House - My Thoughts on Season One

Warning: Spoilers for Season One

So, this is Part One in the "Better-Late-Than-Never-House-Season-Reviews."

I have been meaning to write this review for a while - but alas, carpal tunnel has not been kind to me. After taking a bit of a break from the computer, however, I seem to be doing better. So here goes!

Considering the fact that I am actually almost done with the second season now, I think it's safe to say that I am hooked on this show, which isn't an easy feat. I've become more and more picky the last few years when it comes to television. I'd honestly rather sit and write or read a good book than suffer through the banality of the average sitcom (unless, of course, it's a Seinfeld rerun.) And don't get me started on American Idol. I. Don't. Get. It.

And yes, that makes me a snob. I don't really care.

I think what makes this show work for me is the fact that the main character's personality traits are brought out in different ways by the supporting characters. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie - who I just found out is British! How lame am I?) is, at first glance, a straight-up asshat. In one of the earlier episodes he tells Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) that she must be "damaged" in some way, because for no other reason would a young, beautiful woman want to be a doctor. He also states that he hired her merely because of her looks.

However, it is Cameron that develops a crush on House during the course of season one, despite his earlier rude comments toward her. She sees that he is unhappy - that he is, in fact, broken. And he calls her out on this. During the season (I can't remember all the episode names) she reveals that she married when she was very young, to a young man that she knew was dying. When she finally coerces House into going on a date with her he states that the only reason she wants to be with him is because she thinks he needs her - that she is attracted to him because he is broken.

The relationship between House and Wilson is perhaps the most entertaining (and continues to be in season 2 - but I will get to that in my season 2 review) relationship in the series. House has no friends, except Wilson. At this point it's somewhat of a mystery why Wilson puts up with his antics, but I'm glad that he does. Otherwise House would be a more tragic figure.

Lisa Cuddy grew on me more toward the end of the season, though I didn't like her at first. She can often come off as the "bad mommy" character, which is annoying and kind of stereotypical, but she believes in what she does, and she does her job well, so that gives her bonus points.

No show can really succeed without a good antagonist, and the antagonist in this season is Voegler - a rich man who buys the hospital and starts a massive pissing contest with House. Because the hospital is indepted to his money bags, he tries to get House to fire one of his staff, and even threatens House's job at one point. Luckily Cuddy eventually tells him where he can stuff said money bags, and he gets lost.

The first season also introduces Stacy - a woman from House's past who is partially responsible for his crippled leg. Her character brings a bit of humanity to House, as we see him deal with his feelings toward her.

As far as first seasons go, this one is pretty stellar. I have even gotten used to (mostly) the gore and blood aspect of the show. If the characters and stories weren't as interesting as they are, I would have given up. I usually cannot deal with blood and guts on that level. I'm glad, however, that I stuck it out!