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House Rundown, "Ignorance is Bliss"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:30:45 -0800

With Cameron gone, the new (old) team is still working out the kinks in this week's House - and it feels like the writers aren't sure where the show's going either. The episode tackles a genius patient with what appears to be TTP, Thanksgiving, and House and Cuddy all in one swoop. And while the doc is back to acting like a selfish jerk following his recent good behavior, I didn't even find his quips that amusing. If anything, the episode felt like a downer!

Okay, so I know these are harsh words, so perhaps I'm not giving this week a fair trial. Let's go over the highlights, and tell me what you think when you read more.

The team gathers around the table to start hypothesizing, but to me it feels off without Cameron there. I'll give the writers the benefit of the doubt since it's the first week with the updated crew, but don't you agree?
We get it Chase - you're upset. He huffs and puffs and refuses invitations from Taub, Foreman, and Thirteen for friendly help. Then House refers to Cameron as Chase's "ex-smarter half" and gets punched. I want to be sympathetic to Chase because of his split from Cameron, but with that attitude? Forget it.
House needs to get Cuddy off the brain stat. He announces to Wilson that he's going to break up her relationship with Lucas, and then starts plotting ways to get invited to Thanksgiving dinner to see his plan through. Cuddy gives him the address where the meal is taking place, but (surprise!) the house is empty. I was shocked that she gave him faux info! Do you think it's too mean, or does he deserve it?
After being rejected, House gets drunk and breaks into Lucas's place to confess his love for Cuddy. Seriously. (He says to Lucas, "I'm pathetic," and I couldn't agree more.) The next day, Cuddy tells House that Lucas broke up with her over the incident - until we later find out that she's lying to get him to lay off. It seems like House might leave her alone by the end of the episode. Do you think he's finally giving up? And do you think his intoxicated act was real or fake? He tries to make it sound planned, but I'm not 100 percent sure.
While House and Cuddy were weighing down the show with sadder stuff, Taub and his wife brought a bit of comic relief. She's stopped sleeping with him, because she thinks he's a wuss for going back to House. But once Taub passes off a photo of House's black eye as his own handiwork – instead of Chase's - she basically jumps him!
The medical mystery involving a former genius who dumbs himself down, so he can love his "happy and dumb" wife (his words, not mine) is relatively interesting - even though I snarled at his comments about her stupidity. First they think he has TTP, but the problem is actually an old injury where he broke three ribs causing his spleen to split. Come on, 16 spleens?! I know I'm a dork, but that's pretty cool. Next time writers, less Cuddy skirt-chasing, more stuff like this.

Okay, so time for your assessment - what did you think of the episode? Isn't the House and Cuddy storyline starting to wear thin? (Even I'm over it, and I was rooting for them before!) And how do you like the team now that Cameron's dunzo?

If you're a fan of the show, check out the House! group in community!

Photos courtesy of Fox

House Rundown, "Teamwork"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

Prepare for a changing of the guard: This week's House marks a major shift for the medical team. House is back in charge after reclaiming his license, and the shakeups start. Cameron is out - but we already knew that was coming. In her place, a couple familiar faces return to the fold, which will hopefully distract House from last week's Lucas letdown. Throw in a porn star with a mysterious health issue, and you have a packed episode.

Ready for the breakdown? If you don't mind spoilers, read more.

The episode starts off with a special delivery - House's medical license. The guy was already pulling the strings despite his suspension, so the transition is easy. Still, I'm a little surprised that Foreman goes along with the takeover without making a peep.
After Chase finally came clean to Cameron last week about Dibala, she suggests that they leave the team to work on their marriage. They announce their departure to House - who, of course, spends the rest of the episode manipulating them to stay on board. Do you think he was right to meddle? Or should he have stayed out of it?
Really, writers? A porn star? I know they're trying to sex up the show, but it felt like a cheap ploy to me - not to mention a stretch when they draw parallels between Chase's Dibala dilemma and the porn star's own morality. Were you interested in his medical case? I wasn't that intrigued, but luckily there's plenty of personal drama among the doctors to keep my attention.
Thirteen returns - but not without some coaxing from House. After she tells him no repeatedly, he lures her in with the mysterious porn star case. The excitement of the challenge is enough to get her in House's office again for good. But what do you think will happen with her and Foreman? He implies that he's over her, but I don't buy it.
Guess who else is back? Taub! The doc swaps his plastic surgery practice to rejoin House's crew after some major prodding from House. (Of course his wife isn't happy with the decision, but no surprise there.) Are you glad to see Taub again?
Okay, so I was pulling for House and Cuddy, but the scene with Cuddy and Lucas at her place might have changed my mind - you've got to admit they looked cute on the couch together. Are you pulling for Cuddy and Lucas, or Cuddy and House?
House thinks that Cameron is quick to forgive Chase, because she actually blames House for the murder of Dibala. And she does. So with that, she says sayonara to her job and delivers a speech to House about how he's ruined Chase. She rips into him about how he doesn't care for the "sanctity of a human life" anymore, but she says it with pity - even kissing him on the cheek at the end. Next thing you know, she's packing her bags and leaving Chase, too. It felt sort of rushed, but I thought her monologue was completely riveting to watch. What did you think about her departure?

Plenty to talk about in this week's episode, so sound off in the comments! I'm especially curious to hear your thoughts on Cuddy and Lucas, Thirteen and Taub's return, and Cameron's goodbye. And don't forget you can always head over to the House! group in community to talk about the show there, too.

Photos courtesy of Fox

House Rundown, "Known Unknowns"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:30:00 -0800

Finally, after a two-week break and a World Series, House is back! And lucky for us, the writers packed in several juicy plot points to make up for the hiatus. This week's case involves a young teenybopper with an ego and compulsive lying streak to boot. Sounds intriguing, but personally, I was more wrapped up in all of the personal drama going on with House and a certain fellow female doctor.

Ready to cover the highlights? There's a major twist with a big reveal, so prepare for some spoilers when you read more.

Right off the bat, the sexual tension between Cuddy and House is turned on full volume, what with Cuddy's low-cut shirt and House's leering looks. I found it to be a bit over the top, but I still have to give Cuddy props for this awesome comeback after House references her breasts as "Patty" and "Selma": "I feel bad I haven't named your testicles." Touche, Cuddy. Although, I sort of feel like she wears those revealing clothes for House, don't you?
I knew this episode had to be good when I heard it involved a Wilson and House road trip and an '80s party, but House in an 1880's costume walking among guys in Devo hats is brilliant. And then, when things can't get any better, he dances with a Flashdance Cuddy to "Time After Time" and finally admits to her that he's always had feelings for her. What a fantastic scene! That is, until she walks out.
Another high point of the evening for me: When House drugs a pants-less Wilson to keep him from giving a potentially career-ruining speech on euthanasia. Now, that's a solid friend. Were you shocked over Wilson's confession of delivering euthanasia himself? We always think that House is the one with all the secrets, but I guess Wilson isn't 100 percent on the up and up either.
I definitely laughed when Wilson uses the term "friend-zoned" while talking about Cuddy. House is surprisingly open about his feelings for her instead of his usual denial, which I think is nice to see - do you agree? Or is House becoming too soft?
Surprise! Were you taken aback by Lucas? (Lucas is the private investigator that Cuddy hired last season.) When House goes to Cuddy's room to prove to her that she can "count" on him (as she puts it), Lucas is there playing with her baby daughter. I think House and I both had the same look when that happened - huh??!
Didn't this episode's diagnosis seem even more roundabout than usual? The doctors came across completely clueless - not to mention they did extra damage by giving the patient supplements. Perhaps it's just because House wasn't on the premises to pull the strings.
Lucas's mention of House's sex hallucination with Cuddy = painfully awkward. But I don't think Cuddy is over House. Did you look at her face?!
We can all breathe a sigh of relief, because Chase finally breaks down and tells Cameron the truth about the murder of Dibala. She's obviously stunned, but we didn't get her response before the episode ends. We already know that she's leaving the show, but what do you think will happen between them next week?

Please, please weigh in on the Cuddy and House saga! Do you think those two are ever going to get together? Or is Lucas's arrival going to muck things up for good? Tell me your thoughts in the comments, or click on over to the House! group in community.

Photos courtesy of Fox

Gordon Ramsay to Bring Masterchef to America

YumSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:15:19 -0800

Gordon Ramsay sure is busy. Besides joining Tony Bourdain on the animated series circuit, the reigning king of chef empires will play a key role in a new show, Masterchef, airing soon on Fox.

The Masterchef series was first a hit in the UK in 1990 and has recently garnered high ratings in Australia. It's being described as a culinary American Idol. The show goes on a "nationwide search for the best amateur chef in America." While Ramsay will coproduce and be on air, it's unclear what role he will play in the new show. Scheduling hasn't been announced. Precisely what America needs! Another amateur cooking competition.

Do you think the show will appeal to the mainstream? Or has the TV cooking space reached its saturation point?

House Rundown, "Brave Heart"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:30:12 -0700

Wasn't this week's House incredibly satisfying? There was no sign of Thirteen - bring her back! - but House helped resurrect a man from the dead, heard voices in his head (crazy), and made goo-goo eyes at Cuddy. It doesn't get much better than that. I especially enjoyed the sweet friendship moments that played out between the hard-hearted doc and Wilson.

I'm ready to dissect it all - how about you? Let's start with the question portion (and a few spoilers) when you read more.

I loved seeing Wilson and House interact as roommates. (How about that scene where Wilson catches House fishing underneath the blankets, and he uses the excuse, "I'm picking lint out of my belly button"? Hilarious.) They're sort of like a warped version of Oscar and Felix from The Odd Couple. How long do you think until House moves out?
This week's case of the cop with the heart phobia really kept my interest, but I think my jaw literally dropped when they cut him open on the autopsy table and he opened his eyes. It was freaky in a fun, scary movie way. Did you see it coming?
Chase continued to harbor regret for killing off Dibala two weeks back, but this time it manifested itself in constant flashbacks, followed by a trip to a priest. I'm worried that he's going to sink into a major depression/insanity - and obviously destroy his marriage in the meantime. Do you think Chase will heed the priest's advice and turn himself in for the dictator's murder? I think he might - the guy's about to crack.
You probably feel mixed on this, but I'm sort of excited about the Cuddy-House romance that's a brewin'. The hints were everywhere this week - I especially liked his line about getting "hot for teacher!" Looks like those sexy hallucinations from last season may turn into something real after all. What do you make of the setup?
House started to wonder if he was going crazy (again), because he heard voices coming from Wilson's house. While I don't exactly wish insanity upon House, I thought the is-he-or-isn't-he question was fun to watch play out - except for the part where he has to admit to Cuddy that he may not be ready to be a doctor again. He looked so sad and defeated. This begs the question, do you think House really is 100 percent healed?
Chase has to stop being such a jerk to Cameron. No wonder she's leaving him soon.
Foreman really stood up to House in the episode by telling him that he couldn't perform the autopsy "without a medical license." Ouch. Still, I think it may actually earn House's respect in the long run, and I'm curious to see if their dynamic starts changing.
The final scene where House listens for Wilson's voice and then calls out to him from bed was so great. We really got to see House's soft side. Mainly, I just hope that the writers introduce someone for Wilson, don't you? He's so distraught over his girlfriend's death, and I want to see him happy.

Think you can shed light on any of these thoughts? What do you make of the whole Cuddy-House romance? Let me know in the comments, and to gossip more about the show, check out the House! group in Community.

Photos courtesy of Fox

Link Time!

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:30:08 -0700

Marge Simpson's Playboy pics - Worst Previews
Fox picks up new show, Rehab. (Oh, and it's a comedy.) - Hollywood Reporter
Laura Dern joins the Little Fockers cast - Ain't It Cool News
Yet another vampire story is coming to the big screen - MTV Movies Blog
Elisabeth Moss talks Mad Men, tractors, and belching - Vulture
Are you a fan of Law & Order? Then check out this list of the top six guest stars who are now famous - TV.com
Is the horror film Carrie getting the Broadway stage treatment? - Cinematical
Lily Allen's new music video costars Elton John . . . sorta - Stereogum
Jude Law and Robert DeNiro may be joining the Thor movie - Reelz Channel
Lil Wayne is determined to release not one, but two albums before the end of the year - Pitchfork
Style at the Spike Scream Awards! - FabSugar

Jonah Hill Gets Animated!

BuzzSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:30:34 -0700

Seth MacFarlane is the cartoon king right now - Family Guy is still going strong, and its spinoff The Cleveland Show has already been picked up for a second season. But could Jonah Hill give him a run for his money?

The funny guy best known for his roles as the slacker friend is developing an animated show for Fox. Hill is co-writing and voicing the series, which will center around a smarty-pants 7-year-old who gets a culture shock when his parents send him to public school.

I know you guys are mixed about whether Hill has romantic leading man potential when it comes to movies, but I think this sounds like the perfect project for him. How hilarious will it be to hear him as a snarky kid? Plus, I'm semi-curious to see how his comedic writing stacks up when he's not paired with a Rogen, Cera, or Sandler.

What do you make of this news? Will you tune in?

Would You Watch a J.J. Abrams Medical Comedy?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:30:02 -0700

J.J. Abrams, the king of TV sci-fi, is looking for laughs. The man behind Lost and Fringe just signed on to executive produce a "comedic medical show" for FOX. Random!

I've always been a huge fan of Abrams, but I've never thought of him as a funny ha-ha kinda guy. Yes, his shows have had their goofy moments - Felicity's Richard used to always make me guffaw - but this is the same guy who creates smoke monsters. This is a total departure from his usual territory.

Not that I won't watch. Shows based around hospitals may be a dime a dozen these days, but with the old Scrubs that I loved on its way out, this could be a potential worthy replacement. Plus, everything that Abrams touches seems to turn into ratings gold.

What do you guys think of this news? Will you watch J.J. Abrams's new comedy when it comes out?

Which Glee Song From This Week Is Your Favorite?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:30:11 -0700

All Summer, I never stopped believin' in Glee and this week we finally got a new episode! Regardless of what happens in the plot, there's no doubt that the musical numbers are awesomely entertaining. Which song from this week do you like the most? The disco selection originally picked out for the assembly? Or perhaps the song the kids actually do for the assembly? I might be partial to Will's impassioned rendition of "Gold Digger," though I was surprised by how much I enjoyed "I Say a Little Prayer." What about you?

Photo courtesy of Fox

TV Tonight: SYTYCD Special and Glee Pilot on Fox

BuzzSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:30:00 -0700

There's not quite new stuff on Fox just yet, but it's still going to be a fun night on the network. At 8 p.m., we'll get to see "The 15 Best Performances Ever" in the history of So You Think You Can Dance. Hosted by Nigel Lythgoe, the special will take a look at all five seasons of the show and spotlight the 15 best performances.

Right afterward at 9 p.m. we'll be treated to another airing of the Glee pilot - though this won't be the one with Tweets from the show's producers and cast members showing up onscreen. That will happen on Friday night's re-airing of the pilot. I'm excited for yet another opportunity to see the competing school's performance of "Rehab," and, of course, the New Directions' rendition of "Don't Stop Believin.'" And any opportunity for more Jane Lynch is A-OK by me.

If you're like me, you've already seen the Glee pilot (um, a few times) and probably all the dances that will be featured in tonight's SYTYCD special - but you'll watch anyway. Which performances do you think should be included in the special? Will you watch Glee?

Photos courtesy of Fox