TV Fan

autumnburn | 05/30/08

I was disappointed. I really, really loved 'House's Head', and this episode failed to live up to it.

First of all, the 'were House and Amber having a fling?' red herring was ridiculous. I'm not saying that House wouldn't do such a thing (I think his mind is twisted enough that he could justify to himself cheating with his best friend's girlfriend). It was stupid because they were basing this idea on the fact that they met at a bar and rode a bus together. Thank goodness they put the red herring to sleep early on. It was a contrived way to drum up conflict.

Secondly, I didn't like that 13 was the one to get cold feet treating Amber. I didn't buy that the experience reminded her of her mother's death. In articles about House, 13 is described as emotionally stoic and even 'guy-like'. But here the other fellows have to tell her to get a grip on herself. I'm afraid the show will take the easy route and make her Cameron 2.0. Does the female of the team have to be the bleeding heart? I like my 13 cool and distant, thank you.

Third, I was sad that they killed off Amber. I loved Amber, and felt that the show barely tapped her potential for unique storylines. Plus, it didn't hurt the show to have a woman who was capable of standing up to House. Cuddy does on occasion, but she has to give in to him often for the stories to work.

I felt Amber achieved more depth than Taub, Kutner or 13 in her handful of episodes. I never fully bought Wilson and Amber's romance, but it was fun to watch and I think it deserved more time to develop.

That said, I loved the scene at the end in Afterlife Bus. It's always moving to see House be emotionally honest with himself.

I know putting a rift between House and Wilson is a way to bring top quality tension to the show, but I'm worried at this rate that season 5 will be darker than season 3. I'm also worried the show is moving the focus away from the medical cases, to the point that some recent episodes have felt mostly about team shenanigans. I hope the break gives the writers time to brain storm some great cases.