Inside the Tangled Romance of ‘Pulse’: Love, Power, and Controversy Unveiled

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SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains major spoilers from “Pulse,” now streaming on Netflix.

The dynamic between emergency department residents Danielle “Danny” Simms (portrayed by Willa Fitzgerald) and Xander Phillips (played by Colin Woodell) has consistently been the heart and soul of the Netflix series, “Pulse.

Over ten episodes, the fresh medical drama set in Miami explores the complexities of a romantic relationship between a senior male figure, Dr. Phillips who is a fourth-year Chief Resident transitioning to an attending position, and a junior female colleague, Dr. Simms, who is in her third year. This marks the streaming service’s debut into the English-language genre for medical dramas.

In 10 episodes, the new Miami-based medical drama, which is the streaming platform’s inaugural venture into English-speaking medical dramas, delves into the romantic relationship between Dr. Phillips, a senior male doctor in his fourth year as Chief Resident transitioning to an attending position, and Dr. Simms, a junior female colleague in her third year. This relationship presents various challenges due to their workplace hierarchy.)

Following a heartfelt, reciprocal expression of love at Maguire Medical Center’s residents’ retreat escalated into a heated argument about revealing their year-long secret relationship, Danny, prompted by her physician sister Harper (Jessy Yates), accused Phillips of sexual harassment. As a hurricane approached Miami, emergency department and surgery head Natalie Cruz (Justina Machado) opted to keep Phillips on temporary duty but made Danny the acting chief resident — a contentious decision that further magnified the speculation surrounding the ex-lovers’ relationship.

After the hurricane spanned over three instances, Danny and Phillips found themselves at odds over their ambiguous relationship. Phillips thought that he initiated the relationship with Danny’s consent, but Danny had reservations due to concerns about being perceived as using her position in the hospital, where Phillips was both her superior and the son of major donors, to advance romantically. Eventually, Danny came to terms with the fact that HR couldn’t provide the apology she truly desired from Phillips for placing her in such a difficult predicament – having to choose between him and her career – and thus, she decided to withdraw her claim.

Following a violent confrontation with the father of one of her patients, Danny faces possible termination from her job due to escalating tension from Phillips’ family. Upon learning this, Phillips chooses to breach the non-disclosure agreement he had previously signed at his previous hospital, all in an effort to shield Danny. Before extending a genuine apology, Phillips shares with Danny his past mistake: under pressure from Dr. Broussard (introduced in Episode 4), Phillips accidentally damaged a vessel during an outpatient procedure on a 20-year-old patient named Julio. His parents subsequently hid this fatal blunder. This confession marks the most open Phillips has been since joining Maguire Hospital a year ago, and it could pave the way for a rekindling of their relationship, as Danny now finds herself in a challenging position of working alongside — and under — the man she once deeply cared for.

During an extensive conversation with EbMaster, creators Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse discuss their methodology behind crafting the intriguing bond between Danny and Phillips, while hinting at what may unfold for these ex-lovers and other characters if there’s a possibility of a second season.

Zoe, this is the first series on which you have served as creator and showrunner — and you certainly know the procedural format well, having worked on “Hawaii Five-0,” but a medical drama is a different kind of beast. Where did the idea for “Pulse” first come from, and what specifically did you want to accomplish with this new take on the genre?

Zoe Robyn: To be honest, I never intended to create a medical series. My primary goal was to delve into the intricate relationship between Danny and Phillips, a couple grappling with power dynamics. This concept emerged from a personal experience I was going through, which bore striking similarities to Danny’s predicament. I used this narrative and her character as a vehicle to express my emotions – my fears, apprehensions, and aggravations – regarding the situation. It seemed like an unexplored dynamic in relationships to me.

Our aim for the dynamic between Danny and Phillips has been to portray a complex work relationship that isn’t simply good or bad, but rather one filled with shades of gray and intricacy. While there is love present, there’s also an undercurrent of Phillips potentially endangering Danny. The backdrop of the ER, with its life-threatening emergencies during a hurricane, lockdown, and unexpected promotions, serves not just as medical drama, but also as a reflection of the internal turmoil they both face. Essentially, these external pressures amplify their relationship’s tension.

Given the success Netflix has had with licensing “Grey’s Anatomy,” which combines life-and-death stakes of medicine with messy interpersonal drama between the physicians, how much were you told to model “Pulse” after shows like “Grey’s”? And how did you try to distinguish your show from its predecessors in the genre?

As a Passionate Movie Critic: To avoid finding yourself in a creative pickle, it’s essential not to obsess over replicating other shows. Instead, you should create the movie or series that ignites your personal passion. While I hold “Grey’s Anatomy” in high regard, my preference leans more towards “ER.” Our lead character, Zoe, however, is a dedicated fan of “Grey’s.” I believe we found a unique middle ground between these two iconic shows, aiming to produce something distinctively ours.

Upon joining the project, I found myself utterly drawn to the pivotal relationship Zoe had crafted within the pilot script. I believed this relationship could serve as a powerful narrative force, and delving into its complexities through flashbacks throughout the entire season would captivate viewers. As we progressed, we aimed to introduce an array of intriguing characters that would keep audiences engaged and entertained. Thus, Zoe and I endeavored to create the show we personally desired to watch. We strived to pour our wholehearted enthusiasm into it, hoping this dedication will make it unique and distinguishable from other series.

How did you think about finding different ways to show Danny and Phillips having meaningful conflict both in flashbacks and in the present day?

In the current scenario, Danny is grappling with the question of how much she should disclose about her relationship to others. It’s a personal matter that she doesn’t necessarily feel obligated to discuss with everyone at work. However, there’s pressure for her to reveal details due to the lack of understanding from colleagues regarding such private matters. The tension in the present day stems from Danny’s reluctance to share all aspects of her relationship publicly, yet she knows she must eventually do so. This need for transparency is amplified by Phillips trying to counter assumptions that portray him negatively in a straightforward manner, where he appears to be the antagonist. Our intention was to provide them both with reasonable justifications and to depict them as individuals reacting genuinely to this complex situation.

Instead of solely focusing on the events leading up to their falling out or the aftermath, the intricacies of their romantic relationship are gradually revealed through flashbacks. This aspect was crucial for us to delve deeper into not just “What transpired?” and “What were the repercussions?”, but also “What was the essence of this love story?” It was a delicate balance since Danny is investigating him in the pilot, so we wanted to depict that there was genuine affection, even though it was complicated by the inherent nature of their relationship. In every episode, we aimed to strike a balance between the present-day scenes and these revealing flashbacks.

In the finale, Phillips ends up breaking his NDA and telling Danny about Julio, a young patient he lost at Kennedy, whose death has haunted him ever since. Phillips uses that story to protect Danny in case his parents try to go after her job, but he also uses it as an opportunity to declare that he still loves her. How would you describe the state of their relationship by the end of the season?

Our goal is for the audience to deeply empathize with their relationship. A touching example from “The Way We Were” is the scene where Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand meet unexpectedly at the Plaza Hotel. This scene beautifully portrays a bittersweet sentiment, suggesting that these two individuals deeply cared for each other, but at this point in time, their paths seem to diverge. We aimed for something more authentic, as a sensational “twist” didn’t appeal to us, and it didn’t resonate with the complexity and truth of their journey. Instead, we wanted a conclusion that felt genuine to the characters and the story.

What resonated with us was the intricate nature of their bond, fueled by authentic affection and attachment between these individuals. We aimed to convey this deeply emotional connection to our viewers, leaving them curious about the future of these characters. Our aspiration for “Pulse” is that it endures, allowing us to delve deeper into the lives of these characters, just as other medical series like “Grey’s Anatomy” have done, creating a bond between the audience and the characters so strong that they become like extended family members.

Knowing what they know now, what would it take for Danny and Phillips to give their relationship another shot?

Robyn suggests that the difficulties Danny and Phillips face in their relationship go beyond just the power dynamic seen in Season 1. Each character carries their own past baggage, which significantly impacts their connection. For Danny, this includes deep-seated trauma from her childhood, such as her mother leaving and her sister’s accident. This emotional burden might be one reason she resists being with Phillips, causing him to wonder if it’s his fault or if there are valid reasons for her to distance herself. In many relationships, people question whether their personal issues or external factors are preventing them from connecting. So, as the story progresses in Season 2, we will delve deeper into the emotional challenges that both Danny and Phillips face, which may continue to pose obstacles in their relationship.

But these are two people who are still clearly deeply in love with each other — a fact that they both acknowledge multiple times. They even stumble over each other’s words in their final scene at the beach. What are they not saying to each other in the trauma bay and on the beach?

In simpler terms, it appears that the storyline for Season 2 may suggest continued complexity between the two characters. They have strong feelings for each other, but he remains her superior at work; he’s a senior doctor, she’s still a trainee. Their past experiences from Season 1 also play a role in their dynamic, creating several obstacles that need to be addressed.

In Episodes 9 and 10, it seems like we aimed to display the profound affection between these characters and their rare ability to let others into their inner circles, which is something they seldom do. Their emotional depths are not easily exposed. What struck us during filming was how significantly Danny reacts to Phillips’ apology. It was a fascinating aspect of directing that block, as we discussed it with Willa and Colin last week. The exceptional acting skills of both actors made the audience truly sense the strong bond between them by the end of Season 1’s journey.

Phillips comes clean to the hospital review board at the end of the finale. How is that indicative of his growth over the course of the season?

It’s a significant step for him. Admiting accountability is a challenging position he finds himself in, not just towards Danny but also with the hospital board. I believe he grapples with the advantage he naturally possesses, which is why he’s so attracted to Danny – she truly understands, values, and loves him. For someone like her who has earned everything she has, such respect holds great value. I think this realization that he occupies a privileged position in relation to her, and that he placed her in a difficult situation, followed by his apology to Danny and acknowledgment of his shameful secret, which puts him in the same predicament as Danny, is a significant milestone in his personal growth.

In Season 2, you’ll find him handling a role that’s somewhat distinct from his “Golden Boy” persona, which was the character he portrayed throughout Season 1.

What did you want that final shot of Danny swimming in the ocean to represent?

There’s a sense of relief and freedom for us, as if we’ve found a peaceful oasis. To use an analogy, she typically dislikes the ocean, yet here she is, immersed in the tranquil waters of Florida, finally able to unwind, take a deep breath, and even smile. This moment represents a release for her after all the challenges she’s faced.

Elijah (Jessie T. Usher) always felt like the most logical successor to Phillips, but Cruz kept passing over him for the promotion in favor of Danny. But it isn’t until the end of the finale that Patrick Sanchez (J.R. Ramirez), the new head of the emergency department after the hospital split the surgical and emergency departments, decides to go against Cruz’s recommendation and promote Elijah instead. Why did you choose to make Elijah the new chief resident, and how will that affect his relationship with Danny, for whom he may have feelings, going forward?

In Season 1, Danny and Phillips’ relationship affects everyone else’s storylines significantly. The fallout from Danny’s HR complaint places Cruz in a difficult situation with the Phillips family, who are applying pressure on her just as Danny is. Since she refuses to yield, her department is taken away. Sanchez, being political and pragmatic, decides to appoint Elijah as chief resident instead, aiming to have his own people in charge. He’s trying to shape the department according to his own likeness.

As a devoted movie-goer putting my thoughts into words, let me share my perspective on the unfolding events in this captivating series. Elijah clinching the promotion undeniably makes sense, given his exceptional skills and unrelenting passion for medicine. However, I can’t help but notice a hint of political intrigue shrouding his ascension to the position of chief.

Just like Cruz’s tactical move in promoting Danny in the pilot – a strategic decision that not only showcases her pragmatism but also safeguards the hospital – Elijah’s promotion carries a similar undercurrent. The way I see it, this promotion is more than just an acknowledgement of his abilities; it’s a complex web of power plays and maneuvers.

But make no mistake, beneath the political machinations lies a brilliant doctor with a burning ambition to lead. This driving force propels him throughout Season 1, making us as viewers root for him every step of the way.

I’m eagerly anticipating the evolution of their bond, as I’ve always admired the deep friendship between him and Danny, a connection that will forever remain unchanged. Yet, with him now assuming responsibility over her, I can’t help but sense a shift in their dynamics, subtleties that are bound to alter the familiar landscape of their relationship.

In the final episode, senior ER nurse Cass (Jessica Rothe) tells surgical resident Tom Cole (Jack Bannon), “You’ve got nothing saved up,” which essentially means he’s been too focused on himself and his desires, without considering how his actions impact those around him. Through his involvement with a patient this season, Cole learns some hard lessons about empathy, responsibility, and the importance of considering others.

You’re spot on, his self-centeredness is a challenge. I believe we all experience this stage in our careers when we’re questioning: Is this the appropriate profession for me? Am I in the right environment? And then, how do I plan my life? Who will be the person with whom I share my life? I suspect Cole is grappling with these dilemmas. He’s torn between amassing a fortune in private practice or opting for the more demanding lifestyle of an academic doctor where he might not earn as much but can conduct interesting medicine, teach, and dedicate himself to his profession.

Afterward, he finds himself torn between two distinct individuals, Cass and Nia (Ash Santos), who are seated before him. Unfortunately, his handling of such situations leaves much to be desired, making for an engaging narrative as we watch characters grow and navigate highs and lows. By the close of Season 1, our protagonist has hit rock bottom. We’re eagerly anticipating delving deeper into the lives of Danny and Phillips in Season 2, as there are numerous intriguing characters to explore further. Among them are Cole, Sophie (Chelsea Muirhead), Camila (Daniela Nieves), Soriano, and Cruz, all of whom we can’t wait to reveal more about to our audience.

Despite initially appearing somewhat unfriendly towards Camila and her bubbly personality, Sophie grew to adore Camila so deeply that she practically pleaded with her not to move to another hospital. However, just as it seemed like Sophie was about to ask Camila out after finding her lost earring, Sophie discovered that the medical student was engaged. At what stage of the season did you decide on this twist? Also, how purposefully were you crafting a potential romantic tension between the two characters?

Robyn: This development came organically. To be honest, it was a mix of where we wanted to take those two characters in building their female friendship and the chemistry the actors provided us. I believe the audience will adore Sophie and Camila immensely because they make such an entertaining pair. It’s exciting to witness these individuals at the start of their careers embarking on this daunting journey to discover if they can succeed and if they’re capable enough. I think as we watch them get closer, that’s where the story will lead us.

I believe Sophie is an intriguing character because she’s blossoming with confidence throughout the series, and a significant part of that growth can be attributed to her bond with Camila. In the second season, we’ll witness Sophie delving deeper into her surgical residency and experiencing a transformation in her relationship with Camila. This change will involve Sophie taking on a more senior role, while Camila grapples with questions about her own career path, such as “Should I pursue surgery? Am I capable of this?” Essentially, the dynamic between them will mirror that of Cole and Sophie from Season 1, where Cole served as a mentor to Sophie.

In your question, you mentioned that procedural shows, particularly medical dramas, often last for several years or even decades. My question is, do you have a particular number of seasons planned for this series?

Robyn: Unlimited!

Cuse: I think we’d probably start wondering around Season 23 or 24 whether we should wrap it up.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

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2025-04-05 01:50