Are Taub and Foreman the new House and Wilson?

“Who wouldn’t want a cat that croaks if you’re not at home twice a day to shot it up? It’s like having your own button on Lost.” – House

“You Must Remember This” says the title of tonight’s episode of House, and I will. I’ll remember this episode for the interplay between the characters, which they somehow managed to elevate to a whole new level. I don’t care if the formula stays the same each week; I don’t need any extraneous plot. The characters give me all I need.

I’ve always loved House and Wilson, and I’ve desperately missed Wilson in the last couple of episodes — so nice to have him back tonight. Unlike Ruby, I don’t think that Wilson has become a one-note character; I think he’s an important foil for House and he is having his own growth issues — and more importantly, he teaches House more about himself. Watching House grow since his stay in the psych ward has been amazing, and the look on his face at the end of tonight’s episode shows that he was easily able to accept his own happiness and realize that it’s not at the expense of Wilson’s.

I never, ever thought this could happen, but Taub and Foreman kind of stole the show for me tonight. Leave it to the House writers — neither of these guys are ever going to be very likable, but I sure did like them together. The prospect of the two of them as roommates is so much fun … I enjoyed everything about their interplay tonight. From the video game-playing, to the shag carpet-Mod Squad comments, to Foreman aiding and abetting Taub’s cheating, we were handed a delightful surprise that the writers have been keeping to themselves for seasons now: Taub and Foreman have chemistry. And quotes:

• “You’re nothing but excuses and distractions.” – Foreman, to Taub, who wants to watch The Usual Suspects instead of studying
  “Well it’s a nice match with your condescension and superiority.” – Taub
  “Enjoy the movie. Kevin Spacey is Keyser Söze.” – Foreman
• “He doesn’t need a tutor — he needs Ritalin and a babysitter!” – Foreman
• “You fail and I will kill you.” – Foreman

Just two more random observations:

• As Foreman was giving Taub the pep talk that he could pass the test, all I could see is Mike Tomlin, in the locker room at halftime. Spitting image.
• I enjoyed House in the bar, talking as if he were Wilson: ” … and I have a cat.”

Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on Feb 14, 2011 @ 22:10 EST5EDT