I am – Hercules!!

Longtime readers will remember I was pretty high on “House” when it first premiered. But last year it was on opposite a show I liked even better, “Veronica Mars,” so I’m way behind.

I’ve therefore handed off the screener for tonight’s third-season premiere to a bigger fan who loathes missing an episode of the Fox franchise. Laboring under Fox’s many spoiler prohibitions, here’s “Bax”:

House is back in fine form – the series, that is, not necessarily the character – but if you’re a fan of this well-written show (created by David Shore and produced by Bryan Singer and Paul Attanasio, among others) you’ll have learned to expect the unexpected. In this sense only is the first episode of season three predictable.

After taking two bullets at the end of season two and doing some hallucinogenic soul-searching, House demanded to be placed in a ketamine-induced coma. The physical, psychological and social consequences of this decision are the focus of “Meaning,” the premiere episode of season three, and will probably be at the heart of several more to come.

The effects of the ketmine have changed House, perhaps not for the better, and this is affecting his relationships with colleagues as well as patients. Don’t worry, he’s not suddenly become touchy-feely or lost his acerbic wit – mercifully. He’s still House, but his near-death experience has given him a new (though related) set if problems to deal with.

In the past he has battled such outside forces as Edward Vogler, hostile oversight committees and angry patients. Increasingly, however, his own demons have become his most powerful antagonists. This trend appears to be intensifying in season three.

Of course, there are still patients to be treated and mysteries to be solved. The writers do a great job of maintaining a consistent world wherein House and his cohorts can save lives while dealing with their own complex issues and relationships. This series boasts some of the most well-defined characters in current American television, and since each has a dark side – none of these people are angels (except for Cameron, maybe…time will tell), this leaves room for just about anything to happen. It will be interesting to see where season three takes them.

Entertainment Weekly gives it a “B-plus” and says:

… Suffice it to say that House (Hugh Laurie) is ever more driven by curiosity rather than heart as he juggles two cases in the season 3 premiere …

USA Today says:

… Happiness has not spoiled Dr. House, who is as ambivalent and difficult as ever — and the main reason to watch tonight.…

The Los Angeles Times says:

… Is "House" the best show on television? Without taking that honor away from any of the other shows I could call "possibly the best show on television," and will when their turn comes, I will just say, "Yes." It is exceptionally well-written, well-shot and well-played, and so far from not insulting the viewer's intelligence, it actively suggests that intelligence is more precious than the sentimental qualities television usually promotes: empathy, understanding, altruistic heroism. Yet part of what makes House lovable, in his unlovable way, is that he does not need to be loved, or even to be liked. It's also what makes him heroic — a certainty based on facts, and a willingness to revise that certainty in the light of new facts — because it sets him above the run of common men.…

8 p.m. Tuesday. Fox.

House: The Complete Second Season $38.87!!

CHEAPEST ANGEL EVER!! Here’s what “Angel” season-sets cost you if you have to have them right now:
$44.88 Angel: The Complete First Season
$44.88 Angel: The Complete Second Season
$44.88 Angel: The Complete Third Season
$44.88 Angel: The Complete Fourth Season
$44.88 Angel: The Complete Fifth Season

Here’s what “Angel” season-sets – with all the same extras and commentaries but without the pain-in-the-hinder fold-out packaging - cost you if you order now but can wait till Nov. 28 for delivery:
$27.99 Angel: The Complete First Season Slimset
$27.99 Angel: The Complete Second Season Slimset
$27.99 Angel: The Complete Third Season Slimset
$27.99 Angel: The Complete Fourth Season Slimset
$27.99 Angel: The Complete Fifth Season Slimset