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Time for surgery on "House"

Posted: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:00 AM by Paige Newman
Filed Under:

I love the predictability of “House” (which returns Monday, Jan. 19, with new episodes on Fox). The last time I was visiting my sister, as soon as the show's patient of the week walked in, I yelled out “lupus!” while my sister countered with “cancer!” and her housemate chipped in “brain tumor!” Maybe it’s not a game for everybody, but as a semi-hypochondriac, I enjoy it.


Fox
When it comes to "House," my money is always on lupus.

For me, “House” is the medical equivalent of a crime show. As with the Gil Grissoms of police drama, Dr. House never gets too worked up about any one case. “House” is the opposite of shows such as “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Those shows revel in their “very special episode quality,” while it’s the routine (House’s consults with Wilson, the weekly house break-ins, battles with Cuddy) that make “House” seem more special than those other “it’s an emergency” type shows.

But it’s time for a bit of surgery on “House.” I never really understood why Chase, Cameron and Foreman were ditched for a new team, but I have to admit I do really enjoy Kutner and Taub. I love finding out little factoids about their lives -- whether it’s Kutner’s past as a bully or Taub’s problems with his wife. And the two of them together has created one of TV’s best new bromances.

However, it’s getting crowded at Princeton-Plainsboro, and personally I’d like to show two characters the door. Chase can go. Even when he was a full-time member of House’s team, he never managed to make an impression (and no, even his romance with Cameron wasn’t that interesting). 


Fox
If only Thirteen would leave "House," maybe there would be more time for Cameron.

But the bigger nit to pick right out of this show is Thirteen. Maybe it’s because she used to play Marissa’s would-be lover on “The O.C.,” but I have never been able to buy Olivia Wilde as a doctor.

And the chemistry between her and Foreman (who deserves a better love interest) is zero -- and I don’t care how cute a name “Foreteen” is.

Thirteen brings out the cruel side of this TV viewer because I keep hoping her Huntington’s disease will progress to the point where she can no longer work for House. But mostly, I wonder why she can’t just go away so that Cameron can return to the team. Cameron was a better fit with a more interesting backstory. With Thirteen, between her illness and her would-be bisexuality, it’s as if the writers threw in every plot point they could think of. But that still doesn’t make her half as interesting as Cameron, Foreman, Taub or Kutner.

And while we’re at it … the Cuddy-House romance is starting to feel forced, we need more Wilson, and how about bringing House’s ex-wife Stacy back for a visit. But the main thing, dear “House” writers, is not to feel like you need to shake up the formula. Some of us like the formula.

Editor's note: Several readers have informed me Stacy and House were never married. Sorry about the error.

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Comments

i am in disagreement with you about some points. I think kutner needs to stay. i think cameron needs to stay. Taub...I'm either way on him. Foreman is no more than a winer. Cries about not wanting to be like House but is more and more like him every show. Cuddy is starting to show her age. Time for a new Chief of Medicine. Chase is purposeless. Give him the ax. They screwed up by killing Amber. She was good. Wilson is awesome. We need to see more of him. Don't bring Stacy back. House and Stacy's on screen chemistry was worse than a plane crash on top of a train wreck.

Barry Dubs, allentown pa (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 2:48 PM)

I watch season 1 & 2 repeats on the USA channels. They show House with a heart, 3 ducklings who were interesting, a best friend who was a great balance, and a boss with a professional backbone. And yes, I admit to shipping House with Cameron.

Now? I watch because I think Hugh Laurie would be great reading a telephone book and because friends still watch, but it's so painful. But I catch the eps when they repeat a week later on USA because NCIS is my favorite current show. A show that saw no reason to mess with the formula or bloat their cast.

And the response of House to all the outcry and criticism? Move the show to the most watched night of TV: Monday. Oh yeah, that'll fix it. *rolls eyes*

sharp2799, Ny, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 2:51 PM)

I can't really agree. Sure, 13 gets a lot of screentime - but replacing her with Cameron? No! I was happy to see Cameron gone. She annoyed the hell out of me in season 1-3. Replacing her is the easiest thing to do. I much rather watch Foreteen happen (they are kinda cute) than seeing Cameron making puppy eyes at House (or Chameron for that matter).

What seems to be the wrong thing for the producers to do was trying so hard to keep her and Chase around. It makes the cast too big. Sure, I'd miss Chase a lot but making them guest stars who pop up for special occasions seems a much better choice. I mean - who interns at Diagnostics and then goes to run the ER? Awful storyline.

I'm really happy with the Huddy development. I've been waiting for it since s1! They make a great couple. Although i feel the witers are dragging it out a bit too much.

Also: House and Wilson and Cuddy seem to be most important. Why does Wilson have so little screentime? 13 seems to have more screentime than House even lately.

Paz (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:12 PM)

 "Auto-immune!"
 "An infection!"  
 In my household, we love House and have seen every episode. The best chemistry on the show is between House and Wilson. We need more Wilson, and not just when a patient has been diagnosed with cancer so he can take over. Wilson is the voice of reason.
 Also, I like the new team although the guy who plays Dr. Taub doesn't have enough to do.  

Lynda Bath Ohio (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:20 PM)

OK, I haven't read the whole thread, so forgive me if somebody's already suggested this, but the needed fix is obvious: Chase should go (shouldn't be too hard to come up with a premise for him moving back to Australia), and Thirteen (or is it 13?) should begin an affair with Cameron. Thirteen's interest in women is well established, and so is Cameron's in casual sex, so it's a natural... and this way, fans can stop arguing over which hot-babe doctor to keep.

BTW, please don't bring back Stacy or continue down the road to House-Cuddy romance, and Foreman doesn't need a love interest, either. By now it's pretty obvious neither of these guys is ever going to have a successful romance; watching them try and fail isn't interesting, it's just painful.

Bill Dauphin, Vernon, Connecticut (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:21 PM)

Everybody should stay, Show Thirteeen less, PLEASE KEEP STACY AWAY!  There was no chemistry between her and the House character.  I certainly hope they scrap the Cutty/House and Foreman/Thirteen romances.  I love the show and missing an episode is not an option.  I got hooked during the second season but now have viewed every eposide at least twice.  I think Taub is supposed to get on your nerves, I love Wilson; haven't made up my mind about the PI yet.  The original team were perfect, but I'm growing to love the new one.

Big Sue (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:24 PM)

I watched maybe 10 episodes.  it is all the same old crap, rehashed.  Hugh Laurie is just not shocking and edgy.

Same old formula...An illness, disease, whatever strikes, and the "team" (geez, when did everyone have to have a team?) must race into action.  Oh, cannot forget the amazing "which one will get dropped?" hook in the storyline.

Same old, same old.  A show called M*A*S*H had that happen when cast members left and were replaced.  

Hey FOX, try again...

Ron (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:37 PM)

I came in sometime during the second or third act, so I can't be as spastic as some fans.  Which may be why I still watch the show.  I have to know what happened to House to make him what he is.  His character obviously knows how people tick even though he doesn't play well with others. Why is this?  He used to be human.  What events transpired (it had to be more than his leg)to change this?  And if this were reality, I would absolutely NEVER go to be a guinea pig at that hospital.("If she dies, then I was wrong")
As far as some of the other characters; in real life, doctors would get what is to be gotten out of their fellowship and then move on as "real" doctors.  But I agree about 13.  She can go.  Foreman's character has so-o-o many avenues that could be explored with some creative writing. House/Cutty thing shouldn't get very far. He's attracted to her, she's in a vulnerable place, leave it at that. Wilson's character needs some growth.  He's become too one dimensional.

Crystal New York (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:38 PM)

House is one of those one-note characters. A little of him goes a long way. I can't stand the marathons USA runs. I avoid that channel when they are on.

angelosdaughter, Reno, NV (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:43 PM)

I also wish they would move the show back to 9:00pm - it's too racy for my 9 year old to watch and she's not in bed before 8:30. I always end up missing half of it now that it's on earlier.

JS, Pville,NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:43 PM)

I love House.  Having spent a number of years working in a excellent teaching hospital I relate to much of the workings of the show.  I watch it because House, in many respects, very authentic.  People don't believe me when I tell them House reminds me of some of the doctors I worked with!  It's true! The original fellows need to move on, Cuddy does need to dress more professionally, Wilson needs more to work with both on a personal and professional level with House, bring Staci back for awhile, and explore Thirteen more realistically.  I could do without the bisexual element since it seems everybody is throwing that into the mix recently. Also, please, please don't do another story arc like the one with David Morse.  I love David Morse as an actor but that story was so unrealistic I quite watching until that it was done.  Just wouldn't have happened.  There are lots of story possibilities for the Thirteen character. Love to the two guys. Also, why doesn't House do more consulting with other physicians?  They may hate him personally but he'd be swamped by his peers wanting his professional opinion.  Personalities are put aside when doctors, surgeons, etc. are trying to work out their own medical puzzles.  And, whether or not House likes it, he WOULD have to attend a certain number of continuing medicine workshops proving he's keeping up with the latest in medical research. Wouldn't that be a scream?  He'd also have to give some--

Love the show, still lots of potential, and Hugh Laurie is incredible.

Cassie, Tucson, AZ (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:44 PM)

No love interests, just smart funny digs from everyone's favorite M.D., 13 is hot but unbelievable, Wilson is a must and needs to play a bigger role, cuddy is great but maybe as a three show fling and then house blowing her off. Foreman, kutner and taub are a must!! chase is worthless and unless cameron is going to sleep with House I can't stand her rose colored world she tries to shove down everyones throat.

John, Houston (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:49 PM)

I have watched House from the beginning and LOVE him and the show.  I want to also say that the short addition of the PI guy was GREAT!  house and him had great chemistry....please bring back the PI guy

Cassie Kennewick WA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:50 PM)

I statred wathcing House from the beginning because it was billed as a medical mystery. I kept watching because I loved Roberts Sean Leonard's Wilson and his interaction with Hugh Laurie's House. Wilson seemed to humanize House providing glimpses into his humanity. While I still watch the show, I cannot stand the House character. I think a 50 year man acting like a prepubescent boy is not funny or sexy or attractive. It's just painful to watch. I have not watched the last 3 episodes in their entirety - just the Wilson and House/Wilson parts.

The Cuddy character, the ridiculously juvenile Huddy romance, and the Cuddy's baby momma drama are a stretch even for a make believe TV reality drama. Just totally and completely ridiculous.

I was glad to see the old team go and very unhappy when they returned. I like Taub and Kutner but I don't see any bromance there. One is short and barely attractive and the other one is made to look goofily unattractive. Bromance requires that both people are attractive and well-matched. That's just not the case with Taub and Kutner.

I'll keep watching the show because I love Robert Sean Leonard's Wilson. But really, it's no longer my favorite show. And yes, the show has jumped the shark. And the most recent spoilers suggest that it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Denine (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:56 PM)

House is the best show on TV, so it seems silly to point out what we don't like about it.  Still, Thirteen should go!  As far as I'm concerned the only important member of the cast is Hugh Laurie.  He can insult anyone and I'll laugh.

Wanda, Arlee, MT (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:07 PM)

I've stopped watching House.  Week after week it is the same old thing...House hates everyone. Usually your main character should have some redeaming qualities, but I'm tired of looking for his.  He's in pain, on drugs, yada yada yada...

VRC, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:19 PM)

Yes! Keep Kutner and Taub and bring back Cameron. And more Wilson -- can't get enough Wilson!

Kate, Columbus, OH (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:22 PM)

Hi, my husband and I are new to house and we watch the house-a-thons. When thery ar done we need a fix. We love the old crew they had the best chemistry. love wilson, House needs him. Keep the Cuddy-House thing going for intrig. Keep the newness. If they turn into a couple the excitment goes. The new team is VERY BORING. Can't get past the one that was on Law and Order as the arogant cocky lawer. Don't see him seriously.

Sandy Ford, Avon Park, Florida (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:37 PM)

1. I like Foreman
2. I like Cameron-she has good interaction with Foreman.(Foreman and 13? Ick)
3. I adore Wilson and have ever since I first saw him in Dead Poet's Society. His friendship/interaction with House is my favorite part.
4. Don't put Cuddy with House. Their antagonistic interaction every week is my second favorite part!

jac lyn, bossier, LA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:47 PM)

The House/Cuddy twisted domesticity is the hottest affair on tv right now, the chemistry absolutely  zings between Hugh Laurie and Lisa Edelstein in all of their scenes.  I also love every scene with Wilson and his dark, confused, nagging self.  The original flavor fellows (Cameron, Chase, and Foreman) need to depart the show in a dignified manner as they have no interesting storylines to pursue anymore.

Thirteen is a bit tiresome, but I am loving both Kutner and Taub.  These newcomers bring much needed complexity to the show.  Shedding the old fellows ASAP  will allow more breathing room to fully develop the new ones.  Of course, Hugh Laurie rocks so hard and amazingly he continues to do so after five years.  The guy is a genius.  Where is that Emmy anyway?

Carol, Newark, NJ (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:51 PM)

I have lost interest in "House" since the new team has been written in. Bring back the old team and I'll watch faithfully again.

Jane Doe 2 (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:56 PM)

I have watched this show from the very first episode.  Hugh Laurie is brilliant, and it always amazes to me that he never wins any of the awards that he is consistantly nominated for.

That being said, I do agree that "House" could use a little streamlining.  There are too many cast members.  Like most of the people here, I think that Chase and Thirteen should go, and I hate to say it, but I think Foreman should probably be cut as well.  Keep Cameron, Cuddy, and Wilson, and DEFINITELY keep Kutner and Taub (I love those guys!).  I beg of you by all that is holy and sacred...NEVER bring Stacy back.  I have nothing against Sela Ward as a person...I've never met her, but Stacy and House had zero chemistry.  Also, please stay away from characters that are brought in to be a thorn in House's side (Vogler and Tritter).  They are nothing but a distraction and annoyance.

I don't think that the show has gotten anywhere near the shark pond, but it may be swimming with some eels and puffer fish or two.  It just needs to refresh and refocus, and it will be back to the show that we all once loved.

Kenna, Riverside, California (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:07 PM)

To Sean in Denver- I personally call a return to form a "Jump Back", even if that's not technically possible.  I can think of one show off the top of my head that went down in quality but rebounded well in its final season ("Family Matters", but that's my opinion).  I'd definitely call it a Jump Back.

BV, Joliet IL (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:12 PM)

Used to enjoy this show -- but don't even bother to watch any longer.  Not sure what could be done to make it fun to watch.  The Private Eye angle is idiotic.  Thirteen & Foreman --- give me strength.  House/Cuddy/House BORING!!!  Thank heaven Amber went -- that relationship was completely unbelievable!!  Oh well -- enough ranting -- just is not the same show, so not worth my hour a week.

Jane Smith, Wilmington, DE (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:16 PM)

I agree that Thirteen definitely needs to go. I was willing to give her a chance last season but the amount of screentime and focus that has been given to the character has been ridiculous. In some episodes she has even been getting more screentime than Hugh Laurie. The character has been a complete flop and is dragging down the show. The writers need to back off and stop trying to shove her down the viewer's throats. And the Boreteen romance has zero chemistry.

Mary (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:16 PM)

I hope the writers are reading/listening to some great ideas on this blog. HOUSE rules because the writers have shown some imagination AND known when to keep a good thing (formula) going. Hats off to the cast and crew!

Milt Roberts, Temecula, Calif (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:18 PM)

I've loved House since it premiered. As a healthcare professional, I enjoy watching the medical mysteries. How the hospital is run does take a lot of dramatic license, but the basics are right. As for the cast, I love House - he doesn't need to change a bit. Cameron, I could do without though she seems to be growing a pair. Chase is OK though Foreman is an a$$ sometimes. I have no problem with the current crew, even though I'd like the soap opera aspects to go. I couldn't care less about anyone's love-life or baby issues. Can't stand Stacey so I never want to see her back. There's a reason I loathe shows like Grey's Anatomy; too melodramatic. I don't want to see House go the way of ER.

Jodi, Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:26 PM)

I've never been a huge fan of Chase, but I actually like him much more now than when he was part of the team.  I'd also worry that getting rid of him would mean a breakup of Chase and Cameron and then the writers would try to stick Cameron back with House.  That simply would not do.

Thirteen can stay or go, I don't really care.  I don't like her but I don't dislike her, either.  Her relationship with Foreman came totally out of the blue, though.  I agree that they have zero chemistry.  As for Taub and Kutner, I think they're great additions and the two characters work really well together.  Besides, I just love Kutner in general.

Julie, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:38 PM)

I totally disliked the Stacy episodes.  I agree they had no chemistry together, and she has ruined her beautiful face with botox.  I don't want any of the old or new cast to go, but the show was much better with the old cast.  The new doctors don't seem as sharp.
Get rid of the Cutty-House storyline.  Even the writers can't make that concept interesting.  At their ages, all that game playing should be long over.

House is my favorite show on TV, and I never miss it.

Margie B, Asheville, NC (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:41 PM)

Dear God, no Stacy, please!  As for Cameron, I found her annoying when she was House's underling, but as head of the ER, she's her own person, and a lot more likable.  And I love Taub and Kutner.  It's Foreman who's been useless since he returned to PPH, and Thirteen's post-diagnosis recklessness (drugs and anonymous sex) turned me off to her.  Foreteen can get married and move to Nebraska for all I care.

J, New York (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:45 PM)

Please find clothes that fit Cutty this year.  I tire of seeing her in jackets and skirts that look one size to small.  Her and House do not fit, but maybe there is no one out there for House, as he would be next to impossible to live with.  The show has to evolve no matter what, even on MASH we lost loved ones.  Just have to learn to love/hate the new.

Kim M., IA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:56 PM)

Hey, if this wizz bang MD is so GD smart, why the hell does he have a bum leg???? As one who has worked in several hospitals, I can tell you this personality,as encyclopedic as it may be, wouldn't last any longer than a good case of the clap or head cold in any hospital-well maybe Harbor/UCLA.
Get a life all of you; all this never(well,rarely)happens in the "real world".source:Ex-LabTech from the ER shift(s).

GCzarnecki, Los Angeles, Ca (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:10 PM)

No more Stacy....I stopped watching when she was on...I can't stand that actress.

Terry Hunt (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:15 PM)

I would rather see house get the opp to cut off his pain message centers [something he would have thought of, already] Story line envolving the added problems/complications of tx then he/everyone could deal with the addictions-chemical-mental games and stunted emotions. The programs banter is enlightening and entertaining it is just habitual. It needs to evolve. then have everyone who is able to grow (up)and out like in real life. add new people as in a teaching hospital incorparate the tried and true intertaining profile but with a different face.

a.a eugene, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:28 PM)

I'm all about cutting out Thirteen!  I thought her lesbian sex-a-thon pushed the envelope for no other reason but for the shock value.  It didn't add to the show and, in fact, detracted from it because it essentially was pointless.  Thirteen is shallow and doesn't have chemistry with the rest of the team.  I'm all about keeping Chase...I like him and his accent...although a tad more positivity in his attitude would be nice.  My fav fellow is Cameron.  And I've always wondered why Wilson doesn't play more of a role...he's cute and he holds the show together almost as much as House.  

J.D. (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:29 PM)

Giggle ...My hubby says the show is great. He sums up every show with a quote"If I cut their head off they will die and if I don't they will surely die" gotta love it

JADE, PHX aZ (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:30 PM)

Reading this column it's as if someone was inside my head! My friend and I love HOUSE ( I too get caught up on the House-athons) and think the original team was better. We couldn't even remember Taub or Kutner's name and think Cameron and Foreman have great chemistry and don't need to be a couple. Thirteen needs to leave. Dumb story lines and not family appropriate. I like Stacy story and do see House and Cuddy together, but the opportunity to make it cheese-y might be too much.  And she does dress much like a slut.  

EBee, San Diego CA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:35 PM)

I’ve watched several episodes of House and I think it is appalling.  Dr. House makes no bones about drug use on duty that would get his medical license pulled in every state in the country.  He bullies, castigates, and humiliates staff and patients alike in ways that would produce massive legal settlements against him and his hospital in a New York minute (or a minute anywhere else).  More significantly, the ‘great diagnostician’ Dr. House, produces his diagnosis on the basis of gut decisions with less thought (and less time) than most people put into deciding whether they want a latte or a cappuccino.  This may make for an entertaining spectacle of anti-social, drug-addicted, abusive, anti-intellectual behavior, but it is a very poor representation of medical practice.  I don’t know about you, but I would not be entertained if my physician looked at me from across the room and declared (derisively) “LUPUS” or “CANCER” or “PANCREATITIS”, with no history, no probing about other symptoms, no physical exam, no laboratory evaluation, no imaging studies, and most importantly, NO THOUGHT.  It is a sad commentary that so many see House as a great doctor, when in fact he is a sad loser whose medical practice would be lethal in real life.  

CHJ, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:35 PM)

I love the show, even though some of its plot lines have begun to border on the ridiculous--if it weren't for the glib winking of Hugh Laurie as he takes the scene by the horns and in essence says, "Check out what I can do with THIS bunk," I'd be laughing for an entirely different reason.

I also love that almost every patient gets diagnosed at least once with amyloidosis each show. It's the writers' FAVORITE illness. I really should start paying attention to who gets to toss that out each week...it does tend to rotate.

Morgan S., Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 6:46 PM)

House is one of my fav shows, been watching since the beginning. During this break in new eps, I've been marathoning the DVDs. (Season one is so good) and it's fun to see the differences from the pilot which used much darker lighting (including the ladies hair) and sans the cool Massive Attack theme song. There were alot of seizures in S. 1. It's also fun to track the evolution of the white board. Remeber when they tried the clear board? That was ousted quick and back to the plain white board. I would like to see more House/Wilson they are fun odd couple. I too am a little tired of 13. I'm rolling with the story lines, and I too love the formula. Someone is sick, oh no they are worse, now they're better, oh no there not, puzzle solved. "Sarcoidosis!" I win. My "ER" word win is paratenial lavage.

Peadinkill (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:05 PM)

love hugh laurie-love most of the story lines.  hubby and I have been devoted watchers since the first episode.  No, I don't want to see Stacy back, but I would like to see some more tidbits about House's background and Cuddy's!  We never know why she is the way she is.  Same w/ Wilson-I'd love more insight to their characters.

Carine Nadel, Laguna Hills, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:10 PM)

It's just about a universal sentiment among fans and critics alike that 13 needs to go. Foreman, Taub, or Kutner--any of them should be cut before Chase. Jesse Spencer is the most compelling actor of the four men and his character has a wonderful background of loyalty and betrayal that makes him unpredictable. Chase hasn't had much of a role in the last season and a half, but his scenes are still highlights when he's on. He lights up the screen and adds an element to the show that would be--and is--sorely missed when he's not there. Taub, as a plastic surgeon, has the most ridiculous speciality of all the doctors. Kutner is bland. Foreman isn't known as Boreman for nothing. Chase, for the most part, is beloved by the fans and he should stay.  

JBritt (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:10 PM)

I love House and the so called "forumla." I don't have to worry if I miss a show or two. I can quickly get back into the House groove anytime.

I prefer the original team of Cameron, Chase, and Foreman. That being said, Kutner and Taub are okay - but I wouldn't be sad if they were replaced. 13 can't go soon enough for me.

Frankly, I wish House had kept the guy that wasn't even a doctor! Wouldn't that be funny to consult some genius employee at the hospital who doesn't even have a medical degree?

Stacy was boring - don't bring her back.

I think the problem, then, isn't the characters, but the ridiculous storylines they are getting. Obviously this show has brilliant medical writers but lacks writing muscle in creating ongoing plotlines which are consistent with the characters identities. I think these writers have ended up stereotyping their own characters.

Susan, Maryville, TN (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:20 PM)

Cameron was so much better than Thirteen, who is such a bland, boring character.

Charlene, Middletown, CT (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:36 PM)

I was just thinking today how I disagree with all the viewers wanting the original team back. The Taub/Kutner interaction is fun (especially the epie with the internet doc diagnosis/advice. I like that they don't spend time agonizing over how warped House is and (heaven forbid) they could become like him through association! We saw how coveted and hard won these spots were. They knew what they were getting into and don't get all angst ridden over House.

I think the Cameron character was too bland. Like 13 better but agree that the integration still seems awkward.

K A, Scottsville, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:40 PM)

My husband and I only watch ONE show together.. and that's House. I love Wilson, and Taub and Kutner have really grown on me. But I agree.. it's getting crowded, and some characters need to go.
Even though he's sexy as hell, I'll manage without Chase.. I'm also hoping they'll drop the PI guy, and they'll give less air time to 13.
Cuddy's also lost interest to me, with her baby obsession.

Sophie, Chicoutimi, Quebec Canada (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:46 PM)

Maybe this is really jumping the shark but how about Ed Begley Jr. for two or three episodes as himself.  In the hospital for the complex disease that can't be cured anywhere else and always arguing with the team about the environmental impact of all the work they must do to cure him.  For the old gang he was Dr Victor Ehrlich on St. Elsewhere back in the early 80’s so he should remember some of the medical lingo.  Or he could show up as Dr Ehrlich again for all I care.  Just get him in for a few laughs.

Ed Ohlin Robins, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:50 PM)

To quote House himself, "You're an idiot." Chase is gorgeous and likeable. Thirteen is okay, but not awful. Taub is more boring than she is by far. The whole Stacy thing was played out seasons ago. I didn't care for that chemistry much anyway. I love the flirtation with Cuddy and hope they keep playing that up and causing trouble between them. Her new baby throws quite a wrench in the works. She's always loved House. Hated him, too... but that's just how things go sometimes. For me, Foreman is getting a little overused and boring. I do agree we need more Wilson though.

Emily, WI (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:52 PM)

House is a brilliant program. The only problem now is Thirteen's ridiculous amount of screentime. We see her more than Wilson! That's truly ridiculous. We need more Wilson, Kutner, Chase and Cameron. Everyone else seems to do ok, but these guys get ignored far too much.

Jessie (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:02 PM)

I stopped watching House this year - I simply lost interest.  His character is going nowhere - no growth, no progress, still in denial and addiction, etc.  All his staff and co-horts still enabling him.  BORING!!!!! and the new team stinks!  I don't like any of them - bring back Cameron, Foreman et al.  But most of all, deal with his addiction!  Confront it/him.  Create a crisis in which he can no longer continue his additiction to opiates and create new interest in seeing what he does to try to get and maintain his sobriety!  You will not only bring some much needed new life to the series, but do a favor to the millions (that is not a typo!) of Americans who are addicted to medications by setting a good example.  Mahalo!

Wailua Wendy, Kapaa, Hawaii (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:27 PM)



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