The prospect of Hugh Laurie returning to his celebrated role as Dr. Gregory House captivates many fans, especially with rampant speculation surrounding the potential reboot of the hit series House. While a revival featuring Laurie would undoubtedly attract attention, there’s an alternative that could provide fresh intrigue: a prequel. In the current trend of reboots, spinoffs, and revivals, anticipation for new content related to House continues to build. David Shore, the series creator, described the original show’s conclusion as “bittersweet,”reflecting the divisive reactions of audiences.
Despite ongoing rumors about a House reboot, the original cast and crew have remained noncommittal. Many express interest in the project, though concerns linger regarding the preservation of the original series’ reputation.
In the dramatic series finale, House orchestrates his own death. He escapes a burning building, but instead of returning to his old life, he lets others believe he has perished. By switching his dental records with a victim from the fire, he legally becomes dead. His final moments are shared with Dr. James Wilson, who is terminally ill, as they ride off together into the sunset. This unexpected resolution has left fans yearning for more, wondering what might follow after the conclusion of the beloved series. Yet, perhaps exploring House’s past could enrich the narrative far more effectively.
A Prequel: A Compelling Way to Explore Gregory House’s Character
Why a Prequel is Preferable to Continuing House’s Saga
While some viewers were left dissatisfied with the series’ conclusion, creating a prequel may be more beneficial than attempting to advance House’s story. The risk of jeopardizing the show’s lasting legacy is prevalent, especially since, despite its final episode’s shortcomings, the series overall remains a fond memory for many. A continuation risks tarnishing that legacy. Instead, the show’s creators could delve into House’s backstory, focusing on his transformation into the irritable diagnostic genius fans first encountered in the series pilot.
Remarkably, several successful television programs have opted for a prequel approach, resulting in popular series such as Better Call Saul, a spinoff of Breaking Bad, and Young Sheldon, which is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory. These shows demonstrate that exploring a character’s origins can resonate with viewers, potentially establishing a new audience while still honoring the original fanbase. Thus, a prequel centered around Gregory House could effectively strike this balance.
A Prequel Would Showcase a Different Side of House
The Impact of House’s Leg Surgery on His Character
One of the most intriguing aspects of a potential prequel series is the opportunity to explore a different iteration of Gregory House. The tormented, cynical character of the show’s later seasons is dramatically different from his earlier self. House’s intense leg surgery profoundly altered his personality.
Prior to this life-changing surgery, House was not the bitter figure fans grew accustomed to. Many viewers will recall how House suffered an infarction in his right leg, leading to severe complications. Despite his insistence on preserving his limb, his girlfriend, Stacy Warner, and Dr. Lisa Cuddy intervened and authorized the surgery, resulting in House losing partial mobility. This event not only forced him to rely on a cane but also triggered his dependence on Vicodin as a means of coping with chronic pain.
|
House Cast |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Hugh Laurie |
Dr. Gregory House |
|
Lisa Edelstein |
Dr. Lisa Cuddy |
|
Omar Epps |
Dr. Eric Foreman |
|
Robert Sean Leonard |
Dr. James Wilson |
|
Jennifer Morrison |
Dr. Allison Cameron |
|
Jesse Spencer |
Dr. Robert Chase |
|
Olivia Wilde |
Dr. Remy “Thirteen”Hadley |
|
Kal Penn |
Dr. A.S. Lawrence Kutner |
|
Peter Jacobson |
Dr. Chris Taub |
|
Amber Tamblyn |
Dr. Martha Masters |
|
Charlyne Yi |
Dr. Chi Park |
|
Odette Annable |
Dr. Jessica Adams |
This drastic shift shaped House into a person he might not have been had he not experienced the trauma of his surgery. Observing his character before these developments would provide valuable insights into the layers that formed his complex personality.
A Prequel Could Still Feature Hugh Laurie’s Version of House
Laurie’s Potential Return in a Prequel Scenario
If a House prequel series were to come to fruition, there is ample opportunity for Hugh Laurie to reinsert himself into this universe. Much like the productions of Better Call Saul or NCIS: Origins, the narrative could incorporate brief segments of House’s life following his fabricated demise. Alternatively, Laurie could adopt a narrator’s role, akin to the Philip K. Dick-inspired approaches used in series like Dexter: Original Sin or Young Sheldon. Regardless of Laurie’s involvement, a prequel reboot stands as the most favorable direction for House, both for contemporary viewers and for dedicated fans of the original series.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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