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House M.D is a medical drama, produced by Bryan Singer (of Usual Suspects, X-Men and Superman Returns fame) originally aired on Fox. It has also been in syndication around the world in various networks. In India, AXN airs the show, although given the situation that surrounds AXN in India, it will be a while before one can actually catch it on the telly. Before getting banned, AXN-India was airing the second season. So, for those who haven’t watched it yet, they might want to catch up with the DVD of the first season and of course, read this post to get an idea of the show!

House M.D. revolves around Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant doctor who specializes in infectious diseases and works in the department of Diagnostic Medicine of the fictitious Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. He handles cases that other doctors haven’t been able to figure out. So basically, cases of rare or unusual diseases get referred to him. He recruits three fellows who assist him in his diagnosis. Dr. Lisa ‘Cuddy’ is his boss who runs affairs in the hospital, while his good friend Dr. Wilson also figures prominently. The show involves Dr House along with his fellows, doctors Eric Foreman, Allison Cameron and Robert Chase, analyzing medical cases, and each episode usually deals with a different case. The novelty element in the show stems from its treatment of
each medical case as some kind of mystery and the way they go about solving it.

Of course, I really haven’t revealed anything so far if I haven’t mentioned the protagonist at length. Undoubtedly, the show’s major draw has been Dr. House and his life. In a role played with such ease by Hugh Laurie, one would find it hard to believe he is actually British who speaks with an American accent. As a side bit of trivia, when producer Bryan Singer was casting, he wasn’t aware of Laurie’s British roots and was later astonished by his flawless American accent. His eyes and subtle change in facial expressions, that can range from expressing extreme cynicism to a hint of pain, are magnetic. Hugh Laurie was previously a popular comedian in the UK, best known for his comedy series with Stephen Fry which included shows like ‘A Bit of Fry and Laurie‘ and ‘Jeeves and Wooster‘. However the intensity of his role on House is a total contrast to anything that he’s played earlier in his career, and that further highlights the fact that he has won two consecutive Golden Globe awards for best Actor for his role in House M.D. The character House, is totally unlike the stereotypical heroic doctor. He hates people and especially hates patients. He constantly spells out his philosophy that patients always lie, which is frequently referenced throughout the series as one of the key ways of solving cases. He treats patients diseases as interesting problems that need to be solved, and this ability of his to objectify patients’ illnesses, enables him to make tough decisions, some of which might border on the controversial. Due to some untreatable ailment which resulted in the crippling of one of his legs, he uses a cane to walk around and develops an addiction to painkillers (that actually help him control his excruciating pain and help him do his daily work).

The show also has sub plots that involve the other characters and how they affect Dr. House’s life, and his relationships with them, which make for a compelling series. The personal life story arcs come about in the sidelines while the medical cases take center stage. Although, one does tend to get glued to the show due to the interesting plots. The other members of the cast also do a great job, giving out solid performances in the process. Dr. Wilson is his constant companion and one of his few true friends who also at times, tries to serve as his conscience. Dr. Lisa Cuddy tries to do the unenviable job of covering House’s eccentricities while trying to maintain a semblance of sanity in the workings of the hospital.

All in all, a must see. Even if one is not terribly impressed with a soap opera-ish look to the plots in general, the intelligently written medical parts is very engaging and is a good entry point for those averse to medical drama. The second season airs on AXN, so before the channel (if it does) comes back on air, it would be advisable to catch it on DVD to be up to speed with the show.