House Episode 5.12 Painless
I liked this episode overall, but...
I thought this was a good, strong episode overall. In typical “House” fashion, ethical issues without easy answers were examined. Knowing what it’s like to live with chronic pain, House empathized with Jeff and with his wife, particularly when she begged him to release Jeff so he could end his life, but, in contrast, Taub indicated ways that suicide is selfish several times. I liked learning more about Taub in this and, as usual, I liked his interactions with Kutner. And, as much as I hate to say it, I really liked Thirteen/Foreman in this, too. As long as Thirteen isn’t stealing the whole episode, I like her. I also liked how Cuddy was being portrayed as a mom, and I adored Wilson coming by with a giant stuffed duckling. :-)
What I didn’t like was Cameron who, unfortunately for her, is still trying to “fix” House, this time by insisting that he take on Jeff because she thinks it will help House arrive at some realizations about his own condition. I don’t think Jeff and House are similar. House knows why he has chronic pain and knows what pain management options are available to him. I’m not sure what Cameron thought House would learn - nor did I understand Jeff telling House that he, too, would find himself in a similar situation at some point, because that’s not necessarily true. There are innumerable reasons for chronic pain, they don’t all progress the same, respond to the same treatment, etc.
Also, I cannot imagine a scenario in which someone with Cameron’s limited experience would be offered the position of Dean of Medicine! It’s hard to suspend my disbelief there! I’m sure it’s always been her fantasy to control House, but really, please no. No doubt, Cameron will be at her smuggest. *sigh* Which reminds me: what she said to House in the beginning while trying to convince him to take on Jeff’s case makes no sense (except, possibly, from Cameron’s own warped point of view. She said something like, “If I thought you learned lessons, I never would have quit.” What? Last I checked, her job as House’s fellow was to LEARN FROM HIM and not TEACH him. But that’s Cameron for you; nothing if not consistent after all these years. :-)
Poor House must not have good luck with plumbing, seeing as how pipes burst when he lived with Stacy, too (Failure to Communicate). I did adore seeing him in the tub, I must admit, and I thought it was hilarious and very House-like that he (a) set a fire in his own kitchen in an attempt to get the damage covered by insurance, and (b) bribed the plumber on principle to lie to the insurance company.
I thought this was a good, strong episode overall. In typical “House” fashion, ethical issues without easy answers were examined. Knowing what it’s like to live with chronic pain, House empathized with Jeff and with his wife, particularly when she begged him to release Jeff so he could end his life, but, in contrast, Taub indicated ways that suicide is selfish several times. I liked learning more about Taub in this and, as usual, I liked his interactions with Kutner. And, as much as I hate to say it, I really liked Thirteen/Foreman in this, too. As long as Thirteen isn’t stealing the whole episode, I like her. I also liked how Cuddy was being portrayed as a mom, and I adored Wilson coming by with a giant stuffed duckling. :-)
What I didn’t like was Cameron who, unfortunately for her, is still trying to “fix” House, this time by insisting that he take on Jeff because she thinks it will help House arrive at some realizations about his own condition. I don’t think Jeff and House are similar. House knows why he has chronic pain and knows what pain management options are available to him. I’m not sure what Cameron thought House would learn - nor did I understand Jeff telling House that he, too, would find himself in a similar situation at some point, because that’s not necessarily true. There are innumerable reasons for chronic pain, they don’t all progress the same, respond to the same treatment, etc.
Also, I cannot imagine a scenario in which someone with Cameron’s limited experience would be offered the position of Dean of Medicine! It’s hard to suspend my disbelief there! I’m sure it’s always been her fantasy to control House, but really, please no. No doubt, Cameron will be at her smuggest. *sigh* Which reminds me: what she said to House in the beginning while trying to convince him to take on Jeff’s case makes no sense (except, possibly, from Cameron’s own warped point of view. She said something like, “If I thought you learned lessons, I never would have quit.” What? Last I checked, her job as House’s fellow was to LEARN FROM HIM and not TEACH him. But that’s Cameron for you; nothing if not consistent after all these years. :-)
Poor House must not have good luck with plumbing, seeing as how pipes burst when he lived with Stacy, too (Failure to Communicate). I did adore seeing him in the tub, I must admit, and I thought it was hilarious and very House-like that he (a) set a fire in his own kitchen in an attempt to get the damage covered by insurance, and (b) bribed the plumber on principle to lie to the insurance company.