Netflix’s New Medical Drama: Pulse
The latest addition to Netflix’s lineup, the medical drama Pulse, thrusts viewers into the intensity of Maguire Medical from the very first scene. The series opens with two significant moments: a devastating hurricane impacting the hospital and the protagonist, Danny, played by Willa Fitzgerald, filing a sexual harassment complaint against chief resident Phillips, portrayed by Colin Woodell.
High Stakes from the Start
According to Fitzgerald, the decision to plunge the audience into such high-stakes situations immediately sets the tone for the season. “It’s perfect to start us off with this season because we have the stakes already as high as we think they can go from the jump,” she shares with The Hollywood Reporter.
Character Development
Fitzgerald highlights a compelling aspect of Pulse: the evolving understanding of its characters throughout the series. “Something that I really love about this show is that from the first episode to the last, your understanding of these characters and what they’re experiencing radically changes,” she notes. “Our understanding of [Danny] becomes so much more complicated over the course of the 10 episodes.”
Narrative Structure
The first season intricately weaves between present-day events and flashbacks, gradually unveiling the complex relationship between Danny and Phillips. By the conclusion of the inaugural episode, the audience discovers a romantic connection intertwined with their professional dynamics.
Portraying the Complexity
Woodell elaborates on the challenges of portraying Phillips, especially when the character begins in a tumultuous place. “Phillips is in the dark place at the beginning of the show. In that opening moment, he has lost his job that he cares deeply about and has been blindsided by a person he cares for,” he explains. “It’s a lot of baggage, and it’s almost like one of those experiences when it rains it pours.”
A Fresh Take on the Medical Genre
Pulse marks Netflix’s first English-language medical procedural, and the creators anticipate comparisons to iconic series such as Grey’s Anatomy. In one scene, Danny cheekily references the popular ABC show’s portrayal of intern camaraderie, remarking, “Try to unlearn that.”
Inspiration from Real Life
Fitzgerald’s commitment to authenticity is evident after a pivotal day spent shadowing emergency medical professionals. “It was really important to me that there was a real authenticity in terms of just the environment of the doctors when they’re working,” she asserts, reflecting on the professionalism she witnessed.
Exploring Moral Ambiguities
As the plot of Pulse unfolds, it navigates themes that challenge clear distinctions between heroes and villains. Fitzgerald points out, “I think that the show lives in that gray area for the entire season,” emphasizing the shifting perceptions of characters like Danny and Phillips across the episodes.
Conclusion
With its unique narrative approach and deep character exploration, Pulse distinguishes itself within the medical drama genre. All episodes are currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to dive into this compelling saga.