Thursday, September 07, 2006 07:30:08 AM
DVD PICK
Hugh Laurie In House: Season 2
WATCH THE TRAILER
They just don't make actors like Hugh Laurie any more, at least not ones you see on
prime-time television
on a regular basis. From the time he first appeared as Bertie Wooster and
on Black Adder we have been hooked on Laurie. If only his long-time comedy partner
Stephen Fry could become more of a fixture on American television screens.
Dr. Gregory House is a stark departure from the jovial, dim-witted characters
we have normally seen Laurie play. House is not the likeable chap you'd expect
to meet at the Drones Club. He is bitterly sarcastic, constantly cyncial,
essentially flawed. And he is American (although Laurie does not betray his
Oxbridge background.)
House more than adequately cloys the voracious American appetite for
televised medical dramas with its clever twists and unconventional dialogue.
In fact, it gives it something to digest. Not many popular shows can claim
to be inspired by 19th century literature.
Although each show is patterned on the same premise -- a misdiagnosis early
in the episode with House adroitly finding the solution before the final credit roll --
the adept writing and talented cast keep the show from becoming stale. Plus, special
guests such as Sela Ward, Ron Livingston, LL Cool J
and Cynthia Nixon give the show some added oomph. House manages to put the grey
cells to use better than anyone else in network television.
The latest DVD set contains all 24 episodes from last season as well as commentary,
a blooper reel, alternate takes, a panel discussion with producers.
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