Character Study: Gregory House, MD

I'll confess to being late to the party when it comes to the TV show House. I'm catching up now, and feel fairly confident that I've seen almost every episode. Finally.

Of course, part of the success of this show is the talent of its star, Hugh Laurie. I've dug his work since I saw Jeeves and Wooster on PBS.

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Anyways, another secret to the show's success is making House such an interesting character. I'm sure you've noticed that House is the center of the Universe on the show--everyone kowtows to him or enables him in some way. He's a master at manipulation, at getting what he wants, and the second you give him what he wants, he changes what he wants to something else. You can't satisfy him.

Being a bit--just a bit mind you--narcassistic myself I can't help but dig that.

House, though, is up front about his flaws. He will admit that he's willing to lie to get what he wants, that he finds it difficult if not impossible to remain faithful to whoever he may be dating, and he has no qualms about using emotional manipulation to accompish a goal.

That, I think, is why I find him so fascinating. Having had to deal with a drug addict in my personal life on a couple of occassions (one of them long-term and unavoidable, unfortunately) I know how frustrating it can be, especially when the addict in question is in total denial about it and thinks nobody knows--when in fact everybody knows. House, though, will admit (if you aren't a cop) that he's a drug addict. He simply doesn't care. He's up front about it all and if you still insist on dealing with him, well, you have been warned.

Another plus--for me, anyway--is House and I seem to have pretty much the same taste in women. A stunning array of flat-out HOT women on that show, from series regular Lisa Edelstein to the various guest-stars (like Mira Sorveno) and semi-regulars. When the story drags I can at least enjoy the scenery.

So, now I'm hooked, and like House regarding his Vicodine jones, I'm not ashamed.