I liked him better when he was on Vicodin.

Chase uttered these words about House after halfway through "Knight Fall." It's a question many viewers have been asking themselves all season: Is a drug-free, evolving House actually an entertaining House?

The show itself has struggled with this same issue, as House's path to recovery hasn't been clear on a weekly basis. He often comes across as the same heartless bastard we've known (and loved) for years now.

But it was obvious at the conclusion of last night's episode that House wants to change. In the past, nothing has brought him more joy than meddling in Wilson's affairs. But the guy was actually open to the rational words Sam said in her speech. As she recognized, House - in his own way - had benevolent intentions all along, he was just going about them in an immature way. By acquiescing to her plea to give her and Wilson a chance, House took a major step toward... being normal.

The rest of the episode really wasn't normal, however. It tried a bit too hard to be quirky, as the entire renaissance fair storyline felt forced, especially when House actually entered the patient's room in full garb.

Same with the transvestite at dinner. What was even the point of her/him? To make Wilson and Sam feel uncomfortable enough to break up? It didn't make a lot of sense, but it was funny to watch House's date actually get along with Sam.

And let's hope we see a lot more of her. There are rumors that Cynthia Watros might join the cast on a regular basis next season. That would be tremendous. The actress doesn't have a chance to play a fully developed character on Lost, as Libby is interesting, but also a major downer.

Sam, conversely, gets a chance to actually smile! She also seems prepared to go toe-to-toe with House when needed. She'd be a great addition to the series, don't you think?

Overall, I'm intrigued by the Sam/Wilson scenario, but can't decide how much I want to see House change. Even his pill-popping is less exciting when it's Ibuprofen instead of Vicotin. The episode did result in many great House quotes, at least, some of which are listed below:

House: Wilson's not like us. He cares too much about people and their feelings.
Thirteen: Thanks for the compliment. | permalink

Thirteen: If you wanna be King, sometimes you need to be willing to take what's yours. | permalink

House: What am I gonna wear? All my cereal boxes are at the cleaners. | permalink

House [to Cuddy]: You have decades of experience dating and be attracted to losers. | permalink

Thirteen: Pig order with a side order of sphincter.
Taub: I think they call that breakfast in Australia. | permalink

Cuddy: Something you think is more important than a nasty virus possibly spreading through my hospital? That means it's either personal or stupid. | permalink

House: We need to check out Middle Earth. Foreman, take Frodo and break bread with the Hobbits. | permalink

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.