Ep 9. Games

In the ninth episode of the fourth season of House, entitled "Games," the team is tasked with treating a famous blogger who admittedly enjoys twisting the truth to achieve viral fame. When the team starts to suspect that the patient has fabricated his symptoms, House sees an opportunity to play a game of his own. As the doctors try to unravel the truth about the patient's condition, House focuses on beating his friend and former boss, Stacy (Sela Ward), in a game of poker.

The episode explores the theme of deception, both in the medical world and in relationships. The patient's behavior is a reflection of the dangers of seeking attention through dishonesty and exaggeration, while House's competitive nature and desire to win at all costs threatens his relationship with Stacy. As the two storylines intertwine, the doctors must navigate the tricky territory of trying to diagnose a patient who may not be telling the truth, while House tries to prove his superiority over Stacy in their high-stakes game of poker.

The episode features the return of actress Sela Ward as Stacy Warner, House's former love interest and boss at the hospital. The tension between the two characters is palpable as Stacy is brought back into House's orbit, stirring up old wounds and unresolved feelings. Meanwhile, House's relationship with Wilson is put to the test as House tries to manipulate his friend into helping him cheat at the game.

As the episode unfolds, the audience is left guessing about the true nature of the patient's illness and whether or not House will come out victorious in the poker game. The tension builds as each storyline reaches its conclusion, with the doctors ultimately discovering the truth about the patient's condition and House and Stacy coming to a resolution about their complicated relationship.

Overall, "Games" is a thrilling episode that showcases the complex relationships and personal struggles of the characters on House. With its exploration of the themes of deception, competition, and love, the episode is a standout example of the show's ability to mix tense medical drama with deep emotional exploration.