Ep 5. Lucky Thirteen

Thirteen is a member of Dr. House's team of diagnosticians that specializes in finding and solving the most complicated medical cases. The fifth season's fifth episode titled "Lucky Thirteen" focuses on her character exploring the continuation of her diagnosis of Huntington's Disease.

The episode begins with Thirteen going on a date, which leads her to question her participation in a clinical trial testing Huntington’s medications. Meanwhile, the team tries to diagnose a man who coughs up blood and hides secrets from his partner.

Thirteen's storyline is the primary focus of this episode. Diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, which is a genetic disorder that affects motor skills, Thirteen is conflicted about the treatment plan she is undergoing. Her decision whether or not to participate in a clinical trial testing a new medication for the disease creates tension with her colleagues, who believe that it could help her fight the disease. However, for Thirteen, it could mean making herself vulnerable to side effects such as mood swings.

While dealing with her medical condition, Thirteen tries to maintain her normalcy as she goes on a first date with a woman named Lucinda. Throughout the episode, Thirteen gets caught up in her insecurities and wonders whether Huntington’s Disease will make it harder for her to form a meaningful relationship. As the date progresses, Thirteen's date becomes offended by her brusque behavior, which leads Thirteen to scrutinize her beliefs about her illness and how it impacts her interactions with others.

Meanwhile, the team of diagnosticians attempts to treat their newest patient, who coughs up blood and is unwilling to tell his partner or doctors the real source of his cough. The man's reluctance to reveal his habits and history complicates the diagnosis, and the team struggles to figure out what is causing his ailment. While treating the patient, several team members share their personal anecdotes, which hint at the parallels between the challenges of their patient's secrecy and Thirteen's struggle with being open about her condition.

Throughout the episode, Thirteen struggles with her personal and professional life while facing her illness. Lucinda's rejection leads Thirteen to question her identity and future plans. At work, Thirteen's decision to go off medication has other team members concerned about her health while she starts to rely on alcohol.

The climax of the episode shows Thirteen's struggle when she goes to the bar and indulges excessively in alcohol. Here, she gets into a conversation with a stranger who tells her that she is experiencing a lucky streak. At the end of the episode, Thirteen makes a decision that could change her life dramatically, including her position at the hospital and her future relationships.

In conclusion, the fifth episode of Season 5 of House titled "Lucky Thirteen" explores the journey of the character Thirteen as she struggles with her Huntington's Disease diagnosis while trying to build a relationship and maintain normalcy in her personal life. The episode also introduces a case involving a man with a mysterious illness, which draws parallels to Thirteen's struggles. The complexity of Thirteen's character and her struggles makes this episode a must-watch for fans of the show.