This weekend was a "House" triple-header: finally catching up to the DVR of last week's episode, followed by the two-part telecast airing this week (at 9 p.m. Tuesday and then 8 p.m. Wednesday).
There is one link between last week and this week — the intersection of faith and medicine. Last week, of course, that was in the story of House (Hugh Laurie) and team trying to cure a young faith healer. I didn't think the show handled the topic very well, as it reached a compromise — medicine working some, faith working some — that felt too much like something designed to pacify all segments of the audience. The new episodes embrace faith through Foreman's father (played solemnly by guest star Charles Dutton) during a medical crisis after Foreman picks up a mysterious and potentially very dangerous ailment from a patient. It feels with faith more sure-handedly. Foreman's father comes across as someone who not only believes in God but believes in what people can do — particularly people who know more about a topic than he does.
But the episodes are really a showcase for Foreman (Omar Epps) and, to a lesser degree, Cameron (Jennifer Morrison), as her conflict with Foreman remains unresolved going into these shows. There's also a glimpse of the warmer side of House. All right, so he doesn't really have a warmer side. Let's say a glimpse into the conscience of House, since he does have one of those, and the show does well in dealing with why it's often better that House not care about his patients.
Not a perfect pair of episodes. After all, we all know that, if a story is in two parts, then what looks like a solution near the end of part one is probably not going to work out. But as character pieces they're highly enjoyable. The idea that Foreman is in many respects House Jr. gets a real workout here, and more than once you will look at him and think, yeah, House would have done the same thing. And Cameron gets to show some elements of her character that are a departure from what we usually see, while consistent with Cameron as we know her.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I got stuck at work. How did it Part 2 end. What was the cause of the infection?
Thanks
Yeah, I didn't know it was on tonight so I ended up watching another show. I tuned into fox just as the closing (foot stomping thing) was happening. Boy, was I upset. I loved last night's show so I'm also wondering how the conclusion ended. (I'm guessing Foreman survived.)
Did they announce it was on an hour early??? What a bummer, I missed it too!!!
Anyone out there, what happened?
Yeah oh my gosh. I was wathcing on DVR and the channel changed im really mad, it changed right after forman got his comma so can someone please tell me what happened in part 2!
Foreman survived, but he may be partially paralyzed, not because of the disease, but because of a dangerous deep-brain biopsy that Cameron insisted that the team do. Ironically (and tragically), House discovered the cause of Foreman's disease (an amoeba that infects the brain and came from a contaminated vat of water that the cop/patient was collecting on his roof). He stole cable, got free water, used pigeon droppings to fertilize his marijuana stash – a real winner
House tried to phone Cameron with his discovery, but was too late – the procedure was already done.
The acting job of Omar Epps, (Foreman,) in these episodes was absolutely incredible. His portrayal of dealing with the intense pain was superb. Bravo!
Luckily, the DVR knew about the different day and scheduled it automatically. Whew…
My best to all,
Dirt
Thanks, Danny, for offering the explanation of what happened. But paralysis wasn't the worry with Foreman. It was that his brain was sending the wrong signals to his body. Told to move the toes on his left foot, he moved the ones on his right (I can see the sheet move in the shot). And when told to move his right arm, he moved his left instead.
Does anyone know the name of the ailment that Foreman had? I kind of need to know before 5 o'clock so e-mail it here if you would. n_bus71489@yahoo.com Thank you.
the cause of the disease was some type of water infected with a parasite. omar epps' character was recovering but not it seems his motor function abilities arent good.
Whatever happened to Foreman though?? I've been trying to find out, but the next episode in season two, Forever, doesn't seem to touch on that… Or maybe I missed it? If anyone knows, I MUST FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM! Talk about a cliffhanger!!
— Sara