James Sidas, a former physics prodigy with an IQ of 178, arrives at Princeton-Plainsboro with ataxia, anemia, and a cough. A failed splenectomy sends the team chasing the wrong leads until House realizes Sidas has been deliberately suppressing his own intelligence with cough syrup for years. The real problem was always TTP — but wrong anatomy, not wrong diagnosis. Meanwhile, House crashes Cuddy's Thanksgiving scheme, ends up drunk at Lucas's apartment, and tells Lucas directly that he loves Cuddy. Lucas ends the relationship. Cuddy tells House there was never anything between them.

This episode reframes the season's central relationships: Cuddy anticipated House's scheme and outmaneuvered him, raising the question of whether her denial is honest or self-protective. Chase's punch — and House's decision to cover for him — deepens the silence  ...