Simple Explanation

[tourmaline]

I had guessed the Ausiello/Kristin/whatever-her-name-is spoiler hints right, then. So it wasn't a big surprise. But the way the whole episode played out like the whole of Princeton was in shock was so brilliant. And while there was no doubt Kutner was dead from the scene where Foreman & Thirteen found him, the later scenes in the conference room were so sad, like the world is wierdly misshapen now, like if only Kutner could walk into the room it would all be OK.

I loved the darkened cinematography, the raw slate-grey and rough charcoal tones - in direct contrast to the bright overpowering white lights everywhere when Amber died. And notice how Kutner's apartment is the opposite of Amber's too, all the stark dark lines, the industrial feel to the outside hallway, while Amber's apartment is light and bright and colourful.

The only disappointment I felt with the ep was that there wasn't a scene where Foreman & Thirteen told the others. I remember years ago seeing episodes of Neighbours, when my sister was a teenage fan (before Jesse Spencer's time on the show) how they'd always cut away and never show difficult moments like this; I always thought it was because the actors and/or writers weren't up to the task. We all know that's definitely not the case with House. So, why didn't we see House or Taub or Cuddy being told?

The other thing I couldn't quite grasp was the nature of the funeral service - was this meant to be a Hindu funeral, or something secular? The smoke being released signifying the cremation is part of a Hindu funeral, but the mourners were wearing black, not white. I know the facilities at the crematorium near where I work are multi-faith/non-faith, I wouldn't have been surprised to see something similar here, but then with the smoke, it made me wonder. I've been to plenty of funerals at the crematorium which are non-denominational or humanist, but which definitely had elements derived from Christian funeral tradition (ie mourners wearing black). Also, given that Kutner wasn't ever portrayed as being religious adds to the confusion for me.

Anyway. It was a fabulously made ep. And learning about Kal Penn's fab new job (does he get to use his real name now?) makes me feel better about him leaving House.

Comments

[karaokegal.livejournal.com]

I won't argue points. My babble is up, so you know where I'm coming from, but I'm definitely happy for Kal's new job. I saw him on Countdown a few months ago. Believe it or not Keith was interviewing him about the Harold & Kumar movie, with the idea being that it was a way of saying things about Bush and the war that could only be said through comedy.

I'm really glad he's off the show, so that I can like him.

[daasgrrl.livejournal.com]

Re the funeral service: this! I couldn't work out why on earth it appeared to have random "Indian" elements when Kutner was adopted and it never seemed that his parents took special pains to raise him in his "heritage" or whatever. Of course, there could be a complicated backstory thing about Kutner rediscovering his roots in his teens or whatever, but it just seemed... gratuitous.

[tourmaline1973.livejournal.com]

Exactly. It felt like they weren't sure what they were doing. I mean, the way the scene outside with the mourners watching the smoke was clearly meant to signify Kutner's Hindu heritage, but it felt like they hadn't got a clear idea of what tone to take.