Ah, the long-fabled Cuddy episode, the one I so hoped would give us magical emotion-generating insight into her character, the one where House and his neediness took a backseat to Cuddy’s development and depth. If “5 to 9″ was supposed to put us in Cuddy’s shoes, boy did it — and yeah, they’re impractically tight and tough to maneuver in. House took a break from cool life-saving techniques, snarky back-and-forths, and interesting collaborative reasoning for all the edge-of-your-seat drama of insurance negotiations.
Cuddy woke up at 5 a.m., much like other parents of toddlers, to do some yoga. Her morning routine seemed pretty crazed, though I can’t help but think she could have spent a little more time on outfit selection; must the bosom always be so exposed? Lucas, who was on a stakeout all night, showed up as Cuddy was already running late, but convinced her to stick around for a quickie, which turned out to be a little too quickie. “Now I’m late, stressed out, and frustrated,” she complained. Gee, if only there were some way to take matters into one’s own hands, Cuddy. If…only…
At the hospital, she was already behind: The budget is in crisis, there’s a problem with the pharmacy because someone over-ordered the drug, and the temperature in the OR is too cold because of House’s shenanigans. Smarmy Insurance Guy and Cuddy bickered about percentages of something, money something, coverage blahblahblah — let me just say, there’s nothing more interesting or dramatic than the fine print of healthcare-cost coverage. (That sound is me banging my head against a wall.) There’s a reason we have doctor shows, lawyer shows, cop shows — and so few insurance shows. Cuddy threatened him, he left, things were huffy, she told the board about it, they were nervous, she almost cried in the elevator afterward. Me too, sister!
A guy at the clinic asked for a prescription for breast milk to treat his cancer, because that’s totally how prescriptions work, and a lawyer threatened to sue because his client’s insurance didn’t cover Chase’s thumb-reattachment procedure. Apparently hospitals no longer have legal departments. No wonder Cuddy is so stressed out.
The pharmacy problem turned out to be a pharm-tech pilfering ephedrine, which she weepily confessed was for weight loss. Cuddy had no choice but to fire her, because apparently the hospital no longer has an HR department, either.
Wilson suggested Cuddy turn to House for advice about negotiating, which she lamely resisted only to discover House, duh, sitting in her office, giving her advice whether she wanted it or not. Lucas brought her lunch, admitted to bragging about their sex life (kill me) to House, and helped her track down the CEO of Obnoxious Insurance Company at a fancy lunch. Boy, was he ever obnoxious! She threatened Obnoxious Insurance Company with bad press, which has to be the most idiotic, least effective way to hold that company’s feet to the fire: Oh no, a smear story about an insurance company that was only looking out for the bottom line, not its patients. Pick up a newspaper, Cuddy: Isn’t that how most stories read?
Then Cuddy grabbed her superadministrator cape and got down to business. She threatened thumb guy! She broke up an actual fist fight between Chase and the grumpy chief of surgery! And the pharm-tech wasn’t stealing for herself, she was part of a drug ring! Oy, poor Cuddy, wearing so many hats: lawyer, security guard, DEA agent….
Her tough negotiating tactics worked after all, and Smarmy Insurance Guy, on behalf of Obnoxious Insurance Company, caved to her wishes. And in a bizarre turn for a series whose tone is usually so controlled and on-message, Cuddy let out a primal “yeeees!” that echoed (?) through the hospital.
I guess it was nice to see Cuddy in the spotlight for once, but her lack of confidence was just baffling. She’s not incompetent — everything she wanted to happen in this episode did — but she’s hanging on by a thread. On some shows, I guess that would be sympathetic, but on House, self-possession is a requirement; watching her flail wasn’t endearing, it was pathetic. That “yes” at the end didn’t feel like much of a triumph, it felt like a cop-out.
Good lines
Predictably, they were both from House:
Cuddy, walking in on House getting a massage: “She’s not massaging your leg.”
House: “She will. Eventually.”
House, explaining to Cuddy what his plan is: “Talk to Wilson about something completely unrelated and see what happens.”
Other thoughts
++ Cuddy was called a bitch by practically every character in the episode.
++ Yes, that was Mark D. Espinoza, who played Andrea Zuckerman’s husband Jesse Vasquez on 92010
++ I really doubt this was intentional, but there were a few Chicago Hope allusions on this episode. First, Cuddy said “we’re the best” re: Princeton Plainsboro. That was the catchphrase on Chicago Hope, most frequently uttered by, yes, the chief of staff. Second, House kept chattering about intentionally giving a patient malaria, which totally happened on the first season of CH (“Freeze Outs”). Third, Cuddy called in a favor from a doctor she had some dirt on. Dirt like she left a sponge in a patient, wondered the nurse? Oh, you mean like how Dr. Kate Austen totally left a surgical clamp in a patient (“The Ethics of Hope”)? I’m 99 percent sure I’m the only person alive who still has a working memory of Chicago Hope episodes, but I have to use this skill sometimes, or else it just rots up there in my brain.
++ I wasn’t crazy about the episode, but Lisa Edelstein is pretty fantastic.
Okay, PopWatchers, was “5 to 9″ all you wanted it to be? Did you think Cuddy’s spotlight was as effective as Wilson’s from earlier this season?
Image credit: Mike Yarish/Fox
I really enjoyed it. I actually liked the insurance company story line. It was interesting to see what Cuddy’s job entails other than reining in House. I have had days at work where I have to go sit in my car and think of reasons not to quit too. Also, I really liked the nurse who was helping Cuddy all day and hope she returns.
The nurse in this episode was also featured in an episode last season’s where she, along with House, 13 and a handful of ER patients were held hostage by the sick guy wanting a diagnosis of his mystery illness.
Oh yeah! Thanks, I totally forgot about that.
Cuddy is the most unsympathic female character on a prime time show and it was almost painful to watch a whole episode about her. Yuck. And, what really bugs is that a hospital’s chief administrator would NEVER show her tits the way Cuddy does… Love the drug stealing nurse and the way she called out the b*tch.
This!
I thought the hospital insurance angle was enlightening and brutally honest. I enjoyed seeing Cuddy get more detailed. The nurse was a delight. They should give her a recurring role or better yet, make her a regular staff member.
I think Lisa Edelstein[sp?] is a good actress, but there is a reason the show is called “House.” I wasn’t expecting this episode to be great, so I wasn’t disapointed. However, I did like the nurse helping Cuddy. And, I used to like Lucas; now, not so much.
I agree with Nick. There is a reason Cuddy is a supporting character and not the star of the show.
I thought it was very sexist the way they were showing Cuddy constantly on the verge of tears. They would never show House or Wilson in that kind of a light.
And since Lucas is turning out to be a selfish, inconsiderate jerk, we are supposed to see him as House Lite. Give me Original House any day.
Women are very emotional though, it’s why they tend to not be as good as men at a lot of (if not most) jobs of power.
BS. I guess we should just stay in the kitchen with the babies? Go back to the stone age.
Boo!
C’mon, Q and sklo, Clara was just trying to provoke you with that post. Don’t get hooked that easily!
I concur, I think the depiction of Cuddy on House is sort of sexist. She has absolutely no spine. I am not like that, and most of the women I know are not like that, and certainly women that ascend to that kind of power cannot AFFORD to be like that.
But she wasn’t on the verge of tears. She was just dealing with the stress of her job, which seemed to entail breathing exercises and some solitude to think. It’s sexist to think she was always ON the verge of tears just because she wasn’t a piece of stone. If she were a man who had to do breathing techniques to deal with his stress, would he be “on the verge of tears?” Perhaps it’s you who are sexist, and not the show?
I don’t understand how anyone can say she did not show spine…. She stood by her assertion to terminate the insurance contract and was ready to render her resignation. The insurance guy came BACK to her,like she felt they should– how is that spineless?? She got the goods on the dirty pharm-tech…. Yeah, maybe she needed to take a breather in her car. Men just handle their anger and frustration differently (Holding it in and stroking out or having heart attacks or drinking too much, turning to pornography or drugs, etc) I think Cuddy puts up with too much from House and I don’t really want her with him, but I thought this was a pretty good episode…
Again, she wasn’t on the verge of tears. She was just dealing with the stress of her job, which seemed to entail breathing exercises and some solitude to think. When did she remotely even begin to cry? If she were a man who had to do breathing techniques to deal with his stress, would he be “on the verge of tears?” Perhaps it’s you who are sexist, and not the show? To assume she was on the verge of tears, when she clearly wasn’t, is what holds women back from promotions: even if she doesn’t cry, people assume she will, and thus every action that betrays any emotional stress is automatically assumed to be a sign of tears. Get over it.
She is human and not superwoman!
I agree 100%, and I also want to add that Lucas is also the great manipulator.
Boy you must have missed a few episodes there lad. House and Wilson have both been shown, not only on the verge of, but crying. It’s a normal reaction to frustration and feel helpless. They showed that she had emotions, but also that she wasn’t controlled by them or in any way impulsive. She rides the waves, and gets back into it. Both men and women do this in their own way and express frustration differently. There was nothing sexist about it.
I thought it was a good episode and that Lisa E gave an excellent performance. I wasn’t too thrilled with the bet thing (so disrespectful to Cuddy) or the showing of her constantly on the verge of tears but for the most part it was a clever episode. The appeal of Lucas continues to evade me I just mentally turn off and fight the yawning when he is on screen. I enjoyed the House/Cuddy interaction, it was nice to see them being civil to each other and to see House being supportive (in a Housian way) of Cuddy for a change. Not the best episode I have ever seen of House, but it was entertaining and showcased the talent of Lisa E who I have always thought was underutilised in the show and was worthy of more screen time.
I loved it. My husband (who has lost a bit of interest since the original shake-up) loved it. Smart writers.
Cuddy & House have more heat in a frustrated stare than Cuddy & Lucas do in bed. Just my opinion. I don’t feel the chemistry. It will be interesting to see where they take it up to the season finale. Good times.
I completely agree. I don’t feel their chemistry at all, and it makes me uncomfortable to see them act like a couple.
I think Patty and Selma did a fine better job than Lisa Edelstein
It was a nice break from the formula. But like watching the Wilson episode, I felt like Id rather follow House, ok I’m perpetually biased to Hugh Laurie. But yeah it was a good episode like the Wilson one.
Lisa Edelstein is very amazing , i love this episode !!! Cuddy is not bitch !! She’s godess …
I loved it. I hated the happy ending but I can say now that LE is a fantastic actress. BTW sexy as hell.
I surprisingly liked this episode. I say surprisingly because for the past few seasons – ever since the Huddy angst hit full stride – I have not been a fan of Cuddy’s character. But in this episode, she shined. She even had a little of the good old season 1/season 2 interaction with House, where she had to act – shockingly! – as a boss to him, and yet still sought his advice as a friend and colleague. THAT’S the House and Cuddy I like!
on the vege of tears?
did we watch the same show?
it doesnt show that she dosent have enough confidence, it shows that she’s still able to take a step back and question herself and not go full blown in like Housqe does.
she was not about to cry, she was thinking.
and actually giving Cuddy this subtle reaction makes her all even more mutli-layered and make us see why she’s good at her job.
also, Leo, I dont know how you can see a happy ending in this epi.
she’s truned to the only person that matters the more to her, her daughter.
Lucas is there, yes, but just like to back and forth of his hand, she could do with or without him and she’s starting to realize he might not be so reliable or trustworthy after all.
I absolutely adored this episode and I conceide that I may be a bit biased but this review is below what this epi deserves and IMO it’s because you’ve missed many levels on which the story was told and the acting was delivered!
Agree 100%!
I agree with Mali. I’ve never really taken to Cuddy but I really enjoyed this episode. It was a refreshing departure.
Also, agreed. To see Cuddy hold strong to her convictions despite the tremendous pressures and the doubters in her life, made her seem all the tougher to me. Her “Yes!” wasn’t out of character; it was well-earned and genuine considering her day and her huge victory! GREAT episode and a great companion to the Wilson episode earlier in the season. I’m glad they are willing to explore the lives of these characters who bring depth and variety to the world of this show.
Agreed – I didn’t think she was on the verge of tears, but thinking/stressing out like anyone would do with that kind of day.
Absolutely and well said!
Totally agree with you! What episode was this reviewer watching? “Lack of confidence”? “Pathetic”? I thought the scene in the stairwell, where she collects all her doubts and anxieties together, was inspirational. Every effective administrator or negotiator has to deal with these things – they just don’t project them in a place where we can watch them like TV viewers. FYI, they also ask advice and seek (sometimes teary) relief from the stress from people with whom they are comfortable. Loved the whole “bitch” theme – women like Cuddy get called that too often, but it plainly reflected back on the sayers, and she totally let it roll off her. I’d be a puddle. Cuddy always does way too much day-to-day administration for her position – realistically speaking – by the way. I work in a teaching hospital, so it always makes me laugh to see the “Dean of Medicine” involved in anything but catered lunch meetings.
Exactly. She never came close to crying–unless you consider sitting in a quiet space and thinking about your options, “crying.” I guess men contemplate, whereas women “cry.” How annoying.
wow, thanks guys! I never thought so many of you would agree with me!
sorry about the mis typing, I was in a rush!
just wanted to add that after a few rewatching, it gets better and you notice even more dimension to the Cuddy character portrayed with the right amout of salt and sugar when needed by Lisa Edelstein.
House would definitely benefit from more of that!
Agree totally. Lisa E nailed this episode and was terrific in portraying a tough career woman who had her doubts like everyone else would have had with that much at stake. I thought she came off as very strong, and it was only the viewers and House who got to see her vulnerable side. Well done!
Hire Mali to recap House each week. She likes the show, whereas the writer clearly does not.
To be honest, I thought it was more of a day int he life of a hospital through this one character than what actually Cuddy really does. I liked the episode enough, especially the insurance storyline (insurance companies are such good – if easy – villains). I also liked the nurse who helped Cuddy. She needs to be a semi-regular.
I was a little bothered by the abundance of people calling her a bitch in the episode, to be honest. I get that you have to be tough to be taken seriously (especially when you have that much cleavage showing constantly!) but really guys? My favorite part was definitely seeing Mr. Turner of Boy Meets World fame as smarmy insurance guy
Omg, that’s where I knew him from!!! That has been bugging me!
The producers had this episode to remind us that Cuddy can still be likeable, and for the most part I think it worked.
I have always liked Cuddy, Lucas on the other hand needs to go away. Am I the only one who cringes when ever he touches or kisses her? He seems like an immature collage kid and he and Cuddy together romantically is not believable at all.
I loved this episode. I’m not a huge fan of Cuddy, but as a professional woman I was absolutely sucked in by her day-to-day struggle. It’s not sexist that she was constantly on the verge of tears – this is a real and extremely frustrating thing. You’re very reasonably angry and fired up in a professional situation, and the stupid tears show up. I have absolutely looked in the mirror in the morning to reaffirm that “I can do this.” I’ve hid in stairwells and cars and whatever to get myself together. Sexist is suggesting that women cry to get away with something, or that we’re too emotional to be effective. Untrue, it’s simply biological, and for better or for worse, it’s a hindrance at work.
What I really enjoyed about this episode was the subtle display of how much House means to Cuddy and how he’s starting to respect that. I feared this ep would just be about how House’s nonsense makes Cuddy’s life difficult, but House’s games were really peripheral here – his impact was his challenges that forced her to make strong choices and commit to her decisions.
And SO SORRY Ms. Lyons that your life as a TV blogger is so exciting that you are totally bored by an argument over a contract negotiation – welcome to the real world.