House Season 5 "Not Cancer"

House M.D. Season 5 just took off last night together with House's best friend, Wilson. Being among those who has spent the last few months waiting in anticipation to see how Wilson will handle Amber's death and how his friendship with House will be affected, I have played out many possible scenarios. Yet I am still pleasantly surprised with the actual script not only with Wilson's departure, but also how he let it all out at the end.

Wilson is leaving not because he blames House. He understands that Amber's death was simply an accident. However to a certain degree, he blames himself as he has reiterated several times, "I have to do what's right for me.". Throughout the show, House explores many ways and reasons to make Wilson stay, failing miserably. When he walks into Wilson's office and sees all the shelves and tables empty, he realizes that it is too late and finally opens up to Wilson with the kind of sincerity that many questioned whether he is capable of. But, Wilson gives another compelling reason and the true underlying reason for his departure; that is his friendship with House makes House think that it is alright to spread misery and be indifferent. In a way, their friendship caused Amber's death by drawing her to the bar and then onto the bus. And for that reason, they can't be friends anymore. Wilson finally got tired of finding excuses to stick around for House.

Perhaps many fans would hope that Wilson will stay. But personally, I always found Wilson rather weak, often being manipulated by House. In this episode, I gained much respect for Wilson. It will be interesting to see how House responds with one of the major pillar of his support system gone.

There were many good lines, but several quotes left an impression.

1. "Almost dying changes nothing. Dying changes everything." House shares an insight with Thirteen
2. "This is Doctor House. He is too brilliant for introduction." Thirteen tries to explain to the patient as House charges in without a word.
3. "Your friendship means more to me than any patient" House tries to persuade Wilson.... with blackmail.
4. "I have total confidence in all of you." After hearing House's team's diagnosis while House is on strike and having no clue what to do, Cuddy leaves them with an encouragement.