Campfire Chat #1

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

Howdy Campers!

Do you know what time it is?! Why it's time to break out the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars, and raise our conversation to an all-time sugar high.

Today's topic: The Saddest Man in New Jersey

That's what RSL called Wilson during the series. Now that it's over let's revisit the concept. What is it about Wilson that makes him sick!fic fodder? Is it built into the character or does RSL bring that "certain something"? What makes us pick up on it? With the finale we know even tptb saw and wanted to exploit it. Is it because Wilson is House’s sole support system, and the key to House’s vulnerability, or is it intrinsic to Wilson?

Bonus questions:

• When did you first discover Wilson was a prime candidate for suffering?
• Was it unfair what tptb did to Wilson?

As in years past, please feel free to air your opinions and discuss amongst yourselves.

And don't forget to pass the bag of marshmallows to your neighbor.

Comments

[petitecuriosity.livejournal.com]

I think that what makes Wilson sick!fic fodder, is that the series, especially the last arc proved, is that Wilson isn't someone you really expect to be sad or sick. Just as our image of House is seen through Wilson's eyes, our image of Wilson is seen through House's eyes. We see Wilson's portrayed persona, and House admonishing him for it, although sometimes I've wondered if that's because it sometimes takes House pulling at it for awhile to see what's really behind it.

Wilson attempts to portray an image of stability and normality; a good and honest doctor, clean-pressed labcoat and tie, a good wife and a good home...I think it's in his intense desire to keep up this image, and the fact that we slowly and subtly see it crumbling over time, unexpectedly, that make him a prime candidate. House and Wilson been friends for awhile, and House had met the rest of his family before Wilson mentions Danny for the first time. It's not revealed that Wilson has depression until Season 3. Even though his marriages suck, he's never one to end them, he'd rather suffer the pain of misery than the pain of loneliness. Throughout the entire series we see him suffering by House's side through every reckless action House decides to take, seeing how much it pains Wilson. (Although of course we learn that House is willing to do the same...)

I think that House shakes up Wilson's image of perfection, and we see him in a constant state of stress, whether it's hands on the hips, gripping at his neck, pinching at the bridge of his nose...He's like a bomb waiting to go off and we all know House likes playing with explosives...

I think I first discovered Wilson was a prime candidate when I began reading these stories. It's interesting, but it seems as though the creative people at this comm picked up on something that it took TPTB longer to pick up on...an ailing Wilson really does bring House's caring side to light, often, as I've seen so beautifully (and IC) written, in a way that is gruff but no less sincere.

Was it unfair what TPTB did to Wilson...Well...cancer does happen. It can be rather abrupt and unexpected. It showed us different sides to both House and Wilson. (TBH, I'm just glad they didn't kill him. He may have been dying at the end, but he wasn't dead.)

Also...I think that another thing that makes him a prime candidate is the fact that we often see him suffering in silence, holding everything in until he can't take it anymore. Like when Wilson lies to House in "Cane and Able," and he says, "I was afraid you'd think you were God...and that your wings would melt." He doesn't break down until after House leaves. Or in the Season 4 finale. He breaks down in his office (where he tried to be alone), when he's alone with a dying Amber, and when he's entirely alone in Amber's apartment. And God, that scene where he leaves her coffee cup untouched still gets to me...And we also know that his anger often builds up and builds up until something ends up broken...

Wilson isn't boring. Wilson is a puzzle. If his sickness, whether physical or emotional, were obvious on the surface, House wouldn't find him interesting.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

What interesting observations. It's always great to get different perspectives. It helps me see things in a new way or revives forgotten speculation.

I think that what makes Wilson sick!fic fodder, is that the series, especially the last arc proved, is that Wilson isn't someone you really expect to be sad or sick.
Isn't that true! It's an illusion, and I don't know why. A few episodes before the finale arc I made a comment in a discussion that Wilson was indestructible with titanium bones and Kevlar skin. And yet, looking at the sick!Wilson screencap gallery reminded me that Wilson had a broken (?) wrist and hurt his hand when he punched House, has allergies, and apparently does suffer from migraines.

He's like a bomb waiting to go off and we all know House likes playing with explosives...
What a great description for both House and Wilson. In the early years, I believe Wilson was more unflappable. Maybe House finally got to him. But there are loads of examples later. When I rewatch the series, I'd like to pinpoint when he changed (could it be 3x22 Resignation?), and note how often Wilson goes kaboom.

we often see him suffering in silence, holding everything in until he can't take it anymore.
Yes, and want House to witness it. *wibbles* I wonder how often House has seen Wilson cry--beyond what we witnessed in the series.

[petitecuriosity.livejournal.com]

I wonder how often House has seen Wilson cry--beyond what we witnessed in the series.

I'm not sure why, but this conjured up an image for me of Wilson during House's infarction, sitting in the living room in tears, with the TV on in the background so as not to be heard, with House peeking out of his room for the first time in weeks, seeing Wilson crying, and promptly getting back into bed.

My guess would be either not very often, because Wilson has proven to be proficient at hiding things from House, or more often than Wilson realizes, as House has also proven to be clever at figuring Wilson out (although never completely, hence a neverending puzzle).

And, I forgot to mention it, but a scene that really paints Wilson as the saddest man in New Jersey is in the Tritter arc, when Wilson tells Tritter he won't testify against House, Tritter tells Wilson that Wilson will go to jail, and Wilson says "Better me, than him." Ouch.

[sassyjumper.livejournal.com]

When I rewatch the series, I'd like to pinpoint when he changed (could it be 3x22 Resignation?), and note how often Wilson goes kaboom.

I've always thought Season 3, in general, marked a big shift in the way they wrote Wilson. He became sadder, less confident, less of an equal match for House (that whole Tritter arc portrayed him as something of a whipping boy for House). And then later (Resignation, correct?) we find out he's on antidepressants.

I have soooo many more thoughts on the "Saddest Man in NJ" topic, LOL -- but I should be working, so I'll have to save em for later! :)

[mnstrtruckslash.livejournal.com]

*passes out marshmallows* actually I had already written a handful of SW stories (mostly longer/ alternate endings to scenes from actual episodes) when a close friend of mine asked if they were up on the S!W comm. So I came here and took a look but I've been here for a long time and I couldn't remember my first encounter sick!Wilson. So, I looked back through the archives and found the "first" SW story that I ever wrote.

I posted Leaving New Jersey on FF.net back in 2008! It was loosely based on a story I read on FF.net where Wilson sort of turns into House after House died (AU fic obviously) but I have no idea who wrote that story or when. I moved my story to LJ in 2010. Here's a link. http://mnstrtruckslash.livejournal.com/1064.html (http://mnstrtruckslash.livejournal.com/1064.html) It is a story where House and Wilson are in a terrible car accident at the end of season 4 but there is a lot of crazy stuff going on there. Hallucinations, major character death, Wilson has injuries to his leg and is permanently disabled... However it wasn't until a year later (during the break between seasons 5 and 6) which is around the time that I discovered the true joys of Sick!Wilson.

I'm still looking for the first S!W story I ever read but it could take all day to search through the SW archives. My page only had the entries I wrote, so it took me five minutes. I think that Wilson makes a good candidate for suffering because he is always suffering. Wilson tries to act tough and brave but he's the kind of person who struggles with every decision he makes; he feels for his patients, loves them and when they die that makes him feel even worse. Plus, he feels things very deeply (as evidenced by stuff on the show). Plus, he strikes me as a slightly klutzy person who might very well end up getting physically injured or sick all the time in his "real" life.

[mnstrtruckslash.livejournal.com]

I would also like to thank Patti (http://lovemywilson.livejournal.com/) for introducing me to this community.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

Cool! Your first sick!Wilson fic. I'll have to check it out. I also came aboard in 2008.

I'd be interested to hear from you and other members which sick!Wilson fic was the first they ever read. I can't recall mine. I do remember being in hog heaven when I discovered the sick_wilson archive.

I think that Wilson makes a good candidate for suffering because he is always suffering.
Absolutely! His angst over choosing a mattress comes to mind.

he feels for his patients, loves them and when they die that makes him feel even worse.
I was impressed how he could reel off the names and dates of his patients that died from less fatal cancers. Could this be a sore spot for him, or does he have bins of souvenirs hidden away in cabinets for all the patients he lost? ;-)

Plus, he strikes me as a slightly klutzy person who might very well end up getting physically injured or sick all the time in his "real" life.
This is something, IMO that changed in the later years. Definitely, by season 6 he was capable of tripping over the shoelaces on his fine French leather shoes. ;-)

[damigella-314.livejournal.com]

he is always suffering
together with (petitecuriosity, above)
Wilson has proven to be proficient at hiding things from House

This. I actually don't get unflappable vibes from Wilson, rather a longtime sufferer of the slow, insidious form of depression. The one that becomes a long fight, just a little bit harder every day; then there are the good moments, when you think it's over, and even ask yourself if you ever were sick to begin with... and then bad things happen and all comes back, worst than ever.

He's also solitary despite having a number of acquaintances; we see no close friends, his marriages are disastrous pretense (think of him preferring House's company to Julie's), he never mentions his own family; Danny is the only exception and even him rarely. The moment when Wilson first talks to House about him in Season 1 is one of the most poignant in the series, when Wilson for once allows House to see him as suffering and needy for comfort - and it's clear it wouldn't have happened without the triggering effect of the POTW. Even his attempt at a reconciliation with Sam goes wrong because it's clear he still doesn't really know her; the only person, besides House, he's really close to in a consistent way is Amber.

That's what is to me the charm of sick_wilson: physical ailments are a bonus, because they're a clearcut reason to take some time to take care of oneself. Which is precisely what Wilson doesn't do: he fills up his life, with the triple duties of husband, doctor, and department head, adds on top of it needy lovers and a six foot two cripple with an ability to get into trouble, so that he doesn't have to face the problems or just the desires within him.

In this sense, I did appreciate tptb's idea of giving him a potentially lethal disease, thus forcing him to face his own needs - first the superficial one to take a few days off and have fun with House, then the deeper ones, such as the need to be cared for, to be the center of House's attention and love. His cancer, after all, is about him. House's answer is everything he could have hoped for, and then some. I just wish they hadn't thrown all logic and most chances of a new begin elsewhere overboard.

[jahmat.livejournal.com]

I came to Houseland late (August 2010) but, as I devoured all the out-of-order episodes showing on the U.S. channels, I discovered the magic of RSL (again, because I loved him in DPS!). Taiga 13's FML list of many of the angst/hurt episodes over the years really made me realize that the canon writers were giving Wilson/RSL a lot to suffer through themselves.

Then, last Spring, I discovered the glories of fanfiction and sick!wilson. One of the first I read was "Bad Company and Aftershocks." I think it's a combination of the character and the actor's craft. Well done, RSL.
By the way, did anyone else see the Bullseye in "Entertainment Weekly" a few weeks ago? It read: "House is over? Give Robert Sean Leonard his own series. Stat!" Yes! Or maybe some play-to-TV movies? RSL gets Broadway, but the millions still get RSL!

[petitecuriosity.livejournal.com]

I just want to see him somewhere, entertaining. I tweeted Bobbing Bergstrom, the medical advisor on House, asking if she knew what RSL planned to do now. She said that all he said was that he planned to spend more time with his family. His wife does have a baby on the way, and they also have a young daughter. He's talked about wanting to go back to New Jersey, I think where he grew up.

OT: I read somewhere that HL said that he planned to stay in LA for awhile; I was surprised considering that I also heard that his developing depression was due to being away from his family in England. I wonder if they'd move to LA with him? Or at least his wife, as I believe his children are all in college...but I'm not sure.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

What's up with the USA Network? That's partially the reason I became involved with House. It's also why I can't keep the episode order for seasons 1 - 3 straight in my head.

I believe "Bad Company" and "Aftershocks" were among the first fics I ever read in the sick_wilson archive (first letters of the alphabet?). It was such an adventure.

Hadn't read the shout-out to RSL. Cool! I'm keeping my fingers crossed he will be lured back to television for some meaty role. My fantasy is a guest arc on The Good Wife, but I'd love for him to reprise a play on the PBSl.

[damigella-314.livejournal.com]

"House is over? Give Robert Sean Leonard his own series. Stat!"
I so agree, but I can't believe he'd want it. Not now, with a new baby coming up. He's been kept apart from his wife for eight years... he deserves family time. I wish him more broadway success, and maybe a TV version of that.

[sheppa.livejournal.com]

My first sick!Wilson fic was "Almost Unnameable Lust" nuclearfootball (http://nuclearfootball.livejournal.com/439401.html#cutid). I cried all day and then I have understood that I like sick!Wilson. It was in 2009. I began to look for similar stories and found this comm.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

Bless our writers for showing us fans why Wilson needs to be loved. ♥

[alternatealto.livejournal.com]

Oh, good lord, that was one of my early ones, too. And I grieved over that fic for days, as if someone in my life had really died: tears, sleeplessness, feeling wretched and ill, the whole thing. I avoided death!fics for over a year after reading that one, because I didn't want to go through something like that again, it was too awful. To this day I haven't had the courage to re-read it.

[alternatealto.livejournal.com]

Was it unfair what tptb did to Wilson?

I think I'll have to stand up and answer this question "Yes".

Yes, because after all, it seems horribly unfair that Wilson, after saving so many people with the same disease, should be unable (or possibly unwilling?) to save himself. It was even more unfair that he had to go for several days, at least, believing that he really would be alone in his last days, that House had, either by accident or on purpose, deserted him.

And then . . . TPTB gave him the joy of finding that House was not gone after all, that instead of deserting Wilson he had sent his own life up in flames so as to start a new one devoted to Wilson and no one else. Followed by the freedom to spend the last days of his life doing whatever he wishes, with the person who means the most to him at his side for the whole way. They gave him the chance to leave the past behind completely, to be completely himself, not to have to hide who he is, not to have to be strong for other people -- along with the unspoken promise from House that he will be forevermore accepted and loved and cherished for his true being.

So few people ever, ever have that kind of gift given them that in a way it's "unfair" for Wilson to receive so many deep and true benefits from his cancer. But it's the kind of unfairness that no one ever complains about -- we don't mind getting good things, just bad ones.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

THIS! So eloquently said I can't add anymore. Except if I think about it for too long, it hurts in both good and bad ways.

[brindlewolf.livejournal.com]

To me, a lot (probably MOST) of the appeal of the character of Wilson is attributable to the portrayal by RSL. Just as the appeal of House is because of HL. I can't imagine being so attached to these characters if they had been portrayed by anyone else. The chemistry between those two is what made the show, at least for me. RSL plays Wilson as someone we just want to hug. Sick!Wilson gives us an excuse to do that. It just plays on the existing chemistry between House and Wilson. I think I first realized the potential for Sick!Wilson also by reading fics in this fandom, but I have no idea what the first ones were. I definitely think it was unfair of TPTB to leave Wilson with a terminal diagnosis ... but at least he didn't die during the show (for which I was pathetically grateful). As they said, the story ends where it ends ... so we can take it from there, and our continuations are just as valid as anything in canon ever was (and often better thought-out and more researched). I don't believe Wilson will die. Period. As for the main question in this post: I never really saw Wilson as "Sad" - just very vulnerable and needy, but always putting everyone else ahead of himself. RSL made Wilson a REAL PERSON to all of us -- someone we love and want to protect and care for. HL made House someone we wanted to love and comfort and "fix" ... it was just natural that we began to want them to do for each other what we all wanted to do for them.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

RSL plays Wilson as someone we just want to hug. Sick!Wilson gives us an excuse to do that.
I agree and yet, more than for me to do the hugging, I wanted House to. They are my OTP. I'm sure it was the chemistry the actors bring to their characters.

Early in the finale arc, I was upset with DS. It looked like he was going to dash every ship by series end. I wish House and Wilson could have rode off into the sunset without storm clouds on the horizon, but it was generous of him to leave the finale open-ended for us to take HW wherever we wanted. After lackluster season 7, I also appreciated him giving RSL a chance to show off his acting chops.

Now here's a new question: Would you ever get involved watching another show developed by Shore? I think I'll stay away.

[pgrabia.livejournal.com]

I think what leads me to find the idea of a sick or injured Wilson is twofold. First, there's the fact that Wilson is the caretaker, the healer, the compassionate one who helps heal and take away the pain and helps you to escape your suffering by helping you to die when there is no longer any hope. He's not supposed to be the one who is sick and in pain so when it happens it's a big deal and the potential for drama and angst is very high. Second, a sick or hurting Wilson brings out the concerned, compassionate, caring House. It exposes House's more tender side and makes him more human when he cares for Wilson or takes care of him. During The C-Word this was very evident. House has a soft spot for Wilson and we get to see it when Wilson is in need of some TLC. I think I noticed that Wilson was fodder for illness and injury during an episode where he was suffering a headache, but I can't remember which specific episode that was.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

I love seeing caring and compassionate House (in reference to Wilson). We had inklings in earlier seasons like when he dosed Wilson's coffee to diagnose depression, but it was two-edged. House risked Wilson's health in the process. I was thrilled when in season 6 House showed concern for Wilson's career in "Known Unknowns," and then stayed by his bedside in "Wilson." I'm sure sick!Wilson writers couldn't be more delighted to have confirmaton.

Wilson is the caretaker, the healer, the compassionate one who helps heal and take away the pain and helps you to escape your suffering by helping you to die when there is no longer any hope. He's not supposed to be the one who is sick and in pain so when it happens it's a big deal and the potential for drama and angst is very high.
Excellent point. I think this strikes at the core of what a sick!Wilson fics should contain--a sense of poignant irony.

[rividori.livejournal.com]

I think that what makes sick!Wilson fic interesting is that throughout the series he's appeared healthy and untouchable in a way that makes us want to put him in that situation to explore how he'd react. Even with his depression we don't really get a deep insight into how he's feeling, maybe only bursts of something and then everything is back to normal and it's the next week, next episode, next case. And writing this type of fic allows for more exploration. I think TPTB exploited Wilson's physical and emotional health towards the end because he is tied to House, it's something else to push at House's character and to see how it would affect him, otherwise I don't really see why they needed to do that to Wilson. Maybe it's because he's seemed such an invincible character that they decided to do that, to show House that he can't take it for granted that Wilson's always going to be there for him, which they hinted at.

I discovered sick!wilson through this comm and the sickwilson_fest. It was more stories to read! And it seemed to make sense. A Wilson who is sick, hurt and suffering means there should be a caring and loving House somewhere around.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

Even with his depression we don't really get a deep insight into how he's feeling, maybe only bursts of something and then everything is back to normal and it's the next week, next episode, next case. And writing this type of fic allows for more exploration. I think TPTB exploited Wilson's physical and emotional health towards the end because he is tied to House, it's something else to push at House's character and to see how it would affect him, otherwise I don't really see why they needed to do that to Wilson. Maybe it's because he's seemed such an invincible character that they decided to do that, to show House that he can't take it for granted that Wilson's always going to be there for him, which they hinted at.
Yes, exactly. It was very clever and daring of DS (the f*****r) to do the opposite. Instead of House and Wilson to the end of time, he created imminent loss. What would DS do if he made a House MD special or a movie as some interviewers proposed?

A Wilson who is sick, hurt and suffering means there should be a caring and loving House somewhere around.
My absolute favorite kind of fic. However, it's good to remember that sick!Wilson fics could be about Wilson suffering on his own or receiving comfort from a different character. Blasphemy, I know. Off the top of my head, I can't really think of many in our archive except an AU with Chase and Wilson, Grey Gardens (http://kohlrimmedeye.livejournal.com/97159.html).

[3rdgal12.livejournal.com]

Sorry I'm late to the chat!

Is it built into the character or does RSL bring that "certain something"?
I think it's a little of both. RSL definitely brings that "certain something", which is why he get sick and/or dies in so many of his roles. His face is canvas for pain and angst, and a very attractive canvas at that. But I also think that sick/injured Wilson is a good way to show House's human side by giving him a reason to show he cares deeply, even if it's on his own terms.

When did you first discover Wilson was a prime candidate for suffering?
Um, from the first episode I ever saw? Which was "Broken" for me. I guess it was the angsty look on his face when he hung up on House.

Was it unfair what tptb did to Wilson?
Most TV shows are going to do something major and/or stupid to a character when they go off the air. All things considered, I'm pretty happy with what we got.

[srsly-yes.livejournal.com]

...which is why he get sick and/or dies in so many of his roles.
I keep forgetting that. Very true. He had also taken on angsty stage roles.

Which was "Broken" for me. I guess it was the angsty look on his face when he hung up on House.
Wow! RSL only had the one scene. If he could work his mojo on you with that, you were lost. I have to admit, I was looking at at some fanvids the other evening and was struck by how expressive his eyes were. He can turn on hurt that rivals a puppy's.