Paternity (House)

Paternity (House)

"Paternity" is the second episode of the first season of the American medical drama television series House. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 23, 2004.

Plot

The episode begins with a teenage boy named Dan who experiences night terrors and hallucinations. He is brought to Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital where Dr. Gregory House and his team take on his case. House is intrigued by the symptoms and suspects that Dan may have a rare condition.

Diagnosis

House and his team, including Dr. Eric Foreman, Dr. Allison Cameron, and Dr. Robert Chase, conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of Dan's symptoms. They initially suspect multiple sclerosis but later consider other possibilities such as brain tumor and infection.

Treatment

As the team investigates further, House becomes convinced that Dan's symptoms are the result of a genetic condition. He orders a DNA test to confirm his suspicion that Dan's father is not his biological parent, which could explain the genetic anomaly.

Resolution

The DNA test reveals that Dan's father is not his biological father, confirming House's theory. With this information, the team is able to correctly diagnose Dan with a rare genetic disorder, allowing them to provide the appropriate treatment.

Themes

The episode explores themes of family, identity, and the ethical implications of genetic testing. It also highlights House's unconventional methods and his ability to solve complex medical puzzles.

Reception

"Paternity" received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised the episode for its engaging storyline and the performance of Hugh Laurie as Dr. House.