elegy

Apr. 8th, 2009 01:26 am
swatkat: knight - er, morgana - in shining underwear (flowers)
[personal profile] swatkat


they keep leaving me:

So the most cheerful, enthusiastic member of the D2, the guy who cheerfully did every wacky thing imaginable and who, of all the fellows, new and old, appeared to enjoy House's brand of doctoring the most, woke up one morning and decided that he'd kill himself. And so he shot himself in the head.

For the record, Kal Penn was not fired, he asked to leave, because he'll now be working in the White House and is very excited about it—and Shore and co. just got away with their failure to give Kutner a single independent storyline in two seasons *and* got a lot of heartwrenching drama *and* managed to reduce the cast *and* managed to set up even more DRAMA! for the finale *and* make it fit with the season's overarching theme… That's how many birds in one stone now? Clever, show. Very clever.

We didn't expect Kutner to commit suicide. Neither did anyone else. In fact, if you think about his usual cheerful façade, it appears downright OOC. But [livejournal.com profile] cryptictac says it perfectly here:


Kutner was the one character we never got to know properly. But the fact that he was a character we never really got to know is, I think, a fantastic touch to his death - because he's a person no one really knew. He'd always struck me as a character who was always fairly detached and I never really understood why that was the case - but now I can fully appreciate why he was that way. He never let anybody in, despite being such a friendly person. He lived an extremely self-contained life. He came across as quite shallow at times. It was a very well-fitted mask that everybody believed, even House. And that right there was the symptom, except it was so atypical that it was easily dismissed as just personality quirks.


It was there to be seen, right there when he went back home and watched television after Amber's death, when he spoke so coolly about his parents being shot. It was there in the way we never heard about Cole again. It was there in his geekery, which we believed was only general fanboy behaviour but was, in fact, also a kind of escapism. And I don't believe for a minute that Shore and co. had it all planned, but in the end, they've tied it up pretty neatly. Why did Kutner have to die? What was missing? We'll never know. There's no simple explanation, as is the case with most people who take their own lives. We'll always wonder and everyone else will always wonder, and the only person who did know has carried it to his metaphorical grave.


and they don't tell me, they don't warn me:


I love how everyone reacted to the death: that's what made the episode for me. Foreman grieved alone, Thirteen tried desperately to hold herself together, Taub shut down, Cuddy held things together, Wilson found it a bit too close for comfort and had to be talked into going to House, and House, of course, tried to solve the puzzle. House prides himself as the rational man, and seeks a rational explanation for every problem. Except that there is no rational answer to why a guy would wake up and decide that was it, he'd had enough of life. So he comes up with every rational explanation imaginable, from something as ludicrous as murder to something very plausible, like conflict over his identity. And none of them fit. He fails to diagnose the disease. And the only one who could've answered the question is Kutner himself, who is dead.

We've seldom seen House so… lost in an episode, so utterly, visibly shaken by something. He does need people and he does care about them—his friends, of course, and his team. That's why he hired the new team. And if Thirteen is the one he's taken under his wing and Taub the worthy adversary-cum-punching bag, Kutner was the playmate, the only one who really appreciated and shared House's joy in crazy things and out-of-the-box thinking. We come back to what House said in the first episode of this season:

'You thought she would change?'
'She almost died. Because of that job. Yeah, I – I thought – '
'Almost dying changes nothing. Dying changes everything.'

And Kutner, like Ester Doyle, will always remain a puzzle, a mystery. Another one dead on House's watch.


that this is the last time i'll be seeing them:

Wilson and Cuddy, meanwhile, rocked my socks off in this episode. Wilson's initial detachment was in sharp contrast with Cuddy's desperate bid for damage control, which is in perfect character for both of them. But what I really, really loved was the small Wilson/Cuddy scene. Of course he can't face House at that moment, because it's faced him once again with his greatest fear: losing House. And of course Cuddy has little patience for Wilson's pain when House is in need, because Kutner's suicide has faced her with her greatest fear: which is, again, losing House (not that I had any doubt about it, but I loved that she pretty much articulated a similar emotion in 'The Softer Side'). She didn't go to Wilson because she was passing on something she should've done herself—I'm not really sure where people are even getting this from, since she was rather supportive of him throughout. She went to Wilson because Wilson is House's best friend. And I'm so very glad Wilson lashed out at her, calling her on her selfish need to cling to her House-whisperer—and then went and did just what she was hoping for, be there for House ('It's good to see you,' House said out loud), despite the undercurrent of unresolved issues. I see fandom is again debating this, but it's perfectly clear to me, and I'll simply reiterate what I said after 5.01:

But coming back to Cuddy and fandom's whining about Cuddy acting out of her desire not to lose her House-whisperer – well of course she doesn't want to lose her House-whisperer. Can you imagine being abandoned with a Wilsonless House? Can you imagine being abandoned with House by your partner in crime? But then there is this: 'You really don't feel ANY sense of guilt?' That's genuine bafflement there, because Cuddy cannot conceive of that degree of irresponsibility (House is lying, of course – as he'll admit later). It says a lot about who she is, and why she's taking up House and Wilson's case – because she cares about them, and she feels responsible.

But Wilson called her on it, and then went on to meet House, after lashing out at her. We've been seeing these glimpses of honesty between the two of them over the past two seasons (Cuddy lecturing him about Amber; 'He's the attending, you're family'; Wilson's dig in 5.01; Wilson's lecture in 5.14; and now in this episode), along with instances of being there for each other in times of distress (she was there for him in 'Wilson's Heart' and visited him when he wouldn't see House; he has been very supportive throughout her adoption period). If they ever had to pick, they would obviously, without question, pick House over the other person. But they are friends, and I'm endlessly fascinated by their complex dynamic.


Etc:

* Oh, Taub. You should've attended the funeral. Kutner was your only friend.

* I *loved* LE's acting in that little scene between Cuddy and Taub. Her weariness, and her offer for a ride... ♥

* That was a very strange funeral. But I wouldn't know how they're held in the US. That said, the smoke during the cremation gave me the creeps, like it always does—I've witnessed it firsthand, and it's horrible every time.

* I was teary in the last scene, with Taub's tears and House looking for clues in Kutner's photos.

* And I wonder if Thirteen was wearing the bracelet when they found Kutner, and she slipped on his blood, god.

* Is it time to crack reincarnation jokes now?

* Thirteen broke me in this episode. Fine acting, OW.

* Also, loved Foreman withdrawing.

* POTW was boring. I barely noticed them.

* House's little glance at Cuddy's hand when she placed it on his was cute.

* Strange, muted lighting, creating a sense of haunted emptiness. I approve.

* 'Living in misery sucks marginally less than dying in misery.' That, coming from House, is something.

* I fear for House in the next few episodes.

* I will really miss Kutner.

Date: 2009-04-07 09:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] katernater.livejournal.com
All of this is spot-on brilliant.

And I'm with you: I was really impressed with Oliva Wilde's performance last night. I keep saying it to everyone who's seen the episode -- she really rallied toward the end of his season. What an incredible performance.

Date: 2009-04-08 04:42 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
I've never shared fandom's dislike for Olivia Wilde, but she raised it to a very different level in this episode. I'll quote [livejournal.com profile] shutterbug_12 below, because I couldn't have said it better: I could almost reach through the TV and touch her terror, and then how desperate she was to keep it together.

Date: 2009-04-07 09:05 pm (UTC)
ext_50: Amrita Rao (Default)
From: [identity profile] plazmah.livejournal.com
I am still really irked by this episode and I'm not sure why anymore. Oftentimes, people take their own lives and we never see it coming and yet I'm still having a hard time believing Kutner would shoot himself. Saying it's "out of character" isn't fair because it happens like that in real life. When a person takes their own life it can be sudden and shocking, but I kept fuming that Kutner's death was contrived and shoe-horned (even though I realize Penn left the show pretty abruptly). And even though I recognize that this show is all about House in the end, I'm not impressed with the way Kutner's death is just a vehicle for House to angst some more. The only thing that I actually liked was Foreman's memorial note on the website. It's so perfectly him and it makes me feel like I understand why he drew away from Thirteen to grieve.

Anyway, am writing Amber & Kutner fic. Oy vey.

Date: 2009-04-08 04:05 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
The only thing that irks me that TPTB got away with everything. They got away with not fleshing out Kutner's character for *two years* (despite KP's busy schedule elsewhere; apparently, he told DS and KJ 'very early in the process' that he viewed his tenure in the show as 'temporary'), they got away with a contrived, engineered for DRAMA! death precisely because it's a suicide, and they even got away with making Kutner's death a vehicle for House's angst. I'm fairly certain that TPTB didn't know he would be leaving so soon (apparently the planning started in December?), but when they did, they had to come up with a retcon that fills all the gaps. Not fleshed out? Ah, that's because he was the guy who was everyone's friend and yet no one really know.OOC suicide? Ah, but how do you know when you didn't really know him? Vehicle for House's angst? Naturally, since the show is from House's POV, and even Amber's death was an excuse to let House's drama with Wilson (and this season's extended drama with Cuddy) play out - what else did you expect?

Erm, I hope I'm being clear about what I'm getting at?

Date: 2009-04-08 05:56 am (UTC)
ext_50: Amrita Rao (Default)
From: [identity profile] plazmah.livejournal.com
I totally get it. The writers should be thanking their lucky stars that their mistakes can all be repackaged into an explanation that most people are buying.

Date: 2009-04-07 10:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shutterbug-12.livejournal.com
I'm not sure where others are getting the "Olivia sucks as an actress", because I could almost reach through the TV and touch her terror, and then how desperate she was to keep it together. I don't know what on earth people are talking about. I'm with you.

I don't quite agree that Cuddy is nearly as good a friend to Wilson as Wilson has been to her. Nevertheless, I'm also thrilled and proud of Wilson for calling her out, no bullshit. I also think that while she had a part in causing Wilson to go to House, I don't think she's all that responsible; Wilson didn't go until he knew he could handle it (or handle it as well as he could). I have no doubt he would have gone without Cuddy's request. And for that I also applaud him. He took care of himself first, made sure he was okay first, before rushing off to House to take care of his 'needs', and that shows a level of healthiness that hasn't gone away since the beginning of this season. I'm still glad to see it's there.

Loved the lighting: See my complete thoughts about that here, as well as the rest of my episode thinky-thoughts. (http://shutterbug-12.livejournal.com/127506.html#cutid1)

Pt I

Date: 2009-04-08 05:46 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Okay, if I come across as stronger than I intend to, please forgive me. This is as much a response to your post as to a lot of comments in a lot of places. Venting, if you will.

I don't quite agree that Cuddy is nearly as good a friend to Wilson as Wilson has been to her.

I… am seeing a lot of remarks of a similar nature in fandom, and well, I don't want to disagree with anyone, but I do think that a lot of the Wilson fans are being very simplistic in their treatment of the scene. And I get why they're doing it, and more power to them, but I can't quite read the scene in a similar way. 'He was there when she needed him during the baby arc and she wasn't when he was upset about Kutner's death, and remember that time she didn't support him during the Tritter arc?'—I'm sorry, but this not an adequate response as far as I'm concerned. Because, first, she acknowledged his rebuke without a word, which meant she knew she was being manipulative and she got his point (instead of the angry 'Shut up' in the couples' therapy scene, where she was doing the very difficult task of managing both House and Wilson). Second, if we really go to the point of weighing things on a scale, as a lot of people seem to be doing so, then Cuddy's trauma in the baby arc does not compare with Wilson's trauma in this episode—a more adequate comparison is Amber's death, and at that time, she was right there for him. I don't mean to cheapen or lessen his grief, mind you—what I'm trying to say is that it's not as simple as 'Wilson was upset about Kutner', because Wilson was not really upset about Kutner.

Third, and this is what is most interesting to me, is that taking care of other people is a trait that they both share, albeit in different ways: Wilson's approach is a lot more personal, whereas Cuddy says 'I'm sorry for you' and hires grief counsellors. I don't think there is any question that between the two of them, Wilson is the more empathetic one, more attuned to other people's need than Cuddy will be ever be—and that's his strength and his weakness, because people who care for other people need to be taken care of too, except that their invincible façade prevents other people from seeing that. And that's the thing with Wilson—he takes care of people, but at the end of the day, there's no one who will take care of him. Because, like Kutner, he's the guy whom everyone likes but no one really knows. Kutner's death didn't just hit home because it's close to the anniversary of Amber's death, but also because Kutner was, in a way, a little bit like Wilson. And the only person who does know Wilson? Is incapable of 'taking care' of anyone or anything.

Pt II

Date: 2009-04-08 05:47 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com

I agree that he was trying to reinforce Amber's lesson, but I don't quite see an element of healthiness in his withdrawal. I rather see a reflection of his not-quite-stable state of mind and the very complex situation he is in, which is *not* healthy. Amber taught him to take care of himself, but if there's one thing Wilson has learnt is that he can't always take care of himself alone. That's why we've seen him cultivate his friendship with Cuddy more than ever in this season. Because at the end of the day, House actually has more people who love him and will take care of him than Wilson (or Cuddy, for that matter). And Wilson's snapping at her is a simple reminder of the basis of their relationship: House. That, at the end of the day, they'll pick House over the other person. House, who is the neediest person in the history of neediness. And where does that leave them (him)? Alone, despite the fragile relationship that they've built up.

Which is why, when Cuddy claimed that he needed a friend too, and therefore he should go to House (as though House is somehow going to make Wilson feel better), Wilson calls her on her crap. Because 'you need a friend too' is a platitude, and a bad one at that, carefully calibrated to push Wilson into seeing House—and Wilson, who is the king of platitudes, knows better than to fall for that.

Does Cuddy not care about Wilson? Of course she does. But does Cuddy not care about Wilson at that moment? No, because House is more important to her, and will always be; and also because House has lost Kutner on his watch—Wilson hasn't. And Wilson knows it.


I have no doubt he would have gone without Cuddy's request.

But when would he have gone? We're splitting hairs here (sorry), but I do think the timing is important. Her prodding (which, of course, had an ulterior motive) speeded up his reaction, and I do think that's important in times like this. Because, putting aside every other history of House's neediness and Wilson being there for him, this was a moment of genuine need. And just because House is incapable of being there for Wilson does not mean that we must hold Wilson to the same standard. House is not a standard.

That Wilson did go is why I heart House and Wilson; that he withdrew initially and required some prodding marks House's tragedy (for me) in this season—he's *faked* neediness so that Wilson will be there (which lead to Amber's death), and ensured that Wilson will not respond instantly in a moment of genuine need.

Erm, does any of this make sense?

Re: Pt II

Date: 2009-04-08 06:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shutterbug-12.livejournal.com
All well-stated.

I, personally, wasn't strictly speaking of Cuddy being a friend to Wilson just in this scene, and I'm going to split hairs again here, but I don't believe that 'this' was a reference just to Kutner's death. I agree when you say that Wilson wasn't as upset about Kutner as others seem to think. Wilson has been dealing with as heavy a set of problems as Cuddy has--his brother, trying to get over Amber enough to even attempt a new relationship, not fall back into the trap of rushing off to House whenever he calls, or might call. I do love what you said in the first paragraph of the second comment, and I'm not trying to say Wilson has it worse than Cuddy, because, really, I'd say they're about even in the weight of their problems and loneliness and pain. But Wilson, as you say, is a caretaker in many ways, and that's how he acts in his friendships, too, whereas Cuddy either can't or won't.

I think Cuddy reacted decently, and I have nothing against it. I think her reaction signaled that he was right about that, and she took it with dignity and adult understanding. But I can't agree that, other than that moment just before Amber's death, Cuddy has been all that great a friend to Wilson. The rest of the series just hasn't shown that, and if it weren't for House, I think Wilson would be just some other employee to her. That's not to say that, if it weren't for House, Cuddy wouldn't just be a boss to Wilson (which I think is probably true). But this: And that's the thing with Wilson—he takes care of people, but at the end of the day, there's no one who will take care of him. That is true, and I agree, and I think that was the point. Wilson will take care of people--it's something he needs to do, for whatever messed up reason--and, in his world, Cuddy has been included in 'people', more than he's been included in hers. At least it's seemed that way to me.

Cuddy says 'I'm sorry for you' and hires grief counsellors. Except with House lately, but as you say (and I agree), she (and Wilson) will chose House first, but whereas Cuddy's approach to House is far more personal than with anyone else, Wilson's isn't as uneven. It's not perfect, no way. But I think Wilson does a better job at the business of caring in general, and is capable of keeping a tight perspective and awareness on things more than Cuddy, so he comes across a little more even sometimes. I don't doubt that Cuddy cares about Wilson, but I don't think it's been reciprocated at the same level, and this might be because their methods are different.

Re: Pt II

Date: 2009-04-08 02:38 pm (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
But I can't agree that, other than that moment just before Amber's death, Cuddy has been all that great a friend to Wilson.

Oh, but I have to split hairs again, although I think we are actually on the same page here. *g* I don't think Cuddy hasn't been a 'good friend' to Wilson in the past. I don't think she has been a 'friend' to him *at all* prior to the end of S3-beginning of S4. Colleagues. Boss/employee. Co-conspirators. But not *friends* as such. The first time we saw them have personal-ish interaction was the awkward date, and then the equally awkward Wilson walking in on Cuddy crying in her office in 'Finding Judas'. In my personal fanon, that's when Wilson settles on her as one of the 'people' in his larger ambit, as you said, because Wilson is incapable of not taking care of someone (whom he perceives of being) in need. Again, in my personal fanon, their relationship has grown to a 'friendship' of sorts in the past couple of years.

Sometimes we may lose perspective on how ruthless Cuddy can be, but canon has been very consistent in this portrayal of hers. And if she had no qualms about sacrificing him for House in the Vogler arc and hanging him dry in the Tritter arc, it's because of this ruthlessness that Wilson is not very good at (though he *can* be ruthless in his own way, but that's another discussion). The most interesting question to me is: if a situation like Tritter/Vogler were to arise again, would Cuddy protect Wilson, now that they are closer? I suspect that she would probably hesitate before she actually took a step like she did in the Vogler arc, or at least try to protect them both, but in the end the choice would always be House. And they both know it.

But I think Wilson does a better job at the business of caring in general, and is capable of keeping a tight perspective and awareness on things more than Cuddy, so he comes across a little more even sometimes. I don't doubt that Cuddy cares about Wilson, but I don't think it's been reciprocated at the same level, and this might be because their methods are different.

I disagree about Wilson's sense of perspective, but I agree otherwise: Wilson is way better at caring than Cuddy will ever be. And it's not as though Cuddy doesn't care - but caring for someone, and translating that into some concrete action that *shows* you care are two different things. The second comes very naturally to Wilson; not so much to Cuddy. The only exception is House, because House is the only person on the show with whom her personal/professional lines have been thoroughly blurred until no one has any idea where they were to begin with. Wilson's treatment of House isn't uneven, because Wilson doesn't have to straddle the two worlds of being House's boss and being House's friend.

Re: Pt II

Date: 2009-04-08 06:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shutterbug-12.livejournal.com
I don't think she was wrong to ask Wilson to help House, but I don't think she was just acting for House, there. I don't think Cuddy is any less selfish than the rest of the characters. By suggesting that, she feels like she accmomplished something, that she helped, that she was needed, and I think if she got Wilson to go it would have helped her, too. However, that's not to say she wasn't thinking of House, because she was, and it was great. The way she was this episode was really...I really liked her, but I'm glad that she was called on what she said all the same. People deserve that kind of honesty. I just think Wilson has been struggling with a lot of things, and still struggling about when he should "take care" of House and when he shouldn't, so while I think the nudge was good from Cuddy, it was very good that Wilson set her straight on her own reasons for it.

Splitting hairs again, but I don't agree at all that House was faking neediness when he called Wilson at the bar back at the end of season four. I don't think it's the same kind of need as what Kutner's death brought, but I think House was (and had been) hurting a lot because Wilson wasn't around as much, and he really did miss his friend. I don't think that was a fake at all. (Don't think it was right to get plastered like that right then and try to see Wilson that way, when the moron should have actually communicated and told Wilson these things instead, but, as we know, healthy communication about relationships is not any of their strong suits--House, Wilson, or Cuddy. They all fail pretty miserably when it comes to that.)

And, I could not agree with you more when you say that House is not a standard. Oh my God. Thank you. Too many people fall into the trap of using House's behavior as a standard. "Well, if House doesn't, what's so bad if Wilson acts this way, or if Cuddy acts the same way?" Etc. etc. House is not a standard. You are absolutely 100% right. Thank you. Guh.

But, yes, lots of sense. I butt heads with you on some of the details, but I learned a bit, too. And you get me to think more. I hope I made sense. Heh.

Re: Pt II

Date: 2009-04-08 02:43 pm (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
... but I don't think she was just acting for House, there. I don't think Cuddy is any less selfish than the rest of the characters.

Yes, absolutely! It's very selfish on her part to cling on to her House-whisperer, because there are more things to Wilson than his friendship with House. And Cuddy knows this, and despite knowing this, acts the way she does in this episode nonetheless.

People deserve that kind of honesty.

And yes, exactly. That's why I loved that scene so.

I see what you mean about House's loneliness and need in 'House's Head', but I have very little sympathy for him in that arc. I know *why* he felt the way he felt, and I usually manage to sympathize with him nonetheless, but not here. Jackass.

Too many people fall into the trap of using House's behavior as a standard.

I thought the *point* of the show is that House is not a standard? But then, sometimes I think we're all watching very different shows.

Date: 2009-04-08 12:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] esmeraldus-neo.livejournal.com
I liked it, although a friend of mine had some criticism when I posted about it on my journal--the criticism amounted to she thought it was a shallow treatment of a suicide.

I don't think I agree completely. I think the episode might be subject to thoughtful criticism on that score, but I liked quite a bit of what you mention in your analysis.

Date: 2009-04-08 04:08 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
A lot of people have been saying the same thing, that the suicide needed more respect, but the fact that they focused on the ones left behind increased the tragedy of the matter for me. I suspect this has to do with how I respond to death, especially deaths like this, suicide and near-suicide.

Date: 2009-04-08 04:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] esmeraldus-neo.livejournal.com
Yeah, actually, I think you're right. I think that's why I liked it. My friend and I both deal with fairly serious depression.

But the way I've been thinking about life, the universe, and everything, lately, means that even from my perspective as a person who has been suicidally depressed at times--right now, I find the depiction of how the survivors deal with it actually very interesting.

I'm watching the ep again right now (or listening, I guess, since I'm writing, too, and it's in another window) and I still find it compelling.

I think it's just a matter of perspective, and they chose to focus on the perspectives of the survivors. Right now that works for me, some other time it might not work as well.

Date: 2009-04-08 04:40 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
I've never dealt with depression, but I *have* dealt with losses like this. There are always a series of endless questions - why did he do it? why did I not see it? why did he not talk to me? what could I have done to help? - with no answers, because the only person who *could* have answered is gone. So the survivors' perspective, instead of being disrespectful, rang very true and poignant to me - what better way to remember a person than to focus on those who miss them?

Date: 2009-04-08 03:18 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alex-kingston.livejournal.com
I tend to ignore the deep stuff (especially now because I'm still numbed)but do know that everything you've said here just echoes what I think and everything else has given me a new perspective.

So on to the random:

- It really was a strange funeral. I've never seen a Hindu funeral done like that. I was thinking this must be some new age fusion type of thing. And yes smoke during cremations are creepy and just really really sad.

- And crack the reincarnation jokes. I need a good laugh :)

- The glancing at Cuddy's hand thing was cute. I love that the actors bother about these nuances.

- I will miss my professional defibrillist who love Star Wars and Harry Potter. We hadn't even had time to discover if he loved Battlestar yet!

Date: 2009-04-08 04:15 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
I've never seen a Hindu funeral done like that. I was thinking this must be some new age fusion type of thing.

Erm, yes. It was very strange. But maybe that's how it is done in the absence of a convenient river and riverside crematorium? The priest's actions were bizarre - I honestly thought it was a Christian priest for a moment, before it became clear that it wasn't. My reaction was 'what on earth is he saying?' I don't think TPTB quite knew, either, which is why they made it a part of the montage. Also, only a part of the service happens before cremation - but I don't suppose it made sense for TPTB to delve into such things.

I will miss him muchly. Maybe he was convinced that *he* was the Final Cylon? (Er, sorry, bad joke.)

Date: 2009-04-08 06:01 am (UTC)
ext_50: Amrita Rao (Default)
From: [identity profile] plazmah.livejournal.com
My parents went to a friend's Hindu funeral (in Canada) a year or so ago. My dad watched this episode with us and said what they did in House was quite similar to the funeral service they'd gone to, with a lot of Christian-type elements thrown in.

I've never been to a single funeral myself, so I don't know what they're like.

Date: 2009-04-08 06:11 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Ah, that makes sense! I guess the rituals have imbibed some Christian elements over time?

And anyway, I'm not really fond of most Hindu rituals to begin with, so I actually cheered when Thirteen was one of the pallbearers (women are never pallbearers; traditionally, they did not even have the right to participate in the funeral or even visit the bloody cremation ground, although that has changed in many sections of the society now).

Date: 2009-04-08 06:25 am (UTC)
ext_50: Amrita Rao (Default)
From: [identity profile] plazmah.livejournal.com
I loved that Thirteen was a pallbearer too.

I'm sure the rituals have borrowed a lot from Christianity due to convenience. My parents told me that the funeral they went to was unfamiliar in some ways, but that's to be expected when there's no way you can carry out those kinds of rites.

Date: 2009-04-08 08:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alex-kingston.livejournal.com
That's true. No river and all that.
Oh yes he was like standing behind the podium and all. If not for the tikka on his forehead I would have thought Christian priest as well.

HAHAHAHAH LOL. NAH NOT A BAD JOKE. DO GO ON :P

Date: 2009-04-10 03:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caesir.livejournal.com
Late to the par... er funeral (too soon?)

Kutner: Sadly, I never cared much for him as a character. I never could quite buy him as a doctor, and no, it's not because I think of him as Kumar. Never watched White castle ;)

I was completely spoiled so I had my reservations about how this was going to play out and I was hoping that they weren't going for cheap shock value . The fact that KP had to leave helped and this and Shore and co. just got away with their failure to give Kutner a single independent storyline in two seasons *and* got a lot of heartwrenching drama *and* managed to reduce the cast *and* managed to set up even more DRAMA! for the finale *and* make it fit with the season's overarching theme… Hee. I don't think the suicide was necessary but they kinda made it work.

Wilson and Cuddy, meanwhile, rocked my socks off in this episode. Word ;)
But they are friends Of this I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong I have no doubt they care a lot about each other, and I've spend the whole season wanting to believe they're actually real friends... but I'm not really seeing it. It's probably a personal thing, to me a friendship has to be based on caring and desire to have that other person in your life while Wilson and Cuddy are basing their relationship on House(Cuddy) and Wilson's fraking savior complex. Even back in season 3, when they started getting close and Wilson took her out, it was because, according to him she worked hard and needed it. NEED of course being the main word on Wilson vocabulary. They do have real moments but from where I'm standing the whole thing it's not really working.

scene between Cuddy and Taub Hee, every time there's scene between them I flashback to "As Good as it Gets" and mentally tell Taub to hurry up and tell her that he loves her because Jack Nicholson is gonna show up demanding his table and throwing insults.

I fear for House in the next few episodes. I'm more concerned about Wilson, which is weird because I actually care about House a lot more

because Kutner's suicide has faced her with her greatest fear: which is, again, losing House Really? I mean she would be devastated, but I think her biggest fear would be losing Rachel. Speaking of Rachel, where is she? Come on TPTB I want a sweet scene between Cuddy and her kid before the finale. Specially noe that she is, what? 5 months old? Cuddy is happy with her baby girl and I want to see it, even 15 seconds of them cuddling and then you can have House in peril!! again or whatever, so the show doesn't get to fluffy ;)

Date: 2009-04-10 05:19 pm (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Don't get me wrong I have no doubt they care a lot about each other, and I've spend the whole season wanting to believe they're actually real friends... but I'm not really seeing it. It's probably a personal thing, to me a friendship has to be based on caring and desire to have that other person in your life while Wilson and Cuddy are basing their relationship on House(Cuddy) and Wilson's fraking savior complex. Even back in season 3, when they started getting close and Wilson took her out, it was because, according to him she worked hard and needed it. NEED of course being the main word on Wilson vocabulary. They do have real moments but from where I'm standing the whole thing it's not really working.


I think it's a bizzare friendship that they have. Someone called them 'friends-in-law', and I think that's a lovely term for House. But they have their moments, which is why I hesitate to relegate them back to the pre-S4 'not-friends' category.

I haven't seen 'As Good as it Gets'. Peter Jacobsen was in it too?

And yes, of course - losing Rachel, you're absolutely right. But I wasn't really thinking of Rachel or Daniel Wilson when I wrote this, but you're absolutely right.

Date: 2009-04-11 12:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caesir.livejournal.com
They have to talk about this whole thing and really make clear what they are to each other, which... good luck with that. I mean the level of dysfunction that House/Wilson/Cuddy are reaching is giving me heartache. Not in a fandom whining way "They're ruining the (insert characters names here) relationship, TPTB suck" that seems to be going around, but in a real "wow, this people need therapy and stay away from each other for a long time" way ;)

I haven't seen 'As Good as it Gets'. Peter Jacobsen was in it too? LE and PJ are in a short scene together that really doesn't affect the overall plot, so I didn't completely ruined the movie for you. Still, sorry :)

Date: 2009-04-11 11:05 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Talking? What is this thing you speak of?

I heart the dysfunctionality. It makes me want to draw hearts around them and shower sparkles on them.

And hey, I have no plans of watching that movie right now. I know it's a good movie, and have even made a couple of half-hearted attempts to watch when HBO used to air it very frequently, but I never quite got into it.

Date: 2009-04-11 11:38 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caesir.livejournal.com
Talking?? Completely overrated

It makes me want to draw hearts around them and shower sparkles on them. Hee. Is it stupid that I imagined the trio's reaction to this? I mean Wilson would probably let you, specially if he felt that it may help you. House would insult you and quite possibly hit you with his cane and Cuddy would be all "I don't have time for this" until she realizes she may as well get use to it because once Rachel hits kindergarten this will actually happen to her (In my defense I haven't slept and is 7:30 am here)

It's a good movie, but still was totally overrated when it was released.

Date: 2009-04-11 11:49 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
I mean Wilson would probably let you, specially if he felt that it may help you. House would insult you and quite possibly hit you with his cane and Cuddy would be all "I don't have time for this" until she realizes she may as well get use to it because once Rachel hits kindergarten this will actually happen to her

Hee! I can just imagine House's horror if someone tries to draw hearts around him and shower sparkles on him. I do imagine Wilson would be more amenable to the idea, especially if I make him hold my hand and cry to him about my sad, sad life first. Cuddy isn't a sparkles person, really, but she'd probably secretly like it when she realizes that in a few years she'll be receiving similar things from Rachel. Aww. The cute, it kills me.

Date: 2009-04-11 11:53 am (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Also I want Rachel to grow up a little and present House a sparkly stick-figure portrait of himself, complete with the tiny hearts.

Date: 2009-04-11 12:24 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caesir.livejournal.com
Ha!! LMAO picturng House's and Cuddy's reaction to that.

In a wa, I would love it if older Rachel didn't actually like House. I think it would really bother him.

Date: 2009-04-11 12:39 pm (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Yes! And he would secretly wish to win her over, if only have an ally in his eternal struggle against his Dark Overlord.

Date: 2009-04-11 01:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caesir.livejournal.com
His Dark Overlod *snort* You know, if the Devil looked like Cuddiy satanism would be much more popular.

But Rachel would be totally onto him, so she'd use him to get candy (because Cuddy is going to be a pain in the ass when it comes to sugar intake) and completely play House.


Date: 2009-04-11 01:13 pm (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Hell, *I'd* convert. *g*

But Rachel would be totally onto him, so she'd use him to get candy (because Cuddy is going to be a pain in the ass when it comes to sugar intake) and completely play House.

*is ded from cute*

Date: 2009-04-10 04:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sk56.livejournal.com
I still am not really watching this show (though I have seen several early episodes) but this piece of writing

Almost dying changes nothing. Dying changes everything.

seems to expand past its origins. I think I first saw it in one of your posts, and and glad to see it here again.

Date: 2009-04-10 05:16 pm (UTC)
ext_7700: (Default)
From: [identity profile] swatkat24.livejournal.com
Yes, it's from the beginning of the season, when he was dealing with the repurcussions of another death. I have mixed feelings about this particular death, but it does go very well with the overarching theme of the season. And since we have four episodes left to go, I'd like to see *how* things change now.

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