Last night's "House": The big WTF? death and the fascinating truth behind it

I have to admit that while I do like House, I haven't had the chance to watch it much this season. So I was pretty shocked to learn this morning that the show had gone and bumped off a character that no one really thought would be bumped, and did it in an out-of-left-field kind of way.

But hey, shocking deaths and unseen causes are kind of what House is all about, right? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Michael Ausiello has the exclusive scoop as to why this particular actor wanted off the show (yes, it was a request) and what that actor will be doing next ... and just like last night's episode, I can pretty much guarantee it's NOT what you'd expect.

For the spoiler-filled details, continue below, and please share your own thoughts on the episode in the comments!

Kal Penn
 

Yes, they killed off Kutner, played by Harold and Kumar vet Kal Penn. And they killed him off by having him commit suicide, something that nobody saw coming. No note, no explanation, nothing: And rest assured that not knowing why one of his more stable underlings offed himself will be a major motivator for House in the coming season.

Now on to the bigger question: Why on Earth would Kal Penn want off the show? Answer: He's going to work for the White House.

No, not White Castle, the actual Executive Branch of our nation's government. Penn, who was an active campaigner for President Obama, was offered the position of Associate Director in the White House office of public liaison, and after speaking with TPTB at House accepted the position and was written off the show.

Kumar in the White House!

Penn and John Cho with a Bush impersonator in the Harold and Kumar sequel
 

I personally think that Penn is one of the more gifted and versatile young actors working today, and I also think he's kind of hot. (Not that that matters in the least, but I tend to overshare before my second coffee.) So while it's a shame to see him hanging up his acting scrubs for the time being, it's worth it to know that young folks are getting so involved in this country's future and willing to turn down lucrative paychecks in order to serve their communities. Best of luck to Penn.

As for House, Cuddy and the rest of the crew left stunned by his character's suicide, any ideas what they'll come to learn?