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"Living the Dream" is the fourteenth episode of the fourth season of House, and aired on May 5, 2008.
House is convinced one of the actors on his favorite soap opera (guest star Jason Lewis) “Prescription Passion” has a serious medical condition after observing his symptoms on television. House decides to intervene and take matters into his own hands, but both the actor and House's own team dismiss House’s assessment and do not believe there is anything wrong with him. Meanwhile, much to House’s delight, Amber and Wilson have their first argument, and Cuddy tries to keep up appearances when an inspector makes an unexpected visit to Princeton-Plainsboro.
[edit] Reception
Mara Greengrass of Firefox News felt "Living the Dream" was a "snoozer" and that in comparison to the previous episode very little happened.[1] IGN reviewer James Chamberlin was pleased to see Cameron get more screentime.[2] Jen Creer of TV Squad noted the inconsistency in House trying to save an actors life when it's previously been made clear that House doesn't care about the patient, he cares about the symptoms.[3] (Though within the first five minutes of the episode, House tells the actor that he doesn't care about him; he cares about his character on the show.) Sarah Collins of North by Northwestern felt the episode proved that House is a "whack job."[4]
[edit] Cultural references
- The premise of this episode is very similar to the last months of the late Michael Zaslow's long run as Roger Thorpe on Guiding Light. In summer of 1996, the Roger character was involved in a storyline involving electric shock therapy. When the character's speech was slowed, fans first thought it was part of the story. However, Zaslow's unusual speech patterns continued and became gradually more prominent, prompting speculation that he might have some health problem. Eventually, Zaslow was diagnosed with ALS. Also, in the House episode, the character is involved in a storyline about a woman pregnant with twins by two fathers. During the period of Michael Zaslow's illness, the character of Blake Thorpe, Roger's daughter, was involved in a similar plotline.
- When going through the dressing room of the soap actor played by Lewis, Dr. House discovers an Emmy award. He plays with it as if accepting the award for himself before putting it down to take a call from a team member. This is a reference to Hugh Laurie's two nominations for the award, both of which he did not win.
[edit] References
- ^ Greengrass, Mara (05/8/2008). Review: House--"Living the Dream". Firefox News. Retrieved on 2008-05-02.
- ^ Chamberlin, James (May 6, 2008). House: "Living the Dream" Review. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-05-02.
- ^ Creer, Jen (May 6th 2008). House: Living the Dream. Retrieved on 2008-05-02.
- ^ House Recap: “Living the Dream”. Retrieved on 2008-05-02.
