" House" of Faith

Yes, I have already blogged--and recently--about Fox’s medical drama, House, which week after week seems to find some new, thought-provoking way to tackle spirituality. But I can’t help but rave one more time about this show's smart writing that intertwines faith and doubt into the complex storylines in subtle yet powerful ways.

In last night’s episode, not one, but two, of Gregory House’s co-workers reconnected--even if only briefly in one instance--with faith in a higher power. Building off of last week’s episode, in which Dr. Foreman almost died after contracting a dangerous virus from a patient he was treating along with House, Foreman now is suddenly filled with peace and gratitude because his life has been miraculously spared. (Foreman’s father had kept a fervent prayer vigil as his son underwent life threatening surgery.) Because he has been given a second chance at life, Foreman is now so kind to his co-workers that he becomes annoying--not only to House, who has grudging respect for the way Foreman has dealt with House’s unorthodox ways in the past--but also to the soft-spoken Dr. Cameron. The best line of the night belonged to Cameron, who has had her own issues with Foreman in the past, as she tells him, “Insisting every day is a blessing from God makes everyone else look shallow.” Really? Sounds like faith clashing with doubt--or cynicism, at least--one more time.

But it is not only Foreman who embraces God in a moment of crisis. The greedy, narcissistic playboy of the bunch, Dr. Chase, who had tried to save a mother and her baby, but failed, stands over the lifeless body of the baby and begins to quietly pray for the baby’s soul to be released to heaven. Unlike Foreman, no one is aroud to see the change in Chase, as he cries out to God, hoping desparately God will answer.

And that is where this series truly reflects the authenticity of these characters’ various spiritual journeys. We do not know whose spiritual encounter will truly take root in his soul and grow, and who will quickly forget his moment of spiritual insight and return to his former ways. Will Foreman go back to his old ways and will Chase be the one to change (and would anyone take him seriously if he did)? “House” viewers know anything is possible, but nothing is certain with this group of misfits, which is why we always stay tuned.

(P.S.: And if you “House” fans want to read an insider’s take on the show, you might want to check out the blog of one of the writers by going here.)