It's not just that the British import is a fine actor, a diligent American-speaker, and all that.

He's one very funny fellow.

That wit comes through on House, and even more obviously in a letter recently sent by Fox to critics along with the new-season screener DVD of fall's first two episodes.

While it's true these little suck-up missives are often written by publicists or producers, this one evinces the Laurie wit we've savored in A BIt of Fry and Laurie, Fortysomething and his other comedy-heavy credits.

That wit is what keeps his misanthropic Dr. Gregory House from being the biggest $#@!& on the planet, so horrible you'd want nothing to do with him. Yes, Laurie evokes House's vulnerability and pain, blah blah blah. But mostly, it's that wit shining through to keep you completely on his side.

Click the letter to open a larger window where it's easier to read.