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March 27, 2007: Top Secret
Does it ever happen to you that when someone asks, What's your favorite movie… song… whatever, you cannot arrive at an answer? And though you had one moments before, their questioning has left you completely blank? Happens to me all the time. But I have a feeling that were one now to ask me if I had a favorite episode of House, I just might have an answer. Tonight's smartly told episode was so embarrassingly full of the good stuff that I fear I'm on the verge of gushing.
From beginning to end — Marines blown up by a roadside bomb to House discovering Cameron and Chase's indiscretions — the show was both riveting and jarring. John Kelley (Marc Blucas), nephew of a hospital benefactor and one time date of Cuddy's, complains of Gulf War Syndrome. As the skeptical team searches for his true ailment, John loses his hearing and the use of his legs and develops an infection in his mouth. His prognosis is not promising and as his symptoms accumulate, John becomes more isolated from those trying to help him until at last he has to communicate with them via scribblings on a whiteboard.
John is not the only man suffering. The side effects of House's long-term Vicodin use have rendered him unable to urinate. With a distended bladder and three day's worth of urine, House weasels a prescription for a different pain killer from Wilson. But relief is not forthcoming, and House chooses to handle the matter on his own. "You cathed yourself?" Wilson asks. "It's not so bad after the first nine or 10 inches." Male posturing aside, House alone, in pain and unable to pee was the saddest thing I've seen on the show.
It didn't stop there. The show tightened the loose threads of its various characters by weaving their histories and futures closer together. We learned the answer to the long-running question: What's really up between House and Cuddy? Apparently, it's House and not Cuddy who is hoping to play doctor. After all this time believing Cuddy had feelings for House, we learn they had a thing long ago and that she's over it and he is not. Or so she says. I'm still not convinced.
What about Cameron and Chase? This pair, with their "it's just sex" relationship, neglected a patient and christened the sleep lab and the storage closet and were busted both times — first by Foreman and then by House. Foreman chose not to believe the evidence before him but House was amused that his suspicions had been confirmed. Sadly, Chase is falling for Cameron, but he will most likely end up alone.
That's the thing. Though I enjoyed it immensely, this whole episode left me sad. John Kelley on the brink of death from a genetic disease that destroyed his capillaries; Cameron, declaring she's over House and resigning herself to an emotionless affair; Chase wanting more. Foreman already chose career over companionship. Cuddy is looking for fulfillment through parenthood. Wilson's most committed relationship is with House; and House, in the grip of chronic pain, is allowing his body to break down so long as he doesn't have to feel it. Things are falling apart. It's hard to witness, but I can't turn away.
So if it was that sad, why did I like this episode so much? I'm not sure — but I knew why a second ago.
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Mar 28, 2007 12:28 AM
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I love that fact that they finally told us that House and Cuddy have slept together in the past. Like we all didn't already think that. 
Cameron is having sex with Chase, but still seems to want House and Chase knows this. This seems like its gonna turn out bad.
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Mar 28, 2007 4:42 AM
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Even for the rather graphic simulation of House catheterizing himself in one scene and the extremely realistic drama where his catheter was broken and urine streamed down his leg in another, I also consider this one of the most enjoyable and compelling episodes of the season. Maybe I am warped, I don't know but I really get into the realism that is such a signature of this program.
I also got the impression that it is House who is still carrying a torch for Cuddy rather than the other way around, but let's face it, they both get their kicks sparing off each other and that's another aspect of the show that continues to provide provocative pleasure among us loyal devotees.
It was a highlight of the show for me when House discovered Cameron and Chase in the midst of their indiscretion and actually shared his amusement (or was it perhaps a little envy) with us by
allowing one of his extremely rare but totally charming smiles...I know it wouldn't be in keeping with his character to allow him to "clean up a bit" or to permit him to actually smile on occasion, but showing his earlier personality (pre-leg injury era when he
was hopefully more conscientious of his appearance and need to be at least professionally charming) by flashbacks could make this viewer appreciate the series even more. Let's just say that after having seen Hugh Laurie host SNL and be interviewed on several other programs, I'd like to see a little more of his natural charm and appeal from time to time....even if it is only in
supposed "flashbacks." A good example
would be to have House occasionally reminisce about his relationship with Sela Ward in scenes when they were very much in love and happy in their relationship. It could add a totally different dimension to House that would
satisfy those of us who would appreciate that more attractive aspect of his personality that we all know had to have been there before his life was
shattered by the leg injury and loss of
his one true love. I'd be curious to know what others think.
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Mar 28, 2007 5:05 AM
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Ok... Not my favorite episode, by far even... I mean, it was ok in some aspects but I can not get over the "haven't peed for 3 days..."... That is BS!!!!!!!!!! I take the same meds as House does... Mind you not as much as he portrays, but for over 10 years and have not had a problem with the potty... So that is a HUGE stretch that I am not willing to fall for!
Outside of that, the show was alright... Loved that Chase and Cameron got busted 2 times... Giggled even as House walked away smiling... And what happened to Chase saying, "we're not doing it at work anymore..." Didn't last long! HA!
Foreman... Come on guy... You saw it on the monitor and you think your eyes are playing tricks on you... Nah... What were you thinking?
Love that Cuddy told House to stop looking at her ass (her words) and what have you. Telling him that she is over him... Yeah right! All of the girls on the show do not seem to be OVER him... But lets see... I agree with the poster who said they like the flash backs cause they show House smiling and such... I would love to see a Cuddy/House flashback... That would be something worth smiling about.
The case was alright. Not my favorite of cases.
So over all, it was an alright show for me last night...
Waiting for next week...
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Mar 28, 2007 8:22 AM
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Not one of my favorites.
House not been able to urinate for days, and Wilson just giving him more meds strikes me as being not only irresponsible but unrealistic for any doc with a sound mind. Wilson may be House's worst enemy at times.
Chase and Cameron, it just seemed so forced to me. I know they have a relationship in real life, which made their behavior seem less interesting on screen.
And House and Cuddy - well, frankly I never cared that they had or didn't have "something" going on before, so the big revelation also seemed forced.
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Mar 28, 2007 8:36 AM
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Okay...now I understand why Cuddy takes so much of what would be considered sexual harassment from House...its suddenly VERY clear. Good job writers! I've thought since the sperm donor episodes that House must have some very strong feelings for Cuddy but never quite knew where they came from. Likewise, Cuddy telling House she was ovulating and to drop his drawers now makes more sense too. Its BTDT. I'd actually LOVE to see them give in to it a little...be bed buddies and try to keep their tense work relationship out of that casual affair...but since we have that with Chase and Cameron...I doubt we'll see a repeat. (BTW-I'm NOT liking the harsh side of Cameron...she worked much better as eewe-gewey Cameron.) I hope next week's episode revisits Cuddy's previous desire to have a baby. I could see House being the donor-either medically or the old-fashioned way-and still trying to keep his emotional distance. He's not letting anyone too close anytime soon but fathering Cuddy's child or children (as a friend) could start to crack that hard veneer-just a little-and we could see that in private and NOT around his team. I'd love to see that dichotomy in House.
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Mar 28, 2007 8:40 AM
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I love Chase and Cameron. And I think it's rather funny that Cameron is suddenly ignoring rules/patients because of it. It's nice to see her having some fun. Chase is hilarious trying to set rules and then showing no willpower when Cameron so much as shows her ankels.
The Cuddy/House reveal was great too, didn't see it coming.
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Mar 28, 2007 8:55 AM
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If I remember correctly, it wasn't another pain med he gave House. It was something to help him potty...
I think I deleted the episode, so I can not re-watch... But I am almost sure that House said something along the lines of needing this med cause he hasn't gone, and Wilson said something about it being because of his Vicodin use (yeah right) and then House said I am using more of them right now cause it hurts that I can't go. I believe the drug was a form of water pill, that I cant think of the name...
Anyhow, anyone remember or know the name of the pill?
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Mar 28, 2007 8:55 AM
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Isn't anyone else disgusted at how House pops Vicodin like mints?
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Mar 28, 2007 9:11 AM
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I watched this show last night for the first time in a while, and it tied for my favorite episode (with all the other ones I've seen). . .because THEY'RE ALL THE SAME! As if you couldn't see that coming.
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Mar 28, 2007 9:21 AM
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FYI, for those of you who think long term, high volume use of Vicodin couldn't have caused House's problem...
What are the possible side effects of Vicodin?
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions);
cold, clammy skin;
confusion;
severe weakness or dizziness; or
feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
constipation;
urinating less than usual;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
dizziness, headache; or
itching.
(source...drugs.com)
And remember...these are with NORMAL DOSAGES over SHORT TIME PERIODS.
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Mar 28, 2007 9:22 AM
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Urinating less than normal... Not stopping altogether for 3 days... I dont care HOW MUCH YOU TAKE, that story line IS BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry... But that is my final opinion on it... Y'all are free to say what you want and think what you want... But reality is HIS BODY WOULD HAVE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT THE RELEASE OF THE FLUIDS... MIND YOU A FEW DROPS HERE OR THERE ISN'T GONNA HELP... It is just BS!!!!
Y'all need to get over his addiction already! Try working in constant pain and dont take pain meds then y'all can complain! (Sorry y'all but it is a touchy subject for me!)
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Mar 28, 2007 9:30 AM
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JustMe33020 -- I do live in constant pain. I control it with meds [taken at normal doses], but do take a water pill because I do on occasion have trouble going wee. Not the point of House last night, but I don't doubt that it could happen. Now that the get-off-your-high-horse lecture is over, onto my fave lines of the ep:
House to patient: John, we will figure out what's wrong, but we need to know one thing first... HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A PORNO? [LMAO]
Wilson to House: You cathed yourself? [Ewwww]
Cameron to Foreman: No, you'd do House and Wilson before I'd do Chase. [The look on Chase's face when Foreman laughed said all you need to know about how invested he is in this relationship.]
There was also one that House said to Cuddy about her a$$ but I can't remember it right now.
I like that we have more info about what went on with House and Cuddy. And no way in heck do I believe that Cameron is over House. Not for a second. Neither does Chase. I was glad House yelled at her to shut up and do as she was told. It's about time!!
I'm also glad that we get 8 new eps in a row. Yeah for more House!!
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Mar 28, 2007 10:14 AM
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Just, the fact that you have not had this side-effect does not mean it is impossible. That's why side-effects are listed as "possible" side-effects. Because they are "possible" and not because they are a definate.
According to the information I found, Vicodin can cause as spasm of the ureter which can lead to difficulty urination. We all know that House pops Vic's like candy. You admitted that you do not. So why do you have such a hard time believing that he might be having a symptom that you never did. For that matter, you seem to be stuck on the "difficulty urinating" part not being the same as not peeing for 3 days. You also stated that you have not had a single problem in this area. But!! Had you had even the slightest problem, wouldn't you then find it easier to admit that your use = slight problem and thus extreme use might just = extreme problem?
Actually, probably not. I'm sure you know everything. Just like you know that Foreman saw Chase and Cameron on the monitor. When in fact he saw nothing of the kind. They had blocked off the camera to their room. But again, I'm sure you know better than me.
Ok, now that I've gotten that out of my system:
This was also one of my favorite episodes. It was very well done and I thought a good job by both actors and writers in this one. I love seeing the naughtier side of Cameron. There's so much more I could say, but I've given myself a headache.
BTW, the previews for next week look excellent!
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Mar 28, 2007 10:16 AM
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This wasn't one of the best in my opinion, but it wasn't the worst I've seen out of this show either. Chase and Cameron reminded me of Monica and Chandler from Friends when they first started playing around! Poor Chase, he's just Cameron's tool to be used whenever and however she wishes. I'm not sure if this is a good thing though. Someone said something about her having lightened up and having some fun for once, but this sort of behavior seems to be so unlike her that I'm wondering if this is all going to devolve into something really bad? I'm hoping that she'll realize that she really does care for Chase and maybe they'll be the ones to have the baby! : )
I was surprised to see Wilson simply write House a prescription without checking for prostate cancer or something first. Another poster was right in saying that at times, Wilson is House's worst enemy.
Cuddy...hmmmmm. I liked her character best during season one when everyone kind of avoided her. She was funny then. And this whole kid thing, I'm wondering if she can even have kids at this point. She has apparently been trying for quite a while now and nothing has happened. I hope they let this go as far as this character goes. I just can't see her with a kid. She seems to have her hands full dealing with House!
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Mar 28, 2007 10:24 AM
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