House season 4 episode 2 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
Captain Cooper, an Air Force pilot and aspiring astronaut, experiences a communication system failure during a flight simulation. Frustrated, she secretly consults Dr. House for a mysterious condition, offering money for discreet treatment. House's team covertly investigates, conducting various tests while maintaining secrecy. They explore her unusual synesthesia, leading to a drinking experiment for liver function analysis. House proposes cosmetic surgery as a cover for a lung biopsy, revealing cysts and diagnosing Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. House grapples with his own issues, hallucinating former team members, and ultimately finalizes his new team, balancing ethical dilemmas and Captain Cooper's astronaut aspirations.
Full Episode S04E02 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with Captain Cooper's aircraft?
The aircraft has a faulty communication system and problematic avionics, including a malfunctioning directional gyro.
Who challenges House's team with a historical diagnosis?
House challenges his team to re-diagnose the case of actor Buddy Ebsen from 1938.
How does House manage his team selection process?
House uses arbitrary methods, such as firing entire rows of candidates, to manage his team selection.
What condition does Captain Cooper secretly suffer from?
Captain Cooper suffers from synesthesia, a condition where one sense is simultaneously perceived by one or more additional senses.
Why does Captain Cooper seek House's help secretly?
She needs off-the-record treatment to avoid jeopardizing her chances of joining NASA's astronaut training program.
What ethical dilemma does the team face during the liver stress test?
The team debates the morality of stressing Captain Cooper's liver for diagnostic purposes, considering ethical and religious beliefs.
What unconventional method does House use to access Captain Cooper's lungs?
House uses elective cosmetic surgery (breast augmentation) as a cover to perform a lung biopsy.
What diagnosis is ultimately made for Captain Cooper?
Captain Cooper is diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, which explains her symptoms.
How does House handle his hallucinations of former team members?
House confronts his hallucinations, indicating he's struggling with internal issues and possibly unresolved guilt.
What decision does House make about his team at the end?
House finalizes his selection, dismissing several candidates and keeping others.
How does Captain Cooper's diagnosis affect her astronaut career?
The diagnosis of Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome poses a significant challenge to her aspirations of becoming an astronaut.
What ethical stance does House take regarding Captain Cooper's future?
House shows a complex approach to ethical decisions, balancing Captain Cooper's dreams against the realities of her condition.