The Pitt Episode 2: Instinct vs. Protocol
Summary:
Dr. Robby vs. Dr. Al-Hashimi: You're next in The Pitt!
The signature breakneck pacing we’ve come to expect from The Pitt continues to accelerate in episode two. This ramping up is never more apparent in Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) and Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) as they continue to clash over professional and procedural points of view. Episode two of The Pitt asks a dangerous question: when does experience become reckless, and who pays the price when instinct wins?
A Battle of Medical Philosophies
Robby is the seasoned ER veteran who relies on “his gut” driven by experience. He balances the needs of his patients and staff by seeking solutions that are expedient and direct. His shoot-from-the-hip swagger earns the respect of his staff but leaves him vulnerable to criticism, especially from the higher-ups. His style is on full display when he ignores conventional procedures in favor of a more direct approach.
When Allen Billings (Billy Campbell) is admitted to the ER with an open dislocation, Al-Hashimi acts within procedural boundaries. She wants the patient sent to the operating room in collaboration with ortho. Her style is safe, practical, and by the book. Robby protests, telling Al-Hashimi the operating room and ortho would take too long. The staff laughs in agreement. To be clear, the doctors treating the patient weren’t intentionally mocking Al-Hashimi, but the humiliation lands the same. These two contrasting styles are featured prominently and represent the predominant conflict within the series so far.
Gorehounds, Get Your Barf Bags Ready
No, The Pitt episode is complete without a gag reflex scene and gorehounds rejoice. From distended bellies to external dislocations, the show has you covered. "However, when a patient’s cast is removed only to find it crawling with maggots, get your barf bag ready. Yeah, I think even the most seasoned rubberneckers might get a little green attending that party. Shout out to the #maggotwrangler on set for making this the most talked-about scene of the week.
The Hypocrisy of Office Politics and AI
There is a lot of drama and high-stakes energy packed into every episode, but there are also some very relatable everyday experiences sprinkled in its frames. In this segment, the hypocrisy of office politics was tackled.
Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi continues to push for change. She shows off a new AI app on an incoming patient, Linda Stevens (Jessica Hynes). While impressive at first glance, the AI charts the entire conversation between patient and doctor. This is an innovation that can save the staff hundreds of hours, but when Dr. Dennis Whitaker (Gerran Howell) points out that the application mixed up the medication on the patient's chart, its effectiveness is questioned.
Then there is the notion that we’re supposed to be team players in an individualistic society. This plays out as acidic on the small screen as it does in real life. The theme hits so close to home for so many of us that it deserves a closer look under the microscope. Pun intended! 😊
Analysis:
Power Struggles and "Gut" Decisions
Victoria Javadi (Shabana Azeez) has her defenses go up when newcomer James Ogilvie (Lucas Iverson) asserts himself as the new rising star. Dr. Trinity Santos (Isa Briones) plays into this tension by ribbing Victoria, saying he is looking to nudge her out of the ER. If this sounds familiar, it is: Victoria’s standing mirrors Robby’s. All of this sets the scene beautifully when Ogilvie challenges Victoria over a head trauma patient, Orlando Diaz. They try to out-knowledge each other with neither gaining the upper hand. Robby intervenes and reminds them they’re not only evaluated on their knowledge but also on their skills as team players. The hypocrisy stems from Robby’s "do as I say, not as I do" attitude.
The Dangers of "Gut" Decisions
Robby overrides Al-Hashimi’s orders to sedate patient Barry Mitchell. He was brought in from a diner with an obstructed airway. Baran orders a mixture of ketamine and rocuronium. This is a concoction that would cause paralysis and allow for intubation. Robby nudges for ketamine only. Baran states her case, hedging that the patient is suffering from more than just an obstructed airway.
Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi
Gestures of cooperation are meaningless when lives and livelihoods are on the line.
Robby, relying on his senses, takes over and orders a round of ketamine. Baran’s expression is that of just being slapped. She resigns her assistance under protest. Robby not only ignored a senior and qualified member of his team, but he also acted on his gut and not facts. Baran’s argument was sound and safe. The trade off? They saved an hour of patient bedtime. This is a small upside compared to the cascading life-threatening events that might have occurred had he been wrong.
Review:
Picking the Nits
It’s time to pick the nits off this episode and place it firmly on the review scale. There are several scenes not mentioned in my summary where Dr. Whitaker must tell a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s her husband has died. The first time he tells her, it hit the right emotional beat. Subsequent times, however, the storyline became redundant and lost its movement. The disease she was suffering from became emotional Novocaine. No matter how many times he told her, she would ultimately forget. While it may have been medically accurate, it felt as if the woman was being tormented. She experienced the same agonizing message without the possibility of moving on, and for me it just missed.
The other grumble I have is with Robby and Al-Hashimi. Again, while accurate, the tension doesn't feel earned. It’s as if we are watching the drama unfold without all the necessary information in place. Did the hospital administrator, Gloria Whitaker (Fiona Shaw), tell Al-Hashimi that Robby’s job was up for grabs? Is that why she is starting out so aggressively? Either way, it’s an interesting dynamic playing out too early, too much, and too soon.
Other than those bellyaches, it still is a good show. Samira Mohan’s (Supriya Ganesh) character arc is spot-on, as well as Mel King’s (Jalen Thomas Brooks) and her malpractice deposition. The question is: can additional weight be lifted to get the show moving on solid ground? Time will tell.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5