House

Previews had showed that yesterday’s episode of ‘House’ tv show was to be big. In fact. as Fox had put it, viewers expected it to be “beyond words.” Advertisements confirmed the message that the episode ‘Simple Explanation’ was to change everything. Was it really so big?

The episode was definitely shocking. When Thirteen and Foreman entered Lawrence Kutner’s apartment to find that he had shot himself a few hours earlier, it shocked them as much as it shocked the viewers. Thirteen or Foreman’s suicide would have made more sense because both had reasons enough to kill themselves. For Thirteen, a quick end would have been more acceptable than a slow death from Huntington’s. Foreman´s angst in his personal life have led him to a voluntary death. Even Taub´s suicide, driven by his career and marriage problems would have been more credible. But Kutner´s suicide is a little too unbelievable given that among all the ´House´ characters, he was the most easy-going and friendliest. Also, his personal life was kept hidden from public eye. The only fact known was that his parents were killed.

While Kutner´s sudden death evokes general lament, it is a mystery to the people of the ´House´, because the motive remains unclear, leaving questions unanswered. By making Kutner kill himself, the episode highlights our basic lack of knowledge of other people, and that it is always difficult to find reason behind a suicide. In the first three years of ´House´, no major character had died. In a dramatic twist, two were killed within a span of one-and-a-half year. Now, it has been Kutner, making ´House´ a dramatic play of sensationalism and effective publicity. It has succeeded in capturing and maintaining viewers´ interest.

Yesterday´s episode also had a guest appearance of Eddie as the sick male patient. Colleen has been taking care of the sick Eddie, who finds a will to live. The show has been getting better and last night, the actors were just as good as they always are. Kal Penn put up a great performance as the friendly Lawrence Kutner. Alas, with Kutner gone, ´House´ has lost a memorable character. Moreover, it is a waste of a good actor.