Just before mobster Joey Arnello spills the beans in federal court and enters witness protection, he collapses. Is he faking? A court order instructs House to find out – and fast. House and his team struggle to diagnose and cure Joey while Joey’s brother Bill tries to slow things down and keep Joey from testifying.

Meanwhile, Cuddy struggles to convince Vogler that House is an essential part of the hospital. With Joey mysteriously slipping in and out of a coma, and House’s job on the line, House makes an exception to his own policy and gets to know his patient.