Dr. Robert Chase, a key member of Dr. Gregory House’s diagnostic team in the acclaimed medical drama House M.D., faces a life-threatening situation when he is stabbed while working at the hospital. This occurs in Season 6, Episode 20, titled “The Choice”.
The Harrowing Events of “The Choice”
“The Choice” is a particularly intense episode, not solely because of Chase’s stabbing but also because it grapples with themes of morality, redemption, and the consequences of choices. The episode revolves around a patient named Eve, a young woman paralyzed from the waist down who requests Dr. House’s assistance in ending her life. House, characteristically, refuses outright. However, the case triggers a series of events that culminate in a shocking act of violence against Chase.
As the team investigates Eve’s condition, tensions rise. Chase, particularly, is empathetic towards Eve’s desire to end her suffering. This empathy stems, in part, from his own troubled past and his internal struggles with his faith and purpose. It is during one of these moments of reflection, while on call at the hospital, that Chase is confronted by a patient’s husband, a man driven to desperation and anger by his wife’s deteriorating condition.
The man, in a moment of extreme distress and misdirected blame, attacks Chase with a scalpel. The stabbing is sudden and brutal, leaving Chase bleeding and fighting for his life. The aftermath of the attack focuses on the medical team scrambling to save Chase, showcasing the close-knit bond they share and the deep concern they have for one of their own. The episode ends with Chase undergoing surgery, his fate uncertain, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
Unpacking the Impact of the Stabbing
The stabbing of Chase is a pivotal moment in the series. It has profound and lasting effects on his character, reshaping his perspective on life, death, and the practice of medicine. It also serves as a catalyst for character development, forcing him to confront his inner demons and re-evaluate his priorities.
The incident leads to both physical and psychological trauma. Chase experiences significant physical recovery, but the emotional scars are far deeper. He suffers from PTSD, flashbacks, and a heightened sense of vulnerability. This trauma affects his relationships with his colleagues, particularly Cameron, with whom he is romantically involved.
Furthermore, the stabbing incident significantly alters Chase’s approach to patient care. Before the attack, he often relied on House’s unconventional and sometimes ethically questionable methods. Afterwards, he becomes more cautious, empathetic, and committed to upholding ethical principles. He questions House’s methods more frequently and prioritizes patient well-being above all else. The experience fundamentally changes him from a somewhat detached and ambitious doctor into a more compassionate and ethically grounded one.
Thematic Significance of “The Choice”
Beyond the immediate shock value, the stabbing in “The Choice” serves a greater thematic purpose within the larger narrative of House M.D. The episode explores complex moral dilemmas surrounding end-of-life care, the sanctity of life, and the right to choose. The stabbing acts as a brutal reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of human suffering.
The episode also delves into the psychological impact of trauma on both the victim and those around them. The reactions of House, Cameron, and the other team members to Chase’s attack reveal their own vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms. House, in particular, is forced to confront his own role in creating a workplace environment where such violence could occur. The aftermath of the stabbing forces the characters to grapple with difficult questions about responsibility, accountability, and the meaning of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: About the Episode
1. What season and episode number is “The Choice”?
“The Choice” is Season 6, Episode 20.
2. Who directed “The Choice”?
Juan J. Campanella directed the episode.
3. Who wrote “The Choice”?
David Foster wrote the episode.
H3: About the Stabbing
4. What was the motive behind the stabbing?
The patient’s husband was overwhelmed by his wife’s suffering and wrongly blamed Chase for not helping her. It was an act of desperation and misplaced anger.
5. What weapon was used in the stabbing?
A scalpel was used.
6. Where was Chase stabbed?
The exact location is not explicitly stated but it’s clearly in the abdominal area, requiring immediate surgery.
H3: About Chase’s Recovery and Afterwards
7. How long does it take Chase to recover physically from the stabbing?
Chase recovers physically relatively quickly, returning to work within a few episodes. However, the emotional recovery is much longer and more complex.
8. Does Chase develop PTSD after the stabbing?
Yes, Chase develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack. This is evident in his flashbacks, anxiety, and heightened sense of vulnerability.
9. How does the stabbing affect Chase’s relationship with Cameron?
The stabbing puts a strain on their relationship. Cameron struggles to cope with Chase’s PTSD and his altered personality. This ultimately contributes to their eventual separation. The trauma exposes underlying vulnerabilities in their relationship.
H3: About the Broader Impact
10. How does the stabbing change Chase’s approach to medicine?
Chase becomes more cautious, empathetic, and ethically conscious. He is less willing to take risks and more focused on patient well-being.
11. Does House feel responsible for what happened to Chase?
House shows a complex mix of guilt and denial. He struggles to acknowledge his role in creating a potentially dangerous work environment. However, he does exhibit some level of remorse and concern for Chase’s well-being. House’s reaction is a mix of his usual detached demeanor and genuine concern.
12. What is the significance of this event in the overall arc of Chase’s character development?
The stabbing is a defining moment in Chase’s character arc. It forces him to confront his past, re-evaluate his priorities, and become a more compassionate and ethically grounded doctor. It’s a catalyst for significant personal growth and transformation.