House: An Over-view of One of America's Favorite Television Dramas

"We could let the patient die and figure out what killed him later?" For any other doctor, that statement would be part one of a medical license being revoked. But, for Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) it lights a spark in the minds of his colleagues, Foreman, Chase and Cameron. He's known for his sarcasm, wit, and hateful demeanor. Although he seems to be unloving and unloved, he does have a friend who he confides in often. Dr. Wilson, an oncologist, knows first hand what Dr. House is all about, though, even he is surprised by House's actions. Dr. House's bedside manner leaves something to be desired.

If he could only get away with never actually speaking to his patients, Dr. House's day at the office would be a walk in the park. He's rude. He's crude. His brutal honesty borders on the edge of psychotic and unethical. But, Dr. House is pure excellence in infectious diseases. He leaves his patients with a combination of gratefulness and hatred. His appearance is anything but the way a doctor should be. He's barely Shaved, rough, and dealing with his own physical pain, he uses a cane, and pops pain medication like he's eating candy. As he clashes with his boss, Dr. Lisa Cuddy, impatiently bullies his team of gifted young doctors and treats his reluctant time in the clinic as an excuse for random rudeness toward shell-shocked patients, House becomes a larger-than-life antihero. Look passed his rough exterior to find a spiritually broken man who's seen his share of hard times and disappointments. You just might find yourself falling in love with Dr. House.

Laurie's performance on the series has garnered him a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. He has been honored by the Television Critics Association with two TCA Awards for Individual Achievement in Drama the last two years. Hugh Laurie previously starred in a number of groundbreaking British television comedy series, including four seasons of "A Bit of Fry and Laurie," which he co-wrote for the BBC with Stephen Fry; three seasons of "Blackadder," and three seasons of "Saturday Live." On the big screen, Laurie was in the 20th Century Fox release "Flight of the Phoenix" with Dennis Quaid. A few more under Laurie's belt include "Sense and Sensibility" with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, " 101 Dalmations," and "Stewart Little" (both 1 and 2) with Geena Davis. In addition to acting, Laurie has directed television programs and commercials, composed and recorded numerous original songs and written articles for London's The Daily Telegraph. Laurie obtained a degree in Anthropology at Eton and Cambridge University.

Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps), a neurologist, was handpicked by Dr. House to be a part of his extraordinary team of doctors. House knew Foreman was an exceptional neurologist, but House also knew of Foreman's street-smart background and his ability to read someone from the outside in. Foreman is most known for his relatively quiet demeanor, however, he has a tendency to uphold his own beliefs, most times contradicting the lack of ethics from Dr. House. Epps' career spans both the film and television genres. Probably best know for his role as Dr. Dennis Gant on the Emmy Award-winning drama "ER." In one of the most talked-about series departures, Epps left audiences wondering whether his character committed suicide. He received Best Actor nomination for his performance in the cable original movie, "Conviction," in which he portrayed Carl Upchurch, a hardened criminal from South Philadelphia who spent most of his adult life in prison. Omar Epps was seen in many big screen films such as "Against the Ropes" co-starring with Meg Ryan, "Alfie" opposite Jude Law and Susan Sarandon, "Major League II" opposite Charlie Sheen, as well as many others.

Dr. Allison Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) makes her character well-known by the obvious school-girl-like heart flutters where Dr. House is concerned. Cameron, especially in season two, appears to have a connection with Dr. Chase, where she is interested in the physical relationship, and it seems Chase desires something more intimate. Cameron seems to always find a way to justify House's actions, ever so unethical, clashing with her colleagues, especially Foreman. Jennifer Morrison made an auspicious feature film debut at 15, playing the daughter of Richard Gere and Sharon Stone in "Intersection." She has since appeared in "Mall Cop," "Grind," "Surviving Christmas" and "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." She starred in and produced the independent film "Flourish." Morrison's other film credits include "Big Shot: Confessions of a Campus Bookie," "Urban Legends: Final Cut," "Stir of Echoes" and "Miracle on 34th Street" with Sir Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott. Her independent features include "The Sure Hand of God" and "Design." In television, Morrison had a recurring role on the series "Dawson's Creek" as Joshua Jackson's on-again, off-again girlfriend, and also appeared on "The Random Years." Morrison has a degree in theater from Loyola University Chicago and studied with the celebrated Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Dr. Robert Chase (Jesse Spencer), when he's not helping solve a medical puzzle, spends his time trying to convince Cameron that they should be more than casual physical partners. Dr. Chase seems to have his heart on his sleeve and reveals more than once his Christian background. His father, whom he doesn't speak to, is also a brilliant scientist and appeared on the show to consult with the team. Jesse Spencer's film credits include a starring role in Boaz Yakin's "Uptown Girls" with Brittany Murphy and the biopic "Swimming Upstream" with Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis. He also appears in the independent film "Flourish" by up-and-coming writer/director Kevin Palys, starring in the lead role of "Eddie Gator." Spencer has worked extensively in the UK and Australia in both television and on stage. He starred in the acclaimed BBC drama "Death in Holy Orders" and has had starring roles in the BBC adaptation of "Lorna Doone" and Hallmark's "Stranded." He began his career starring in the long-running Australian soap, "Neighbours." The Australian actor's lead roles in the theater have included "Terrence" in "The Modernists," directed by Robert Delamare, at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre, and the title role in "Peter Pan" at the Hammond Theatre.

Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard), House's confidant, is a brilliant oncologist who, at times, has a hard time keeping his relationships with female colleagues on a professional level. Wilson tries his best to convince Dr. House that he should be a bit more ethical in most of his decisions, however, those attempts are ignored by House. Still, whether Dr. House admits it or not, Dr. Wilson is the one House feels most comfortable with opening up to. Robert Sean Leonard has carved out a distinguished career on both stage and screen. Leonard's extensive theater credits include the Broadway productions of "The Music Man"; "The Iceman Cometh" with Kevin Spacey; "Arcadia"; "Candida," for which he received a Tony nomination; "The Speed of Darkness"; "Breaking the Code"; and "Brighton Beach Memoirs." He also appeared in the West End production of "Our Town." In 2001 Leonard starred in "Tape" with Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, as well as "Chelsea Walls," directed by Hawke and based on the play of the same name. He was born in New Jersey and he began his career at the age of 14 at the Ridgewood theater in New York. Making his film debut at 19 years old, he was seen in the acclaimed "Dead Poets Society," starring opposite Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke.

Dr. Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) plays an interesting role for Dr. House. Often times, she is the center of House's seemingly perverted thoughts and he secretly keeps her on a pedestal in his innermost fantasies. Aside from Dr. House's fantasies, she truly has a brilliant medical mind with amazing instincts. Her job at the hospital as Dean of Medicine and hospital administrator leave her to constantly conflict with Dr. House's lack of ethics. Though she admits he is the best doctor the hospital has (possibly, has ever had) she is at war with her own heart concerning ethics and complete trust in Dr. Gregory House. Children of late 1980's through 1990 will most remember Lisa Edelstein as Lisa E on MTV's "Awake on the Wild Side."

But, that won't be the only career move behind this talented actress. Lisa Edelstein is fearless when it comes to the characters and roles she participates in. Edelstein has portrayed Rob Lowe's call-girl girlfriend on "The West Wing," the transsexual boyfriend of James LeGros on "Ally McBeal," and David Conrad's lesbian sister on "Relativity." She landed a regular role on the series "Leap of Faith" and guest turns on "Seinfeld," "Without a Trace," and "ER," just to name a few. Not only is Edelstein a great on-screen actress, but you will certainly hear her behind the scenes as well. She also does a voice over as Mercy Grave on the animated "Superman" and "Justice League" series. On the big screen, you will find Edelstein in many well-known shots including Ben Stiller's aerobics-obsessed date in "Keeping the Faith," "What Women Want" with Mel Gibson, and "Daddy Day Care" with Eddy Murphy. There seems to be no end to Edelstein's talents as she has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including the AIDS-related musical "Positive Me," which she authored, composed and performed. She also lives in Los Angeles with her cat and a small army of rescue dogs while she volunteers her time by working with the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

In the season one finale, Dr. House's former girlfriend, Stacy, meets with House as they wait for her husband, Mark. House still has many feelings for Stacy, and she for him, but she says she was lonely when she was with House. Mark makes room for her in his life. During the meeting with Mark, House notices certain things about Mark's appearance and asks him to come to the hospital. After Mark refuses, House drugged Mark causing him to feel woozy and pass out, forcing Mark to go to the hospital for a check up. House realizes that Mark is completely healthy but his brain is slowly dying. He and his team rush to find the cure before it's too late. After reviewing the symptoms, especially light sensitivity, Dr. House finally has a breakthrough. AIP. He orders his doctors to start Mark on Hematin and glucose, but Cameron points out that if he doesn't't have AIP, the Hematin will give Mark renal failure. After a quick urine test, the team confirms AIP, and House once again orders Hematin and glucose. Eventually, Mark can move his extremities again. The treatment is a success, however, Mark will require constant observation. Dr. Cuddy offers Stacy her old job as a consultant, but Stacy refuses unless House is okay with it. House agrees.

In the season two finale, House suffered multiple gunshot wounds inflicted by a former patient's husband determined to carry out retribution for House's treatment of his wife's case. In a shocking surprise to his co-workers, House comes through the ordeal with a slightly new perspective on his treatment of patients. Even his colleagues must wonder, will this new outlook stick with House through the remainder of his career? Or will he continue to be his former arrogant self?

Season three is well under-way and is proving to be even more heart-wrenching and exciting than the previous seasons. In earlier episodes, Dr. Foreman put in his two weeks notice to Dr. House and had planned on leaving the hospital. He argues that he felt as if he were turning into an uncaring, unethical doctor, just like Dr. House. However, inside, Foreman has always wanted to be as brilliant as Dr. House. But, will Foreman quit? Will that be the end of Dr. Eric Foreman on House? Watch season three to stay up to date on Dr. House!

_{^{ref. http://www.fox.com/house}}