She's all rambling and paranoid and I have ZERO idea what to do.

Um, do you think the paranoia's potentially dangerous? To you, I mean? 'Cause there's not getting a coworker into trouble and there's a coworker thinking you're one of Them and stabbing you with a letter opener. I don't mean to be too alarmist and clearly you're there and know what's up, and I'm not. But be careful, 'kay?

I agree with Cashmere -- HR will know the people to call if intervention is truly warranted. Or you could go to her and share your concern directly -- she may not know how she's coming off to others. Or does she have a boss that you could talk to privately?

It's not 'tattling' if it's a serious problem.

I guess I see House as like Buffalo Bill (was it?): it's about an unlikable person. I can certainly see why you'd find it watch-from-the-hall material, especially if you're already saddled with this sort of jerk in real life. I enjoy it because I like seeing something other than the standard adorable-misunderstood-quirky-person as the lead.

Trudy, if she's scaring you that much, I'd give someone in HR a call. See if someone can talk to her. She just might need the help.

I'm just hesitant because she and I are so new -- I don't know how they react here and I don't want her to lose her job.

She's all rambling and paranoid and I have ZERO idea what to do.

Like, truly incoherent, not in touch with reality?

At first she just seemed upset by family stuff. Saying that her ex husband had accused her of stealing. A little loudly for the workplace "they took me away in handcuffs! In my nightgown! They didn't even let me brush my teeth!". Then she started saying her whole family was in on it... still sorta normal. THEN she started saying she's being watched wherever she goes, like the grocery store. That's when I got spooked.

I enjoy it because I like seeing something other than the standard adorable-misunderstood-quirky-person as the lead.

Yes, this, but for me it's also hugely about Hugh Laurie. I hated Ted Danson's Becker, and I didn't like Buffalo Bill, either (if it's the same show you're thinking of, and the one I'm remembering -- Dabney Coleman, right?).

What kind of freak gets off on being hated?

whistles

Dear god, why did I come to work? Must get shit done, so I can go home and have soup and tea.

I'm just hesitant because she and I are so new -- I don't know how they react here and I don't want her to lose her job.

From your description, I'd be more worried about her mental health than her job. HR should have the training to deal with this. That is spooky stuff and needs to be addressed.

THEN she started saying she's being watched wherever she goes, like the grocery store. That's when I got spooked.

I'm going throw in with Cashmere and the others, and vote for telling HR, or at least her boss.

I admit, I never could watch Archie Bunker for similar reasons, although I can now. I don't see there having been a shortage of grumpy unlikeable characters -- mostly it's the prima donna "my rules!" thing that sets me off.

Trudy, if you're worried it may get her into trouble, is there anyone who worked there longer than you that you can consult with, before taking it higher? Other than that, I'm with Cash and Theo and everybody else.

Still and all, I should think he would respect a woman who takes his cane away from him to beat him with it. It is something he would do, in a fight.

Well, I don't know House well enough, but I just have that whole image playing in my mind right now.

whistles

Yeah, how many nice and good things have you done for people, some of whom you've never even met?

For me, I guess it's the whole "the rules are different for me" thing in characters that I don't like. If you're being mean and hated for it, that's OK. If you're being mean and expect to be liked despite it, then, well, it's not a character I can like.