Pulse Is DOA

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In its initial scenes, it’s evident that Pulse appears to lack a significant amount of creative effort. The opening scene of the Netflix medical drama seems like a low-quality cutscene from a 2012 video game, where a bus plunges into an unrealistic, wave-less ocean as generic storm clouds loom in the background. If Pulse were to delve deeper into the personalities of its doctors (and their roles as doctors), this accident could serve as a means to showcase how these characters handle a multitude of victims from a tragic incident. Instead of relying on dramatic disaster footage, the patients could simply flood the ER, shivering and terrified, allowing the doctors’ responses to reveal their true nature.

In essence, the show “Pulse” is more focused on the controversial situation surrounding third-year resident Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) and her supervisor, chief resident Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). The bus disaster serves as a backdrop for the main topic, which is that Danny has accused Xander of sexual harassment. Following this accusation, Xander is placed on administrative leave, and Danny takes over his position. This seems suspicious, as she accuses him and then gains from her accusation, giving off a manipulative vibe. However, “Pulse” steers away from the current storyline to delve into extensive flashbacks of the consensual relationship between Danny and Xander. These flashbacks raise questions about how this seemingly passionate couple transitioned from intimate moments to a formal complaint, leaving viewers wondering if the charming and compassionate doctor really is a monster.

The primary impact is that it evokes memories of more compelling medical dramas for the audience. In essence, Pulse mimics the style of Grey’s Anatomy, as its characters don scrubs and attend to patients occasionally, but mainly they engage in romantic entanglements, quarrels, and emotional breakdowns in corridors or stairwells. The opening credits are accompanied by loud, breathy sounds that could be interpreted as sexual noises or a death rattle, depending on your perspective. Despite Grey’s Anatomy having taken many different forms throughout its 20 years on television, it has seldom been as dull, poorly constructed, or blatantly annoying as Pulse can be. Even when Grey’s falters in character development or plotlines, it demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regain its allure. In contrast, Pulse lacks the ability to recover because it possesses little charm from the outset.

As a cinema enthusiast, let me express that Grey’s Anatomy isn’t the sole point of reference in this case. Unfortunately for Pulse, it debuted during the peak of Pitt-mania, which casts a long shadow. Despite no ideal release window over the last two decades where Pulse could have shined, it unfortunately stands as one of the least appealing options.

In contrast to the measured yet intense proficiency demonstrated by The Pitt’s medical team, the professionals in Pulse seem to leisurely stroll through a hospital bathed in glamour lighting, taking their time from one emergency to another. Even amidst a hurricane-induced power outage, they give off an air of infinite patience. The intricate dynamics among The Pitt’s medical personnel are skillfully woven, while the character development in Pulse feels alarmingly barren.

Jessie T. Usher portrays Sam Elijah, a doctor with an awkward double name who primarily serves to pine for Danny. Jack Bannon plays Tom Cole, the undisputed jerk, which is how you know Xander isn’t that bad. Daniela Nieves brings Camila Perez to life, the cheerful one, while Chelsea Muirhead embodies Sophie Chan, her counterpart, the cynical one who wears less makeup.

What’s most disappointing is the treatment of Danny’s sister Harper (Jessy Yates), a fellow resident who uses a wheelchair. She holds great potential as a complex aspect of Danny’s storyline, but unfortunately spends much of the season on the sidelines, interacting primarily with Danny and having little personality beyond “Danny’s sister” and “uses a wheelchair.

In simpler terms, the series Pulse offers a refreshing change by the end of its season, revealing that Danny’s sexual harassment claim is not as straightforward as initially portrayed. This revelation encourages Danny to reevaluate her life, career, and relationship from a new perspective. It’s relieving because it means the show delves into the complexities of such situations instead of merely focusing on the sexual harassment case itself.

Imagine if the series explored the aftermath of an uncomfortable workplace relationship between Danny and her supervisor. Such a show would tackle the intricacies and challenges of good people grappling with the realization that they’ve made mistakes.

The series Pulse could also develop Danny as a character beyond her traumas and phobias, and give Xander more depth than just being a wealthy sad boy. These changes would make Pulse a unique medical show, one that is more thought-provoking and introspective.

The series “Pulse” showcases Nestor Carbonell and Justina Machado as senior physicians at a Miami hospital. This program offers a chance to ponder another TV show, but let’s imagine an alternate version where these two are the main characters, and the storyline of “Pulse” is centered around their character development. In this hypothetical series, “Pulse” might focus on a hospital setting that reflects the unique cultural realities of Florida, with numerous bilingual characters, issues in the emergency department stemming from the specific community they serve, and themes of identity and patient care that resonate more with contemporary society.

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that “Pulse” falls short in the realm of captivating television. It’s not a replica of anything extraordinary; instead, it’s a disheartening amalgamation of superior series, haphazardly blended and processed until the essence or charm has been obliterated beyond comprehension. All that remains is an episodic drama filled with medical jargon and heated discussions about intubations and central lines. Beneath the surface, it’s a tale of a woman’s excessive, unwarranted apprehension.

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2025-04-03 21:54