What is the plot?

The episode begins with a young woman named Anna, who is at a picnic with her friends. She suddenly collapses, experiencing severe symptoms that include difficulty breathing and swelling. Her friends panic and call for help, leading to her being rushed to Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Gregory House and his team, consisting of Dr. Eric Foreman, Dr. Allison Cameron, and Dr. Robert Chase, are called to evaluate Anna. House is initially dismissive of the case, suggesting that it could be a simple allergic reaction. However, as they begin to examine her, they discover that Anna has been exposed to a variety of potential toxins, including poison ivy and a possible insect sting.

As the team conducts tests, they learn that Anna has a history of being a healthy individual with no prior medical issues. They also find that she has been in contact with a plant that could be toxic. House orders a series of tests to rule out various conditions, including anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions. The team debates the possible causes of her symptoms, with House pushing for more aggressive testing.

While the team works on Anna's case, they also delve into her personal life. They discover that she is a passionate environmentalist and has been involved in various outdoor activities. This information leads them to consider the possibility of a rare plant poisoning. House, however, remains skeptical and continues to push for more tests.

As Anna's condition worsens, the team faces pressure from her family, who are anxious for answers. House's unorthodox methods and disregard for hospital protocol create tension between him and the hospital administration, particularly with Dr. Lisa Cuddy, who is concerned about the potential fallout from House's decisions.

In a pivotal moment, House decides to perform a risky procedure to test for a rare disease that could explain Anna's symptoms. The team is divided on whether this is the right course of action, but House insists that they need to take drastic measures to save her life. The procedure is tense, and Anna's condition continues to deteriorate, leading to a race against time.

As they continue to investigate, the team discovers that Anna had recently been in contact with a toxic plant known as the "deadly nightshade." This revelation shifts their focus, and they begin to treat her for poisoning. House's intuition and experience guide the team as they administer the appropriate antidote.

In the climax of the episode, Anna's condition stabilizes after receiving the treatment. The team breathes a sigh of relief, but House remains focused on the underlying cause of her symptoms. He confronts Anna about her environmental activism and the potential dangers she may have overlooked in her pursuits.

The episode concludes with Anna recovering and reflecting on her experience. House, while satisfied with the outcome, remains emotionally distant, showcasing his complex character as he grapples with the implications of his work and the lives he impacts. The team shares a moment of camaraderie, but House's solitary nature leaves a lingering sense of tension as he walks away, contemplating the next challenge ahead.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Poison," Dr. Gregory House and his team discover that the patient, a young woman named Rebecca, has been poisoned by a rare plant. After a tense series of events, they manage to treat her successfully. House's unconventional methods and his team's dedication lead to a resolution, but the episode ends with House reflecting on his own struggles with trust and connection.


As the episode nears its conclusion, the tension in the hospital escalates. Dr. Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie, is in his office, surrounded by the remnants of his team's frantic efforts to diagnose Rebecca. The young woman, who has been suffering from mysterious symptoms, is now in critical condition. House's team--Dr. Eric Foreman, Dr. Allison Cameron, and Dr. Robert Chase--are exhausted but determined to find the cause of her illness.

In a pivotal scene, House gathers his team to discuss the latest test results. They have ruled out several possibilities, but Rebecca's condition continues to deteriorate. House, with his characteristic bluntness, pushes his team to think outside the box. He suggests that they consider the possibility of poisoning, which leads them to investigate her recent activities. They learn that Rebecca had been gardening and had come into contact with a rare plant known for its toxic properties.

As the clock ticks down, House's team races against time to identify the specific toxin. They conduct a series of tests, and the atmosphere is charged with urgency. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of the situation is palpable. Rebecca's family is distraught, and her boyfriend, who has been by her side, is increasingly anxious about her fate.

In a dramatic turn, House realizes that the plant's toxin is not just any poison; it is a rare alkaloid that can cause severe neurological damage. He instructs his team to administer an antidote, but they face a setback when they discover that the antidote is not readily available. House's frustration mounts, but he remains focused, determined to save Rebecca.

In the final moments of the episode, House and his team manage to procure the antidote just in time. They administer it to Rebecca, and slowly, her condition begins to improve. The relief is palpable, and the tension in the room dissipates as her vital signs stabilize. House watches as Rebecca's boyfriend embraces her, tears of joy streaming down his face.

However, the resolution is bittersweet for House. As he observes the emotional reunion, he reflects on his own struggles with intimacy and trust. The episode closes with House alone in his office, contemplating the connections he has with others and the barriers he has built around himself. The camera lingers on his face, revealing a mix of satisfaction and loneliness, encapsulating the complex nature of his character.

In the end, Rebecca survives, thanks to House's unorthodox methods and the dedication of his team. House's team members, Foreman, Cameron, and Chase, are left with a renewed sense of purpose, having witnessed the impact of their work. Yet, House remains an enigma, grappling with his own demons as he continues to navigate the challenges of his profession and personal life.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "Poison" from Season 1 of House, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character developments throughout the episode, with no extra material provided after the main narrative concludes.

What symptoms does the patient exhibit that lead House to suspect poisoning?

In the episode 'Poison', the patient, a young woman named Kayla, exhibits a range of alarming symptoms including severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and a rash. These symptoms initially baffle the team, but House's keen observation leads him to suspect that she may have been poisoned.

How does House determine the source of the poison affecting the patient?

House's investigation reveals that Kayla had recently been in contact with a plant called the 'Deadly Nightshade'. He deduces that the poison could be coming from this plant, which is known for its toxic properties, and he conducts tests to confirm his hypothesis.

What role does Dr. Foreman play in the diagnosis process?

Dr. Foreman plays a crucial role in the diagnosis process by conducting tests and analyzing the patient's symptoms. He is initially skeptical of House's theory about poisoning and pushes for more conventional diagnoses, but ultimately supports House's direction when evidence points towards the plant.

How does the team react to House's unconventional methods during the investigation?

The team exhibits a mix of frustration and admiration towards House's unconventional methods. While some members, like Dr. Chase, are more willing to follow House's lead, others, like Dr. Cameron, express concern about the ethical implications of House's decisions, particularly when he disregards standard procedures.

What personal conflict does Dr. Cameron face in this episode?

Dr. Cameron faces a personal conflict regarding her feelings for House and her professional ethics. She struggles with the moral implications of House's methods, particularly when he pushes the boundaries of patient care, and this tension highlights her internal struggle between admiration for House's brilliance and her commitment to patient welfare.

Is this family friendly?

In the episode "Poison" from Season 1 of House, there are several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Medical Procedures: The episode features graphic depictions of medical examinations and procedures, including the use of needles and other medical instruments, which may be unsettling for some viewers.

  2. Illness and Suffering: The central theme revolves around a patient suffering from a mysterious illness, leading to scenes of distress and discomfort that may be emotionally intense.

  3. Tension and Conflict: There are moments of high tension and conflict among the characters, particularly between Dr. House and his team, which may be stressful for younger viewers.

  4. Death and Mortality: The episode touches on themes of mortality and the potential for death, which could be distressing for sensitive audiences.

  5. Emotional Strain: Characters experience significant emotional strain and frustration, which may resonate with viewers who are sensitive to themes of anxiety and despair.

These elements contribute to a more mature viewing experience, and parental discretion is advised for younger audiences.