Ep 16. Gut Check

House season 8 episode 16, titled "Gut Check," revolves around the return of one of House's former patients, Lee. The episode opens with Lee, who has a rare disease that makes him allergic to virtually everything, seeking out House for assistance. Lee's current doctor is unable to find a treatment that works for him, and he has come to House as a last resort.

House, who is now in prison, is initially hesitant to help Lee but agrees after realizing that Lee's condition could be the key to his own escape. He enlists the help of his team, who are now working in a different hospital and under new management, to work on Lee's case remotely.

As they dive deeper into Lee's condition, House and the team discover that his allergy is caused by a rare parasite that lives in his intestines. They come up with a treatment plan that involves killing the parasite, but in the process, they discover that the medication they're using is toxic to Lee's liver.

This revelation poses a dilemma for House and the team. If they stop the treatment, Lee will eventually die from his allergies, but if they continue with the medication, they risk killing him with the toxicity. House ultimately makes the call to continue with the treatment, despite the risks.

As Lee's condition worsens, House is forced to confront his own mortality, something he has been avoiding for the entire series. He admits to his team that he's scared of dying, and that he's only ever been able to deal with it by solving medical mysteries. This realization hits him hard, and he starts to question whether his method of coping is healthy or not.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Lee's fate up in the air. House is left grappling with his own mortality and the weight of his decisions, while his team members struggle to keep up with the demands of their new jobs.

Overall, "Gut Check" is a thought-provoking episode that explores themes of mortality and the value of life. It's a fitting continuation of the series as it heads towards its conclusion, and fans of the show will appreciate the return of Lee and the insights into House's character.