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.
“I can’t wait for this shift to be over.” – Dr. Robby.
I think it’s only going to get worse from here.
Episode 10 of Max’s The Pitt begins to place the season into the endgame with only 5 episodes left. With a total of 15 episodes, it’s hard to believe that 5 episodes doesn’t feel like enough, especially after what happens in this episode. I winced. I looked away. I was shocked. I was emotional. That is The Pitt for you.
Robby oversees Langdon & Whitaker perform an escharotomy. (Warrick Page/MAX)
The show remains faithful to starting off from the prior episode. In last week’s episode’s final moments, we saw Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) get assaulted form a patient. When she walks back in and you see everyone drop what they are doing, you realize how much everyone loves her. Seeing Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) run to her even made me a little emotional. Robby goes through quite the arc in this episode (more on that later).
We don’t see much more of Evans. We don’t even see more of what happened to the guy that punched her. In less than an hour, she gets treatment and she’s back on the floor. Notably, she shares a scene with Dr. Heather Collins (Tracy Ifeachor) where they reflect on the horrible day they have been having. That’s no joke. Everyone is having a bad day. It’s nice to have these two characters sit in this moment, because I think it’s only going to get worse.
Before Robby can get into it w/ McKay he ex-husband Chad is wheeled in. (Warrick Page/MAX)
In what is probably the least exciting plotline involves Dr. Samira Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) & Dr. Melissa King (Taylor Dearden) who helps a patient who had a stroke. It’s certainly intense, but this plotline gives these characters a moment to reflect on who they are and find some humor out of it. It’s nice to see these two character share some dialogue with each other. They are more alike than I ever thought. It’s great to see these two characters grow together.
Dr. Cassie McKay (Fiona Dourif) probably has the most interesting story in this episode. First, we see the aftermath of her calling the cops on a potential school shooter. It leads to some intense interaction with Dr. Robby. We also learn she has a romantic fling with a co-worker that Victoria Javadi (Shabana Azeez) has a crush on. It leads to some awkward scenes. I am truly impressed by how the show can make me not like someone one episode, then care for them in another.
As the cops question Theresa, Robby finds out McKay called them. (Warrick Page/MAX)
Medical student, Dennis Whitaker (Gerran Howell), deals with a burn patient. He interacts with the patient’s wife throughout the episode. Based on where this story ends, it makes me think that this may not be the last time we see the wife. Whitaker’s story also involves Dr. Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball), who makes him question himself on what kind of doctor he can become.
Back to Dr. Robby. The guy goes through the emotional ringer this episode. I appreciate how the show doesn’t show too many flashbacks with the pandemic. You can just see the trauma through his emotions and actions. The guy has his morals in tact. Unfortunately, his morals lead to him making a big decision that will in no doubt impact the rest of this season. It makes me very nervous for how the remaining 5 episode will be. I remain hopeful that we will get a nice ending to it all.
Jane Doe wakes up & seems to be improving; her name is Vera. (Warrick Page/MAX)
I typically can stomach blood and gore. Due to how realistic the show is with that, I found myself consistently looking away. I winced and held my breath. While some may not want something so anxiety inducing, there is no denying the fact how realistic the show is with its approach.
The show’s pacing manages to get better and better. I don’t mind the episodes being short an hour now. The show consistently has something going on. There is a nice balance between the dialogue giving the characters a chance to grow and putting them into action. It tests every single character in a way that makes us question who is the best character. I am 10 episodes in and I still can’t find one. Each one is morally complex, just as they would be in real life.
Collins & Dana share a heart to heart talk. (Warrick Page/MAX)
Overall, I can’t believe how perfect this episode is. Episode 10 of The Pitt gives everyone plenty of character development through their actions and dialogue. It’s a jam-packed episode that will leave you devastated and wondering what else could possibly happen in the season’s final 5 episodes.
Paradise is the new latest series on Hulu from creator Dan Fogelman and starring Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, and James Marsden. The new show reunites Fogelman & Brown after their work together on This Is Us. Special Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) is tasked with finding the killer of the U.S. president, becoming a prime suspect in the investigation. That’s the perfect way to explain the plot without revealing what it’s really about.
After his tremendous work on This Is Us, Sterling K. Brown shot his way up to super stardom and became one of my favorite working actors. The fact that he was going back to television after some successful film outings did have me concerned. Yet, I was optimistic due to him working with Dan Fogelman again. I am sure he read the script and knew it was something special, right? That’s how I like to think of it. What I didn’t think about is how Dan Fogelman would throw another incredible twist at the end of the first episode.
The first episode has somewhat of a repetitive plot point with someone high up being murdered and someone having to investigate it who is also being possibly framed. What makes the first episode work before its clever twist is within the talent. Fogelman clearly knew he needed to reunite with Brown again for this role. There’s no one else I could see playing this role. Brown says so much with his actions and expressions over his minimal dialogue. That’s what makes him one of the best actors working today. The guy has charisma in real life, and yet, finds a way to lock in every single time he is on screen.
I was a little worried with James Marsden’s character solely due to some grievances I have with the actor. Once again, Fogelman picked the right man for the job. You despise the character in the beginning. He seems like a jerk who could care less about the people around him. That’s not the case at all. As you begin to learn more about the character, you realize just how much of a good person he really was and how the world around him made him a bitter person. I’m not sure if the intent was to sympathize with politicians. If anything, I think the message is to see the bigger picture before making a judgment.
From what I understand, Fogelman delayed the show from starting in order to fit Julianne Nicholson in from her busy schedule to play the billionaire villain. Like Marsden, she also has a tragic backstory that ends up influencing her motives in the present day. It makes sense, but her actions are not justified as it goes on to manipulate those around her. Fogelman went 3/3 with casting another perfect addition to the story. Nicholson is gold in every scene she is in.
Talking about the show without spoilers is harder than I thought. Hopefully, most who read this have already seen it or already planning to. The ending of the first episode has a bombshell twist I did not see coming. I heard there was going to be one, but I could have never prepared for what really happens. You’d think the show would peak there. It doesn’t. It has gradual momentum that builds upon each twist with reasonable explanations.
One of the major reasons I want to talk about this show outside of its cast and creator is with episode 7. Episode 7 is not just one of the best episodes of television so far this year, it’s one of my favorite episodes of television… ever. We get a whole backstory that fills in all the gaps of what happened before. It’s unlike anything else I have ever seen. There is so much suspense for an episode dealing with disaster without showing a whole lot of it. It really puts you in a position of what you would do in the situation. What unfolds is heartbreaking and captivating.
As for some issues I have, they are quite minimal compared to how much I enjoyed the show. The dialogue can be a little too much on the nose at times to build suspense for the next episode. I have a hard time believing Sterling K. Brown’s character would still sleep with someone after they told him not to believe one of his best friends. The twists can also be a bit predictable, but they are justified through backstory. To my surprise, the season finale does a great job at filling in the gaps while concluding it for another season that is going to fulfill Fogelman’s plan of doing something different each season.
Overall, I was thoroughly entertained by Paradise. Fogelman knows how to make captivating television, while Brown knows how to find the best scripts that help showcase his talents. Fogelman also knows how to find the right cast through Marsden & Nicholson. The show builds on each twist that includes one of the best episodes of television and a finale that will leave viewers satisfied while yearning for more. Making each season 8 episodes for 3 seasons does make me nervous, but I am going to remain hopeful after this incredible season.
Daredevil: Born Again is the latest Marvel streaming series to debut on Disney+. The first two episodes are officially out, but I have seen all 9 episodes to give you a full review on the entire season. It is the 13th television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and serves as a revival and continuation of the Netflix series, Daredevil. I was heartbroken over the original series’ cancellation. With as much as I have seen, I am used to it. Sometimes, there’s so much out of your control and life goes on. Other times, you get series revivals like this one that come back and completely blow your expectations away.
Even though I still find myself a supporter of Marvel, my hype for them has certainly changed. Outside of the MCU, I grew up on the films from the 2000’s. Most notably, I recall 2003’s Daredevil being not only one of the first films I saw in theaters, but one of the first movies my entire family went to go see. Needless to say, my admiration for the Daredevil character spilled into the Netflix series – a series that completely redefined what a superhero TV show could be. Going into this, I was excited by the fact that I would see the entire series. What I didn’t expect was something extraordinary.
The plot finds Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) & Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) on a collision course when their past identities begin to merge. The series wastes no time throwing you right back into the madness of this world. It upholds the same grittiness of the original show while changing a bit of the cinematography, structure, and characterization to make it its own thing. Within the first episode’s 15 minutes, I had chills. I was transported back to the 2015-2018 era of the original show. It brings in a popular technique the show has been known for that I won’t spoil. I won’t spoil it, because I didn’t know about it and my jaw was on the floor. You will be floored by how incredible the opening scene is, but it also comes with dire consequences that set the tone perfectly.
After an incredible opening scene, it can be hard to maintain the same momentum going forward. What this show gets right is leaning into the drama that made the original show captivating. We get a lot of time with these characters. There’s a lot of intriguing dialogue that will keep your interest. It’s all very familiar and a nice way to not only reintroduce the fans, but also gain new ones.
Charlie Cox fits right back into the role like he never left. He was literally born to play the role of Matt Murdock. Alongside Cox is Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin. These guys clearly love their roles, but I think they love the fans even more, because they always deliver on what the fans want. After multiple prior seasons, there is still more stories to tell with these two. You’d think you would grow tired of the villain after a while. That’s not the case here.
We find Kingpin now elected as New York’s mayor. There is symbolism within this new arc for the character that puts him in a spotlight. He truly believes he’s doing the right thing, and sometimes, his performance will gaslight you into believing that. What this show gets right is how it edits in between what Matt Murdock is doing in one scene while it cuts to what Kingpin is doing. It’s a brilliant way to capture the contrast between these two characters and what they stand for.
After the show’s intense & brutal opening scene, it skips forward in time. While the show makes up for it in its storytelling, there is a missed opportunity to dig deep into Murdock’s mind unlike anything before. Still, the show places Murdock in a new setting that requires him to become Daredevil again. His reason for hanging up the suit makes perfect sense and it allows the show to dig in deep in the characters and their dialogue. As the series progresses, we get a natural arc that will make fans cheer & newcomers locked in.
One of the most compelling storylines of the new show is Murdock’s new love interest. I didn’t think it would amount to much, but Margarita Levieva’s performance as Heather Glenn makes her a perfect match for the character. She is never a character in distress either. There seems to be a perfect balance for the two characters. I also have to credit Michael Gandolfini in his supporting role. There is some resemblance with his father’s performance from The Sopranos that will keep viewers engaged. Fans of Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) will rejoice with what he has to offer as well.
Viewers may be wondering the most if this show leans into the mature rating. I can confidently say that it 100% does. Not for a single moment did I ever feel like the show was trying to tone itself down. It is fully committed to what the fans want. Now that it is officially in the MCU, it still finds a way to stay grounded. It never tries to fit an overarching narrative. Yet, Daredevil could fit with other characters if needed. At 9 episodes, every episode has its own story that will make you strongly identify each one. I was worried with this short season, yet I felt relief and excitement for how it ended and for what’s to come. The show also remains faithful to its score with a new intro that still feels the same.
My only other complaint that I have with the overall show is how much it uses flashbacks. In particular, it reuses the same scene quite a bit throughout. It’s an important point in Murdock’s story, but it becomes redundant. Since most of the show is releasing its episodes weekly, it’d be interesting to see if viewers don’t mind it. I personally can see it working that way. Since I had to binge it due to how much of a short window I had to watch it, I did feel like it was a bit much at times. At the same time, it did make me wonder if the show could have worked if they cut those flashbacks out and release the entire show at once like the original seasons.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again will give fans more of what they want, plus more that will even satisfy newcomers. It’s approach to its grounded nature will shock you. The dialogue is electrifying. This is far and above the best MCU show. If you were worried, I think you will be able to breathe a sigh of relief. We’re in good hands. I don’t typically rewatch everything again after I have seen the screeners, but I will be watching this as it comes out on a weekly basis. I can’t wait to see what others think about it. I think this could be the way the MCU comes back out on top.
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.
The Creative Cinematic Collection 
You must be logged in to post a comment.