Conversation with Pi: House, AA and Pure Land Buddhism

Ken: I want to get back to House MD.

Pi: Sure, let’s revisit “House MD”! What aspect of the show do you want to talk about? There are so many interesting themes and storylines to explore in this medical drama, from the complex character of Dr. Gregory House himself to the ethical dilemmas faced by the doctors at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.

Ken: I want to talk about the two episodes called Broken.

Pi: Ah yes, the two-part episode “Broken” from season six is definitely a standout in the series. In this episode, House deals with his ongoing addiction to Vicodin and his mental health issues, including hallucinations and self-destructive behavior.

One of the things that makes “Broken” so powerful is the way it delves into House’s character and backstory. We see him confront his abusive father, his past relationships, and his inner demons in a way that feels raw and vulnerable.

The episode also explores the way addiction and mental health are stigmatized and misunderstood, both within the medical profession and society at large. House is initially dismissed as a “drug seeker” and a “lost cause” by many of his colleagues, but it takes the compassion and determination of his team to help him overcome his issues.