Analyzing Netflix’s Latest Drama: Pulse
With its release, Netflix’s Pulse has drawn comparisons to Max’s The Pitt, primarily due to its setting in a teaching hospital’s emergency room in a major American city. At first glance, one might perceive Pulse as a derivative offering; however, a more in-depth evaluation reveals a series that stands apart in its focus and narrative approach.
Unlike The Pitt, which is characterized by its intensity and emotional depth, Pulse often veers into the realm of soap opera. The series shifts its attention from the harsh realities of medical work to the complex, and often glamorous, lives of its doctors, making its appeal more akin to a blend of medical drama and romantic intrigue reminiscent of Grey’s Anatomy.
A Stressful Shift Unfolds
The narrative begins rather slowly, with the first five episodes depicting a particularly demanding shift. As doctors at Maguire Medical prepare for a challenging day, the gossip surrounding third-year resident Danny (played by Willa Fitzgerald) filing a sexual harassment claim against renowned chief resident Phillips (Colin Woodell) takes precedence. The looming presence of a hurricane threatening Miami adds another layer of urgency, but the tension between Danny and Phillips serves as the show’s primary narrative drive.
Maguire Medical touts itself as Florida’s premier level one trauma center, and true to that claim, it presents various cases ranging from negligent treatments to life-threatening emergencies. While some scenes might evoke laughter—such as a couple’s car crash owing to their romantic distractions—others darkly highlight the fragility of life.
Character Dynamics and Relationships
The blend of personal interactions amidst professional chaos provides a compelling viewing experience. Fitzgerald and Woodell showcase an intriguing chemistry, balancing their complex characters’ ambitions and vulnerabilities. Jack Bannon delivers a nuanced performance as Cole, a resident who embodies the “charming rogue” archetype, while Justina Machado shines as Cruz, the steadfast ER director.
However, the standout dynamic within the cast features Chelsea Muirhead as Chan and Daniela Nieves as Camila. Their oppositional personalities—Chan’s exhaustion contrasting with Camila’s exuberance—create one of the most engaging relationships in the series, highlighted by humor and authenticity.
Tackling Sensitive Themes
The sexual harassment storyline drives the central plot forward, engaging viewers through a carefully constructed narrative that unfolds through scattered flashbacks. Yet, this focus occasionally overshadows the development of secondary characters, such as Danny’s sister Harper (Jessy Yates), whose wheelchair use adds depth but seems too closely tied to her relationship with Danny. Sadly, her story feels underexplored as the plot revolves primarily around the two main characters.
Elijah, portrayed by Jessie T. Usher, similarly suffers from a lack of depth, serving as a reactive character that mainly expresses concern over the unfolding drama. While Pulse attempts to grapple with complex themes of power dynamics, consent, and manipulation, the drawn-out nature of this exploration can leave both the characters and the viewers at odds with their own feelings about each of them.
A Toxic Work Environment?
As tensions escalate, one character rightly labels the hospital environment as “toxic.”This sentiment resonates deeply, as the show’s narrative portrays a workplace rife with ethical dilemmas and emotional turmoil. Yet, despite the chaos, the heart of Pulse lies in its moments of connection—those fleeting instances where doctors bond over shared struggles, find solace in one another, and support each other through heart-wrenching losses.
The camaraderie among staff, including charge nurse Luis (brilliantly played by Arturo del Santo), illustrates that amidst the turmoil, there is potential for healing and growth. Pulse may present a tumultuous depiction of life in a bustling ER, but ultimately, it’s a narrative rich with humanity and promise.