Ep 15. Bombshells

In House season 7 episode 15 titled "Bombshells," the story revolves around a young woman named Cuddy who faces some shocking news regarding her health. She experiences some alarming symptoms and seeks medical attention from House, but what she finds out is more than she had anticipated.

As Cuddy contends with a potential life-altering diagnosis, House remains conflicted about whether to tell her he loves her. Meanwhile, the episode's stylistic choices elevate the already intense emotional weight of the episode. The "Bombshells" episode is unlike any other in that it contains numerous fantasy sequences that reflect Cuddy's state of mind.

The first fantasy sequence opens the episode and features Cuddy engaging in a dance number in her dream. Here, we see many dancers in colorful and vibrant clothes showing her the technique and skill of dance. However, even in her dream, Cuddy is sensing something is off. As she starts to hear a ticking sound, she realizes that something is amiss, and her dancing companions soon turn into a medical team in this intriguing scene.

The next fantasy sequence takes place later in the episode when Cuddy has an MRI scan. In this sequence, the MRI machine transforms into a rollercoaster ride with Cuddy strapped into it. The ride is life-threatening and scary, and Cuddy's hallucinations escalate before she is rescued by House.

The last dream sequence is before her surgery, and it involves a play or a musical comedy. The production is part West Side Story part Glee part Shakespearean drama. However, as the play progresses, Cuddy realizes that it isn't an artistic expression, and it is her life on display. Her interpretation is justified when the actors morph into the medical teams conduct her surgery.

These stylistic choices leave viewers questioning what's real and what's imagined. The fluidity between reality and Cuddy's vivid dreams adds to the emotional weight of the episode.

The backdrop of these fantasy sequences is the serious reality of Cuddy's diagnosis. As Cuddy navigates her diagnosis, House starts to self-medicate while poring over medical textbooks. The episodes' cinematography is exceptional, with the explosive fantasies taking place against otherwise muted scenes.

The episode's climax is the moment between Cuddy and House, where everything comes to a head. It's a heart-wrenching moment, and the weight of the reality is impactful. The resulting actions are life-changing, and the story leaves viewers ruminating about the consequences of the choices that the characters make.

Overall, "Bombshells" is a stunningly unique episode of House that balances the heaviness of serious medical dilemmas with the escapism of vivid, colorful fantasies. The technicality and production of the episode's fantasy sequences are captivating, and the execution of that scene is impossible to forget. The episode combines the best of the show's elements while delivering one of the most emotional and character-defining moments of the series.