House - Series 1-3 - Complete

The premise of House centres each episode around a diagnostic challenge for the blunt, brilliant, rude and unconventional Doctor and his team. The investigations into the various ailments even have a pseudo-CSI feel to them, generally set against the time-pressure of a rapidly degenerating patient.

Yet while the medicine enthrals, House is all about the characters. The superb supporting cast, including Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard and Lisa Edelstein, of long-suffering colleagues and staff are strong, providing the nucleus of a fair few story threads themselves. Yet it's Hugh Laurie's astonishing performance in the title role that makes it all work.

In Laurie's hands, Dr Gregory House becomes one of the most memorable television characters of recent times, replacing snide comments and sarcasm at a point where a calm bedside manner would be far more appropriate. Across the three seasons in this terrific boxset, therefore, he makes more than his fair share of enemies, including a police detective intent on sending him down and a patient or two who look to exact some form of revenge.

Anchored by razor-sharp writing, House is, undoubtedly, a major success and a highly enjoyable television programme. And with over 60 episodes to enjoy here, this collection of the first three seasons is a terrific investment. --Simon Brew