The Pitt finally draws out the waterworks in an episode that reminds us about what’s important.
Missed a review? Episode 2.01 / 2.02
If the end of episode three is anything to judge by, this is the calm before the Independence Day storm, so let’s enjoy sit back and enjoy an episode that focuses on a few emotionally-driven cases.
Is it a little manipulative for the show to zero-in on the human ties that bind (to the point that even some of the doctors look a little teary-eyed)? Maaaybe, but with a show that is so achingly earnest, I don’t honestly care. The Pitt excels not just at tackling big macro level ideas (wait times; bed shortages; approval ratings vs customer care), but also the little details that make so many of these guest spots shine.
Two cases in particular fit this mold: the conclusion of McKay (Fiona Dourif)’s case with Mr. Michael Williams (Derek Cecil), the gruff businessman who keeps falling, as well as a new case involving Nancy (Angela Lin) and Mark Yee (Eugene Shaw), a married couple involved in a car accident with a motorcyclist.
In the former, McKay discovers that Michael has a brain tumour, which not only accounts for his current symptoms, but possibly also for a drastic change in his behavior during the final years of his marriage. I love how this storyline slowly shifted from the ex-wife’s frustration that she’s still Michael’s emergency contact, to his hope that her new husband treats to her better, to the final realization that if the tumour is to blame for the dissolution of the marriage, the ex-wife may still be in love with her former husband. It’s a great mini-arc that unfolds over the course of the hour.
The second (even more impactful) storyline involves a couple that has been fighting due to stress and work when they’re involved in a car crash that threatens both of their lives at different times. Both Nancy and Mark come to separate realizations that none of their problems matter when their partner could die: first when Mark may be paralyzed and even stops breathing; then when Nancy is rushed into surgery for a secret spleen injury. The fact that neither of them get to share their concern in-person for the other and fear that the other will die without knowing only serves to make this storyline even more poignant.
Ultimately both storylines managed to crank out the water works for me for the first time this season, so good work, The Pitt!
Other Observations:
- A close third storyline that tugged on the heartstrings is Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle)’s interactions with Yana Kovalenka (the great Irina Dubova) who comes in for burn treatments after fireworks trigger a PTSD response from a synagogue shooting. Not only are the burns absolutely brutal looking (I winced each time we see them), but the discussion about Jewish faith is subtle and beautiful.
- Dubova also scores big comedic points for raking Robby over the coals for his mid-life crisis motorcycle/sabbatical plans. “No comment” Dana (Katherine LaNasa) says with an eyebrow raise when Robby complains.
- The reveal that little Kylie (Annabelle Toomey) isn’t being abused by her father, Benny (Patrick Mulvey) felt a bit subversive. Santos (Isa Briones) and even trauma counsellor Dylan (Becca Blackwell) both seem surprised that it was actually an immune disorder that made Kylie extremely susceptible to bruising.
- Still: it’s undeniable that Benny is a hot head, judging by the way he flies off the handle. Girlfriend Gina (Ino Badanjak) makes a scene out of breaking up with him, so I’m curious if this is the end of their story. Regardless, it seems clear from these developments that Benny has the capacity for violence, even if he isn’t actively hurting his daughter.
- Is it just me or did the vibe get a little flirty when Dr. Al (Sepideh Moafi) finally stops shadowing Robby? It doesn’t hurt that the pair keep using ‘couple-y’ language like “I’m looking for cooperation, not commitment.”
- It’s unclear if the Hansen family drama, involving the redneck-coded family who share medication, is going to go anywhere else. I kept forgetting about it.
- Langdon (Patrick Ball) immediately finding a 3D gaming workaround to help a young boy with beads up his nose is super cute. Langdon following this up with sage words about being a father, on the other hand? That’s genuinely beautiful. It’s a really powerful beat for Ball.
- The same can be said for the interaction between Dana and Troy (Charles Baker) as she tries to encourage the unhoused man to use the medical system because it’s there to support him.
- I truly don’t care about the competition between Javadi (Shabana Azeez) and James Ogilvie (Lucas Iverson). After two episodes I’m already over it.
- Finally, Louie (Ernest Harden Jr)’s tooth pain is increasing as his belly draining nears its end. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop as this slow burn storyline moves ahead.
The Pitt airs Tursdays on HBO Max
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