Dr. House Must Cry

In the weeks leading up to the prime time Emmy awards, there were many articles about the contenders for best actor in a drama series. Hugh Laurie was nominated for the second time in three years for his portrayal of Dr. Gregory House on House, MD, but most expected James Gandolfini to win for his last outing as Tony Soprano. One analyst reported on the episode submitted from Boston Legal featuring James Spader, considered a dark horse to win. The episode was unremarkable, the writer said, except for scenes at the end in the courtroom, where Spader apparently gave an impressive performance, no doubt full of emotion. Spader won.

So here's my contention: Hugh Laurie won't win the Emmy until Dr. House cries.

Hugh Laurie does a remarkable acting job just playing Gregory House as his usual self: sarcastic, caustic, juvenile. Anyone who's ever seen Laurie interviewed can see he is not at all like the character he plays (musical talent not withstanding, but they added that because Hugh has it). It starts with the accent, but it it's the whole deal: Hugh Laurie is gracious and self-deprecating and comes off as a kind person. Gregory House is none of those things.

The problem is, House has a limited range. He gets angry and yells, he's very funny, he's very smart, but he's so detached from people, he doesn't seem to have the whole range of human emotion. The greatest extreme we've ever scene House in is great physical pain. He's never really happy, and he's always kind of sad. It took him overdosing to show that he was lonely on Christmas Eve.

Therefore, whatever episode the producers submit to the Emmy judges, they always get the same old House, played to perfection. What gets rewarded in acting circles is emoting. So, producers of House, MD, please write a script in which Dr. House is actually emotionally touched. And have him show it.

Now, what in the world would touch House if the return of the love of his life, his nearly losing his life, and losing his team do not? Maybe if he realized he killed a patient by making a blatant mistake? Maybe if Wilson died? Or how about, House kills Cameron by mistake?

I don't know. All I know is, Hugh Laurie must be given a greater range to play if he's going to win an Emmy.