So House, now content that his relationship with Wilson is fully restored, finally finds out why Wilson was late for work that morning. And the news shakes House's foundation once again. Cuddy, who has never quite given up on having a child, apparently, is planning to adopt. She has confided in Wilson to be her character reference; but unlike House (who kept her secret) Wilson (the eternal yenta) couldn't quite keep the news to himself. Drawing House to a baby furniture store, Wilson and Cuddy spill the news that she's going to adopt, just having been approved in the morning. Expecting a "mazel tov" or House's typical sarcasm, the two are surprised at House's strange reaction. It is one of the episode's most interesting (and revealing) moments.

House is not simply surprised, not just shocked. He's visibly upset. Really upset (as in choking back tears upset) - which he would probably ascribe to the onion he had just sliced to confirm his diagnosis of 13's friend. Lucky he had those sunglasses, huh? (Hugh Laurie really sells this without saying a word. His expression changes from default indifference through 150 different emotions in the span of 30 seconds).

Why is House so upset? Is it that Cuddy confided in Wilson, not in House? Is it that he simply didn't know? That Wilson and Cuddy were able to keep a (gigantic) secret from him again? House so much needs to control his situation. A man who was able to control so little as a kid, whose medical treatment was wrested from his control as a man, he needs to control what he can within his sphere to keep his balance. This threw him off his balance big time. And right on the heels of Wilson. Just when he thought things were back to normal, the rug is pulled out from underneath him.

"I haven't seen any of Swinton's films," joked Laurie. "Actually, when I was twenty, I requested her to work on a student performance project with me. I was enraptured by her luminous and alabaster beauty."

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Question: Now, Ausiello, you know you can't use words like "light fondling" in regards to House and Cuddy and not provide some details. That is just torturing us! -- Megan
Ausiello: I was trying to be tasteful about it. My mistake. House grabs a handful of Cuddy's left breast on Dec. 2. Better?

Question: Do you have any scoopage on the upcoming hostage episode on House? -- Suzanne
Ausiello: Not really, but here's something else about the aforementioned Dec. 2 episode that's pretty momentous: For the first time, Thirteen will refer to herself by her real name, Remy.