Ep 4. Risky Business

In House season 8 episode 4, entitled "Risky Business," viewers follow the aftermath of last episode's drug overdose. Dr. Gregory House and his team are forced to figure out how to help a drug-addicted patient, while also contending with their own personal demons.

The episode begins with House ordering his team to do a full tox screen on a woman named Tess, who is suffering from seizures and memory loss. The team quickly deduces that Tess has been taking a cocktail of prescription drugs, likely to cope with the death of her son. When confronted about her drug use, Tess becomes defensive and the team realizes the only way to help her is to address her grief.

Meanwhile, House is dealing with his own problems. After hallucinating about his late friend and colleague, Dr. James Wilson, House seeks out a prostitute for comfort. However, his encounter with the woman doesn't go as planned and he leaves feeling even more lonely and isolated.

As the team tries to determine how to treat Tess, they debate whether or not to involve Child Protective Services due to Tess's young son who is in her care. However, they ultimately decide that their first priority is to help Tess get clean and become a better mother to her child.

Throughout the episode, viewers see Tess struggle with the intense withdrawal symptoms of coming off of the multiple drugs she had been taking. House himself becomes increasingly invested in Tess's case, seeing it as an opportunity to potentially help himself by helping someone else.

In the end, the team's efforts to address Tess's mental health and addiction issues pay off and she is able to begin making real progress towards recovery. Meanwhile, House continues to struggle with his own demons as he tries to manage his guilt and loneliness.

Overall, "Risky Business" is a sobering episode that tackles difficult issues surrounding addiction and loss. Viewers are reminded of the complicated nature of mental health and how difficult it can be to take the first steps towards recovery. Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode still manages to provide moments of humor and heart, making it a powerful addition to the final season of House.