Ep 14. Recession Proof

In House season 7 episode 14, titled "Recession Proof," the storyline focuses on Dr. House and his team as they try to diagnose a patient who is exhibiting odd symptoms. The patient, a businesswoman named Leona, seeks medical attention after experiencing a seizure in her office.

The team attempts to diagnose her with a series of tests, but can't seem to pinpoint the issue. House, being his usual abrasive self, aggravates the rest of the team and makes things even more difficult.

Meanwhile, the hospital is in a state of chaos due to the ongoing recession. Cuddy and the rest of the hospital administration team are forced to make budget cuts, leading to layoffs and cutbacks in various departments. This element of the episode adds a layer of stress to the already tense situation with Leona's case.

As the team continues to research Leona's symptoms, they begin to suspect that she may be suffering from something that is environmental in nature. They start to look into her workplace, believing that there may be something in her office that is causing her health problems.

The episode delves into the issue of corporate responsibility, as the team discovers that Leona's company has been illegally dumping chemicals into nearby water sources. This revelation sparks a debate amongst the staff regarding the morality of large corporations and how they prioritize profits over people's health.

In an effort to solve Leona's case, Taub goes undercover at her workplace to gather information and conduct tests. The rest of the team works tirelessly to diagnose her, even going so far as to use a MRI machine in a creative and unorthodox way to get the results they need.

The tension in the hospital also comes to a head, with various employees speaking out against the budget cuts. This culminates in a confrontation between House and Cuddy, in which House asserts that the layoffs are a result of Cuddy's poor leadership.

In the end, the team is able to diagnose Leona and treat her condition, but not without some bumps along the way. The episode ends on a bittersweet note, with the team having saved a life but still facing the challenges of working in a hospital during a recession.

Overall, "Recession Proof" is a thought-provoking episode that delves into complex themes such as corporate responsibility and morality in the face of financial strain. It's a reminder that even in the high-pressure world of medicine, the human element cannot be ignored.