Television Review: House
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this show is a medical drama,
generally dealing with life-threatening illnesses, often
depicted graphically. Characters drink, smoke, curse, use
drugs, get in arguments, violate rules, and lie. Characters
routinely work their way around hospital regulations in order
to save patients, a practice that raises complex moral dilemmas
that may confuse younger viewers. Also, Dr. Gregory House's
routine use of and possible addiction to painkillers is a
recurring theme.
Families can talk about the responsibility of doctors and
medical professionals toward their patients. Is Dr. House's
violation of hospital rules justified? What about his rudeness
toward patients and peers? Viewers could also discuss the
representation of the medical field, which in the show is often
straightjacketed by bureaucratic regulations. How accurate is
this representation?
If you were a doctor working in the field of diagnostic medicine who had been permanently crippled because your doctor failed to diagnose your condition in time, you might be a little obsessive and rant about the incompetence of most doctors. Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is just such a doctor. HOUSE follows the professional trials of Dr. House as he and his team play diagnostic detectives -- digging through patients' laundry, exhuming deceased pets, and doing whatever else it takes to find answers. House's bitterness surrounding his injury and losing the love of his life permeates the show. While saving the lives of patients, he browbeats his underlings, fights with his supervisors, all while terrorizing patients' friends and family.
Adding to the generally exceptional production values, the cast is believable and compelling. As the title character, Hugh Laurie is strangely charismatic, drawing viewers in despite his surliness. Other standouts include Lisa Edelstein as Dr. Lisa Cuddy and Jennifer Morrison as Dr. Allison Cameron.
House is intelligent, well-executed programming that raises significant ethical questions. The show's gallows humor is prevalent throughout, as well as often-gripping medical detail -- House is not for squeamish viewers. Nor is the show appropriate for children. The complexity of the show's moral issues could confuse young viewers, and the often graphic representations and discussions of medical trauma might be upsetting.
ERThe X Files
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