Warning: SPOILERS ahead for the season 1 finale of Pulse! The much-anticipated season finale of Pulse not only ties up conflicts from the past but also sets the stage for an even more intense second season. With a strong Rotten Tomatoes score, Pulse has captivated audiences since its inception, particularly with the dramatic storyline surrounding Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) and Dr. Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), whose relationship spiraled into chaos following a sexual harassment complaint lodged with HR. This season has delved into their intricate history, challenging both characters to confront their past while navigating the pressures of trauma medicine.
The series draws comparisons to the early days of Grey’s Anatomy, infused with unexpected narrative twists that keep the Maguire Trauma Center buzzing with energy. In their journey, characters face unresolved familial conflicts, complex love triangles, and the high stakes of hospital politics, all while adrenaline-fueled situations lead to personal growth, revenge, and occasionally, reconciliation. However, the final moments of season 1 introduce new uncertainties: Danny’s future is left hanging, Chan (Chelsea Muirhead) grapples with a shocking revelation, while Cole’s (Jack Bannon) professional fate teeters on a precipice. Meanwhile, Elijah (Jessie T. Usher), Xander, and Cruz (Justina Machado) find themselves thrust into ever-more demanding roles.
Was Danny Involved in the Beach Accident at the End of Pulse Season 1?
How the Beach Incident Alters Danny’s Positive Ending
The beach setting serves as a significant backdrop in Danny and Xander’s tumultuous story. Xander’s initial invitation for Danny to tend to a surfer has deep implications for their relationship, culminating in her decision to take to the water in the finale. This swim symbolizes Danny’s liberation from her past connection with Xander—she is no longer shackled by his influence or the pressure to prove herself after missing out on the Chief Resident position.
In this pivotal moment, Danny seems poised to embark on a fresh chapter of her career, independently of Xander’s shadow. However, as the season wraps up with news of a speedboat collision off Key Biscayne beach, the juxtaposition of her carefree swim with impending chaos casts a shadow of foreboding, setting up a cliffhanger for season 2.
Why Was Elijah Selected as Chief Resident Instead of Danny?
The Role of Xander’s Parents in Danny’s Missed Promotion
Throughout the season, viewers witness Danny’s relentless pursuit of the Chief Resident role, showcasing her abilities in challenging situations. Following the exposure of her relationship with Xander, Danny’s commitment to her work remains unwavering; she prioritizes her patients and continues to support her colleagues despite the personal turmoil. In a notable twist, Cruz, previously skeptical of Danny, endorses her for the position, acknowledging her evident potential.
However, the Board, influenced by Xander’s powerful family, chooses to appoint Elijah as Chief Resident. This decision appears politically motivated, reflecting the consequences of Danny’s HR intervention following her turbulent relationship with Xander. Elijah’s own instability and emotional challenges could present significant drama moving forward as the series explores the implications of this decision on their friendships.
Understanding Danny and Xander’s Relationship: Why She Dropped Her HR Claim
Danny’s Decision to Not Destroy Xander’s Career
Despite a five-month relationship, Danny confesses her feelings of coercion regarding her reaction to Xander’s advances. The power imbalance between them frequently left her anxious and questioning her professional capability. As the tension escalates, she realizes that she had perceived their romance as more manipulative than loving.
While conflicted, she ultimately decides against pursuing an HR claim, acknowledging that her true desire was for Xander to understand the emotional toll their relationship took on her. Even as they begin to reconcile, she recognizes it is healthier for them to part ways rather than risk repeating past mistakes.
The Truth Behind Xander’s Transfer from Kennedy Memorial
The Cover-Up of a Patient’s Death
Rumors surrounding Xander’s transfer from Kennedy Memorial serve as a pivotal driver for Danny’s action against him. She learns that the transfer followed an incident in which Xander accidentally caused a patient’s death, an event obscured by a cover-up orchestrated by his family. His defensiveness only added to Danny’s distrust.
Xander’s eventual decision to reveal this dark truth marks a significant moment of accountability, paralleling his failures in personal relationships with Danny. His coming clean may pave the way for character development in season 2.
Why Cole Cuts Chan from Surgical Service
A Moment of Clarity as Cole Faces Consequences
After a traumatic incident results in Nadia’s critical condition, Cole finds himself ostracized by colleagues who recognize his failure to uphold professional standards. Faced with potential legal repercussions and a shaky career, Cole experiences a rare moment of self-reflection, leading him to distance himself from Chan, acknowledging she deserves a better mentor.
Camila’s Choice to Stay at Maguire: A Hopeful Perspective
Camila’s Resolve for Positivity Amidst Challenges
Camila (Daniela Nieves) stands out as a resilient force within the tumultuous environment of Maguire. Despite her desire to transfer to a healthier setting, she ultimately decides to stay, inspired by the acknowledgment of her positivity and exceptional work ethic from Cruz. Additionally, the suggestion of a romantic connection with Chan adds a layer of complexity to her situation.
Who is Patrick Sanchez and How His Role Sets Up Season 2 of Pulse
The New ER Chairman’s Disruptive Potential in Season 2
With Xander’s parents maneuvering to place Patrick Sanchez into the ER chair, tension is set to escalate in season 2. Sanchez quickly establishes an antagonistic presence, targeting both Cruz and Xander, and undermining Danny’s path to promotion. His ambitions not only impact daily operations but also threaten the stability of established relationships amongst the team.
The impending conflict surrounding Sanchez’s administration promises to bring heightened drama and unexpected revelations, ensuring audience engagement as the series progresses into its next season.