Alright everyone, we can breathe easy: Emma (Laetitia Hollard) is ok. Robby (Noah Wyle) and Dana’s (Katherine LaNasa) relationship on the other hand?
Well, somebody better grab the paddles to resuscitate that.
Missed a review? Episode 2.01 / 2.02 / 2.03 / 2.04 / 2.05 / 2.06 / 2.07 / 2.08 / 2.09 / 2.10 / 2.11
It shouldn’t be surprisingly how quickly The Pitt tends to move on from things, but it is wild how many things happen in this single episode, which somehow means that the fall-out from Emma’s attack doesn’t wind up dominating the entire episode.
Obviously it still has huge ramifications for Dana and Robby, particularly when Robby realizes that Dana has gone around carrying prescription grade sedatives in her pocket for the entire shift (the suggestion being that it could cost her her nursing license).
But let’s be real, shall we? That’s not the real reason they go at each other so vehemently here. Both of these characters (and, yes, most of the show’s other series regulars) have been on edge the entire season. Plus: considering Dana’s attack in season one, and Robby’s impending mental health/vacation break-down, both characters have been on the cusp of losing their shit for a loooong time now.
Considering that they’re also arguably the two most responsible individuals around, it’s not surprising that they feel a ridiculous amount of pressure to maintain the sanity, efficiency, and security of the ED. So it tracks that they would attack the other; after all, it’s usually easier to punch down on your loved ones because they’re also the ones most likely to forgive or understand you.
With all that said, though…oof. These scenes aren’t pulling any punches (kudos, as always to Wyle and LaNasa for their outstanding performances). The brief, repeated tense interactions leading to the big ambulance bay explosion do a great job of ratcheting up the tension, resulting in a blow-up that is both inevitable and extremely hurtful.
The “funny” thing is that both Dana and Robby make some extremely fair points (that’s arguably why this feels more raw…because what they’re saying to each other rings true). It’s just that there’s a cruelty to the way they both go for blood, even though the cutting remarks clearly comes from a place of love and respect: Robby doesn’t want Dana to get in trouble. She calls him on chasing death on the open road (something that seemingly everyone sees).
And when I say everyone, I mean it.
Although the Duke (Jeff Kober) stuff still isn’t fully landing because we don’t understand the nature of his and Robby’s relationship, it’s clear that Duke sees a darkness in him. Ditto Mckay (Fiona Dourif), whose brief, but powerful monologue about knowing addicts who chased the line (ie: death) is extremely affecting.
Considering that Robby has been tearing up, breaking down, and yelling/complaining more in the last few episodes, it’s clearly having an affect on him. The question is: what will it take for him to realize that before he heads out?
Other Observations:
- After confirming the truth about his time off with Robby, Dr. Al (Sepideh Moafi) no longer trusts Langdon’s (Patrick Ball) judgment. This has been a fascinating rollercoaster ride, because – especially following last week when Santos (Isa Briones) insisted if Langdon really wanted to apologize, he would come clean to everyone – we’re seeing how destructive the truth can be. I supported her stance then, but seeing how Dr. Al reacts, now I feel bad for Langdon! It’s confronting, but reinforces why I love how The Pitt‘s refusal to portray complicated issues in a simple black or white fashion.
- Best exchange of the episode is when Langdon encourages McKay to cry, even asking if she wants a hug, to which she immediately and adamantly responds: “God, no!”
- I quite liked Mohan’s (Supriya Ganesh) interactions with the elderly couple (Christina Avila & Dann Florek) who need convincing that their current home doesn’t suit their decreasing mobility. Robby is correct when he suggests that she would be great at geriatics; if only he didn’t use the phrase “more your speed” because it’s pretty hard not to read that as a backhanded compliment.
- The hour ends with Mohan’s patient, Orlando Diaz (William Guirola) – last seen leaving the hospital in 2.07 – returning in even worst condition. Yikes.
- How cute is Whitaker (Gerran Howell) when he realizes that Santos likes having him as her roommate? The way he lords it over her winds up providing a much needed bit of levity in a pretty heavy episode.
- Also: Javadi’s (Shabana Azeez) response – “You have no idea how much joy that brought me” – is pretty freaking funny.
- In case you were wondering how Nurse Jesse is doing, we only learn he was moved to an ICE detention centre.
- Finally, as the transitions to the night shift progresses with folks like Abbot (Shawn Hatosy), Shen (Ken Kirby) and Ellis (Ayesha Harris) taking over, members of the day shift are slowly drifting away. That means that Joy (Irene Choi) clocks out because she understands the statistics about doctor burn-out. Love that for her, but hate that for us because it means that my favourite new character of S02 has likely left the building.
The Pitt airs Thursdays on HBO Max
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