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House Season 4 Episode 6

Whatever It Takes

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8.7

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 11/6/07

Based on practically no information and no medical history about a mystery patient sent by the CIA, House is using some unorthodox methods to diagnose and treat him. Meanwhile the remaining candidates are questioning Foreman's judgment.

FAN RECAP

Fan Episode Reviews (33)

It's almost felt like a little bit of a filler.

6.0

By SMGslayer97, Jul 28, 2010

This episode was actually a bity of a disappointment for me. I was actually quite bored throughout. I had thought the CIA story line would have been much more interesting then it was but it fell very short. House had minimal interaction with any of the other regular characters (new or old) which I was not pleased with at all, especially seeing as the CIA lady followed him back to Princeton. I did not like her and no it's not a Hameron thing, though I'm sure that's part of it. I just didn't like her especially considering the character was signed on for two episodes and then she's done, what the heck if the point of bringing her in as one of House's fellows if it's only for two episodes? They had enough trouble getting in House's fellows, his former fellows, and Wilson and Cuddy. The last thing they needed was another drive by cast member.moreless
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House goes to the CIA

8.5

By DonStants2, Jul 11, 2009

I thought this was an interesting concept of an episode, but I don't think it quite fell together- neither case really held my attention, and there wasn't enough patient development for my liking.

Nevertheless, the humour was high as House goes to the CIA to help with a patient- his one liners with the attractive CIA doctor was interesting and entertaining, as well as his scene with Wilson on the phone- I miss seeing more of Wilson. Hiring the attractive doctor I think is a mistake though- the whole "reality tv" aspect is getting a little old now.

Meanwhile, Foreman is struggling being in charge of the candidates who seem determined to rebel against him, especially Brendan. However, once he is prove right, it turns out that a simple "heat stroke" was responsible for the illness. House saying that the candidates should listen to Foreman in the future was a nice touch, and shows his respect for Foreman.

The episode fell a little flat, but there were some nice touches, especially seen from Cameron and Chase- the old team probably saved this episode, and this time, with little development from the rest of the new guys (except the fired Brendan, who turned out to be nuts), their continued presence was sorely missed- it seemed to be a poorer "Airborne" episode.

Overall, good, but not the high standards one usually expects from House- my lowest scoring so far for a hit and miss Season that started so promisingly.moreless
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One of my favorites.

10

By Canogaparkcindy, Nov 13, 2008

This episode pieced together perfectly. A girl with "polio" Wow, I really didn't want Grumpy to get eliminated. He was so awesome, but it was true, he was a nutjob. The 3 plots were perfec, more airtime for Cameron & Chase, I like how they had that flashback when Foreman stabbed Cameron in "Euphoria" I liked that plot the best. The CIA invites House to treat a patient, and he gets it all togetehr by location. Even though he was wrong 20 times. The surprise ending was the girl from the CIA wants to work with House. That was unexpected. And what was also unexpected is Grumpy poisoned the patient. A perfect episode!moreless
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And I thought I was done being surprised at the endings.

9.3

By CRaivios, Jul 11, 2008

I have to say I missed most of this season. At last, for just about the first time since the repeats started, I got to sit down in front of the TV to see an episode. And it . . . was one I had already seen. Oh well.

House is basically kidnapped by the CIA to treat a patient, whose prior whereabouts are confidential. Bumbling around with little information, with another doctor in consult, House does manage to solve to puzzle and save the day. Ta da!

Meanwhile, at the hospital, a patient is being treated for a mysterious illness. Only at the end of the episode, does the bombshell drop and someone is fired (and hopefully arrested).

Dr. Samira Terzi comes to Princeton Plainsboro, supposedly for a job. She can match wits with House. She will be "trouble". Be careful what you wish for!moreless
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Doesnt really come together

7.5

By AvatarBlue, May 11, 2008

I dont think this episode works well at all. Interesting concept just bad execution. Split the locations was interesting, esp. given the CIA angle. However, one episode of 45mins isnt enough to develop either story line. In the end, youll probably end up like me - sticking with House, because he is the more interesting character and much of the fun happens around him. However, neither story goes anywhere and is a condensed version of a normal one story episode. This just doesnt allow for the build up of tension or worry to happen. Frankly the polio storyline ended up seeming out of place. With so many characters introduced at the start of the series I hadnt made any connection w/ Andy Comeau which doesnt provide the chance for his character (Brennan) to build up over the episodes enough to appreciate why he does what he does. Sure the stakes are high and he is emotionally pent up about the lack of money spent on treatments for "poor" diseases but would he really manufacture an illness out of nothing?!

It didnt ring true to me. Yet if you can see past that, then perhaps you will enjoy this episode. As it is, a good episode, but not as good an execution.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Hugh Laurie	Dr. Gregory House
Omar Epps	Dr. Eric Foreman
Robert Sean Leonard	Dr. James Wilson
Jennifer Morrison	Dr. Allison Cameron
Jesse Spencer	Dr. Robert Chase
Lisa Edelstein	Dr. Lisa Cuddy

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Amy Dudgeon	Casey	Guest Star
Michael Michele	Dr. Samira Terzi	Guest Star
Holmes Osborne	Curtis	Guest Star
Anne Dudek	Amber	Recurring Role
Olivia Wilde	Thirteen	Recurring Role
Peter Jacobson	Taub	Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (5)
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- When the CIA agent is talking with House outside the lecture hall, House tells him to close the door but he never does. However, it is closed when House reopens the room.
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- Even though House concluded that John had been in Brazil, the "devil dance" that John mentions is not seen there, but actually does take place in Bolivia.
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- When John mentions spending 40 days with a woman, House says Carnaval in Bolivia only lasts 8 days, and concludes that John was in Brazil. Carnaval in Brazil does not last 40 days, it takes place 40 days before Easter.
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- Trivia: When Amber calls, House's cell shows "cutthroat bitch."
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- Trivia: Dr. House's ringtone is Whatta Man by Salt-n-Pepa featuring En Vogue.
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QUOTES (23)
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- Dr Terzi: This is Dr. Sidney Curtis from the Mayo Clinic. He's also agreed to help with the diagnosis.
  Curtis: Dr. House.
  House: "Curtis on Immunology" Sidney Curtis?
  Curtis: Oh, you've read it?
  House: Nope! But it is keeping my piano level.
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- House: If I have to walk somewhere, there better be at least five girls involved. And they'd better be working their way through college.
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- House: Does the "I" in CIA stand for irony?
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- House: My friends call me "The Cane." Even before I messed up my leg.
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- (Talking about the CIA agent)
  Kutner: Who's your friend?
  House: We use the term "life-partner."
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- House: FYI, my malpractice insurance doesn't cover alien autopsies.
  Dr. Terzi: That's fine, X-Files are the next wing over.
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- Curtis: Says here he ate a lot of chestnuts.
  House: Hold on a second. If the Squirrel Liberation Army is involved I'm outta here. Those little rodents are...
  Curtis: Horse chestnuts are poisonous, if someone switched them...
  House: Horse chestnuts may look like chestnuts, but they taste like a horse's lower than chestnuts. Which makes the theory that he accidentally ate a couple hundred slightly less persuasive.
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- Dr. Wilson: They did a background check on you, they did a background check on your friends.
  House: Relax. I'm sure they already know that you brought heroin back from Afghanistan.
  Dr. Wilson: That's... that's not true. I've never been to Afghanistan. House?
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- Dr. Wilson: I was wondering when you'd grow bored of avoiding my calls.
  House: Oh, I can never grow bored of ignoring you.
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- House: I know how to kill a man with my thumb.
  Dr. Cuddy: Who doesn't?
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- Cole: What would House do right now?
  Thirteen: Pop a pill, insult us, and trick the patient.
  Kutner: We can do that last part. She's never met House before, has she? Who's got a cane?
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- Dr. Wilson: Why are you punishing me worse than him?
  Dr. Cuddy: Because House never learns. You might.
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- House: You've gotta get down here. They've got a satellite aimed directly into Cuddy's vagina. I told them the chances of invasion are slim to none, but...
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- Dr. Wilson: Either you're sprawled naked on your floor with an empty bottle of Vicodin, or collapsed naked in front of your computer with a empty bottle of Viagra. Please tell me which because Chase has another pool going.
  House: They flew me in to help deal with a sick employee. How much...
  Dr. Wilson: Hallucinations. Damn, I shouldn't have bet on the Viagra.
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- House: Now we got the medical stuff out of the way, why don't we meet at your place for some enhanced interrogation techniques. My safe word is "help please please stop." That's two pleases. Anything less than that, you keep going.
  Dr. Terzi: You actually cure this guy, I'll show you my private waterboard.
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- House: Okay, you're in charge.
  Dr. Foreman: I know!
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- Dr. Foreman: (to Cameron) Wow, this taught me a lesson. I guess when I mess with other people's patients, I risk looking like an officious bitch.
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- House: Wanna ditch Dr. Killjoy and hop on the company jet? A little trip down Mexico way? I'm not talking about the country or the plane.
  Dr. Terzi: You think acting like an idiot and talking about sex works on girls?
  House: Well if it didn't, the human race would have died out long ago.
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- Taub: Flirt all you want, but I should warn you: shiksas are for practice.
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- Taub: I could hook you up.
  Amber: If I had two minutes and some anti-nausea meds, I'd take you up.
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- Cole: That your breakfast?
  House: Technically, it's Wilson's lunch.
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- Dr. Terzi: John hasn't vomited in six hours.
  House: What's to vomit? I'm eating his lunch.
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- House: You know, I happen to have a position available on my penis. Wait a second, I think I screwed up that joke.
  Dr. Terzi: You offering me a job?
  House: I'll settle for that.
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NOTES (3)
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- Music: I Idolize You by Lizz Wright, One Big Holiday by My Morning Jacket, What A Man by Linda Lyndell
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- This is the first episode that aired in Australia with the original American theme song "Teardrop," performed by Massive Attack.
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- International Air Dates:
  Australia: November 07, 2007
  Brazil: December 27, 2007
  Italy: March 16, 2008 on Canale 5
  The Netherlands: March 20, 2008 on SBS 6
  United Kingdom: April 24, 2008 9pm on five
  Bulgaria: May 1, 2008 on NTV
  Israel: May 11, 2008 on HOT 3/YES Stars 3
  Denmark: May 10, 2008 on SBS Net
  The Czech Republic: October 6, 2008 on TV Nova
  Germany: September 30, 2008 on RTL
  Hungary: October 1, 2008 on TV2
  Greece: October 25, 2008 on Star
  Sweden: March 24, 2009 on TV4
  Poland: April 2, 2009 on TVP2
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ALLUSIONS (3)
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- House: That poisoned lipstick that Ginger used to kiss Gilligan.
  Referencing the 1964-1967 CBS series Gilligan's Island starring Bob Denver as Gilligan and Tina Louise as Ginger, as two of seven castaways stranded on a desert island.
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- Dr. Terzi: X-Files is the next wing over.
  Referencing the Fox series that ran from 1993 to 2002, and starred David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI agents investigating the supranatural.
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- House: Looks a lot better on 24.
  Referencing the popular Fox series starring Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, elite anti-terrorist American agent.
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