ash

Reiteration of a previous post because that was a messy wall of text (this is still a wall of text, but hopefully less messy) and also some of my thoughts changed.

Kutner’s death feels abrupt and unexplained, but that much was intentional. Kal Penn told the producers early on that he might leave to pursue other things. There is an archived interview on this matter, and it says David Shore came up with the idea in December, and Simple Explanation aired in April, so this wasn't as last-minute as it may seem.

And yes, Kutner took his own life because Kal Penn had to leave, and of course the events in TV shows are always affected by the production logistics, but what happens in the story should be interpreted within the diegetic context.

Behavioral Changes

Kutner was known to use shock paddles where they don’t belong. Risk-taking behavior might indicate suicidal tendencies. My theory is that he was passively suicidal from the beginning, which might be why there was no noticeable change, since the team only knew him since when the games started.

The changes in behavior is there, though. His demeanor is different in season 5 than in season 4. He is a little less goofy (though he didn't lose it entirely) and more profound and serious. I do think Amber’s death was some sort of catalyst. He finally revealed how he lost his parents. He shared his experience with the patients to comfort them. The quirkiness could have been a front to mask his internal struggle, but either way, it gradually diminished. He didn't say as many funny, silly things other than sarcastic disagreements in the later episodes. The only funny thing he did in the later episodes is the “cat” pee, and that was a retaliation. The thing is, when you’re eccentric, you can become more “normal” when you’re toned down, and the altered state of mind goes unnoticed because it seems normal.

Relationship with House

Early on, Kutner was clearly very eager to please House, but less so in later episodes. In season 4, he gave House a Christmas gift even though he knows House rigged the secret Santa, and everyone else tells him not to indulge House. In season 5, he talked about it not-so-fondly and aid House is just messing with everyone again. He wanted to think that House was an ass because there was something wrong with him, but that whole ordeal was another incident of House’s antics. Kutner was confrontational with House in season 5 episodes 13 and 14, and he seems legitimately upset with House. This would be a necessary growth, but nonetheless, he doesn’t idolize House like he used to. Later, in a conversation with Taub, he said Taub used to be a successful plastic surgeon but now he is a “flunky for this mad scientist.” They have the same job, so this is what he considers himself to be, a flunky to a mad scientist. House is a mad scientist.

Discussions of Suicide

They had a patient who attempted suicide because of severe and unexplained pain. Taub said he is insane, that sane people don’t attempt suicide. Kutner's response was “Not ever?” Kutner asked Taub if he lost someone to suicide because his strong rejection indicates baggage. Kutner did say it’s people like himself who don’t do it because when life sucks from the beginning, there is no way to go but up. This, however, suggests that he had thought about this, that he’d had to convince himself that he has no way to go but up before. Kutner kept asking Taub because he doesn’t fully believe him, which means Kutner can’t be taken at his word, either. Taub eventually told him that he had a “colleague” who attempted suicide. Kutner asked if this “colleague” was Taub himself, and Taub denied it. Kutner didn't seem convinced, but drops the subject. Kutner might have hoped to talk to someone who might understand, someone who overcame it, but he didn’t want to pressure Taub.

Heightened Concern for Others

When Kutner confronted House about where Thirteen and Foreman were, he said, “You always blab to watch people react. Not blabbing means you don't want us to react, which can’t be good. Is Thirteen’s headache not just a headache? If I check with admitting, am I gonna find her name?” He even calls Foreman a hypocrite because he’s not doing everything he can to help Thirteen in order to protect himself.

Kutner deduced that something was going on with House because he ordered an MRI he knew the patient didn't need, and he didn’t see him taking Vicodin. He then went to Wilson to tell him about it. He knew Foreman and Thirteen were still together (Taub didn’t think they were) before House ever did. Foreman didn’t realize something was up with House until then. Cuddy didn’t know until Wilson told him. Three people who’ve known House far longer than Kutner, one of whom works as closely with House as Kutner, didn't realize something was wrong with House, but Kutner did. House was on methadone during this time.

Kutner sensed Taub had something going on because Taub argued with House about a diagnosis. When Kutner argued with House about a treatment or Thirteen, Taub didn't think anything of it. Kutner repeatedly tried to talk to Taub, but Taub deflects and the exchanges are interrupted by work. Kutner was so attentive about what other people were going through because he was Going Through It himself.

Kutner was the one observant and perceptive enough to notice when others had issues, the way House usually did. House was distracted, with Cuddy, with methadone, with death cat, etc.

House figured out that the death cat patient suffered a loss and the grief made her more superstitious. He told her it’s meaningless, but at least he was sincere to her. With Kutner, House actively mocked him by subjecting him to a variety of things that are supposed to be “bad luck” and when Kutner says he realizes it's stupid but doesn’t want to invite anything, House said “I thought you were superstitiousness had something to do with your folks being killed, but you’re stupid works just as well.”