‘She Just Needs Therapy and a Hug’

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Spoilers follow for the first season of The Pitt through season finale “9:00 P.M.”

Among all the interns at The Pitt, it’s Dr. Trinity Santos who takes viewers on the most thrilling journey. As the most action-packed shift starts unfolding, the series introduces us to a confident and ambitious first-year intern, eager to prove herself by challenging her superiors, taking on patients she deems less interesting, and even giving her fellow students memorable nicknames – like “Huckleberry” for Dr. Dennis Whittaker, due to his rural origins, or “Crash” for Dr. Victoria Javadi after witnessing a procedure.

In the initial phase of the first season of the Max medical drama, I’m portrayed as a somewhat arrogant character, inviting the audience to witness my fall from grace. However, The Pitt does more than that; it delves into the intricacies and layers of my character. A significant subplot throughout the season involves the growing tension between me and Dr. Frank Langdon, a senior resident. From the very start, we clash, and when I eventually suspect Langdon of drug theft from the hospital, viewers are left in a gray area. Should they trust my judgment? Are my intentions pure? In the end, it is revealed that I was correct, leaving viewers to ponder the complex relationship between likeability and worth, as well as the deeply ingrained sexism within this dynamic.

In addition, Santos is found to possess a genuine heart beneath her tough exterior, as actress Isa Briones describes. The series finale of The Pitt further develops Santos’ character, culminating in an unexpected twist when she learns that Whittaker had been living secretly in an abandoned hospital floor. This revelation leads to him being offered a room at her place. As Briones explains to Vulture from her New York apartment before moving to Los Angeles for season two, “It’s only natural for viewers to see her as more than a machine.” She adds with a laugh, “This new development also sets the stage for some amusing antics between them in the future.

Let’s embark on an actual adventure with Dr. Santos. Could you tell me how the team communicated their ideas for the character development to you?

During our initial two weeks at work, it felt like a rigorous medical training program, with us primarily absorbing essential surgical procedures knowledge from remarkable doctors to ensure precision in our work. Concurrently, we had private sessions with Scott Gemmill and John Wells to delve into the character details. At that point, I wasn’t aware of Santos and Langdon’s narrative arc, but we did discuss her background – she’s an ex-athlete, highly competitive, determined, and ready to push others aside when necessary. Naturally, encountering such a character piqued my curiosity about her hidden depths. However, the finer details of her storyline unfolded as our scripts arrived.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire their collaborative spirit. They genuinely listen to us and pay close attention to our dynamics with everyone involved. It feels like the connections between us have organically evolved over time, as they seem to understand who complements whom best – recognizing some as good foils, others as ideal partners.

Do you have an example of a pairing that was figured out deeper into the process?

We don’t get much explicit information about it. Instead, we can deduce certain connections between characters. For instance, you might wonder, “Weren’t these two characters supposed to share more scenes together?” As the story progresses, it becomes clear that some character pairings are becoming stronger. Take Dr. Langdon and Dr. King, for example. Their contrasting personalities make their working relationship intriguing. Similarly, Santos and Langdon seem to have more in common than initially perceived. They often clash because they see similar traits in each other, which challenges them both.

How do you psychologically interpret Santos?

In the series, although we don’t delve deeply into this aspect because each episode represents a single day, it becomes apparent, particularly in episode seven, that a potential child molestation case stirs a deep emotional response within our protagonist. Although she doesn’t explicitly state, “This has happened to me,” her intense reaction suggests a very personal connection. While it’s important to keep personal issues separate in a professional setting, we’ve previously observed her temperament can be quite passionate.

When she cracks open, you notice a brief glimpse of her genuine vulnerability, revealing the reason behind her formidable defenses and quick wit to retaliate. It’s evident that someone as combative as she is is merely guarding their heart. Of course, some might say, “Wow! She’s so mean, she has no compassion.” However, I’ve encountered individuals similar to Santos before. Her situation seems to require therapy and a comforting embrace. We all carry our own traumas, we all stem from different backgrounds, and understanding her troubled past provides a more complex perspective on her actions.

I’m getting the sense that there’s quite a big difference between Dr. Santos and yourself.

What I adore about this job is discovering common ground with every character, no matter how different they might seem at first. Once immersed in a role, there’s always something relatable to find. Of course, I wouldn’t approach situations the way Santos does, but building barriers to avoid getting hurt again? Many people have experienced that, myself included. There are times when I may react defensively. Ultimately, we’re all just grown-ups hiding our inner child who’s afraid sometimes.

One intriguing aspect about Santos that caught my attention is her playful interest in Dr. Garcia, yet it appears she’s primarily seeking approval. What do you make of her intentions?

The interaction between Garcia and Santos is quite intriguing! We’d often crack jokes because there seemed to be a palpable connection between them – it was as if we could sense some sort of electric bond. At the same time, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, just starting out? Let’s take it easy!”

Garcia and Santos share many common traits. Garcia isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. She carries an air of toughness around her, often using humor to mask her intentions. It seems that when they first meet, they both acknowledge this shared trait in each other.

For Santos, it feels like a rare instance when someone is engaging with her, despite others finding her off-putting. Thus, she perceives this individual as an ally, doesn’t she? Here’s someone who will allow me to perform a chest tube insertion. Here’s someone who will permit me to conduct a thoracotomy. She is always strategizing ways to excel and prove her worth. Of course, there’s an element of attraction involved, but she is also single-mindedly focused on being the best and demonstrating her capabilities. I believe Dr. Garcia offers such an opportunity.

Were you nervous that the show was building Santos up to be a little divisive?

To put it simply, Audra McDonald recently shared a video where she’s performing Gypsy, and she mentioned that as an actor, the goal isn’t to win people’s affection. Instead, it’s about displaying one’s actions, hoping they might be comprehended. This sentiment rings true. Santos may not seem particularly likable, but perhaps you can fathom why. Maybe you can even relate a bit.

It’s quite entertaining for me to stir up strong emotions in people, whether they love or hate a certain character. It’s fascinating to witness such intense reactions. Some people find themselves drawn to her, saying things like, “Oh, my goodness! I adore her! I can help her!” However, others respond with disdain, exclaiming, “Oh, I detest her!” My goal is to evoke a response from you, and if I manage to do so, I take pride in that achievement.

As a passionate film enthusiast, do you find yourself thriving on the jeers of your audience, much like the antagonist in a wrestling match? Is that negative energy something that invigorates you and fuels your performance?

Generally speaking, I’m not accustomed to it! To be honest, I’m quite delicate as a person, and I tend to avoid reading comments. However, with “The Pitt” character, this is the first time I’ve been comfortable peeking at some feedback because it’s not about me personally. It’s about the character, and it’s intriguing to see how people react to her.

In a previous post, you mentioned something regarding that conversation. Could you share what aspects or changes in the discussion surrounding Santos caught your attention over time?

In many aspects of society, a likable man often escapes consequences for his actions, while a woman with proof is frequently disbelieved. This TV show, however, subtly challenges this internal bias we often harbor. It’s fascinating to observe viewers realizing, “Wow, I didn’t want to believe her!” Despite not wanting to believe the character, it makes us question ourselves. The writers deserve praise for creating a mirror that reflects our biases so skillfully. Admittedly, the character can be harsh, but the show leaves us guessing until the very end whether all the pieces will fit together.

Were you surprised that the audience went along?

As a film enthusiast, I must confess, I’ve been genuinely thrilled by the audience’s response. I’ve worked on franchises before where fans can be quite passionate. There are certainly viewers who analyze every detail, but there are also those who seem to have made up their minds about certain aspects and stick to them rigidly – “This is what I believe, and I won’t consider anything else.”

What impresses me here is the writers’ confidence in the audience’s intelligence. They didn’t try to force-feed a specific narrative or agenda. Instead, they’ve crafted a story that unfolds naturally, allowing us to experience a range of emotions – from shock and betrayal to joy and discovery – as the plot thickens. Essentially, it’s like watching a day in the life, feeling every moment along with the characters. The show serves as a vehicle for us to feel something deeply.

I found the season to be exceptionally well-crafted. Many viewers commented that “All this couldn’t happen within a single day.” While it is TV, I believe they managed the character development quite skillfully. The idea that a person can undergo a complete transformation in just one day is unrealistic. After all, if everyone ended up significantly improved by the end of season one, what would be left for us to explore in season two?

Moreover, Santos, Whittaker, and Javadi were introduced on their first days. First days hold a special significance in our lives; they always leave us feeling altered in some way. So, I found it believable that these characters would experience change during their initial day at work or in their new circumstances. As for Santos, I was intrigued by her character arc and curious to see how she evolves further in the subsequent seasons.

The ambiance suggests that beneath Santos’ tough exterior lies a genuine, caring soul, which began to show in the final episode. Her behavior towards Whittaker from the start, using a teasing name and acting harshly – this is similar to how an older sister might bully her younger brothers. Yet, there’s also a touch of kindness, and when she discovers he’s homeless, it makes sense that she’s not cold-hearted. Instead, she seems to have emotions, and this revelation adds a comedic twist to their future living arrangement as roommates. This dynamic should be entertaining!

It’s more like landlord-renter, but I take your point.

Completely, who can tell what mischief they might engage in? Yet, it’s quite charming how things have come full circle. They share a warm bond that could be described as sibling-like.

I find it intriguing that Dr. Santos is Filipino, similar to you, and she seemed to grasp Perlah and Princess’s chatter all along. What’s more fascinating is how Dr. Santos, being a person of color with a predominantly white professional background, was portrayed in your character development.

Experiencing a multiracial identity can indeed be complex, and it often brings along its own set of racial dilemmas. Throughout my life, I’ve personally dealt with these challenges. When offered a role, I found that the character didn’t initially match my ethnic background, which made me think, “Could her last name perhaps be Filipino?” Since I myself am half Filipino, and it feels crucial to portray Filipinos authentically in medical dramas, as sadly, they are underrepresented. It’s worth noting that if you were to visit most hospitals, you would likely encounter a Filipino nurse.

1. The experience of diving into this series and finding Princess and Perlah as integral characters who open the dialogue – I couldn’t help but shed tears because it was a representation I hadn’t seen before. I aimed to subtly echo that diversity, and present a broader spectrum of what it means to be Filipino, Asian, or simply anything. It’s crucial to remember that every identity encompasses a rich tapestry of shades.

2. Watching this show and seeing Princess and Perlah as key characters who speak first made me emotional because it was an underrepresented representation I hadn’t witnessed before. I wanted to contribute my part to the portrayal of diversity, and display the wide range of what being Filipino, Asian, or anyone can embody. It’s essential to remember that every identity holds a multitude of colors.

The writers worked together on that particular scene, and they inquired, “By the way, do you understand Tagalog?” I can catch some of it since I was raised hearing it at home, but I’m not fluent. They mentioned this because there were three Filipino characters in the room, and it seemed unusual not to acknowledge it. There’s a bit of humor in this situation, as Santos is quite gossip-worthy. We discussed incorporating some gossip among the characters, and since she understands it, she could make a subtle jab. The script didn’t originally include the line describing her as a mestiza, but they added it later on.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my feelings about that particular episode. Not only was it directed by the talented Quyen Tran, but having her at the helm was truly a delight. The unique experience of collaborating with such an inspiring group of Asian women in one room was nothing short of exhilarating. Quyen consistently asked for our input, creating a space where everyone’s voice mattered.

Throughout my life, I’ve often faced comments questioning my Filipino heritage, and I can’t help but feel a sense of validation as someone who doesn’t “look the part.” Moments like these serve as reminders that representation matters, especially when it comes to stories that are close to my heart.

In many ways, this experience resonated with me on a deeper level. As a mixed individual, there is always an underlying desire to prove one’s belonging and worth within the community. This feeling, I believe, adds depth to the character of Santos. It’s a shared sentiment among those of us who straddle multiple cultures, and it’s empowering to see it portrayed in such a fun and relatable way on screen.

Although it might seem like a complex, fast-paced medical drama, in reality, it’s quite simple. Were you familiar with this genre during your childhood?

I haven’t watched the entire series of ER, but I did catch a few episodes thanks to my mom’s viewing habit. However, my grandmother is quite fond of it. My primary experience with ER comes from an episode of Friends where Noah Wyle and George Clooney appeared as doctors. This episode made my parents laugh a lot, and I remember wondering why it was so funny. Their response was simply, “That’s just what they do.

I generally don’t gravitate towards medical dramas; my friends find it surprising I’ve never seen Grey’s Anatomy. They insisted I should watch it when the show started, but I have a lingering unease around hospitals, much like I do with true crime shows. Some people are fascinated by those subjects, but for me, they seem too close to reality, and I’m not sure I want to delve deeper into them.

Through watching “The Pitt”, I’ve gained a deeper understanding and appreciation. It underscores the significance of medically accurate portrayals in media. The fourth episode, penned by Noah, was truly touching. Many individuals will face decisions like choosing whether to remove life support from a loved one or navigating the process of childbirth. These are the realities, the usual course of events. The show encourages us not to look away, emphasizing that these are human experiences we should confront. Moreover, it sheds light on the hardships faced by healthcare workers, who are vital yet often underfunded and undervalued. The violent incidents depicted aren’t for dramatic effect; they are distressingly common. The show aims to present an authentic portrayal of life, reminding us of its stark realities and the need for open dialogue about them.

Do you have a favorite of Santos’s nicknames?

During breaks from filming, we thought of a few additional ideas, but unfortunately, I can’t recollect them at this moment. She’s incredibly rude. One of the supporting actors approached me during the initial shoot – I believe it was our debut episode – and commented, “Huckleberry is chilly. That’s really cold.

The world has dubbed Langdon “ER Ken,” and that’s my favorite nickname. I don’t even give that one.

Have you ever pondered about how different your life might be if you had chosen a career in medicine, given that both of your parents work in the arts, and now you’re involved with this show?

It’s quite amusing. When I landed this job, I phoned my father and exclaimed, “At last, our forebears will be proud!” As a singing physician, I embody the Filipino ideal.

However, during the third grade, for just a brief moment, I entertained the idea of becoming an open-heart surgeon after we read a captivating story about it. But before you could say “ABC,” I realized that music and dance were my true passions! As to whether I possess the necessary skills, I’m not sure. That being said, participating in the medical boot camp brought about an incredible sensation when I successfully intubated a dummy without the aid of a camera – it was as if I could conquer anything!

Briones has also starred in Star Trek: Picard, the Paramount+ sequel series to Star Trek: The Next Generation, where she played the android progeny of Data.
The Tagalog word for “gossip.”
A Tagalog term referring people of mixed Filipino heritage, often fairer skinned or white-presenting.

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2025-04-11 06:06