Hugh Laurie Directs House Episode

Who knew that Hugh Laurie, the famous Greg House of the Fox TV series House which airs on Monday's at 8 in the northeast, would be directing his first episode this year?

And who knew that his first novel, The Gun Seller was published in both the US and UK and has been adapted to a screenplay?

Just when we think we know Hugh/House, he turns in a different direction and we meet a new side of him.

On his directorial debut on the series he headlines, the opening scene led some devoted fans to groan at the blurred opening scene, which to some us fans screamed "new director trying to be too artsy." Yes, maybe it was the whole birth thing. Maybe leave that stuff to the women? That was followed by some quirky camera angles and extreme close ups. Groan again. Oh, Hugh, what are you doing?

Then, the show picks up. House lays off the usual gratuitous shots of Cuddy's cleavage or butt, with only a few shots focusing there, for a change. Thanks Hugh, because some of us are tired of it- particularly those of us with more meat on our bones than Lisa Edelstein has. Wow, she must live in the gym.

Beyond some beginner-style camera work in the beginning, the show really picks up. Sure, lots of what is great is the writing and undeniably the acting, but Hugh Laurie displays his value throughout the episode, and his fans are certainly going to be encouraging him to direct again.

Not saying much about the scenes with the missing baby, since that required no exciting camera work and held no interest in regard to critiquing the directing of the show. It was straightforward, with touching scenes of the mother, sniff, sniff, and the stepson. And, OK, I'll admit a touching scene with Cuddy. But, for real, if a missing baby being reunited isn't touching, what is.

The "Noah's Ark scenes" (my words, not theirs, since the scenes are shot in pairs of 2), are all wonderful insights into the human condition, with nary any absurd artsy shot in sight. Taub and Wilson are human and real, and show their unexpected dedication to each other. Sorry, no spoilers here! Although there was that scene of them on the floor with that weird overhead camera angle that made us say, "Please, Hugh, please, skip the artsy camera angles!"

Source: http://www.fox.com/house/#home

Thirteen and Wilson, trapped in the cafeteria manage to have an exchange of value despite having never had a relationship of any kind displayed in the past. Again, no spoilers here- you can watch the complete episode on the FOX, www.fox.com/house/recaps/season-6/episode-17.htm 8 days after the episode aired. Absolutely no silly camera work here. Nicely captured, Hugh.

The scene with Chase and Cameron is filmed, and acted, with the perfect light touch. Don't spoil this for yourself by reading the synopsis- just watch it for yourself. Every bit of that filming is heart-wrenching. It was so intimate- it felt like you were in the room. It was divine perfection for those who have loved and lost.

House and Nash. Wow. The directing here was understated, and 2 extremely talented actors complimented each other brilliantly, rather than one stealing the show. It's always the challenge on this show for the patient to act without ever getting out of bed, David Strathairn is just brilliant as Nash, and he and Hugh Laurie play perfectly together. This scene could have easily been sappy, but instead it was touching and believable, and displayed one of the many human touches in House's personality since his commitment.

The episode, through and through, was a great one. OK, still not quite the caliber of the "Wilson's Heart" episode where Amber dies (Watch that one again on FOX.com, each time it touches your heart more) but it is right up there on the list of great episodes.

Not sure that this episode will get Hugh an Emmy for best director but he has our vote to keep trying. And apologies for calling him Hugh, but after this episode I feel like I know him, and his vulnerabilities.