Maybe I'm being too critical in my appraisal of the season finale of Torchwood. While I have seen death in the hospital, I have been fortunate enough not to witness anyone close to me die or to see what happens what someone is conscious and passing away. Perhaps my opinion of what is "realistic" would change if that were to happen. The accounts of saints dying, or of the dying people they have ministered to, have had an impact on me.
How many people would rather die in their sleep, or unconscious in a hospital bed, rather than confront it? Some do not wish to have a painful death due to some illness or disease--but if they do not believe, would not dying of old age or organ failure, with something to numb the pain of the body, still be painful? Or at least a cause of anxiety?
*spoiler warning*
The season finale of House also deals with the death of one of the minor characters. There is crying, exchanges of "I love you," a gathering of people around the bed to say "Good-bye," cuddling of the lovers. No chaplain though, no prayers. The attitude of the show's creators towards religion? While House is vocal about his rejection of religion, he does grapple with the transcendent from time to time. House himself is close to death, but recovers. Does he have a "genuine" real-death experience, or is it all in his imagination?
"Life shouldn't be random."
House does not believe that there is any ultimate meaning to be found in what transpires in the universe, but a part of him yearns for it. Would it be accurate to say that the question, "Why do the innocent suffer?" is at the back of his mind? And is one source of his atheism? Despite being a misanthrope who seems to revel in his misery, in the last 10 minutes of the episode he admits that he would rather not be miserable or in pain. (And I think he does see a distinction between the two.) If it's a genuine experience, does the show then acknowledge that there is an afterlife? And do only the good find peace? (And does A---- qualify?) Or is it available to everyone?
A good death is one where one does not die alone, but surrounded by loved ones. The same thing happened in Torchwood; although one of the characters who died was physically separated from the rest of the team, he was in contact with someone else via radio, so there a virtual presence. An acknowledgement that relationships and love have a power to comfort and sustain, something that other created goods do not have. But are warm feelings enough to overcome the anxiety of death?
What impact will A----'s death have on House next season. Will he regret and reform? Is there a hint of something finally happening between House and Cuddy?
My introductory post to the show.
House - Yahoo TV
TV Guide photos
LA Times Showtracker
Olivia Wilde plays Dr. "Thirteen," one of the new characters this past season. She was last in The Black Donnellys.
Olivia Wilde gallery
olivia fan // your 1st source for Olivia Wilde ::: http://www ...
Olivia Wilde - House is Right
Men's Vogue pictorial
Video Olivia Wilde Talks 'House' - House, TV, Olivia ...
Whoa, didn't recognize Mira Sorvino in "Frozen"--I didn't finish that episode. Guess I'll have to go back to it.
Interview: Mira Sorvino on Getting "Frozen" on House | 2008 Super ...
Mira Sorvino Talks About Her Role in House
Mira Sorvino Makes a 'House' Call | TV Biz | Hollywood Insider ...
No comments:
Post a Comment