone. I want to see that change, if possible (though I understand the way the House universe works, there's a seriously strong chance House is going to OD on Vicodin and die in the final episode... and if not that, something equally unpleasant is almost guaranteed to happen. A warm, fuzzy, "everyone lives happily ever after" series finale just wouldn't fit).
The whole "Huddy" thing, on the heels of House in Rehab (which I think is one of the best episodes of the entire series so far), are concrete steps on the path to House's recovery. Yes, it's softening his character... but that's the entire point. House can't be both hard-edged, wholly cynical, and happy. And plus, let's not pretend House has totally reversed his character instantly, either... there's still plenty "miserable old bastard" left for him to work through. In fact, it's the gradual change (or not) from "mean" to "nice" that is what makes these recent episodes so interesting. I'm totally invested... I want House to do the right thing, but I also the kind of character House is, and I tune in dutifully each week to see if things will work out for him in the end.
As for the musical number above... well, "House" has always had episodes that have been a little trippy, so I don't think it's as out of place as lots of other people seem to. Plus, there's the real-world concern of the immensely talented Hugh Laurie probably wanting to branch out a little... I don't see any problem with him reminding us that, while he's good at playing "House", dude's been singing, dancing, and playing piano for years before landing a gig with FOX.
So I say keep hating, haters, if that's what you want. I can understand that you probably think you're doing it from a place of love, but just know that you've also totally missed the point.
EDIT: It's probably unfair that I didn't mention Lisa Edelstein (Cuddy), who's been with the show from the start and done a damn fine job all the way through. I genuinely believe that the whole "Huddy" experiment (and probably the "House" show in general) would never work without her holding up her end as well as Hugh Laurie.
Click to viewI say no, but lots and lots of people (internet people, which makes them worth only about 2/10's of normal people, but still those numbers add up) disagree with me.
If you haven't been watching "House" lately, they're finally doing the House/Cuddy romance they've been teasing since the beginning. The initial reaction to this on the internet was not favorable, as many people figured it would ruin the show. They said (and not entirely unfairly) that the character of House would have to be softened to much for the relationship to ever work. And while I agree with that, I also think that they've missed the point entirely.
I can't claim to have been watching "House" from the beginning, but when I finally started watching I owned all the available seasons on DVD inside of two weeks, and I've seen every episode at least twice. So it's safe to say I'm a huge fan of the show, and of the character of House in particular... and I can understand the resistance to making any changes to his character.
But on the other hand, I also know that shows don't last forever, and "House" is probably winding down at this point. I disagree with the people who say the quality of the show has taken a huge dive over the last few seasons (I actually think the show is as interesting now as it has ever been), but it's also just getting along in years, and I'd hate for "House" to overstay its welcome and become a weak and sickly thing in its final years.
And as a fan of the character of House, I want to see him get better. One of the main themes of the show is that House, although exceptionally brilliant, is also miserable and alone. I want to see that change, if possible (though I understand the way the House universe works, there's a seriously strong chance House is going to OD on Vicodin and die in the final episode... and if not that, something equally unpleasant is almost guaranteed to happen. A warm, fuzzy, "everyone lives happily ever after" series finale just wouldn't fit).
The whole "Huddy" thing, on the heels of House in Rehab (which I think is one of the best episodes of the entire series so far), are concrete steps on the path to House's recovery. Yes, it's softening his character... but that's the entire point. House can't be both hard-edged, wholly cynical, and happy. And plus, let's not pretend House has totally reversed his character instantly, either... there's still plenty "miserable old bastard" left for him to work through. In fact, it's the gradual change (or not) from "mean" to "nice" that is what makes these recent episodes so interesting. I'm totally invested... I want House to do the right thing, but I also the kind of character House is, and I tune in dutifully each week to see if things will work out for him in the end.
As for the musical number above... well, "House" has always had episodes that have been a little trippy, so I don't think it's as out of place as lots of other people seem to. Plus, there's the real-world concern of the immensely talented Hugh Laurie probably wanting to branch out a little... I don't see any problem with him reminding us that, while he's good at playing "House", dude's been singing, dancing, and playing piano for years before landing a gig with FOX.
So I say keep hating, haters, if that's what you want. I can understand that you probably think you're doing it from a place of love, but just know that you've also totally missed the point.
EDIT: It's probably unfair that I didn't mention Lisa Edelstein (Cuddy), who's been with the show from the start and done a damn fine job all the way through. I genuinely believe that the whole "Huddy" experiment (and probably the "House" show in general) would never work without her holding up her end as well as Hugh Laurie.