HouseUnited: My Analysis of Informed Consent.
You might be aware that there is this HouseUnited board being established on WikiDot to give an overall statistical and detailed look at the entire series. To be honest I don't usually contribute to these things, but this sounded doable and interesting. For me, if a character you really like is central to that episode's plot then you have to do you best to make it a great analysis. So I hope mine stands up in the discussions! (Also I didn't want to do one of those really big important episodes, because too much pressure!) Here we go:
Episode Recap: Season 3 Informed Consent
Episode #49 || Directed By: Laura Innes || Written By: David Foster
Music: Yo-Yo Ma (Bach Prelude; Cello Suite No.1)
Fade from black... An aging scientist named Ezra Powell begins sweating and gasping for breath. He collapses to the floor.
The opening scene is a great mirror for the entire episode, and is well directed and staged. I like the splicing of the dissection with the sweating and deterioration of Powell. The music too is fitting as it's calming and builds subtly, then lowers in pitch and follows the health of our next patient of the week. As a first time viewer, you are shown a doctor in a lab who is testing on animals. It's a serious subject and definitely brings up personal opinions, and I love that because throughout the episode we slowly learn who this man is, what he has done and how our opinions on him twist with new information. Are we sympathetic? Are we biased? We're conflicted. It sets the scene perfectly.
Animals: 0:00 Lab Mice
POTW! Man, Woman or Child? 0:30 One Elderly Man, Dr. Ezra Powell
Virtual diagnosis (computer animation of human body): 01:44 Powell's paralysis.
The cane is back. House arrives with his right hand cane and this sadly is the end of House's running euphoria arc. I like that the team are concerned for various reasons, and they are all too aware of the consequences. I think it is this moment too we find ourselves feeling that same sentiment; it's all too permanent and the fun is over. Naturally however, House doesn't want to talk about him, but talk about Powell and his nasty facial scars from the mouse bites. I also love how we have a little glimpse into House the student, and the respect he has for Powell's work.
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 02:37 Open conference room door
Cameron wearing a waistcoat: 02:40 At the beginning of the Powell Case.
Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): 03:45 Amyloidosis
The team begin the stress tests on Powell. I like how each team member's characteristics are shown in how they choose their roles in assisting and testing the famous Doctor. Cameron considers Powell's welfare, checking whether he is comfortable prior to starting the test, before she starts questioning House's behaviour with the other two. Perhaps overly concerned, she's opposite to Foreman and Chase's thoughts, who, actually, couldn't care less. The stance of Foreman is obvious. He believes the test will be unsuccessful: arms crossed, furrowed brow, unconvinced. Chase remains only concerned as to his own fate: whether his malpractice insurance would increase should Powell fall over, and how House treat them personally if he is suffering.
Great insight in such a little scene!
Using the Elevator: 06:02 House and Cameron
In this episode the clinic plays an important part, by introducing us to Ali who appears in a later episode, as well as giving House his 'epiphany' to solve this case. The great exchange between House and Ali is at the door, where Cameron points out that 'He is too old and weak' referring to Powell, and allowing the unsaid thoughts run through the viewers mind. House is flattered and amused this girl seems flirtatious around him, and although he plays it off as a joke, his awkwardness is apparent. It's a great clinic scene.
Clinic Patients: 07:10 Ali's Dad
The Tongue Thing He Does: 08:38 House, Cameron and Ali.
Powell gives the team 24 hours to diagnose him, or to help him die. House consents. The team is, naturally, outraged and debates whether euthanasia is acceptable and should they be considering it for this case. House is not concerned, since he believes (also naturally!) that he will be able to get his diagnosis as long as his team help him. By help him he does mean they will work through the night while he goes to bed! Unfortunately for them however, they cannot narrow it down and even though House lies, Powell sees through it and stops anymore tests. I love the non-exchange between House and Cameron here, and that Powell can read her so well already is so insightful to her character, does she even care he knows? Probably not.
The Red Mug: 10:49 House carries it from his office to be refilled.
Team and House down the Corridor: 14:52 House, Cameron, Chase and Foreman discuss the case
Search the Patient's House (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 15:40 Cameron searches the lab.
Glasses, Sunglasses (H/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 15:44 Cameron is wearing her glasses while searching the lab
One of best scenes of the episode begins when House shows he has decided to euthanise Powell. The fact that House is showing signs of not defying his patient's wishes even if it does not allow him to answer his puzzle, is something the viewer does not expect. Suddenly it all becomes very real and we can feel it with the team that it truly is the moment when the patient will die. Foreman and Cameron leave the room, under House's orders, leaving Chase to make sure no one can see the final procedure. Though there had been a struggle, House issues the morphine dose and watches the life leave Powell's body. The quiet moment of thought fools everyone. He is dead. House has eased his patient's pain. It's over.
Except no, and as we watch like Chase, House intubates and begins to bring Powell back to the land of the living, though leaves him in his chemically induced coma so they can still work without interference. It's a brilliant scene, and the switch of almost death to fast pace life really shows here. I love that Chase is as confused and surprised as we are.
House sedates someone: 23:07 House sedates Powell while giving him a lethal dose of Morphine and inducing a chemical coma.
Intubating a Patient: 23:53 House Intubates Powell after giving him a lethal dose of Morphine
Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): 25:17 Lupus
The scene skips to House and Cuddy, who casually refers to Cuddy's pregnancy body, and acknowledges the similarities between her teaching House "some humanity" that involved lying and House lying to Powell to keep him alive. House briefly mentions that he is fantasying Ali, but perhaps just to get a rouse out of his currently agreeable boss. We watch him confront Cameron in the doctor's lounge hoping to force her into making a decision, for his own gain. It's good to watch House push her, to make her act and see her choices, but since it's only so he can have her working for him again, it's questionable. But, I think the scene in the OR viewing gallery is a great show of how Cameron is not ready to bow down to House's demands and beliefs if she truly believes something is not right. I am glad she finally acts on it, because it shows a great growth of character.
House making fun of Cuddy: 26:23 House makes fun of Cuddy's "pregnancy" weight.
Doctors' Lounge: 27:39 House, Chase & Foreman find Cameron
House and Ball-y: 28:01 House plays lacrosse against the wall with his cane and Ball-y.
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 28:01 House plays lacrosse against the wall with his cane and Ball-y.
"My Leg Hurts" ("I'm in Pain" etc.): 28:15 Wilson asks House how his leg is: "It hurts. It's gonna keep on hurting."
"I'm a cripple, remember? Accommodations must be made."
Another great scene plays out on the OR viewing balcony. House has pushed Cameron to research the past of this 'great' doctor, who he himself admires. After all, they are considering the life of their patient and the affect of informed consent. She argues strongly that whatever he has done, he deserves the same patient care and Powell's wishes should remain priority. Unless of course they involve helping him kill himself. House figured Cameron would change her mind after discovering what Powell did in the past, and she is not impressed. Cameron can't have it both ways, however, and he quickly gets her back on to the team. I like that she is still conflicted. In my eyes, that's what makes her a good character, she is not always completely aware of what she believes, she is still learning and growing as a doctor herself. House knows this, and I like that he tests her in this way. The pushing does do good, although not in the way he originally hopes.
Scrubs (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 29:05 Chase and Foreman are in Scrubs in the OR
House watching Surgery: 29:18 House watches Powell's surgery and speaks to Cameron
Virtual diagnosis (computer animation of human body): 30:49 Powell's right lung collapses.
Team and House down the Corridor: 34:26 House, Chase and Foreman discuss results
Liver or Kidneys are Failing: 34:29 Chase mentions the Kidneys are failing while DDXing
Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): 34:31 Sarcoidosis
House finally works out the final diagnosis when presented with a bright red thong worn by Ali. Their playful banter switches gears as she confirms the date of her 18th birthday, which was House's excuse for not returning her calls. I like that he does spare her feelings- unlike usual House protocol. Looking over the whole series we know House is charming and well aware of which buttons to press in order to offend and cause whatever reaction he wants, so this obvious has another layer of meaning. I think it confuses him that she really does seem interested, but again he doesn't expect it to lead to anything. Or so he thinks!
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 35:01 Smash Cane against table in anger while arguing with Cameron.
Vicodin Pills: 36:47 House takes them outside the PPTH newsstand
Thank you Doctor House: 37:18 Ali thanks House for treating her Dad
Epiphanies (House): 37:45 House realises it's Amyloidosis after seeing Ali's Red Thong
The final scenes are shaded in cool blues and warm reds. Powell's terminal diagnosis has been confirmed and he lays and waits for the death that both House and himself have described earlier in the episode in great detail. The painful clutch of his fingers at the blanket and the slow zoom to his shake fills us, the viewer, with dread. We know his past and what he has done, but does anyone deserve such a slow and painful death? Cameron doesn't think so. Though at first it could be perceived that House could have pushed the morphine and really did kill Powell the second time, it is in fact Cameron, believing that her patient should not suffer and it is her duty to spare him from the pain he is in. She is conflicted and heartbroken. In the last moments House comforts Cameron, probably telling her the only thing she would want, and expect from House to say. He is proud of her for acting on her beliefs after so much doubt and conflict throughout the case. A beautiful moment!
Vicodin Pills: 39:58 House takes them while thinking about Powell's terminal diagnosis
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 40:31 Open the Door to his office
Dead Patients: 41:44 Dr. Powell
Tears (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 42:22 Cameron cries over the death of Powell and House comforts her.
"I'm proud of you"
Glossary Total:
OMG I am so glad this is finally done. It has taken forever (a.k.a keep on forgetting) to get this done. But glad I am finished. I've made some icons to along with this episode, for the tv20in20 challenge, here. I hope you like them ♥ Thanks for reading and looking at the pictures. Please forgive spelling errors, it's late- I'm tired of this. XD
Episode Recap: Season 3 Informed Consent
Episode #49 || Directed By: Laura Innes || Written By: David Foster
Music: Yo-Yo Ma (Bach Prelude; Cello Suite No.1)
Fade from black... An aging scientist named Ezra Powell begins sweating and gasping for breath. He collapses to the floor.
The opening scene is a great mirror for the entire episode, and is well directed and staged. I like the splicing of the dissection with the sweating and deterioration of Powell. The music too is fitting as it's calming and builds subtly, then lowers in pitch and follows the health of our next patient of the week. As a first time viewer, you are shown a doctor in a lab who is testing on animals. It's a serious subject and definitely brings up personal opinions, and I love that because throughout the episode we slowly learn who this man is, what he has done and how our opinions on him twist with new information. Are we sympathetic? Are we biased? We're conflicted. It sets the scene perfectly.
Animals: 0:00 Lab Mice
POTW! Man, Woman or Child? 0:30 One Elderly Man, Dr. Ezra Powell
Virtual diagnosis (computer animation of human body): 01:44 Powell's paralysis.
The cane is back. House arrives with his right hand cane and this sadly is the end of House's running euphoria arc. I like that the team are concerned for various reasons, and they are all too aware of the consequences. I think it is this moment too we find ourselves feeling that same sentiment; it's all too permanent and the fun is over. Naturally however, House doesn't want to talk about him, but talk about Powell and his nasty facial scars from the mouse bites. I also love how we have a little glimpse into House the student, and the respect he has for Powell's work.
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 02:37 Open conference room door
Cameron wearing a waistcoat: 02:40 At the beginning of the Powell Case.
Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): 03:45 Amyloidosis
The team begin the stress tests on Powell. I like how each team member's characteristics are shown in how they choose their roles in assisting and testing the famous Doctor. Cameron considers Powell's welfare, checking whether he is comfortable prior to starting the test, before she starts questioning House's behaviour with the other two. Perhaps overly concerned, she's opposite to Foreman and Chase's thoughts, who, actually, couldn't care less. The stance of Foreman is obvious. He believes the test will be unsuccessful: arms crossed, furrowed brow, unconvinced. Chase remains only concerned as to his own fate: whether his malpractice insurance would increase should Powell fall over, and how House treat them personally if he is suffering.
Great insight in such a little scene!
Using the Elevator: 06:02 House and Cameron
In this episode the clinic plays an important part, by introducing us to Ali who appears in a later episode, as well as giving House his 'epiphany' to solve this case. The great exchange between House and Ali is at the door, where Cameron points out that 'He is too old and weak' referring to Powell, and allowing the unsaid thoughts run through the viewers mind. House is flattered and amused this girl seems flirtatious around him, and although he plays it off as a joke, his awkwardness is apparent. It's a great clinic scene.
Clinic Patients: 07:10 Ali's Dad
The Tongue Thing He Does: 08:38 House, Cameron and Ali.
Powell gives the team 24 hours to diagnose him, or to help him die. House consents. The team is, naturally, outraged and debates whether euthanasia is acceptable and should they be considering it for this case. House is not concerned, since he believes (also naturally!) that he will be able to get his diagnosis as long as his team help him. By help him he does mean they will work through the night while he goes to bed! Unfortunately for them however, they cannot narrow it down and even though House lies, Powell sees through it and stops anymore tests. I love the non-exchange between House and Cameron here, and that Powell can read her so well already is so insightful to her character, does she even care he knows? Probably not.
The Red Mug: 10:49 House carries it from his office to be refilled.
Team and House down the Corridor: 14:52 House, Cameron, Chase and Foreman discuss the case
Search the Patient's House (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 15:40 Cameron searches the lab.
Glasses, Sunglasses (H/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 15:44 Cameron is wearing her glasses while searching the lab
One of best scenes of the episode begins when House shows he has decided to euthanise Powell. The fact that House is showing signs of not defying his patient's wishes even if it does not allow him to answer his puzzle, is something the viewer does not expect. Suddenly it all becomes very real and we can feel it with the team that it truly is the moment when the patient will die. Foreman and Cameron leave the room, under House's orders, leaving Chase to make sure no one can see the final procedure. Though there had been a struggle, House issues the morphine dose and watches the life leave Powell's body. The quiet moment of thought fools everyone. He is dead. House has eased his patient's pain. It's over.
Except no, and as we watch like Chase, House intubates and begins to bring Powell back to the land of the living, though leaves him in his chemically induced coma so they can still work without interference. It's a brilliant scene, and the switch of almost death to fast pace life really shows here. I love that Chase is as confused and surprised as we are.
House sedates someone: 23:07 House sedates Powell while giving him a lethal dose of Morphine and inducing a chemical coma.
Intubating a Patient: 23:53 House Intubates Powell after giving him a lethal dose of Morphine
Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): 25:17 Lupus
The scene skips to House and Cuddy, who casually refers to Cuddy's pregnancy body, and acknowledges the similarities between her teaching House "some humanity" that involved lying and House lying to Powell to keep him alive. House briefly mentions that he is fantasying Ali, but perhaps just to get a rouse out of his currently agreeable boss. We watch him confront Cameron in the doctor's lounge hoping to force her into making a decision, for his own gain. It's good to watch House push her, to make her act and see her choices, but since it's only so he can have her working for him again, it's questionable. But, I think the scene in the OR viewing gallery is a great show of how Cameron is not ready to bow down to House's demands and beliefs if she truly believes something is not right. I am glad she finally acts on it, because it shows a great growth of character.
House making fun of Cuddy: 26:23 House makes fun of Cuddy's "pregnancy" weight.
Doctors' Lounge: 27:39 House, Chase & Foreman find Cameron
House and Ball-y: 28:01 House plays lacrosse against the wall with his cane and Ball-y.
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 28:01 House plays lacrosse against the wall with his cane and Ball-y.
"My Leg Hurts" ("I'm in Pain" etc.): 28:15 Wilson asks House how his leg is: "It hurts. It's gonna keep on hurting."
"I'm a cripple, remember? Accommodations must be made."
Another great scene plays out on the OR viewing balcony. House has pushed Cameron to research the past of this 'great' doctor, who he himself admires. After all, they are considering the life of their patient and the affect of informed consent. She argues strongly that whatever he has done, he deserves the same patient care and Powell's wishes should remain priority. Unless of course they involve helping him kill himself. House figured Cameron would change her mind after discovering what Powell did in the past, and she is not impressed. Cameron can't have it both ways, however, and he quickly gets her back on to the team. I like that she is still conflicted. In my eyes, that's what makes her a good character, she is not always completely aware of what she believes, she is still learning and growing as a doctor herself. House knows this, and I like that he tests her in this way. The pushing does do good, although not in the way he originally hopes.
Scrubs (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 29:05 Chase and Foreman are in Scrubs in the OR
House watching Surgery: 29:18 House watches Powell's surgery and speaks to Cameron
Virtual diagnosis (computer animation of human body): 30:49 Powell's right lung collapses.
Team and House down the Corridor: 34:26 House, Chase and Foreman discuss results
Liver or Kidneys are Failing: 34:29 Chase mentions the Kidneys are failing while DDXing
Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): 34:31 Sarcoidosis
House finally works out the final diagnosis when presented with a bright red thong worn by Ali. Their playful banter switches gears as she confirms the date of her 18th birthday, which was House's excuse for not returning her calls. I like that he does spare her feelings- unlike usual House protocol. Looking over the whole series we know House is charming and well aware of which buttons to press in order to offend and cause whatever reaction he wants, so this obvious has another layer of meaning. I think it confuses him that she really does seem interested, but again he doesn't expect it to lead to anything. Or so he thinks!
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 35:01 Smash Cane against table in anger while arguing with Cameron.
Vicodin Pills: 36:47 House takes them outside the PPTH newsstand
Thank you Doctor House: 37:18 Ali thanks House for treating her Dad
Epiphanies (House): 37:45 House realises it's Amyloidosis after seeing Ali's Red Thong
The final scenes are shaded in cool blues and warm reds. Powell's terminal diagnosis has been confirmed and he lays and waits for the death that both House and himself have described earlier in the episode in great detail. The painful clutch of his fingers at the blanket and the slow zoom to his shake fills us, the viewer, with dread. We know his past and what he has done, but does anyone deserve such a slow and painful death? Cameron doesn't think so. Though at first it could be perceived that House could have pushed the morphine and really did kill Powell the second time, it is in fact Cameron, believing that her patient should not suffer and it is her duty to spare him from the pain he is in. She is conflicted and heartbroken. In the last moments House comforts Cameron, probably telling her the only thing she would want, and expect from House to say. He is proud of her for acting on her beliefs after so much doubt and conflict throughout the case. A beautiful moment!
Vicodin Pills: 39:58 House takes them while thinking about Powell's terminal diagnosis
House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): 40:31 Open the Door to his office
Dead Patients: 41:44 Dr. Powell
Tears (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 42:22 Cameron cries over the death of Powell and House comforts her.
"I'm proud of you"
Glossary Total:
- Animals: 0:00 Lab Mice
- Cameron wearing a waistcoat: 02:40 At the beginning of the Powell Case.
- Clinic Patients: 07:10 Ali's Dad
- Dead Patients: 41:44 Dr. Powell
- Doctors' Lounge: 27:39 House, Chase & Foreman find Cameron
- Epiphanies (House): 37:45 House realises it's Amyloidosis after seeing Ali's Red Thong
- Frequently Mentioned Diseases (Lupus/Wegener's/Sarcoidosis/Amyloidosis/Paraneoplastic Syndrome): X3 03:45 Amyloidosis || 25:17 Lupus || 34:31 Sarcoidosis
- Glasses, Sunglasses (H/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 15:44 Cameron is wearing her glasses while searching the lab
- House and Ball-y: 28:01 House plays lacrosse against the wall with his cane and Ball-y.
- House and Cane (as weapon/open the elevator/hit someone/use it to play etc.): X4 02:37 Open conference room door || 28:01 House plays lacrosse against the wall with his cane and Ball-y. || 35:01 Smash Cane against table in anger while arguing with Cameron. || 40:31 Open the Door to his office
- House making fun of Cuddy: 26:23 House makes fun of Cuddy's "pregnancy" weight.
- House sedates someone: 23:07 House sedates Powell while giving him a lethal dose of Morphine and inducing a chemical coma.
- House watching Surgery: 29:18 House watches Powell's surgery and speaks to Cameron
- Intubating a Patient: 23:53 House Intubates Powell after giving him a lethal dose of Morphine
- Liver or Kidneys are Failing: 34:29 Chase mentions the Kidneys are failing while DDXing
- "My Leg Hurts" ("I'm in Pain" etc.): 28:15 Wilson asks House how his leg is: "It hurts. It's gonna keep on hurting.
- POTW! Man, Woman or Child? 0:30 One Elderly Man, Dr. Ezra Powell
- The Red Mug: 10:49 House carries it from his office to be refilled.
- Scrubs (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 29:05 Chase and Foreman are in Scrubs in the OR
- Search the Patient's House (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 15:40 Cameron searches the lab.
- Team and House down the Corridor: X2 14:52 House, Cameron, Chase and Foreman discuss the case || 34:26 House, Chase and Foreman discuss results
- Tears (House/Team/Wilson/Cuddy): 42:22 Cameron cries over the death of Powell and House comforts her.
- Thank you Doctor House: 37:18 Ali thanks House for treating her Dad
- The Tongue Thing He Does: 08:38 House, Cameron and Ali.
- Using the Elevator: 06:02 House and Cameron
- Vicodin Pills: x2 (instances) 36:47 House takes them outside the PPTH newsstand || 39:58 House takes them while thinking about Powell's terminal diagnosis
- Virtual diagnosis (computer animation of human body): x2 01:44 Powell's paralysis. || 30:49 Powell's right lung collapses.
OMG I am so glad this is finally done. It has taken forever (a.k.a keep on forgetting) to get this done. But glad I am finished. I've made some icons to along with this episode, for the tv20in20 challenge, here. I hope you like them ♥ Thanks for reading and looking at the pictures. Please forgive spelling errors, it's late- I'm tired of this. XD