What is the plot?

The episode "Last Resort" begins with Dr. Gregory House and his team at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital dealing with a patient named a Navy officer, Captain Owen, who is brought in after a seizure. The team is puzzled by his symptoms, which include a high fever and a rash. House is initially dismissive of the case, focusing instead on his own personal issues, particularly his strained relationship with Dr. Lisa Cuddy.

As the team conducts tests, they discover that Captain Owen has a history of exposure to toxic substances while serving in the Navy. House, intrigued by the potential for a rare disease, decides to investigate further. He orders a series of tests, but the results are inconclusive. Meanwhile, Captain Owen's condition worsens, and he begins to exhibit signs of paranoia and aggression.

In a tense scene, Captain Owen becomes increasingly agitated and starts to lash out at the medical staff, believing they are trying to harm him. This escalates when he takes Dr. Cuddy hostage in the hospital, using a gun he had smuggled in. The hospital goes into lockdown, and the staff is thrown into chaos. House, who is outside the hospital, learns about the situation and rushes back to help.

Inside the hospital, Captain Owen demands to speak with House, believing that he is the only one who can help him. House, aware of the danger, tries to reason with Owen from a distance, attempting to calm him down while also gathering information about his condition. He learns that Owen has been experiencing hallucinations and believes he is being pursued by enemies.

As the standoff continues, House devises a plan to get through to Owen. He uses his knowledge of medicine to suggest that Owen's symptoms could be a result of a rare neurological condition caused by exposure to a specific toxin. This piques Owen's interest, and he begins to listen to House's reasoning. House's team, meanwhile, works to find a way to safely extract Cuddy and the other hostages.

In a pivotal moment, House manages to convince Owen to let Cuddy go, promising to help him with his medical issues. Cuddy is released, but the situation remains tense as Owen still holds a gun and is not fully convinced of House's intentions. House continues to engage Owen, using a mix of empathy and medical knowledge to build trust.

As the episode progresses, House and his team discover that Owen's symptoms are indeed linked to a rare condition caused by a toxin found in the water supply of a military base. They realize that Owen's paranoia and aggression are side effects of the illness. House shares this information with Owen, who begins to understand that he is not in danger from the hospital staff but rather from his own body.

In the climax of the episode, House makes a bold move to approach Owen directly, putting himself in harm's way. He offers to help Owen with treatment, emphasizing that he can provide the care he needs. This moment of vulnerability from House resonates with Owen, who finally lowers his weapon and surrenders.

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the hostage situation. House reflects on the events, acknowledging the emotional toll it has taken on him and the team. Cuddy expresses her gratitude for House's bravery, and the two share a moment of connection, hinting at the complexities of their relationship. The episode ends with a sense of resolution, as the team prepares to treat Owen and address the fallout from the crisis.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Last Resort," Dr. Gregory House and his team face a critical situation when they are held hostage in a hospital by a patient with a gun. The episode concludes with House managing to outsmart the hostage-taker, leading to a tense standoff that ultimately resolves without bloodshed. The team members, including Dr. Foreman, Dr. Thirteen, and Dr. Chase, are left shaken but unharmed. House's unconventional methods and his ability to think outside the box save the day, but the experience leaves a lasting impact on the characters, particularly in their relationships and their views on life and death.

As the episode draws to a close, House's team reflects on the harrowing experience, and House himself is left contemplating the fragility of life and the moral complexities of their profession. The episode ends with a sense of relief but also a lingering tension, as the characters grapple with the emotional fallout of the hostage situation.


The episode "Last Resort" begins with a tense atmosphere in the hospital as Dr. Gregory House and his team are confronted with a patient named John, who is armed and desperate. The scene is set in the hospital's emergency room, where the chaos of the situation unfolds. John, a former soldier, is agitated and feels betrayed by the medical system, believing that he is not receiving the care he deserves. His emotional state is volatile, and he holds the doctors at gunpoint, demanding answers and treatment.

As the hostage situation escalates, House's team--Dr. Foreman, Dr. Thirteen, and Dr. Chase--are forced to navigate the dangerous dynamics of the standoff. Each character's internal motivations come to the forefront: Foreman is determined to protect his colleagues, Thirteen is focused on finding a way to empathize with John, and Chase is trying to maintain a sense of calm amidst the chaos. The tension in the room is palpable, with the threat of violence looming over every interaction.

House, ever the strategist, begins to devise a plan to outsmart John. He engages in a psychological game, using his sharp wit and understanding of human behavior to manipulate the situation. He recognizes that John's anger stems from deeper issues, including feelings of abandonment and betrayal. House's ability to read people allows him to connect with John on a level that others cannot, and he uses this connection to gain the upper hand.

As the standoff continues, the emotional stakes rise. The team members are visibly shaken, and their fear is evident in their body language and dialogue. House, however, remains focused, channeling his anxiety into a determination to resolve the situation without violence. He understands that the key to defusing John's anger lies in addressing his underlying pain rather than simply treating his physical ailments.

In a pivotal moment, House manages to convince John to lower his weapon by appealing to his sense of humanity. He shares a personal story that resonates with John, illustrating the fragility of life and the importance of seeking help rather than resorting to violence. This moment of connection is crucial, as it shifts the power dynamic in the room and allows House to regain control of the situation.

As the episode reaches its climax, the police arrive, and the tension peaks. House's quick thinking and ability to empathize with John ultimately lead to a peaceful resolution. John surrenders, and the team is left to process the emotional aftermath of the ordeal. Each character reflects on their experiences, grappling with the moral complexities of their profession and the impact of the hostage situation on their lives.

In the final scenes, House and his team share a moment of relief, but the weight of the experience lingers. House, in particular, is left contemplating the fragility of life and the ethical dilemmas that come with being a doctor. The episode concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, as the characters are changed by the events they have endured, leaving viewers to ponder the lasting effects of trauma and the complexities of human relationships.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "Last Resort" from Season 5 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, which centers around Dr. Gregory House and his team dealing with a patient who has a mysterious illness while also navigating the complexities of their own relationships and ethical dilemmas. The episode wraps up with the resolution of the medical case and the emotional fallout, leaving no further scenes to explore after the credits.

What medical condition does the patient, a Navy officer, present with in 'Last Resort'?

The patient, Lieutenant Commander Michael Tritter, presents with a mysterious illness that causes severe symptoms, including hallucinations and a rapid decline in his health, which leads House and his team to investigate the underlying cause.

How does House's team initially approach the diagnosis of the Navy officer's condition?

House's team initially approaches the diagnosis by considering various possibilities, including exposure to toxins and psychological factors, as they try to piece together the patient's symptoms and history.

What ethical dilemma does House face regarding the treatment of the Navy officer?

House faces an ethical dilemma when he must decide whether to respect the Navy officer's wishes to refuse treatment or to intervene when the patient's condition worsens, highlighting the conflict between patient autonomy and the duty to save a life.

How does the episode explore the theme of authority and rebellion through the character of House?

The episode explores the theme of authority and rebellion as House challenges the Navy's strict hierarchy and the officer's adherence to military protocol, showcasing House's disdain for authority and his determination to uncover the truth behind the patient's illness.

What role does Dr. Foreman play in the decision-making process regarding the patient's care?

Dr. Foreman plays a crucial role in the decision-making process as he often acts as a voice of reason, advocating for the patient's best interests while also grappling with the moral implications of House's unconventional methods.

Is this family friendly?

"Last Resort," the ninth episode of Season 5 of "House," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

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

  2. Mental Health Themes: There are discussions and portrayals of mental health issues, including the stress and emotional turmoil experienced by patients and medical staff, which could be distressing.

  3. Violence and Threats: The episode includes scenes where characters are in threatening situations, including a hostage scenario, which may evoke feelings of fear or anxiety.

  4. Moral Dilemmas: Characters face difficult ethical decisions regarding patient care and life-and-death situations, which may be heavy themes for younger audiences.

  5. Emotional Turmoil: The characters experience significant emotional distress, including fear, anger, and desperation, which may be intense for sensitive viewers.

These elements contribute to a more mature viewing experience, making it less suitable for younger audiences or those who may be sensitive to such themes.