14 DAY TRIAL // The sixth season of Fox’s medical drama “House M.D.” wrapped up in mid-May, leaving fans, as usual, panting for breath and asking for more. Hugh Laurie, the British actor who made a name for himself in the US for his portrayal of Dr. Gregory House, is locked in his contract until the end of next season, so no one really knows what will happen after that one ends too.
This, of course, has sparked some speculation that Dr. House may hang his cane and call it a day once the seventh season comes to a close. As far as Laurie knows, he can’t say whether that will be the case or not, as he states very clearly in a talk with Michael Ausiello of The Ausiello Files. Though, at this point in time, he’s more than happy with the kind of achievements he’s made so far, he can’t say what the end of next season will bring.
“Imagine the end of House. And with Hugh Laurie’s contract up next season, it could happen. ‘I have no idea’ how much longer the show will run, he tells me. ‘I only hope we’ll know when the time is right [to close up shop]. When people blunder on for five years after [they should have called it quits]… it gets taken out of your hands. Someone will say, ‘That’s it.’ But for now,’ he adds, ‘I’m immensely proud of the things we did this season.’ As well he should be. The crushing finale alone stands as the actor’s finest work to date (and that’s saying something!). So, given the quality of material he’s still getting to play, it shouldn’t come as a shock that he says ‘I am open’ to continuing beyond season 7,” Ausiello writes.
“Laurie maintains that the idea of hanging up House’s stethoscope for good isn’t something he’s had time to dwell on – not yet, anyway. ‘This sounds like I’m trying to avoid [the question]. I’m not,’ he insists. ‘I have the brain of a hamster and I can’t think beyond 5 o’clock this afternoon. I really am that stupid. I can only say,’ he continues, ‘I think we’ll have a sense next year at some point’ about whether to keep going,” the same report reads, citing Laurie himself.
Granted, there comes a time in the life of every television show when it just doesn’t cut it anymore to keep it on the air. Judging by ratings and fans’ reaction, though, “House” is miles away from that point, so perhaps talking about closing shop after season 7 is a bit futile at this point. After all, there’s not that much that a single season can change in terms of ratings and fans’ reception, it is being said.