Everyone’s favorite cantankerous, pill-popping physician has taken on organized religion, faith healing and has even aimed his sarcasm at atheists. And while House had to deal with Chase’s ontological/theological struggles and Cameron’s ethical quandaries, he’s never had to deal with one of his Fellows actually being religious. Until now.
At the end of last season, House’s fired Chase, and the other two Fellows Cameron and Foreman left as well. So now he’s on the hunt for a few more good men and women. Labeling them with just numbers, he whittles the group down through wit and whimsy, resulting in a humorous Broadway try-out atmosphere.
Number 18, a tall African-American male who has no compunction about being assigned to wash House’s car, turns out to be a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. (Although only referred to by number on the show, the show’s website states that his name is Jeffrey Cole.)
“You a Mormon? You’re wearing a ring from Brigham Young,” observes House. “Or did your folks just do the lawn?” he presses on, referring to the LDS Church’s restriction of ordination to men of African descent until 1978. Number 18 responds that “The Church has a very progressive attitude toward racial equality.” And so begins a wonderful new sparring partnership.
House needs Number 18 as a control for an unconventional test to be done on a woman’s liver – downing shots of tequila. The patient is in competition to become an astronaut and will not allow any invasive procedures that might leave scars or records.
18 balks at going against his beliefs, but House eventually convinces him to do the test by quoting scripture and asking if 18 would pull an ass out of a pit on the Sabbath. That sneaky House.
As the two throw back shots with the patient, House inquires about the Mormon “magic underwear” and wonders why 18’s religious beliefs were suddenly less important than the dreams of the patient.
“LDS doesn’t try to dictate every detail of our lives,” he says. “When a situation isn’t clear we’re encouraged to make our own decisions.” Plus, he says, House made a good argument.
A stunned House notes that, “Rational argument doesn’t usually work on religious people. Otherwise there would be no religious people.”
The joy of House is that the persnickety physician takes as good as he gets. The writers don’t shy away from giving his co-stars dynamic dialogue. The religious characters are not stereotypical or straw men, simply there so the protagonist can look witty and wise. Plus, I don’t recall a main Mormon character on television since the “South Park” “All About the Mormons” episode.
I’m hoping to see more of the witty repartee between House and Number 18 and tonight’s episode promises plenty of fodder as House aims to explore that murky area between life and death … himself.
House airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX.
posted October 10, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Change the background color———-this is not readable for anyone.
posted October 10, 2007 at 11:44 pm
I am an active Mormon and laughed at House when he was making smart remarks about number 18 being a Mormon it is good to laugh at yourself !
posted October 23, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Why is that so many people outside of the LDS Church write merely “The Church of Latter-Day Saints” as this author has? I see it most often occuring among anti-Mormon authors who like to disregard the fact that the full name of the Church is The Church OF JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saint.
The LDS doctor is an interesting move, but from what I have seen so far, the writers have info on Mormons’ history and criticism but very little information onhow they actual are or practice. Oct. 23′s episode was a scorching example of their under education on the matter. Of course, to people who don’t know much or anything about the faith it won’t make any difference to them.
posted October 24, 2007 at 10:54 am
I’m also LDS and used to watch House because of the interesting medical puzzles that he and his team solved. Finally, though, I got fed up with it because of Dr. House’s abusive nature. I decided I didn’t need to use my discretionary time looking for abusive situations–they come up all the time anyway.
Now, to the subject of this article, I wondered about the quote: ‘“LDS doesn’t try to dictate every detail of our lives,” he says. “When a situation isn’t clear we’re encouraged to make our own decisions.” Plus, he says, House made a good argument.’ Did the Mormon character really say that? If so, he doesn’t talk like any Mormon I know, and he doesn’t act like any active Mormon I know. We would say something like “Our Church Leaders say so-and-so…”, and we surely know that the prohibition against alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco and illegal drugs is a hard and fast rule–not something to be taken lightly.
Now, I know none of us as Church members are perfect, but if the character is supposed to be a practicing Mormon, he needs a lot more practice!
posted October 24, 2007 at 11:05 am
I’m used to watch House because of the interesting medical puzzles that he and his team solved. Finally, though, I got fed up with it because of Dr. House’s abusive nature. I decided I didn’t need to use my discretionary time looking for abusive situations–they come up all the time anyway. So, I didn’t see the episode in quesiton.
That said, on BeliefNet, an article about the House episode quoted the Mormon character as saying: ‘“LDS doesn’t try to dictate every detail of our lives,” he says. “When a situation isn’t clear we’re encouraged to make our own decisions.” Plus, he says, House made a good argument.’ Did the Mormon character really say that? If so, he doesn’t talk like any Mormon I know, and he doesn’t act like any active Mormon I know. We would say something like “Our Church Leaders say so-and-so…” Also, despite what others have commented to the contrary, I’m not sure any situation warrants compromising my principles.
Now, I know none of us as Church members are perfect, but if the character is supposed to be a practicing Mormon, he needs a lot more practice!
posted October 25, 2007 at 7:07 pm
On abbreviating the name of your church, Collin, I’m sorry you feel it’s degrading somehow to use just “The Church of Latter Day Saints”. “LDS” is the most common reference, even by members themselves. I mean, come on, it really is a mouthful! It’s simply easier, and not intended as an affront – much like refering to “China” rather than “The People’s Republic of China”.
I’m interested in what you thought was an inaccurate portrayal of Mormon beliefs on the Oct. 23 episode. I’ve been a serious student of Mormonism for several years and didn’t catch anything. Maybe I missed something, though.
posted November 5, 2007 at 4:35 am
I did not see this particular episode however, in the past I have
enjoyed many episodes of House. My comment though is not about the episode or anything the script writers may have incorrectly portrayed.
I too am a member of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints. I would ask that when you report please use the correct identification.
My comment is an attempt to educate you as to the fact that this church was named for the person that established this church and therefore whose church it is, leaving His name out doesn’t change that. If however, you want to use the acronym “LDS” which stands for Latter-Day Saints for reasons of brevity as you say, then by all means do so, however if you choose to print more than that acronym please be respectful enough toward Jesus Christ to do Him justice and give Him the proper credit.
posted November 5, 2007 at 4:44 am
PS to previous post. If as you said the entire name is “really a mouthful” why only take out two words when you can take out six, leaving you with only Latter-Day Saints or LDS. Therefore your arguement doesn’t fly.
posted December 1, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Another obvious shorter name for the Church might be rendered — The Church of Jesus Christ. But for some reason I’ve never seen it shortened so. Hmmmmmmm.
posted September 8, 2008 at 12:43 am
Does anyone remember Huge Laurie before he was Dr.House?
posted September 8, 2008 at 12:47 am
This whole show is made around Dr. House and his abusive nature, i can not understand it when someone gets upset about it. It’s like watching Jack Ass but not liking silly behavior.