Just about every person, pre-med or not, has heard of the sarcastic, witty and unorthodox machinations of Dr. Gregory House. But many have argued that the once acclaimed show House M.D. is failing.
Why do people say such ridiculous things? Well, because there actually might be some truth to it. The show is failing. Repeated plot lines, overplayed themes (drug abuse, sorrow and redemption, the conflict between reality and fantasy or hallucination) and unimpressive side plots are starting to sway people to give up on our cane-swinging, maniacal genius.
The question now is this: will House M.D. ever become remarkable again?
Perhaps not, but the new season might actually be somewhat interesting. On the season seven finale, House ran his car into Lisa Cuddy's home while she was enjoying a meal with a potential new love interest and others.
Cuddy, for those who are not so acquainted with the show, is (or at least used to be) House's boss and girlfriend, a woman with whom House has an explosive dynamic.
At the beginning of this season's episode, we are left with House speaking to a group of parole officers who are giving him the chance to leave prison on parole provided that he behaves well for the next five days. In prison, however, House is up to his usual antics (and they are, for the most part, still boring). But some interesting things happen which are worth taking note.
First, nothing has changed about House's personality. For several years now he still remains pompous, arrogant and mostly correct. Once others in prison realized that House was leaving on parole, they began taking his things and claiming them as their own.
A man named Stomper demanded that House relinquish his stereo while another, Rollo, began removing House's things from his quarters. But the clever doctor seems to always be one step ahead. He tricks Stomper into thinking that Rollo intentionally stole from Stomper, after the stereo was already in his possession.
Infuriated, Stomper starts a fight with Rollo while House looks on, satisfied with his deceit. Isn't that really cool? Didn't think so.
More importantly, though, was House's relationship with another new doctor who worked for the prison. Dr. Jessica Adams, surprised by House's medical intelligence, grew closer to him as the show progressed.
But let's make a prediction: the relationship between Dr. House and Dr. Adams will, without a doubt, suck.
Why is this the case? Precedence. The relationship with House and Cameron ended in misery for House, a new life for Cameron.
Is this not what occurred between Stacy Warner from seasons one and two? And then, of course, with Cuddy? The writers of House must love extended metaphors because this cycle of love, heartbreak, change and constancy is Prometheus's infinite punishment. The episode continues with House almost being stabbed and taking too much Vicodin.
But if experience is any indicator of the quality of an episode of House M.D., then perhaps viewers should resign all hope from ever expecting House to be something more than witty banter and a litany of emotional insecurity.
But there is a silver lining.
Overwhelmingly, fans have been requesting a return to the "original House." Perhaps the adamant voices of many disturbed fans can change the direction in which this show is moving.
People are demanding more medicine, less dramatization and certainly the extirpation of cheap tricks and gimmicks.
But how much better can this show really get? Think about it. Even with these changes, is House beyond the point of rescue?
Unfortunately, House M.D., like the eponymous character of the show, is a hot mess. House is done. And even God can't save him now.
