In just a few short minutes of our first hour inside Pittsburgh’s most bustling emergency department, our compassionate yet evidently PTSD-affected leader, Dr. Michael Robinavitch (often called Dr. Robby or simply Robby), greeted us with the phrase, “Welcome to the Pitt.” Despite my initial skepticism, I couldn’t help but feel drawn into this medical thriller reminiscent of 24. In fact, nine minutes in, I was already hooked, and it seems that I might be fully invested, perhaps even beyond repair. I am all in!
In simpler terms, the pilot episode could benefit from providing a bit more background information (something I wouldn’t have expected to write in a million years), but overall, plunging us into the chaos and expecting us to keep up because “lives are on the line” works well for The Pitt. The relentless pace as we move between patient rooms mirrors the experience of our characters during a shift at an overcrowded, underfunded city trauma center. It’s quite effective! The amount of multitasking Dr. Robby has to do is both mind-boggling and makes me want to cheer for him. Although there’s a lot to remember as we meet numerous doctors, nurses, and patients, it never feels overwhelming. With people like R. Scott Gemmill, John Wells, and Noah Wyle in charge, we’re in capable hands, having been tempered by the trials of ER. The two series will inevitably be compared – and there’s the Crichton Estate lawsuit to consider – but the “each episode is one hour in one 15-hour shift” structure gives The Pitt a unique feel.
Dr. Robby is not John Carter, a character I admired from the TV series ER during my youth and longed to see more of his story unfold. Despite sharing similar professions, they are distinct individuals, especially when it comes to fashion choices like glasses. John Carter would never sport those stylish yet questionable spectacles that Dr. Robby often wears; let’s be honest, he just wouldn’t pull them off.
On the morning of the fourth anniversary of his mentor’s death during the height of the COVID pandemic, we find ourselves following Dr. Robby as he begins a grueling 15-hour shift at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. This is the first time he’s worked on this day since his mentor’s passing, causing some concern among colleagues about his well-being. He assures everyone that he’s fine and it’s just another day, but by the end of the first hour, signs of PTSD emerge – sweating, ringing ears, and hallucinations transporting him back to the pandemic nightmare as his mentor’s vitals falter. Keep a close eye on Dr. Robby, as his story unfolds.
Prior to that moment, Robby appears to be in command as he prepares his team for the day. We are introduced to two senior doctors: Dr. Heather Collins, who is secretly pregnant and has faced issues with infertility and miscarriages in the past. Her counterpart is Dr. Frank Langdon, who gives off a somewhat rude demeanor but excels at his job and seems to have a close relationship with Robby that extends beyond work. We also meet Dr. Cassie McKay, who is primarily handling triage today; she’s a 42-year-old second-year resident who began her career later than most. There’s also third-year resident Dr. Samira Mohan, known as Slo-Mo because of her tendency to spend extensive time with patients.
While this setup might seem pleasant due to the focus on patients, you would be mistaken. Robby is under immense pressure from higher-ups to reduce wait times and increase patient satisfaction scores. Despite his concerns about the need for more nurses and fair compensation, these concerns fall on deaf ears. Instead, he receives just enough support to move more patients out of the ER and into the hospital. However, even at 7 a.m., Robby is already urging Dr. Mohan to speed things up.
Among the newcomers starting their first shift, there are individuals like Dr. Melissa King, a second-year resident fresh from her rotation at the VA. She may come off as somewhat uncomfortable, but in an endearing manner. Then there’s intern Trinity Santos, who exudes confidence that seems to hide some deep emotional scars. It’s unfortunate, but anyone who is quick to give mean nicknames to their colleagues during their initial encounter likely has hidden pain. Fourth-year medical student Dennis Whitaker, originally from a farm in Nebraska, earns the nickname “Huckleberry” from Trinity due to his shy and humble nature. However, Trinity’s nicknaming doesn’t stop there; she also coins the name “Crash” for Victoria Javadi, a third-year medical student and prodigy of 20 years old whose mother is an accomplished surgeon at this hospital. Victoria’s first patient assignment ends in a fainting spell, which isn’t exactly a memorable debut. The newbies will undoubtedly need the support of some of our introduced nurses, such as charge nurse Dana, who commands respect; Princess, multilingual and friendly; her close friend Perla; and Mateo, a charming addition to the team whom Victoria finds herself drawn to. Lastly, it’s essential to acknowledge social worker Kiara, whose emotional burden is substantial, both from her patients and in ways you can understand. And let me remind you, doctors also face their own challenges, so stay tuned!
With the introduction to our medical team complete, shall we proceed to make rounds and interact with some of the patients? Since this series follows a rotating cast of characters, some patients will only appear for an episode or two, while others may become recurring figures. Regardless, it’s essential to pay close attention to everyone due to the bustling nature of this place. It seems like there are patients waiting in the hallways as well! However, emergencies can arise at any moment, so we must remain alert and vigilant. After all, even though we’re just television viewers, we’re still watching a show about doctors!
In the initial crisis, a subway accident occurs: Sam Wallace leaped onto the tracks to rescue a lady who was shoved there; he lost his footing during exit and sustained a severe head injury. Medical personnel treat him, but must monitor whether he regains consciousness. The woman he saved does not understand English, making it challenging for Collins to determine her nationality, so they can arrange an interpreter. Her ankle is not only dislocated, but degloved – every layer of skin has been torn off, leaving only the muscles, tendons, and other unappealing body parts visible under the flesh. This graphic medical scene is a clear indication that this drama is not suitable for television broadcast. It’s no surprise Javadi faints upon witnessing the gruesome sight of the degloved ankle being realigned.
Athletic individual Otis Williams visits Doctor McKay due to breathlessness during exercise, leading to repeated cardiac arrests. Doctor Robby suspects his high potassium levels from intense workouts are causing kidney failure and disrupting his heart rhythm. Without waiting for test results, he administers treatment, a risky move that ultimately saves Otis’ life. This incident highlights (1) Robby’s boldness and medical expertise in disregarding standard procedures to help patients; (2) Dr. Collins, who frequently criticizes him for this, being overly concerned with following protocol; and (3) their intense dynamic during the critical situation suggests a romantic tension between them.
In the end, a distraught Theresa, who had been violently vomiting, was escorted in by her 18-year-old son, David. McKay summoned Robby for support due to an unsettling atmosphere between the two, and he found it hard to decipher their relationship. When left alone with Theresa, she admitted that she intentionally made herself sick to be taken to the hospital, as she discovered one of David’s notebooks containing a list of female classmates he intended to harm. She insists he’s a good boy, but troubled and grieving his deceased father due to COVID-19. She wishes to avoid police intervention, but seeks help for her son instead. However, since David is now an adult, she can’t force him into treatment based on the list. The situation is delicately balanced; Robby is aware that pushing David too much could lead to him fleeing, and he’s uncertain of his true capabilities. This fear becomes reality when Robby attempts to speak with David, causing him to become suspicious and angry, ultimately leading him to escape. Robby pursues him down the street but loses sight of him, only to confront another emergency case.
Discharge Papers
At the beginning of each day, Robby catches up with his colleague Dr. Jack Abbott, who has just ended his shift and is handing over responsibilities. If our upcoming shift follows the pattern of the one that appears to have worn Jack down – he looks exhausted! – then we’re in for a challenging day ahead.
Doug Driscoll, a man who had experienced chest pain and was restlessly lingering in the waiting room, has been added to my list of patients to monitor closely. Despite his gruff demeanor, it’s crucial that Robby’s staff ensures no one suffers an adverse event while waiting in the waiting room, so it’s not hard to foresee a potential unfortunate incident happening there.
As a movie buff, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease about Mr. Milton, the patient of Whitaker. On the surface, his condition seems to be just gallstones, which usually aren’t much of a concern. However, this case appears too straightforward for a med student, and that’s making me nervous. They’ve decided to run an EKG to rule out the possibility of a hidden heart attack disguised as gallstone pain. There’s something in my gut telling me that this seemingly simple test could end up playing a crucial role in his treatment.
The “arrival of the elderly in the morning, who have been found lifeless or near death by their caregivers at nursing homes” – this time in the morning can be quite disheartening, my dear.
Mel and Langdon join forces to tackle a case involving a sluggish four-year-old named Tyler, who turns out to have unknowingly consumed his father’s supply of cannabis gummies. These two medical professionals couldn’t be more different from each other, but their contrasting personalities make them an effective duo.
• “If the Kraken wakes up, God help you all.” That sounds ominous!!
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2025-01-10 06:54