Reviews

"House, M.D."
Maya Winters

By now, the majority of those who watch a reasonable amount of television have heard of the show "House" (or "House M.D."). For the rare ones amongst you who haven't - yes, it's a medical drama but no, it's not the standard hectic ER setup. The show, now in its fourth season, has developed a strong group of characters. The main character, Dr. Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie), is far from the typical caring and friendly doctor we see in other programs, say "Grey's Anatomy". He is in fact a rather snarky and callous doctor, whose behaviour and attitude isn't always appreciated by his boss or employees. The show is set in a teaching hospital in New Jersey, where House heads the Diagnostic Medicine Department. Typically, House and his team work on cases that other doctors just can't solve!

The Dean of Medicine at the hospital, Dr. Lisa Cuddy (played by Lisa Edelstein), is in constant conflict with House, be it over his treatment methods, a new lawsuit against him or simply due to his constant refusal to do his owed clinic hours. In spite of this continuous tension, there is a considerable amount of flirting between the pair (admittedly, House is more often than not the instigator), and indeed they are far from actual enemies. That said, Dr. Wilson (played by Robert Sean Leonard), perhaps House's only proper friend at the hospital, has often been known to conspire with Cuddy in order to teach House a lesson. My personal favourites however are the petty disputes and tricks played by House and Wilson on each other. Indeed, it is the personalities of the doctors that create most of the amusement and entertainment.

Other principal characters in the series include the original team of 'Cameron, Chase and Foreman' as well as this season's latest additions – Taub, Kutner, Amber and '13'.

In terms of the patients House treats, they're normally treated for about five or more different diseases throughout the episode. Obviously, the initial diagnoses are wrong, but the treatments and tests run often lead to the arising of new symptoms, making the next diagnosis hopefully the right one. Through this lengthy procedure, House often authorizes and is in fact normally the one who suggests a number of unorthodox methods in order to get information that may help with the case – this often involves breaking into the patient's house and rummaging through their belongings. After all, as House says "everybody lies"!

--------------

So, why should you watch it?

- If you generally avoid medical dramas because you get squeamish at the sight of blood, there isn't that much of it (normally) in a "House" episode.

- It's not a standard medical drama where the problem is already obvious, you get to see the diagnosis process (and its many failings) for once!

- The interaction between the characters is amazing and wonderfully amusing.

- For those of you who hate how romantic story lines flood some shows, well, "House" has refreshingly few of them and even they are far from the norm.

- For those of you in the US or Canada I believe it is currently airing on Tuesdays at 9pm on FOX (in the US) and on Global (in Canada). For those of you in the UK, I think season 3 finished a while back so 4 should be starting soon on Sky (if it hasn't already).

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Notes The Alte Sententiam is Ravenclaw's running newspaper. Alte Sententiam means 'Higher Thoughts' and its current co-editors-in-chief are Chloe Fairchilde and Cassandra Lobiesk. Articles Ravenclaw Sekrits Christmas Holiday Scientifics Snowflakes Floating Boats? Reviews First Test: A Review Twilight: A Review I Am Legend Review Song of the Lioness House, M.D. Columns Cranky Corner Addie-Vice Morag's Music Showcase Brain Challenge Winner: Maya Winters! Please let Professor Ulol know if you have managed to spot Maya's brain wandering your path. Join the Book Club! Poem Showcase Time Flies Christmas Winter Winter is Coming Winter Wonderland Puzzles Info Updates Past Layouts Archives FAQ Staff The Roost HOL Points The points breakdown is as follows (per issue): Article Submission: 10 points for each published (not to exceed 20) Graphics Submission: 10 points for each published (not to exceed 20) Editors: Up to 30 points	Reviews "House, M.D." Maya Winters By now, the majority of those who watch a reasonable amount of television have heard of the show "House" (or "House M.D."). For the rare ones amongst you who haven't - yes, it's a medical drama but no, it's not the standard hectic ER setup. The show, now in its fourth season, has developed a strong group of characters. The main character, Dr. Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie), is far from the typical caring and friendly doctor we see in other programs, say "Grey's Anatomy". He is in fact a rather snarky and callous doctor, whose behaviour and attitude isn't always appreciated by his boss or employees. The show is set in a teaching hospital in New Jersey, where House heads the Diagnostic Medicine Department. Typically, House and his team work on cases that other doctors just can't solve! The Dean of Medicine at the hospital, Dr. Lisa Cuddy (played by Lisa Edelstein), is in constant conflict with House, be it over his treatment methods, a new lawsuit against him or simply due to his constant refusal to do his owed clinic hours. In spite of this continuous tension, there is a considerable amount of flirting between the pair (admittedly, House is more often than not the instigator), and indeed they are far from actual enemies. That said, Dr. Wilson (played by Robert Sean Leonard), perhaps House's only proper friend at the hospital, has often been known to conspire with Cuddy in order to teach House a lesson. My personal favourites however are the petty disputes and tricks played by House and Wilson on each other. Indeed, it is the personalities of the doctors that create most of the amusement and entertainment. Other principal characters in the series include the original team of 'Cameron, Chase and Foreman' as well as this season's latest additions – Taub, Kutner, Amber and '13'. In terms of the patients House treats, they're normally treated for about five or more different diseases throughout the episode. Obviously, the initial diagnoses are wrong, but the treatments and tests run often lead to the arising of new symptoms, making the next diagnosis hopefully the right one. Through this lengthy procedure, House often authorizes and is in fact normally the one who suggests a number of unorthodox methods in order to get information that may help with the case – this often involves breaking into the patient's house and rummaging through their belongings. After all, as House says "everybody lies"! -------------- So, why should you watch it? - If you generally avoid medical dramas because you get squeamish at the sight of blood, there isn't that much of it (normally) in a "House" episode. - It's not a standard medical drama where the problem is already obvious, you get to see the diagnosis process (and its many failings) for once! - The interaction between the characters is amazing and wonderfully amusing. - For those of you who hate how romantic story lines flood some shows, well, "House" has refreshingly few of them and even they are far from the norm. - For those of you in the US or Canada I believe it is currently airing on Tuesdays at 9pm on FOX (in the US) and on Global (in Canada). For those of you in the UK, I think season 3 finished a while back so 4 should be starting soon on Sky (if it hasn't already).