Season 4 of the beloved medical drama House drastically improved the show, but it ultimately failed one of its best characters, Eric Foreman. Foreman has some of the best moments across House‘s run on TV, but the fourth season was not his shining moment, despite being the best of the series overall.
House, the medical procedural that ran on Fox for eight seasons from 2004-2012, was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The titular character, Dr. Gregory House, is one of the most renowned TV icons of the 2000s, with a multi-time award-nominated portrayal by Hugh Laurie. Another performance that circulated awards from the series was Omar Epps as Eric Foreman, a character whose story, I believe, was hampered by taking a backseat in season 4.
Foreman Was Sidelined In House Season 4 (Despite His New Position)
Foreman Becoming A Babysitter To The New Fellows In House Season 4 Was A Low Point For The Character
Eric Foreman is one of my favorite players on the House roster. In a show with so many brilliant performers, it’s challenging to stand out, but Omar Epp’s charismatic and authoritative performance separates his portrayal from the pack. Additionally, Foreman was a mainstay on the series across its eight-season run, with Epps electing to not leave the show like many of his costars. Foreman received a significant promotion in season 4 of the series, but unfortunately, that didn’t equal better storytelling.
Foreman ultimately supervises the group of new fellows in a role that feels more like a babysitter than anything else.
Despite his new position, Eric Foreman is sidelined in favor of other characters in House season 4. New fellowship doctors added to the cast included Peter Jacobson’s Dr. Christopher Taub, Kal Penn’s Dr. Lawrence Kutner, and Olivia Wilde’s Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley. While it’s sold as a promotion for the doctor in the show, Foreman supervises the group of new fellows in a role that feels more like a babysitter than anything else. I can’t help but feel that this was a waste of the actor’s talents and the character’s role in House season 4, which was overall the best season despite some mistakes.
Foreman Being House’s Number Two Was Fun, But It Limited His Character
Eric Foreman Went On To Bigger And Better Things, But His Time As House’s Second Was Wasted
On paper, Eric Foreman becoming House‘s official number two seemed like a great avenue to develop his character further. It was a natural progression in the storyline the writers and Omar Epps had been cooking for three seasons leading up to season 4. Unfortunately, I think it compromised his plot threads from that point on. Conversely, other characters like Cameron and Chase got a compelling love story to chew on. Meanwhile, Foreman was just there, doing virtually nothing but babysitting.
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House had an incredible eight-season run, but the finale proved to be more divisive among fans, however, in hindsight, it’s a perfect ending.
Luckily, Foreman received some meatier material in the seasons of House proceeding 4, including a romance between him and Olivia Wilde’s Thirteen before she left House that persisted into season 6. Eventually, things work out for Foreman in the end, seeing as the character becomes the Dean of Medicine in House‘s final season, but I can’t help but feel like his character’s potential was wasted midway through the drama.
