House, M.D. - "One Day, One Room" + related fandom vent

[beandelphiki]

Okay, THIS is what I meant to post the other day when lj was being poopy:

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This is very House, M.D. fandom-related. If you don't watch House, this will NO SENSE. Feel free to ignore.

I have been meaning for a long while to post my thoughts on recent House episodes. I've not posted much of anything about House at all in this journal, because 1) I wasn't aware of ANYONE on my list who even watches the show until just recently, and 2) I wasn't posting much, period.

I meant to post a near ESSAY weeks ago with regards to "One Day, One Room," but that was the point at which my home computer ran down the curtain and shuffled off it's mortal coil, AND I've been home sick for three weeks. It was really an essay in my head, although I've lost many of the main points to some random memory storage I can't access, sadly.

I came here to post a few thoughts behind a cut (as I'm sure you non-House fans couldn't care less) about the most recent episode, the subsequent hour-long conversation I had with my mother about TV characterization challenges and fandom perspectives, and how that ties into my thoughts on the WHOA promo for the next episode. I was just going to sum up "One Day, One Room" really fast - I was picturing some weakly "Bridget Jones"-style summaries.

Ep. amazing. Clinic hilarity nearly hernia-inducing. Conversation with girl v. deep. At least think conversation with girl v. deep, could be wrong.** House "secret" well-played, am reflecting on own past. Have new philosophy: Hugh Laurie world genius.

Have second new philosophy: fandom full of morons.

**In case anyone thinks that I really believe this is as "deep" as philosophy gets, I'm playin'.

...Like that. Possibly stuff about "Needle in a Haystack," too. But I realized when I got to the update box that there's some older stuff that I really, REALLY need to get off my chest which I've been swallowing. Should've just given in to the inevitable and said this sooner.

If you DO watch the show, feel free to follow along here.

[SPOILERS AHEAD]:


One Day, One Room:

Amazing episode, one of the best ever. Up there with "Three Stories," "All In" and "Son of a Coma Guy" as one of my faves. (Although the last one there was a medical atrocity, the character interaction alone allows me to forgive it.)

Loved the clinic scenes. "Haven't you ever seen Dawson's Creek?" actually reminded me of working in customer service and having to come up with lines to query and explain. (Like, "ANY burrito can be Big Baja size...no, ANY... Look. You've been to Starbucks, right? Well the Baja Burrito isn't a specific burrito. It's like...any burrito can be a VENTI burrito! Bajas are just venti.") Loved the back-and-forth with the girl, and trying to come around to face each other on so many levels. (And personally, liked the actress.) Loved the ducklings getting in their Three Stooges rountine - classic. And House was simply pitch-perfect, thanks to Hugh Laurie's talent. He can't play any scene wrong with this character.

House's "secret." Was it really a secret? I hated House's father on the spot because he was so OBVIOUSLY abusive in that quietly menacing, psychologically tormenting sort of way that many people will overlook in favour of accepting "good 'ole boy" charm. He's the kind of man who excuses his own actions as necessary evils, and therefore morally justified. House obviously learned early the dark reality that people prefer self-denial and comfortable actions to truthful ones: that came from somewhere, and it's fairly easy to guess where the bulk of that lesson came from.

[It's a one-sided point of view, but it IS true: everybody's out to get theirs. Generally, they don't give a shit about YOU.]

I could understand why people didn't want it to be sexual abuse because it would have come across as a cheap shock; and besides, it doesn't quite fit his character. But what the writers chose was entirely appropriate. Or maybe I just think that because I identify with House, and I know what it's like to try the front door late in the evening when your father KNOWS you're outside on your own, and discover it locked.

But I think I'll defend my bias as correct, anyway: it fits.


I was initially eager to hear what other people had to say about that episode, and was really aggravated that I couldn't get online. And then I did...

Fandom is full of some self-righteous bitches, I'ma say.

Dear House fandom:

You've got some real balls. Or ovaries, as the case may be. And a good lot of you are single-handedly keeping the whineyards in business.

You got in a good amount of childish foot-stamping when this episode aired. Then you threw in snide remarks about it following "Needle in a Haystack." And now, post-"Insensitive," you're continuing to complain! Could you give it a rest? It'd be nice to read some fandom-related communities for the next bit without reading someone's comment on how this episode knocked down their sand castle and stole their pail and shovel.

You don't want House explained? If you haven't been paying attention, this show has been chipping away at House since the first episode. It says more about you than it does about House OR the show that you think one revelation of abuse actually sums up the entire complex man. Of course he's beyond full explanation. We all are. But this show has emphasized many times that actions and events have consequences; and House in particular is keen on that point. Whether you like how this was written or not, please don't tell me that you really think this show would have come to a close without producing some background on the guy.

You didn't like the backstory? In real life, abuse actually, y'know, happens. It doesn't exist or not exist for your own shallow entertainment. It doesn't take the form that pleases you best, or which is the most fun to write in fic. And that goes for your attitude toward both House AND the girl.

Your attitude: it's sick in a way I can't quite put my finger on. I like to read fanfiction because I like to see what people will do with characters I know and love - where they'll take them, what they'll explore. I don't read it to see people use characters as playthings, and I ALSO don't read it to see people write things that they can't summon empathy for.

The writers may mess around with the characters somewhat, for better or for worse, but one thing is clear: they're taking the characters, and they're going for something that has meaning. That's a good part of the reason why so many people like this show; it's not just here to be cute, or sexy or cool. If you're annoyed with some part of that because it's not entertaining enough, then possibly you're watching the wrong show.

If you don't like the ride, then GET OFF. I'm sure Grey's Anatomy wouldn't mind more viewer ratings.

-Bean


Sheesh.

Okay, I'm going to have to run to work, so more recent stuff can wait until later.

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Of course, I don't actually have to work tonight. But I DO need to go home soon. My freaking mp3 player needs to FINISH CHARGING ALREADY, jeezus.

Comments

[motorghost.livejournal.com]

Although the last one there was a medical atrocity...

I'm finding it very hard to think of an episode where some medical atrocity is not committed...

...House obviously learned early the dark reality that people prefer self-denial and comfortable actions to truthful ones: that came from somewhere, and it's fairly easy to guess where the bulk of that lesson came from.

I have a similar yet different view of House's father. I saw in him a man who shared at least two important qualities with House, though the latter would probably never admit it. 1) Both believe, in general, that the ends justify the means. I think Mr. House knew exactly how much pain he was inflicting on his son, and I think that's why he did it. Marines are put through horrible training to become perfect killing machines, and the instructors don't care if you hate them. They care how you turn out in the end. House, similarly, uses whatever means necessary to achieve his ends. Neither would ever sacrifice a life, but both overlook the pain they put their subjects through by keeping their eye on the bigger picture. Mr. House wanted his son to grow up to be a disciplined man who would make as little mistakes as possible, and as horrible as his methods were, he did accomplish his goal. The repercussions of his actions (House's resentment towards him as well as Greg's psychological/emotional damage) are secondary compared to how "successful" he thinks House is now. "You just don't know how lucky you are," Mr. House said. He probably wouldn't lie when asked about what he did to Greg. He would probably straighten his back and say, "Yeah, and look how good he turned out!"

So, in a twisted way, House's father did love him and believed he was doing what was best for his son. Family love is the most twisted kind, because the bond is evolutionary and biological, so it can surface in any manner of wicked ways. I think anyone who has been hurt by a parent who thought he or she was doing what was right can relate to House's past troubles.

[beandelphiki.livejournal.com]

I'm finding it very hard to think of an episode where some medical atrocity is not committed...

Oh, but that one in particular stuck out to me as much worse than usual. A guy who's been flat on his back for...ten years?...suddenly sits up and asks for steak? WHATEVS.

But like I said, I forgive it anyway.

As for the rest...


THANK YOU! I have no clue about the military background thing, and I feel like you just gave me the hole to my donut! *hugs comment*

I'm not sure we disagree...? I mean, I definitely agree with what you've said here, it clarifies in my own mind things I only felt like I vaguely picked up. And I can see why John House might have felt, firmly believed, that he was doing the best thing for his son in the end, i.e. the "necessary evils."

And still, I have a hard time not seeing this as selfish. Seeing House disciplined and successful at the expense of his sense of safety and trust benefits who, exactly? Eh...

The line of mine you quoted, though:

House obviously learned early the dark reality that people prefer self-denial and comfortable actions to truthful ones: that came from somewhere, and it's fairly easy to guess where the bulk of that lesson came from.

It came from a larger section that I ended up deleting, and I collapsed it into the previous paragraph...and in retrospect, it's confusing. That particular line is less about John House and more about people in general. *shrug* Different times and all - in the U.S., laws related to child abuse were still being formed - but I don't get the sense that anyone caught an inkling AND tried much to interfere or offer House any support. And I DON'T believe that what House told the rape victim was all there is to the story.

His belief that people are essentially self-serving - up to, and especially including, their breaking point - goes way deeper than anything to do with the leg. It's my sense that he saw a lot of people turn a blind eye when he was growing up because John House was "a good man," or could "raise his own son how he saw fit."

I think anyone who has been hurt by a parent who thought he or she was doing what was right can relate to House's past troubles.

Oh, yes. But in this case specifically, House has a strikingly similar personality to me. The main difference mostly lies in how "me first," he is (which makes me cringe); otherwise, I've never seen a TV character who thinks so much like me before. I can see where my background influenced my personality; it's my main reason for thinking House's backstory fits. :)

Thanks for commenting!

[motorghost.livejournal.com]

And still, I have a hard time not seeing this as selfish. Seeing House disciplined and successful at the expense of his sense of safety and trust benefits who, exactly? Eh...

He probably figured that all he could really do for his son is prepare him for the trials and tribulations this world has to offer and equip him with suitable traits, like discipline and thoroughness and a thirst for hard work. Mr. House likely left things like House's emotional wellbeing up to his wife, which is why Greg liked his mother so much more. It reflected the different times in that the father handled the punishments and the mother comforted the child afterwards.

House is very "me first" because of that reenforcement from his mother. Did you hear her in Daddy's Boy? "You're perfect just the way you are." I wondered then, how many times has she had to say that to Greg, to bandage and heal his sense of self-worth? Greg's also an only child, and some would argue that makes you the center of your parents' world, thus you must be the center of the rest of it as well.

Anyways, (John, is it?) House wasn't being selfish because he wasn't punishing Greg for his own personal gain, he was punishing him for Greg's personal gain. In a world where intentions matters and what we are ignorant of excuses us, his dad was just trying to raise his son in what he thought was the best way possible. Biologically, (nearly) every parent does that. (The clinically insane ones don't count. Unfortunately, anyone can have a baby.) In a more black and white sense, what Mr. House did was wrong. It was wrong no matter how you look at it, I'm just saying it doesn't have the qualities of being unforgivable. There's a lot that will hold you back if you can't let it go.

...but I don't get the sense that anyone caught an inkling AND tried much to interfere or offer House any support. And I DON'T believe that what House told the rape victim was all there is to the story.

Aside from his mommy coddling him and telling him that he was the bestest boy in the whole wide world, yeah, I'm pretty sure no one tried to do anything about it. And yes, there's probably a lot more to that tale of woe. At least more dynamic, anyway.

His belief that people are essentially self-serving - up to, and especially including, their breaking point - goes way deeper than anything to do with the leg.

This is where his mindset at the time of the abuse takes over, and what he deduced from the event first-hand. I'm sure hearing things like "You'll thank me later" and knowing that his father thought he was doing what was good and noble while Greg himself was suffering inside... no wonder House has made anything emotional/physical meaningless. Like if he could somehow make all feelings meaningless, his unmeasurable, irrational pain from childhood wouldn't be as unbearable. He's actually very brave and audacious in the mental leaps he creates. House is not perfectly logical, he's just made it his religion and like everyone else with a dogma, he hides behind it.

[motorghost.livejournal.com]

And still, I have a hard time not seeing this as selfish. Seeing House disciplined and successful at the expense of his sense of safety and trust benefits who, exactly? Eh...

He probably figured that all he could really do for his son is prepare him for the trials and tribulations this world has to offer and equip him with suitable traits, like discipline and thoroughness and a thirst for hard work. Mr. House likely left things like House's emotional well being up to his wife, which is why Greg liked his mother so much more. It reflected the different times in that the father handled the punishments and the mother comforted the child afterwards.

House is very "me first" because of that reinforcement from his mother. Did you hear her in Daddy's Boy? "You're perfect just the way you are." I wondered then, how many times has she had to say that to Greg, to bandage and heal his sense of self-worth? Greg's also an only child, and some would argue that makes you the center of your parents' world, thus you must be the center of the rest of it as well.

Anyways, (John, is it?) House wasn't being selfish because he wasn't punishing Greg for his own personal gain, he was punishing him for Greg's personal gain. In a world where intentions matters and what we are ignorant of excuses us, his dad was just trying to raise his son in what he thought was the best way possible. Biologically, (nearly) every parent does that. (The clinically insane ones don't count. Unfortunately, anyone can have a baby.) In a more black and white sense, what Mr. House did was wrong. It was wrong no matter how you look at it, I'm just saying it doesn't have the qualities of being unforgivable. There's a lot that will hold you back if you can't let it go.

...but I don't get the sense that anyone caught an inkling AND tried much to interfere or offer House any support. And I DON'T believe that what House told the rape victim was all there is to the story.

Aside from his mommy coddling him and telling him that he was the bestest boy in the whole wide world, yeah, I'm pretty sure no one tried to do anything about it. And yes, there's probably a lot more to that tale of woe. At least more dynamic, anyway.

His belief that people are essentially self-serving - up to, and especially including, their breaking point - goes way deeper than anything to do with the leg.

This is where his mindset at the time of the abuse takes over, and what he deduced from the event first-hand. I'm sure hearing things like "You'll thank me later" and knowing that his father thought he was doing what was good and noble while Greg himself was suffering inside... no wonder House has made anything emotional/physical meaningless. Like if he could somehow make all feelings meaningless, his immeasurable, irrational pain from childhood wouldn't be as unbearable. He's actually very brave and audacious in the mental leaps he creates. House is not perfectly logical, he's just made it his religion and like everyone else with a dogma, he hides behind it.

[motorghost.livejournal.com]

(Fucking word limit.)

You don't want House explained? If you haven't been paying attention, this show has been chipping away at House since the first episode.

I think these people are too used to shows that are complete and utter fan service (like most animes.) There's no solid plots, no well-rounded characters, and there are never any true reflections of reality. If someone is a brilliant angsty bastard, they are that way for no reason. People don't want to watch real people. They want entertaining enigmas and superheroes. I liken it to the magicians explaining how the rabbit was in the hat the entire time to a group of crying children. House is a hero, end of story. Personally, I adore him more and more as the writers reveal him to us.


And how did you link this post to house_md?

[beandelphiki.livejournal.com]

Personally, I adore him more and more as the writers reveal him to us.

Absolutely. I have a loathing for shows that give us characters that seem like they might be interesting, and then refuse to reveal much. I want to figure out how that character works, and I get annoyed when I don't have much to work with.

And how did you link this post to house_md?

*puzzled* Not sure what you mean.

[motorghost.livejournal.com]

*puzzled* Not sure what you mean.

Nevermind, I figured it out. 8)