FollowHouse, the medical drama starring Hugh Laurie, remains a beloved series. Its blend of medical mysteries, complex characters, and sharp writing sets it apart from other shows. But what made House so captivating?
Intriguing dynamics
At the heart of House is Dr Gregory House, played by Laurie. House is a brilliant diagnostician with a sharp wit and a penchant for unconventional methods. One of the show’s themes is House’s skill at diagnosing rare diseases, often in highly complex cases where others fail. The interplay between House’s senior, Dr Lisa Cuddy (played by Lisa Edelstein), creates an intriguing and amusing dynamic.
The relationships between House and his team also add depth to the show. House’s sometimes abrasive behavior and unwavering dedication to solving cases push his team to stay focused on the diagnosis, even when their patience or personal feelings are stretched thin. It’s the relentless focus that allows the series to explore human nature while keeping the medical narrative at the center. Just as a self retaining retractor allows a surgeon clearer access during surgery, House gave viewers a deep dive into the human body and soul, providing insight that was profound, sometimes outrageous and quite oftentimes hilarious.
Smart writing
The writing in House is sharp and intelligent, full of House’s witty lines. His sarcastic humor sometimes masks a deeper, profound view of life, and the complexity makes his interactions with patients and colleagues entertaining and thought-provoking. Even after watching many episodes, his blunt honesty in dealing with patients can catch you off-guard. The storytelling is often equally as compelling, with the first season’s “Three Stories” episode looked back on as a classic.
House tells medical students about three medical cases, with the episode eventually revealing some of his own backstory. The finale of season four, “Wilson’s Heart”, was another highly rated episode that explored the relationship between House and his best friend, Wilson. Often episodes such as these contained parallel storylines about House and fellow staff and their patients.
Cultural impact
House has had a lasting impact on TV and pop culture. Its success helped to make room for other medical dramas and influenced how medical cases are portrayed on screen. The show’s combination of medical intrigue and character-driven storylines set new standards. House’s genius in diagnosing baffling cases and relying on unusual methods has made him an unforgettable character in TV.
Last words
House remains a classic and is often ranked among the best TV series of all time. Washington Post called House the “most electrifying new main character to hit television in years” and other critics were similarly complimentary. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called House a “fascinatingly unsympathetic character”. Accompanying Laurie and Edelstein was a stellar cast including Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Morrison, and Jesse Spencer.
At one point, House was the most popular TV show in the world, with a reported 81.8 million people tuning in during 2008. In the years since, fans have enjoyed looking back at emerging stars, as well as several musicians, guesting on the show. Hamilton writer Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared in two episodes. Though House never won an Emmy (“shamefully”, in the words of Digital Spy), the show is still adored by critics and fans alike.
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