House never explicitly gave Wilson speed (amphetamine) in the television series House M.D. However, their complex relationship, particularly in season 6, often involved House pushing boundaries and manipulating Wilson, leading to questions about potential instances where this could have happened off-screen. This article explores their dynamic and analyzes situations where such an event could be inferred.
House and Wilson: A Complex Dynamic
Season 6 of House is often referred to as the “House/Wilson season” due to the significant focus on their intertwined lives. House, struggling with Vicodin addiction and the aftermath of Amber’s death, relies heavily on Wilson for support. This reliance, however, is often fraught with manipulation and boundary-crossing by House.
Several instances throughout the season showcase House’s disregard for Wilson’s well-being:
- “Broken”: House schemes against Dr. Nolan, his therapist in Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital, and tries to enlist Wilson’s help, knowing Wilson’s empathetic nature would make him reluctant to refuse.
- “Epic Fail”: House inserts himself into Wilson’s life by attending his cooking class and later taking over his kitchen. While seemingly caring gestures, these actions are ultimately driven by House’s needs and disregard Wilson’s personal space.
- “Brave Heart”: House exploits Wilson’s grief over Amber by sleeping on his couch and deliberately provoking him with insensitive comments about Amber’s shrine-like bedroom.
- “Known Unknowns”: House drugs Wilson to prevent him from delivering a speech on euthanasia and delivers it himself, twisting Wilson’s words to suit his own agenda. He later dismisses Wilson’s anger, highlighting his lack of genuine remorse.
- “Wilson”: House sabotages Wilson’s budding relationship with Nora, believing Wilson is too weak to handle a serious relationship. His actions demonstrate a possessive and controlling attitude toward Wilson.
Could House Have Given Wilson Speed? An Analysis
While not explicitly shown, the possibility of House giving Wilson speed cannot be entirely dismissed, given:
- House’s manipulative nature: He frequently uses manipulation to get what he wants, often disregarding the consequences for others. Providing speed to control or influence Wilson aligns with this pattern.
- Wilson’s vulnerability: Grieving and often emotionally dependent on House, Wilson is a prime target for manipulation. Speed could have been used to exploit this vulnerability.
- The “missing pieces” of their relationship: The series doesn’t show every moment of their lives. Off-screen events could have occurred where House provided speed to Wilson, perhaps disguised as a “solution” to his grief or emotional distress.
Conclusion: The Unspoken Possibility
While the show never confirms that House gave Wilson speed, their complex dynamic and House’s manipulative tendencies leave room for speculation. The question remains a testament to the show’s intricate portrayal of a deeply flawed but ultimately enduring friendship. The ambiguity allows viewers to draw their own conclusions about the unspoken possibilities within their relationship.
