FOX's "House" has hired a private investigator for a role that may become increasingly important in the show's upcoming fifth season.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Weston has signed on for a multi-episode arc on "House," which is already shooting episodes for Season Five.

The trade paper describes Weston's character as "a private investigator who is intelligent, but not as abrasive as Dr. House."

Weston's casting was first reported by TV Guide, which suggested the character could evolve from a multi-episode capacity into either a cast regular or, possibly, the centerpiece of an upcoming spin-off.

Weston was most recently seen on the big screen (by a few people) in the medical thriller "Pathology." His TV credits include "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Scrubs" and a memorable turn on "Six Feet Under."