This ‘House’ has room for change

So Tuesday’s “House” was not a completely typical representation of past episodes [“Hey, Fox, ‘House’ Doesn’t Need Remodel,” Feb. 1]. Why is that a bad thing? If I wanted to see the exact same thing episode after episode I’d break out my “Three’s Company” box set.

One of the many great things about “House” is that it is not formulaic television. Rarely have we seen such a dynamic and interesting character as Dr. House on TV. I, for one, am interested to see this guy in all kinds of situations (including more philosophical, self-contemplative ones like we just saw last week).

I don’t think the Jan. 30 episode was some kind of hint of an impending major change to the show. Instead, I think it was a slight veering off the path to see something a little different and unique. What’s wrong with that once in a while? The episode was compelling and House was still an ass.

Your assertion that this episode should have been more typical for the huge lead-in from “American Idol” is exactly the type of thinking that makes most TV shows average or worse.

Staying completely beholden to a very specific formula just to rope in more viewers? How does that stoke the fires of originality?

JONATHAN HEATH

Rancho Cucamonga

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I hated that “remodel” of “House.” If Fox continues in that vein I shall not watch “House” ever again! The crabby, mean, sardonic, hateful, brilliant House was such a relief from all the tripe that is currently on TV, including all the gore fests on “CSI: New York.” The old “House” is lovable; the new “House” is boring.

Where was all the wonderful interaction between House and the rest of his staff? Where was the thrill of his brilliant outcomes? Certainly not there on the “remodel.”

I recommended “House” to some Canadian friends, and unfortunately, the remodel is their introduction. I am sure they will never take my recommendations seriously after that fiasco.

My friends in the medical community have said that the “whole medical community watches and loves ‘House.’ ” Wonder what they think now.

JENNIFER BREEZE

Alta Loma

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I rather like it when the show throws us a change of pace. There are more than enough episodes wherein each commercial break is immediately preceded by the patient going into cardiac arrest.

You should visit www.politedissent.com at some point. The medically based reviews of the show are always insightful.

JOHN ABBOTT

Louisville, Ky.