I didn't like Amber all that much because although she showed a lot of the same characteristics as House, she didn't have his warmth and charm--until she got fired, when I started to like her better, but by that point it was kind of too late.

Other than that, I totally agree with you. Especially about Cuddy's clothes. I work in retail, and if I dressed like that, my young, cute boss would tell me in no uncertain terms to cover up. Women can be young, attractive, and professional--and Cuddy's credentials (UMich, graduated med school early and as the #2 in her class, head of a hospital before she was old enough to be President) should develop her as an intelligent, capable doctor who just happens to be better at management. If she were more competent, I would enjoy her too-sexy-for-the-office wardrobe. Let's face it; being an attractive woman with a nice body IS an asset when you work mostly with men--it just looks tacky when it's your only asset. (Plus, it's gotten worse. In S1, she might wear a low-cut top and stiletto heels, but at least she'd pair them with a reasonably conservative suit. These days she practically puts on a baby tee, a miniskirt, and closed-toe shoes with no stockings, and considers it "professional" enough to wear to work.)

And I agree, House needs age-appropriate romantic interests. Hugh Laurie was born in 1959; he's 48 years old. Jennifer Morrison is 28; Olivia Wilde is 23 (for the record, Sela Ward, who is in my opinion actually more attractive than either of the other two, is 51--hey, look, they're actually members of the same generation! I'd also like to call attention to Stacy's wardrobe during her tenure on the show: Yeah, she's pretty; yeah, she has a nice body, and she dresses to show it off but keeps it covered! Seriously, ladies, if you actually want to get hired, dress like her). Plus both women look very young for their ages; I'm in college, and if I saw Cameron on campus, I'd assume she was an undergrad, not even a graduate student and definitely not a doctor who'd completed an internship, residency, and three-and-a-half year fellowship.

I don't consider myself a radical feminist, but this show's mistreatment of its women is blatant and really upsetting.

--EN, phineas_gatsby on LJ