If you have made it this far into The Pitt, you have witnessed one of the best shows on air, but you’ve also probably been feeling the anxiety in the last few weeks. In this week’s episode, Cassie struggles after almost regaining her son while David is suspect of being involved in the shooting as more casualties from the Pitfest shooting arrive at the hospital. After watching it early, I’m happy to report that this episode manages to give some closure to what came before.
I’ve never reviewed a show on a weekly basis. Before this week’s episode, my only complaint was that the runtime didn’t quite match the episode in real time. Looking back at it, that’s a silly complaint, because every episode somehow manages to make the episode feel longer than what it is. The way they cut and edit this show is truly commendable to add in as much as possible. This week’s episode stands at 44 minutes, but you’d have no idea.
Picking up after last week’s episode, the beginning focuses more on some of the other characters while Robby continues to have a breakdown in one of the spare rooms. Doing this gives us the opportunity to truly realize just how broken Robby is. It’s not until Whitaker walks through the door and brings him to his senses. Robby says Whitaker needs to leave, because the ER needs him. Whitaker says the ER needs Robby more, offering some humorous dialogue that’s refreshing after some dark & bleak moments. This show just knows when to properly add humor to the drama.
If you watched the promo for this week’s episode, you might have seen where the shooter might have showed up. Whether it was going to be a fake out or not, I wasn’t going to be disappointed, and I still wasn’t. We actually get some closure to who the shooter was and what happened to them. Javadi questions why the shooter did what they did. Much like reality, we never really know, and that tends to always be the case.
Once Robby comes to his sense, he’s locked into work, but he’s become something else. You remember that guy who took the time to educate his unreasonable patients in the beginning? He’s not that guy anymore. After what he has gone through, he doesn’t want to deal with it anymore. The guy needs to go home. He has a great blowout scene with admin, but he also has a blowup on a patient that needed to be educated, even if they were arrogant. While Robby is great at his job, he’s at his breaking point. Unfortunately, something new in the workplace might prevent him from doing it.
As we inch closer to the finale, I was really worried we were going to be left on some huge cliffhangers. I’m happy to report that I don’t think that’s going to be the case. With a matter of just a couple of hours, the ER gets everything mostly under control, giving the characters time to breath. It’s the equivalent of the dinner rush. Just when we think everything is going to be okay, the show never shies away from the truth, giving a conclusion that’s sure to frustrate viewers.
Other plot points that occur in the episode involve David’s mom finally coming to terms with his future. Considering he might be there for 72 hours, I don’t think we will get a clear answer about him this episode, but it was so satisfying to see his mother comes to terms with him. Javadi shares a nice little moment with her crush. Langdon & Santos find themselves in a new situation. I even wonder what’s going to happen to Langdon after all of this. As per usual, Dr. King steals the show in every scene she is in. I mean, everyone does, but Dr. King manages to have this humanity that makes her perfect to be a leader there one day.
Just when things begin to calm down and there is some closure leading into next week’s finale, a big bombshell that I should have seen coming occurs. To be honest, I was more focused on the characters just getting through the shift. What occurs makes sense, but it doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating. I won’t say what happens to which character, but the reveals makes my heart break for them. They just got through a 14-hour shift and now they’re going to be awake even longer, experiencing what I am sure will be even more trauma.
Overall, episode 14 of The Pitt is another perfect episode. It slows down the tempo while adding a lot into its episode. It’s amazing how it transitions from beginning to end with some standout scenes. Based on where this ends, I am hopeful the show is going to stick the landing next week.
The 11th episode of The Pitt is here. That’s been 10 weeks of my life (since the premiere was 2 episodes). I’ve been thinking a lot about how much this show had made an impact on me. 11 out 15 reviews so far. I’ve also been thinking a lot about how this show could go on for 15 episodes. This episode would trick you into believing that this could be the penultimate episode… Then the last minute pulls the rug from you, making you realize just how it’s going to be 15 episodes.
The episode starts immediately after the end of the last episode where Robby tells Langdon to leave. This episode is completely void of Langdon, which is weird since I’ve been with this character for about the last 10 weeks. He tried several times to call the staff to get through to Robby to no success. It’s impressive how Robby is able to flip a switch and get back to work, but this guy is about to reach his breaking point.
Dr. Santos is reeling from the aftermath as well since she is the reason Langdon is no longer there. It’s easy to become frustrated with the character, because now her decision will create more stress on those around her. The truth is that she is that she did the right thing. She even feels bad about it. If Langdon never went off on Santos, I don’t think Santos would have ever said anything. Everyone has to be held accountable though.
Due to Langdon’s absence, the staff is having to do even more. Most notably, there is a pregnancy involving a surrogate for a male couple. Just when I think this show has stressed me out the most, it continues to surprise me. What they do in this scene blew my mind. From its realism to its death defying stakes, this scene will stay burnt into everyone’s minds.
As for the rest of the supporting cast, I can see where the show is trying to wrap things up, but also show the effects of what they have gone through. There is more revealed about Dr. Collins that floored me. The way it is revealed is so subtle and realistic. Getting characters to say so much with so little is a difficult task. You can tell where everyone involved wants to create something authentic.
More is revealed by Dana Evans that made me even more sad for her. She also made some great points. More is even revealed about Dr. Mohan that will reshape the way you look at her in a very intense scene. Once again, I feel sorry for Dr. King. There is also great development for Whitaker & Javadi.
There is a significant plot involving Dr. McKay that made me love the character even more. Every character has great dialogue, but hers stands out in this episode. I think many viewers will cheer for the way she stands up for herself as a mother when the odds are against her. It’s great stuff.
Then, there is the final minutes in the episodes that truly shocked me. You would really think this would be the penultimate episode based by the way everyone talks as though they are about to leave their shift. A huge bombshell that left me shook & emotional. It left me not only believing what could possibly happen in the coming episodes, but also with the realization that this is truly one of the greatest shows of all time.
Overall, the 11th episode of The Pitt is another perfect episode. I can’t believe how much the show is able to pack into each episode for so many episodes, especially for a 15- episode season. This one does a great job at raising the stakes, giving more closure to certain characters, and giving a heart stopping finale. I can’t way to see what comes next, but I’m also not ready at the same time.
Episode 9 of one of the best shows out there right airs tomorrow night at 9pm EST on Max, but I am here to give you my review beforehand thanks to the lovely people at Warner Brothers. I can’t get enough of this show, which is surprising since I have never been into medical dramas from my recollection. I just honestly try to watch anything and everything that seems interesting to me. I haven’t seen ER, but I am tempted after this, even if that comes with a LOT of episodes. After last week’s episode, I declared that one of the best episodes of television ever. With 7 more episodes to go, could the show keep up the momentum? After this week’s episode, I think it can.
As per usual, the show start immediately after last week’s episode. You are reminded of the result of what happened to the little girl, which was just devastating. We don’t see anymore of the family, but I am interested in seeing if we will see more. Luckily, the show takes a smart approach by giving us something more light-hearted with some darker moments. With a shorter runtime, I was worried if it can fill up that hour runtime. It does feel shorter than any other episode, yet the episode gives us so much story and character development.
The one character that goes through a surprising amount of character development is Patrick Ball’s Dr. Frank Langdon. He has been in senior leadership and has shown to be good and confident in his role. In this episode, he finally breaks by taking it out on Isa Briones’ Dr. Trinity Santos. If you told me in the first episode that I would not like Langdon, while I liked Santos, I wouldn’t believe you. That’s the power of having actions influence character development. The breaking point leads into a blowout between Langdon and Robby that was well deserved. It also helped Langdon get his act together.
Tracy Ifeachor as Dr. Heather Collins reveals more of what has happened to her, and its heartbreaking. There’s a specific moment where Robby says something, not knowing Collins has gone through the exact same thing. It leads to Robby questioning what’s going her and whether he should not keep so much to himself. I have to applaud Ifeachor for having to portray someone who has this traumatic thing happening to her, but keeps going, because she loves helping others. She also knows if she stops working, she will have to face the reality that she does not want to accept.
Fiona Dourif as Dr. Cassie McKay tries to continue helping the same patient as the last episode. Even when she doesn’t want to press the patient, she keeps trying, because she knows how important it is to save this person. It ends in a way that she didn’t want to end, but there is still some hope for the situation.
Gerran Howell as Dennis Whitaker has a satisfying arc here. A patient that did something disgusting to him a couple of episodes ago wants to apologize to him. It leads to Whitaker assuming the worst about the patient, only to realize that this patient’s situation is a lot more complex. It gives Whitaker this great arc that helps him realize the importance of why he’s doing what he’s doing.
There is this humorous arc involving Shabana Azeez as Victoria Javadi & Jalen Thomas Brooks as Mateo Diaz. Javadi has been crushing on Diaz, which leads to this amazing chemistry between the two, involving a scene that as a patient would say, feel like watching a rom-com. It doesn’t quite go her way, but it’s such a sweet moment that gives Javadi so much character outside of being a doctor.
The MVP of the show has to go to Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans. What she does here will make her anyone’s favorite character. She has some great, emotional dialogue between patients that will show anyone why she is a leader in command. She doesn’t have to do as much as she does, and yet she always does. Without giving much away, the episode ends on her story that left me shook. It was awful to see what happens. I hope things work out and the specific person gets the karma they deserve. I do
Overall, episode 9 of The Pitt is another flawless episode. It’s shorter, but it’s necessary to help push the story and characters forward for what’s to come. Noah Wyle seems to take more of a backseat in here and that appears to be due to him writing the episode. His writing abilities help the rest of the characters soar. He understands without the rest of the cast, there is no show. There are so many great developments that will make you see characters differently and ponder even more on what’s to come. Once again, another perfect episode. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Episode 8 of one of the best shows airing right now, “The Pitt” returns with a gut-wrenching, thematic episode, and it may just be the best one yet. It actually might just be one of the best episodes of television… ever. Everything comes to a head with storylines closing out that were established in the very beginning with new ones that tie into one overarching theme: Death.
Picking up right after the last episode, Dr. Collins may have had a miscarriage, which was tough within itself. How would she be able to keep going with this news? She immediately gets an ultrasound of herself. Nothing is ever resolved with this storyline. To be fair, so much more happens than I could have ever imagined. What’s interesting about this is how her possible miscarriage sets off a chain of events surrounding mainly death. I didn’t see it then, but I should have saw that twist at the end of the last episode as an omen of what’s to come.
One of the plotlines that manages to have somewhat of a conclusion is one that was started in the very beginning with the drug overdone son who went into a coma. The parents are coming to terms with it all. Even though Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) has blunt honesty, it ends up giving those around him the drive they need. It’s not what he wants to do, but you can see where he wants the world to be a better place through it. By the end of it, I was on the verge of tears. That was one of the few moments in THIS episode that had me almost cry.
I honestly don’t want to get too much into what else almost made me cry. Not that I don’t want to talk about it, but I want to save it for viewers. This one involved a brand new plot. As soon as I saw it, this was the first moment where I said “you can’t do this to me” to myself… and they did. Better have the Kleenex ready. I honestly don’t even know Whitaker is going to keep going. It’s an emotional roller coaster of an episode.
Outside of these emotionally charged plots, there are some good moments where people are happy… and there’s a few that had me shook. It was nice to see Dr. Robby spark up when he found out one of his patients had a close connection with his mentor who died several years before during the pandemic. Dr. Robby is still carrying the loss on his shoulders. Now that he is in the same position as his mentor, he’s trying to find guidance on how he can be just as effective as his mentor. When you see Dr. Robby smile from ear to ear through this, you just want to smile with him. Oh, and there’s some closure for the daughter who didn’t come back for the mom!
As for the other moments that left me shook… It gets really dark. It’s not totally clear, but it’s made to assume that a girl is possibly being sex trafficked. Full credit to Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans and Fiona Dourif as Dr. McKay. What they do here to try to protect this girl is unreal. They are not only good at their jobs, but their performances felt so genuine. There’s a small plotline involving Dr. Santos revealing something, but getting immediately shut down that makes me believe a doctor’s bad habits are being covered up.
Overall, this is not only the best episode of the show yet. It’s one of the best episodes of television. To have an 8th episode of a brand new series bring you to the verge of tears shows you how realistic the show can be. It can also show why viewers like myself are connecting with this story and its characters so much. I know I said somewhere before that this show makes me feel like I could have been a doctor before, because I like to stay busy and help others. After this episode, I don’t think I could ever take the emotional responsibility. I am so grateful for those who work in this field.
On this week’s episode of Max’s The Pitt, so much more occurs here than ever before. It may just be the best episode yet. I think I am getting used to the shorter runtimes now, because they are truly making every minute count to feel longer. Let’s unpack the episode.
As per usual, the episode takes off where last week’s episode ended. I can’t say last week’s episode on the most intense note. At least not as intense as I think the show was trying to do, but when it takes off from the get-go, it does not stop.
The episode continues some plotlines that have been going on for a while. In particular, we get the parents of the son in the coma coming to terms with what’s going on. I still really enjoy this arc, but I can’t say it’s my favorite of the bunch. It’s nice to have this overarching narrative where Dr. Robby has to continuously change his demeanor towards the grieving parents.
On top of that, Dr. Collins is still trying to deal with the mother who doesn’t want her daughter to have an abortion. As we come to learn, the mother doesn’t want her to have an abortion as she had her daughter around the same age as her. She claims she’s the best thing that has ever happened to her even though it was rough at first. Dr. Collins finds a way to get through to her to help the family not be torn apart. Dr. Collins is really coming around to be one of my favorite characters. Based on where she ends in this episode, I can’t imagine what she has to go through for the remainder of this season.
With a plotline that started in the first episode, we see more of the woman who couldn’t speak English that got pushed in front of a train. The guy that saves her has an outstanding moment where he says he will help the police identify the person who pushed the lady. It’s a nice & sweet moment that shows that humanity will still care about others no matter what they are going through.
One of my favorite segments of this show is when it cuts back to Dr. Robby having flashbacks during COVID. We learn so much about him that makes us feel for the character. At one point, Dr. Collins claims he’s upset, because of the day being the anniversary of his mentor’s death. In reality, he still has PTSD from what he did, which makes his journey so isolating when he’s trying to take care of so many other people.
We learn more about Dr. King. I feel really bad for her. She clearly likes Dr. Langdon who seems to just be taking advantage of her. It’s clear she wants to be with him, but I don’t feel like he feels the same way. For anyone who hasn’t liked Dr. Santos, you’d think she’d learn her lesson from the last episode. Fairly quickly, she’s going back to her old self. There is a plot that gets her character involved leading towards one of the most satisfying moments of the show. If you haven’t liked her yet, you will love her after this episode. What she does is brave and goes to show what she has gone through in her past.
There are some other plotlines that come in that continue to make the show feel more intense. You can tell where everyone is exhausted. I can’t imagine how they are going to feel by the end. An older gentleman comes in with a heart attack. A girl with schizophrenia comes in and it actually gives Javadi some solid development. The rest of the side characters continue to find their place within the story that I believe will continue to have bigger moments going forward.
Overall, episode 7 has to be the best episode of The Pitt yet with some shocking and satisfying storylines. This is a perfect episode in my eyes where the 45-minute runtime is starting to feel like an hour. This is truly one of the best shows out there right now.
Starting right where the last episode ended, we learn the teenage girl actually brought in her aunt for her abortion as her real mother storms in demanding the abortion, to, well, abort. This storyline is a real turning point with Dr. Heather Collins, played by Tracy Ifeachor. I haven’t mentioned about the character before. As great as she is, it feels like she hasn’t had her real standout episode until now. Dr. Collins is also go through a pregnancy. It’s easy to see where she feels sympathy for the girl who clearly isn’t ready to be a parent. It leads to an interest conclusion that makes me curious as to how this will set the stage for the rest of her character arc.
Aside from this particular storyline, she is also sent to help a college-aged boy. I am not even sure how to explain it without being explicit. It requires her to get very comfortable with the patient, which leads to some interesting and humorous dialogue with the patient’s mother. When the patient’s mother sees Dr. Collins for the first time, there is immediate trust as she sees the doctor as themselves. You can tell where it puts a smile on Dr. Collins face, which is something she needed in this episode.
When I first started watching this show, I would say it closely resembles 24 with its format. At this point, I am starting to see it also resembles Lost with the way it treats its characters. Each episode dives deeper into certain characters to give them proper arcs, and to show that these doctors are just as much people as their patients. This episode in particular how strong and the well-written the female characters are.
The two strong standouts here are with Isa Briones’ Dr. Trinity Santos, and with Taylor Dearden’s Dr. Melissa King. From what I have noticed, many viewers don’t like Santos. This episode will make you like her. You can hate the character, but you have to respect the talent for making you strongly like and dislike them at the right times. Santos screws up badly in this episode, which sets her on a path that begins to put her ego in check.
I have really liked King from the get-go. Her awkwardness is funny, but also relatable. In this episode, she spirals out from feeling like her patient’s daughter, and caregiver, ran away. She goes down a path between not saying anything at all to the patient or just ripping the band aid and being honest with her. It leads to a satisfying conclusion that also broke my heart as more is revealed about her.
We get more of the parents dealing with their comatose son, which leads Dr. Robby towards having to bare some bad news to the parents. It’s quite remarkable how Wyle can flip a switch with this character that makes him sympathetic towards his patients versus being hard on his colleagues. There’s a nice balance of a character who appears to have it all figured out, even though we know this is just his way of coping. On top of all of this, Robby has to deal with even more office politics that may lead to a drastic change for the future of his work.
The episode has more moments that will make you squirm with who comes into the E.R. While I found myself squirming at times, this one also felt a bit more slowed down to help develop more with these characters. We learn more about Robby’s backstory. McKay & Javadi’s core relationship goes through a nice change that may have McKay looking at Javadi differently. Whitaker finally has a break this episode. Langdon has great chemistry with Robby. Mohan is getting it together. Oh, and let’s not forget about the beating heart that is Dana Evans who is consistently checking on everyone. Good for her. She is so good to her team.
Overall, another strong episode that solidifies why it’s one of the best shows going right now. It keeps up the momentum both in pacing and character development. There are some strong standout scenes from the supporting cast that goes to show that this show has amazing female characters. The shorter runtime continues to be conflicting, but when you take the high-stake energy into account, it’s easy to feel like you’re right there with these characters.
Episode 6 of “The Pitt” premiere on Max Thursday night at 9pm EST.
Picking up right from the last episode, the doctors begin treating the same guy who started spazzing out in the last episode. The situation is resolved pretty quickly within the episode’s opening minutes. Shortly after, more madness ensues. It’s astonishing how much is packed into this episode. This is most stressful episode yet, but also a heartfelt one where we learn more about the characters.
Much like the previous episodes, you are still seeing a large portion of what’s going on from Robby’s perspective. You have your moments with the side characters where Robby will pop in here and there. As someone who likes to keep themselves busy and like to help people, this episode actually made me question why I didn’t go into this field. This show just gives you a transparent view of this world. Just when you think someone isn’t going to make it, they end up pulling through, because these are trained professionals. I can’t even begin to understand how Robby can juggle so many cases at the same time. He can just flip like a switch.
We get more of Whitaker in this episode, who I believe will go down as a fan favorite by the end of the season if he isn’t already. In the prior episodes, we’ve seen him have to switch his clothes on multiple occasions. He doesn’t do it once, but twice in this episode. The guy isn’t safe from anyone. It’s admirable how he still keeps on going even when he doubts himself. There are people who believe in him. I think many people will see themselves in this character.
We finally get McKay’s backstory! She has been quiet around Javadi, who she knows has been lowkey judging her. McKay ends up confiding in another patient around the same age as her. We learn a lot more about McKay through this dialogue, which is one of the best conversations I have seen so far in the show. Fiona Dourif’s performance as McKay is outstanding. She manages to find this balance between being a doctor and being a person. When Javadi comes in and messes up the moment, McKay doesn’t even yell at her. She is honest about why she did was not okay in the hopes to make Javadi better at her job. It’s such a heartbreaking storyline that I deeply connected with.
Coming from the last episode is a storyline involving a teenager who is seeking an abortion. The story really goes to show how much the doctors care about her situation. This storyline actually ends the episode on a clever cliffhanger that worked better than last week’s. Without getting into any spoilers, I do wish it went a step further. If it went that extra step, my jaw would have been on the floor. You’ll know what I mean when you see it.
The patient from a few episodes ago who came in with sickle cell finally gets the treatment she needs, but it ends an interesting story with Dr. Mohan. She’s really focused on developing a relationship with patients instead of helping them at times. She talks to this patient and her wife like everything is okay. Just as Robby checks in, she immediately changes her tone with what’s going on. She tells Robby how bad she really is, forcing Robby to be real with all of them. Why didn’t she do that before? She ends up helping the patient though. I get the sentiment of developing relationships with patients to make them feel more comfortable, but there needs to be a line. I am really intrigued as to what’s going to happen next for Dr. Mohan.
As for other things, the guy with chest pain from the first episode is still trying to get treatment. A stolen ambulance is still on the run, forcing some employees to bet on it. A kid comes in puking blood. An older lady gets treatment for a dislocated shoulder with some of the best one-liners. I really like that character. This is just an all around terrific episode with so much to add. The events that are happening isn’t just happening to keep us on our toes. It’s happening to paint a realistic picture of what this life looks like.
I have two small issues with the episode. For how quickly the opening scene is resolved, the show didn’t need to end there on a cliffhanger. Ending it there last week amounted to nothing as it was not one of the show’s main focuses. Also, the episode clocks in at about 46 minutes. For a show that capitalizes on the hour format, I really want to be in this show in real time. I understand you probably aren’t thinking about it, but when you know how short it is, it does take me out of the illusion that I am right there with these doctors.
Overall, another impressive episode. I was looking away at times, because I couldn’t bare the thought of someone getting hurt again or worse. You just never know what’s going to happen in this show. This episode also manages to fill in the gaps with who these characters are. We’ve got 10 episodes left! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Please, let there be enough people who watch this to warrant a second season.
The Pitt is a new medical drama created by R. Scott Gemmill, which premiered on Max on January 9, 2025, with its first two episodes. The series unfolds over the course of a single 15-hour emergency department shift at a fictional hospital in Pittsburgh, with each episode covering one hour of the shift. The story is led by Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinavitch, a seasoned senior doctor portrayed by Noah Wyle.
As of this publication, four episodes have aired. After becoming a huge fan of the first few episodes, I reached out to Warner Brothers, and they kindly granted me early access to each episode—up to two days ahead of their official release. I’ll be posting my reviews every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EST, a full 24 hours before each episode premieres on Max at 9 p.m. EST on Thursdays. With Episode 5 premiering this week, I’ll be releasing my review later this Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST. In the meantime, here are my reviews of the previous episodes to catch everyone up on my thoughts so far.
Episode 1
The first episode of The Pitt immediately throws you into the madness. Fans of 24 and ER will have plenty to enjoy here. ER is especially fitting here as it not only comes from the Gemmill who worked on the show, but also stars Wyle who starred on the show. I was really curious about Wyle, because he seems like someone I’ve seen before, but to be honest, I think I am getting him mixed up with Thomas Jane. After learning more about Wyle, though, it’s clear he’s the perfect fit for the role. His dedication to the medical field is evident—beyond his time on ER, he’s been deeply involved with organizations like Doctors of the World, among others. It’s clear he’s the ideal person for the role.
I don’t know much when it comes to understanding the terminology the show throws around. Yet, it does a great job at simplifying it to help us better understand. To be fair, I didn’t even think this would be a show for me, which says a lot with the praise I am giving it. Between the intensity and character development, there is more than enough to keep viewers invested.
Even though the show covers an hour in real time, it’s still short of an hour in runtime. We learn a lot about so many characters. Since I am now covering the show, I have seen this episode twice and I am picking up on even more, because the show is throwing a lot at you, and it’s easy to miss things the first time around. It’s a show you want to watch immediately, but watching it at 9pm EST might be too late. It will give you a lot of anxiety, which might keep you up at night. With so many storylines unfolding, there’s plenty to get invested in.
The show doesn’t hold back on the graphic scenes either. Someone comes in from a possible hate crime that leads to a resident passing out (I don’t blame them). A patient makes herself sick to protect their child from hurting other people. A child consumes drugs. A doctor steps a little too close to the edge on the top of a roof. Most of these situations involve Wyle’s character. It’s quite remarkable how collected and knowledgeable he is throughout, even when he’s still reeling over something traumatic. While it doesn’t show what happened during the pandemic exactly, we get glimpses of what it was like for them during that time. I really respect how the show covers how the pandemic still gives the employees trauma. On top of that, he’s also dealing with the possibility of the hospital shutting down with a higher up consistently pestering him.
The only setback I have with this episode involves a patient who speaks a foreign language that no one understands. It takes a while for everyone to understand where the patient comes from. Personally, I don’t quite understand why no one decided to use Chat GPT to figure it out. That would have resolved that issue immediately. It could have not even been Chat GPT. I am just throwing that out there as an example. It just felt like it was a conflict that could have been resolved easier.
VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)
Episode 2
The show keeps up the momentum all thanks to stellar direction and a tremendous performance from Wyle. Wyle’s performance as Robby is intelligent, cool, collected, and always knows what to say and do. He’s the perfect mentor to everyone around him. He’s not arrogant, but he won’t be afraid to be honest. With the amount of things he’s multitasking, it’s impressive how good he is at his job.
There’s a particular side story involving an older patient where Robby has to be real with the patient’s adult children. The children give Robby more problems, but he’s still patient with them, because he knows what they have to decide is not an easy choice. The fact that he rarely gets mad shows how much he cares for people and for his job.
This episode fleshes out its characters and storylines more. You can see where nothing is ever rushed, which is helped by its hour-by-hour format. You become more and more invested with these stories that you want to see resolved. The show lays out plenty of mystery as well to reel us in to see what happens in the end. At the same time, you just know things are going to only get worse since these employees still have 13 more hours to go. It’s hard to believe this show won’t release its final episode until April 10th.
All the side characters are also relatable and admirable. Most notably, the female characters are well written with some amazing performances. Taylor Dearden as Dr. Melissa “Mel” King is likable as a socially awkward individual. Fiona Dourif is great as Dr. Cassie McKay who has more experience with life over the other ones she works with. She’s a lot more socially aware and it’s clear in this episode that she has quite a bit of personal problems she has to deal with. Then, there is Shabana Azeez as Victoria Javadi who is trying to prove that she’s worthy of her job and not because her parents work there.
Gerran Howell plays as fourth-year medical student Dennis Whitaker who lacks confidence even when he is incredibly smart. The way his character ends this episode will surely set the tone for his character for the rest of this season.
While these storylines continue to progress, the show has a realistic tone to it all. Everyone is consistently busy dealing with people’s problems, but the show still finds time to have heart & humor. It’s quite remarkable how much is jam packed into each episode. You really feel everything with these characters in real time.
VERDICT: 5/5 (Perfect)
Episode 3
Picking up right from the last episode, the show wastes no time getting you back into it. The way this show flows so far can either make you binge watch it or anxiously anticipate for the next episode. This is the equivalent of a weekly episodic show where you can talk about it with your coworkers at the water cooler. You could also binge watch it, but binging all 15 episodes in one sitting sounds overwhelming, which is why I’m okay with the episodic format. Plus, I wouldn’t recommend missing out on this show. The fact that it also releases at a specific time makes it an event worth watching.
Starting where the last episode ended, Gerran Howell’s character as Dennis Whitaker continues to try to revive someone he felt close to. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end well. You’d think he’d give up afterwards, but he keeps going. There’s even a comedic side plot involving him having to get new clothes. That’s the reality of people who work in this field. They have to make their best judgement and keep going. It has to be draining and traumatic at the same time. It’s no wonder Wyle’s character as Robby is still reeling from the pandemic.
You’d think with the amount of arrogance Robbie exudes, he’d show no sympathy. That continues to not be the case. He takes the time to respect those who passed. He checks in with those around him. He’s genuine with everyone around him. Given what his colleague almost went through in the first episode, I hope he doesn’t try to do the same at the end of this season.
More and more madness ensues. Not only are prior storylines still going, but new situations arise. Someone with a nail in his chest comes in. A girl who won’t wake up also comes in who has a connection with a comatose patient from the prior episode. There’s an open heart surgery. An EMT gets their shoulder hit by a truck. The anxiety doesn’t stop.
Other notable characters in this episode are Dr. Trinity Santos, played by Isa Briones, and Dr. Frank Langdon, played by Patrick Ball. Santos has a lot of arrogance that needs to be checked. People might be annoyed by her. Similar to Squid Game’s Thanos, Briones does a great job at playing a character that is not meant to be completely liked. The difference is that what she does is a result of a coping mechanism. Langdon could be arrogant, but it’s clear his arrogance is in check. He does have experience that makes him an effective right hand for Robby. Whenever he has down time, he’s always concerned about getting his kids a dog, which shows how he can keep going with the amount of things he has to go through.
Dr. Samira Mohan, played by Supriya Ganesh, has a notable scene with Robby. Robby calls her out on going too slow. She tries to reassure him by saying that she has the highest success rate, where Robby argues that the slower she goes, the less people they can treat. He snaps her out of it, persuading her to do more. I’m really interested to see what she does next.
There is so much more that occurs that I won’t even spoil it. There are twists and turns at every corner that will keep you engaged. The episode concludes with Robby helping a grieving woman with a connection to a patient from the first episode. Robby didn’t deal with the patient directly. It’s interesting to see the person who tried to help the patient versus the person having to deal with the fall out.
I could see where the daughter of the older patient might be a little much or even selfish to some people, but I believe the actress played the character perfectly. It makes complete sense to want to hold onto your loved ones longer. Considering how much time is spent with this storyline, it’s going to be interesting to see how it ends.
Now I just need to know if Robby gets that bathroom break in the next episode. At least there’s more reality to that over 24.
VERDICT: 5/5 (Perfect)
Episode 4
Episode 4 continues to solidify the fact that this is one of the best shows out now that you don’t want to miss. It’s actually impressive how production is able to pick up right after the last episode as though there was no break in between.
We see the conclusion of the older man with his two kids. At what first seemed like it wouldn’t amount to much, ended up bringing together some of the show’s core themes. We see his children reach peace with the decision, but we also see where Robby has flashbacks from the pandemic that took place in the same room. It shows how the scars never go away. It’s incredibly poignant. The talent who played the son and daughter of the dad were incredible.
This episode slows down quite a bit. There’s a trans character who gets their arm cut who finds some respect from the people treating her. Robby finally gets that bathroom break. A grumpy patient finally gets the treatment he needed from the first episode. Whitaker goes through something comedic that’s going to require him to change clothes again. It’s an episode where it felt like a lot of storylines are starting to come to a close. You even get to see Dr. Mohan taking on more responsibilities since her talk with Robby.
Now that I have seen all 4 episodes twice, it’s quite remarkable how I’m catching new details that make more sense. The amount of things everyone has to go through all while staying calm not only shows how well crafted the story is, but also how committed the talent is to their characters. The show is a true love letter to the the heroes that work in this field.
The only thing I didn’t like in this episode was the very end. Just as everything starts to resolve, a brand new issue comes up at a convenient time that makes us wait for the next episode. Personally, it would have been okay if the show ended before that happened to help us breathe a little until the next episode. I understand the point of it is to show the job never stops. It just felt like incredibly convenient timing to keep us wanting to see the next episode. Nonetheless, I’m curious to see how this plays into the next episode.
You must be logged in to post a comment.