House

In this episode of House, the following happens. During a wrestling competition, a deaf wrestler collapses. We then see that House is still hallucinating and seeing Amber. The wrestler soon becomes House's latest case, when it becomes known that he has been hearing explosions, even though he is deaf. Cameron asks Wilson to throw Chase a bachelor party as his best man doesn't arrive until the day before the wedding. Soon House finds out about this and adds himself to the party and the organising of it. Soon the wrestler loses his vision in one of his eyes. House throws Chase a bachelor party in Wilson's house. During which the wrestler gets worse and so the team get called back in. Soon they learn what is wrong with him; all of his symptoms are connected to the fact that he recently stopped chewing tobacco for wrestling.

This episode easily shows the rise of this current Season- from a slow, unpredictable start, to a drama back to something of its old form. Amber is a good addition, and the writers have remained clever in not making her the Cutthroat **** of before, but rather a part of House's personality. I loved the interactions between him and his imaginary friend, and seeing how his extraordinary brain works.



The case itself was also very interesting, certainly one of the best ones in a while. The whole bachelor party thing was also amazingly well done, and it was good for the show to let its hair down for a bit, and show the doctor's as human's. I loved how Wilson was trying to walk home from his own house! The writers also gave another good twist, in showing how Amber's friend turns nasty, and turns out to be a curse rather than a blessing. It also seems that House is actually losing his mind, as his hallucination doesn't appear to be going away.



Overall, this episode was an amazing one, and shows some brave, bold new ideas in this formulaic show. Bravo the writers!

A really good episode. I'm glad that Kutner's death means something and wasn't just a quick fix to get him out the show. I'm glad its still affecting everyone: Cameron is afraid Chase is proposing out of fear, Thirteen realises her and Foreman don't talk much, Wilson wants things to get back to normal when they clearly aren't and House hasn't slept through the night since...I liked the POTW storyline even with the inaccuracies and seeing Amber as House's sub-conscious but what scared both me and House was the fact he wanted the patient dead and more importantly Chase dead - because he can't stand to see anybody happy? Doesn't really make sense considering Kutner and his guilt over Amber's death. I got to say it was strange seeing House laughing so hard with Wilson but I love seeing these two together! Brilliant ep.

Here we have it...House is officially unravelling or going off the rails. The use of Amber as House's sub-conscious throughout the episode was done pretty dam well in my opinion. First of all she wasn't actually Amber...she was house, she was his mind. It was like another way of him thinking out loud. She was pretty funny as well despite us knowing something is wrong with our famous doctor.



I loved how he put that phone thing on his ear to make it look like he wasn't crazy. Things like this are done on others shows but not like this...it was so entertaining and engrossing. It did feel like a different episode of House...the weird lighting that was used throughout (surely it wasn't just me who noticed this) the bachelor party was quite funny...not very House like but enjoyable.



Basically the whole thing felt quite surreal. Even everything with the patient who was deaf but then could hear...it was strange which made it all the more fantastic. After getting sleeping pills from Cuddy...House tries to get rid of 'Amber' after trying to kill Chase...well not really but kind of through strawberries...but the ending - *Amber tilts head* 'Sleep well?' was another smashing ender. I'm looking forward to these last two, a lot!

A deaf 14-year old wrestler suffers from hearing problems during a match, but his mother refuses to okay cochlear implants. Meanwhile, House's insomnia proves a curse... and a blessing.



Loved that more attention was paid to non-medical stuff. I think this show works better when over 50% of the episode is not devoted to it. At this point the characters have been devoloped for five years (well, some of them) and we're more invested on where they are going to end up more then we are about the medical mystery we know House is going to solve by the end of the episode. The case was above average, but didn't really "wow" me like I have been writing in all of my reviews as of late. House is still seeing Amber which I think is a really good addition to the show, it adds another layer to his personality.

As wendiwendy pointed out, the medicine in this episode was particularly bad. In addition to the major problems with the cochlear implant story line, I sat there in shock as I heard House speculate on having what he called "NF2 cancer". NF2 stands for neurofibromatosis type 2, which I have. It is most definitely *not* cancer. It is a tendency to grow *benign* tumors on various spinal and cranial nerves, and yes, a neurofibroma (tumor) on the auditory nerve can cause deafness. But it's not cancer, and while the tumors themselves may be positioned such that they cause problems by exerting pressure, interfering with nerve conduction, etc. they are not dangerous in themselves, like cancerous tumors are.



I realize that for many people tumor=cancer, but the show should be correcting that misinformation, not promoting it.

Where to begin and where to end? Chase and Cameron finally go through with the marriage, House and Wilson are of course involved with it, so is the new team. Forman is an old colleague of theirs so it was to be expected, but I liked how the others got invilved as well, participating in the bachelor party and having loads of fun at it too. Especially the scene with 13 and the stripper, that was top notch. I like how Forman accepts her sexuality as a plus instead of being scared away by it. And I really enjoyed the scene where Chase tells House he has to be kidnapped. These two have been bickering all season, but Chase seemed willing to let the old grudge go, provided that he finally got Cameron.



Now, to the part with House. His communication with his subconscious in various ways (dreams, short hallucinations, medicine-induced images and so on), was always a part of the series, and to me a very interesting one, as it provides the viewer with an almost psychoanalytical introspection of House's mind. We get to open a little window into his brain and observe the method he uses to interpret symbols, and apply the interpetations to real cases. In this episode the method is intensified to the utmost extreme, with House going without sleep for days in a row, and hallucinating with Amber to the degree that she's conctantly there, and he has imaginary talks with her. We accept this as a side-effect of the insomnia at first (we're used to House getting all kinds of side-effects from all the crazy stunts he pulls), but in the final scene of the episode all bets are off. I'm horribly worried that he may be ill after all, as the hallucinations are clearly not a side-effect but a symptom. Otherwise they would've stopped once he'd slept it off. I really, honestly hope there's nothing seriously wrong with him....



Also, the part about him subconsciously trying to hurt Chase complicates things with his emotional life even more. Could it be that he subconsciously still finds an interest in Cameron? If so then all future endeavours towards Cuddy might only be a reaction to that, House trying to prove to himself that he doesn't really care about Cameron. Or is it that he just doesn't like to lose, and would prefer to have her lingering on even though he doesn't want her? Questions, questions...

Also, House shows genuine interest in the patient once more, when he makes him have the ear implant, thus saving him from his self-denial and fear of the outside world. The episode patient is once more a projection for House's own self-image, where he applies the solutions he obviously cannot follow himself. Classic pattern, excellent result, and what comes next? I'm really anxious as to how this season will end.

I'm a big fan of House, and it looks like I'm the only reviewer (so far) who has a cochlear implant (I have one in each ear). This was one episode I watched with an eye to the medical side of the story versus the various character arcs.



Of course, I know it's just TV, but there were so many major errors with the cochlear implant storyline that it really bothered me. Hospitals don't have "implant trays" lying around. A cochlear implant kit has to be ordered from the specific manufacturer the patient has chosen, after they've gone through rigorous testing to even qualify for one. This can take months. So you can't just spontaneously throw a cochlear implant in someone's head.



Then the patient woke up in recovery with no incision, no pressure bandage, not even any hair shaved (just two holes in his forehead from the brain biopsy procedure)...and he can hear! Wow! In real life, you wear this (painful) pressure bandage for at least 24 hours, and you are still deaf for usually 3-4 weeks. You have to completely heal before they give you the external processor. At that point you see an audiologist, who hooks the CI processor (which you wear like a hearing aid) to their computer, and they activate the implant and program it with their computer. Nobody ever wakes up in recovery after CI surgery able to hear.



On top of that, nothing sounds like real sound for at least a few days (for some people, it's weeks or months). Voices sound like computerized beeps or buzzing. You don't hear and understand speech right off the bat.



It's also NOT possible to just rip the implant out of your head. (!)



Anyway, there were a lot of other weird inaccuracies as well, but those were the biggest. I just wanted to clarify this stuff for anyone who was interested in the medical part of the story -- that cochlear implant surgery/recovery/activation is actually nothing at all like it was shown in this episode.

This was a very good episode. House can't seem to sleep. The title is fitting: "House Divided" - House is certainly divided. From the moment this episode starts to the moment it ends, House seems to have a splitting mind, thoughts split between two opposing, yet, converging characters, and it looks like it won't be letting up anytime soon.



Kutner's death is really getting to him. I was guessing that it might be that House is trying to replace that empty space in the room – notice how Amber stands beside the team when they're in his office telling him about the progress of the case. Same thing at the table, Amber fills in the empty space. Seems abridged that House would have so much of a problem with Kutner's suicide, however, it fits… it's something he can't explain.



The House-Amber scenes were incredibly interesting and engaging. It was beautifully written, flowed incredibly well. The storyline finally arcs from one episode to the next, instead of ending or wrapping up by the end of the episode – something that has happened more often than not this season in practically half the episode's various storylines (e.g. House on Methadone, Taub quitting, 13-Foreman relationship vs. House – to name a few). You can tell it's really affecting him – the constant conversations in the halls, the constant picking away at the symptoms, and now the double-playing becoming more clear by the end. House's double-playing thoughts are clearly going to become a major force for the next few episodes. I was surprised, because I didn't notice the subtlety of the connections myself. But, along with the non-intentional Chase-attack (or was it?) and misdiagnosing the patient (or epiphany-producing?), we learn more about House in the process. Does he want Cameron or Cuddy? What about his friendship with Wilson? Will Cameron join the diagnostic team again? This could play out interestingly. House will now have to constantly double-check his thoughts, is Amber/subconscience right or do I have to re-think this through. Either that, or not take on any cases until he figures himself out. The back and forth between the team and Amber-House really create an interesting case and it was an engaging story, right up to the diagnosis for the patient.



There were several memorable scenes and several comedic gestures from House himself: the boom box, the bachelor party planning (ice cream and stripper-talk), and the cocktail practicing in the morgue (to name a few). House talking to Amber, but pretending to be on the phone or staring at nothing in particular. The bachelor party itself was a nice break from the hospital garb, although Taub seemed very out of place! How Wilson lost his pants and then tried to walk home (even though he was at home) was especially funny. I never knew House could plan such an event! It was entertaining to see him put it together (again re: the ice cream, cocktails, and strippers). Screen time for Cameron and Cuddy was very proportional, but not bad, could have been worse. I'm hoping there's more to come. I haven't enjoyed much of this season since the first couple of episodes, but this is a story they have to run with. This episode probably saved the season for me, because I've especially disliked the last 7-8 episodes. Hallucinations work well with House, because of the way he thinks and the way he acts. Also, because of the way he's acted and felt previously – we know he's capable of having some sort of experiential experiences. Let's hope David Shore helps out with the last 2 episodes.

Looks like the writers are still trying to fix their ratings. They realize Amber was popular, especially compared to 13 so they are bringing her back to try and get those fans to watch. I'm probably in the minority but I think it is a stupid idea to bring Amber back, even if she is just a hallucination. If the writers liked her that much, they should have made her a member of the team or at least didn't kill her. All that being said, it was interesting to see how House's mind was working and how he figures some things out.



I was afraid with the bachelor party the patient was going to be on the backburner for the third straight episode. Luckily it wasn't completely on the back burner. The bachelor party was talked about a lot but it was always secondary to the patient. And it was an interesting case along with an interesting decision on whether the kid was going to stay deaf or not.



As much as I wanted to see more of Chase and Cameron, I wanted to see them as doctors not as a couple. Speaking of which, this whole thing seems really rushed although that might just be because we never see their relationship. However the last time we saw them in the Itch, Cameron was just giving Chase a drawer and there were still serious issues there. Now they get engaged despite Chase still being insecure about House. And the wedding is in two weeks, talk about rushed.



Cameron was asking Wilson to plan Chase's bachelor party? Does Chase not have anyone he could ask to plan it? Funny that Chase thought he needed House to kidnap him and Cameron figured out immediately the immigration officers were sent by House. It was also funny that House had the bachelor party at Wilson's house just to get him to go. Where did House find all those other people though? I didn't realize House knew all those people. It was interesting that House didn't trust himself with the diagnosis after he realized he subconsciously tried to kill Chase. However no matter how you look at House intentionally bringing the stripper to the party, he wasn't trying to kill Chase. There was at least 13, Foreman, Taub, and Wilson at the party who are all doctors. Chase wasn't going to die from an allergic reaction.



I am already fearful of the next episode, the preview for Huddy was bad. House admitting he always wants to kiss Cuddy sounds exactly like something he would say... oh wait. I'm hoping he says that to get something out of her like when he said I love you to Cameron. It is funny that House has to be losing his mind in order for Huddy to happen.

Mm.. I am not exactly sure what to think. There were good moments and up to first twenty-thirty minutes I really loved it - the due House-Amber worked fine and it was really intriguing how House was just getting those random things correct.. and the party.. there things went wrong for me.. I do not know exactly what I did not liked.. not so much about the idea and the realization House had that he tried to kill Chase.. but.. But the ending was quite intriguing too so there is something to expect from next season.. I think I am sad this one is over.. it hasn't been maybe the strongest.. some highs for sure, some lows I afraid too.. but overall - I have really enjoyed this show.

"I should always listen to you." House's said to Foreman but really….what if Amber is a dark part of House's that wants to get out…the very cynical, manipulative, cunning part of House…who are we kidding? Is just House playing tricks on House, this episode goes soft on the medical drama but heavy on the soap opera…the interaction between the new gang and the olg gang is great and all the actor made good calls in short scenarios, the writing was top notch especially that line "Curious why no French maid's outfit. No spanky pants." When he is making a difference between a fantasy and a hallucination, definitely the last part of the season is going into a thrill ride and we don't want it to stop.

Season 5 Episode 22 "House Divided" review by Connie Norberg



Looks like House is at it again; amazing us with his dry sense of humor, while carrying on his conversations with his imagination, Amber. His split personality reveals his inner thoughts through Amber and the charisma they share is remarkably funny. While House calculates his famous trial and errors of medicine, we get to see the somewhat fun side of him while putting together a Bachelor party for Chase. House now seeks his professional inner-tuition, Amber for his impeccable diagnosis on a young man who is deaf. During the struggle of the diagnosis, House becomes his "cocky" self and begins to diagnose the boy by lack of sleep. After a few attempts at discovering what was wrong with the young man, he decided to carry on with the plans for Chase's Bachelor party and making sure to inform his best bud, Wilson. Of course Wilson is still sour about his divorce, so he insists he is not coming to the party. House is not surprised but instead, gains Wilsons curiosity by telling him he does not care if he shows at the party or not. Little did Wilson know, the party was going to be held at his apartment! Now that House has established his plans for the party, he attempts to demonstrate a bartender fire trick in the morgue of the hospital. The comical side of House shows once again as he accidentally lights a body on fire and quickly tries to put the flames out on the dead man's body!



Of course, House is determined to diagnose the young man while having his fun. So he comes up with a brilliant idea (along with Amber's help, of course) – the vibrations of the music! So he proceeds to walk into the hospital room, where the young man is resting, with a 1990's big boom-box on his shoulder singing along to the song, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy. Not to mention, he had on sunglasses that were of the 90's generation! House was sure to come prepared during the diagnosis I guess.



Back to the party – House inquires helpful advice from Amber who offers up a stripper's name for this party. A woman named "Karamel" (with a "K"). It turns out, Karamel was a stripper from a previous Bachelor party that House had thrown and he liked the fact that you could do body shots with her. Not knowing Chase was allergic to Strawberries, (or did he?) he consumes himself in Wilson's apartment bathtub, drinking a bottle of wine while "talking" to Amber. Soon after, Chase licks a drink from Karamel's abdomen and tastes strawberry and then falls to the floor. Fortunately, he is OK but taken to the hospital just to be safe.



I can't wait to see what the next House Season 5 Episode 23 "Under My Skin" brings into this comedy of events.



Review From: http://house-episodes-online.com/house-news-spoilers/season-5-episode-23-house-divided-review-by-connie-norberg/

About Chase being deported... What happened was that House hired the people who took Chase away, so that he could get him to the bachelor party. If you may recall, earlier in the episode Chase walked into House's office and said the only way to get him to the party without Cameron knowing would be to "kidnap" him. This is the way that House did it. It may have been confusing but I found that part hilarious. Overall i think this was a pretty awesome episode. I can't believe there is only a few more episodes left in the season.

I found the hallucination just as distracting to my viewing of this episode as it was to House. This is one of TV's smartest shows so having such a cliched thing happen (a ghost) was a bit disappointing considering this was coming off a one week hiatus.



Outside of that, the medical case of the fallen 14 year old deaf wrestler was interesting (did one of the writers watch a Matt Hamill fight recently?) and even the bizarre and awkward bachelor party was harmless. I was just upset that House had to resort to having a ghost follow Doc around to drive forward the plot.

This episode of house was just outstanding the part where house was playing the music to the deaf kid was rotflol. There were some parts that were a little rough like when chase got "deported" how did he get out of that.But when Wilson got drunk and tried to walk home that was gut busting. He said earlier in the episode that he always found some way to embarrass himself and for sure he did. Another highlight was at the end when house realized that in his self conscious he had tried to kill chase. It seemed that foreman did not mind that 13 was all over Karamel. I wonder wher 14 is headed

This was a brilliant conceit. The show can become predictable, so changing aspects of the plot certainly help. The medical mysteries took second place to an examination of House's mind here.

Bringing back Wilson's girl friend as his subconscious mind was a briliant stroke. Amber as hi diagnostic Doppelganger adds a nice touch. When the reason behind his inability to sleep is revealed, you see an aspect of House's character that was not apparent before. While the death of Dr. Kutner initially seemed to barely faze House, he shows vulnerability at the end which adds a greater dimention to his character. Amber was an excellent character, all the background she had with House makes her appearance here a great stepping off point for further explanation. This episode definitely leaves you wanting more.

Not a bad episode. I think that the writers are getting their balance back between House and the cases that are going on.

Well, it seems like Lilith is going to be whispering her evil little ideas into House's ear for awhile. What better advesary for House than his own evil unconcious desires.

There were two scenes that should have been hot but strangly fell somewhat flat. If you need a hint, they both included 13. It just didn't seem right...not that it can be right in any way but let me get off my soapbox on that issue.

Now House catching the cadaver on fire...pure gold. Always nice to see House have a few quirky, omgosh what is he doing moments.

Chase passing out :) Why does it seem like House, whether active or subconcious loves to torment him?

The lack of Cuddy kind of bugged me. Don't get me wrong, if they don't have something meaningful for her to do, it's better to keep her away.

Seth's story wasn't too bad. Wish they had more time to go with it.

Overall...a good ep and it has set the stage for future good eps.

An absolutely brilliant episode! This episode had the things that make House great: Hallucinations (of Amber), a case coming down to the wire, Wilson, a little Cuddy and House doing something outrageous (the party)! The line about Wilson trying to walk zhome from his own apartment was hilarious. Another good thing about this episode is that it has many layers. While the medical case was boring until the last 5 minutes, it made for some controversy and suspense at the end. The hallucinations of Amber were fascinating and confusing. The only bad thing in n otherwise perfect episode (House with a boom box playing fight the power, classic) was the fake fire. It drove me nuts. It was very fake. Anyway, great promo for next week! Once again BEST HOUSE since "Birthmarks"