DVD Review : House, M.D. Season One

With the new television season upon us, let us look back and remember one of the best new shows from last season. The first season of House, M.D. (Universal DVD, www.great-tv-shows.com) has recently been released, just in time to get you caught up before the premiere of the second season. Season One of House M.D. includes all 22 episodes from the first season as well as a series of bonus features, only available on this set. House, M.D. is a medical show like no other. Hugh Laurie(2005 Emmy Award Nominee) stars as the title character, Dr. Gregory House, a Vicodin popping, sarcastic, brilliant physician, who lives in constant physical pain. Loved for his medical knowledge, despised for his contempt of just about everyone and everything around him, House is always willing to gamble. Not with money, but with something more valuable, something that has no price tag: that something being, the lives of his patients.

While Laurie is clearly what makes House, M.D. tick as a show, the supporting players are well cast. Omar Epps (Dr. Eric Foreman,) Jennifer Morrison (Dr. Allison Cameron,) and Jesse Spencer (Dr. Robert Chase) play the three physicians under the careful eye of Dr. House. Some of the best scenes in the series take place when House debates his students in methods of saving lives. Lisa Edelstein (Dr. Lisa Cuddy) has the task of watching over House, trying to keep him in line as well as trying to deal with his never ending verbal barrage. Robert Sean Leonard plays Dr. James Wilson; the person House would most likely call a friend, that is, if House had any friends.

The series gets off to a great start with the pilot episode that deals with the strange illness of a kindergarten teacher who could be dying in less than a week’s time. It might be a tumor, it might be something else. That’s one of the main reasons House, M.D. works as a show. It is always filled with possibilities, never absolutes. Well, except for Dr. House. His wise cracking and bitterness is always present. The show is also not afraid of dealing with very present issues and topics, evident in episode 8, titled “DNR.” After a legendary Jazz musician signs a DNR to avoid a painful and suffering death, Dr. House does what he does best, breaking all the rules. Dr. House treats the musician, paying no mind to the DNR form. Does House get into trouble? You bet. Is the patient better off in the end for it? Remember, we are talking about a medical genius.

The issue of steroids in sports is addressed, giving Dr. House justification for one of his most popular beliefs; that all patients are liars. Episode 17, “Role Model” is another highlight of the season. A senator with sights on the White House falls ill and is fading quickly. Dr. House believes the cause to be AIDS, but the Senator claims it to be impossible. Who is lying? Who is wrong? More importantly, will the Senator be saved in time? As the season unfolds, we see the beginnings of a possible romance between Dr. House and Dr. Cameron. Is House ready to date? Can he co-exist with someone else? It allows us to see another side of House, a romantic one, while understanding that his pain is more than physical.

The last two episodes of the season bring a familiar face back into House’s life. Sela Ward guest stars as House’s long lost love, Stacey Warner. She has clearly moved on, asking House to save the life of her current husband. Talk about a bad day at the office, even for a character like House. With Sela Ward scheduled to be returning next season, it’s a safe bet to say the fireworks have just started.

The bonus features included on the set provide us with more information about the show. “The Concept” reveals tidbits such as that the original concept revolved around a team of doctors, without the focus being on House. Executive Producer Bryan Singer (X-Men, The Usual Suspects) shares his thoughts about the show and his reaction after reading the pilot script. “Casting Session with Hugh Laurie” is fascinating to watch, as Laurie goes from soft spoken English gentleman to the cranky, sarcastic Dr. House with the ease of flipping a switch. “Medical Cases” takes a look at the unique stories that plague House and his team each week. If you’ve grown tired of seeing doctors treat run of the mill type illnesses, then House is the show for you. The smartest doctor on television only tackles the most difficult cases. Cast members Jennifer Morrison and Lisa Edelstein take us behind the scenes for a “Set Tour,” showing the inner working of the set the show is filmed on. Those who watch the show know House is famous for his phrases and pushing sarcasm to new heights. There is a special feature titled ‘House-isms” that probes his most cutting dialogue and never ending ability of strictly telling it like it is. “Dr. House” is the last of the six bonus features and reminds us once again, that House is a doctor who could care less what the world thinks about him. His only concern is finding the best way to treat his patients.

House, M.D. has received 5 nominations for the upcoming 2005 Emmy Awards, which include outstanding writing for a drama series, outstanding casting for a drama series, outstanding main title design, outstanding music composition for a series (Dramatic Underscore) and the before mentioned, outstanding lead actor in a drama series, Hugh Laurie

Dr. House is rude, abrasive, and difficult. Bedside manner might not be his strong point, but his dead on instincts and belief in them never waver. If I were sick, he would also be the first and only doctor I would visit.

The second season of House, M.D. premieres Tuesday, September 13th on Fox.