While the acting and story in this episode was extremely well executed, it just did not feel like "House". Gregory House is an ego-driven genius who says it "as it is" and does not sugar coat it. He is not a conformist; this is what made the show in the first 5 seasons.
As long as this episode stays as a one-off and the future episodes start weaving him back in to his old ways, with or without the Vicodin, then it will stand as one of the best episodes of the series. If it becomes known as the start of a change in direction for the show, then lots of Shark Jumping comments will start to come from critics and fans alike, including myself.
Great acting, great writing, now get the show back to what made it one of the best on TV. Gregory House does not need to love and care for everyone. There's other characters on the show for that.
As long as this episode stays as a one-off and the future episodes start weaving him back in to his old ways, with or without the Vicodin, then it will stand as one of the best episodes of the series. If it becomes known as the start of a change in direction for the show, then lots of Shark Jumping comments will start to come from critics and fans alike, including myself.
Great acting, great writing, now get the show back to what made it one of the best on TV. Gregory House does not need to love and care for everyone. There's other characters on the show for that.