And then there were two... no make that three

While some folks were watching the dance-off finale last night on ABC, House was having it's own reality finale of sorts -- a final Doc-off, if you will. The ratings have both shows winning Tuesday night, but since this wasn't a finale for House, you have to give that FOX drama the crown.

I have to admit that I've always been behind on my House viewing, usually catching it later in the week, and that was always fine with me. But with this season's Survivor-like format -- with doctors essentially getting voted off every week -- it became a more immediate, and more invigorating show. Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) made his final cut(s) after eight episodes of interview games, and even with all the spoilers that have been floating out there for weeks, it still had a few twist and turns to the end. The show even had some fun with the spoilers by having House complain about the internet ruining the surprise ending of his favorite medical drama.

Knowing ahead of time that 'Cutthroat Bitch' was going to be the final cut, it was nice that they gave actress Anne Dudek a showcase of her talents. Between this and her turn on Mad Men, she's had to have made enough fans out there casting agents for her to land a plum project soon. She even impressed the folks behind House enough to guarantee her return for select future episodes, so look out for that -- provided the strike ever ends. Cutthroat Bitch, we'll miss you... hurry back.

The final turn, with unexpectedly cutting 13 and then using gender politics to trick Cuddy into opening a slot for her was brilliant (if unrealistic) and of course I have to mention it was backed by Norman Greenbaum's classic "Spirit in the Sky" -- on vinyl, no less. I'm glad I live in a world where a dairy farmer from California continues to live off that great song.

Song: "Spirit in the Sky" - Norman Greenbaum (video) - House talks with Cuddy, gets extra slot for 13, Cuddy realizes she's been played

Previously: Cane vs. gravity (episode 3.03)