Praise for Fox's "House M.D." from a (perhaps) surprising source

Imagine my surprise at seeing my favorite (and sole) TV addiction, House M.D., praised by a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life in a recent Zenit interview:

The Fox Broadcasting Company's series titled "House: M.D." reflects the existence of good and evil and the need to choose between the two, says a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

Dr. Carlo Valerio Bellieni is director of the Department of Newborn Intensive Therapy of the University Polyclinic Le Scotte in Siena, Italy. He told ZENIT that the series "shows something interesting."

He explained: "The show seems to be an apology for separation and absence: It tells the story of a misanthrope and harsh doctor, Gregory House, who doesn't want any contact with patients.

"This separation, however, caused by his existential and physical suffering, is only apparent. While remaining surly and anti-social, each time he insistently tries to understand the depths of the person he is caring for.

"He is able to recognize suffering in others because of his own suffering and it is because of this that he can see things that may escape others.

"It is even more strange, and interesting, that the 'non-politically correct' actions and judgments, with some exceptions, come from a character who is in constant struggle with the world."

[more astute observations.]

I posted summaries and reactions to three House episodes last season, entitling them "The Moralities of House":

• 3x21 "Family"
• 3x20 "House Training"
• 3x19 "Act Your Age"

The season four premier will be on Fox this September 25th. Time permitting, I hope to continue my series.

Update: Here's a short preview for the new season: