The relationship between emergency department residents Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) and Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) was always going to be the lifeblood of Netflix’s “Pulse.” Over the course of 10 episodes, the new Miami-set medical drama delves into the gendered complications of a workplace romance between a male superior (Phillips) and a female subordinate (Simms).
After an emotional declaration of love at Maguire Medical Center’s residents’ retreat, Danny and Phillips found themselves in a blowout fight over the consequences of disclosing their year-long relationship. Danny, urged by her sister Harper, reported Phillips for sexual harassment. With a hurricane approaching Miami, chief resident Natalie Cruz decided to keep Phillips temporarily on shift but made Danny the interim chief resident, intensifying the scrutiny around their relationship.
After the hurricane, Danny and Phillips struggled with conflicting interpretations of their romance. Phillips believed Danny willingly consented, while Danny feared being accused of “sleeping her way to the top” due to his position and family ties. Danny eventually dropped the harassment claim but faced job loss after a physical altercation. Phillips broke his NDA to protect her, revealing a fatal mistake covered up by his family. This honesty opens the door to a potential reunion as Danny navigates working with the man she loves.
In an interview with Variety, showrunners Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse discussed their approach to developing Danny and Phillips’ relationship and teased plans for a potential second season. Robyn explained that the idea for “Pulse” stemmed from personal experiences, aiming to explore the complexities of workplace relationships authentically.
The show’s setting in an ER during high-stakes situations like hurricanes and lockdowns mirrors the pressure on Danny internally. The nuanced portrayal of love and power dynamics between Danny and Phillips sets “Pulse” apart in the medical drama genre. As the series unfolds, viewers are left wondering what lies ahead for the former lovebirds and their colleagues in a potential second season. And by the end of the season, their relationship is in a state of limbo. They both still clearly care for each other deeply, but the complexities of their past and present circumstances make it difficult for them to be together. Phillips breaking his NDA to tell Danny about Julio was a moment of vulnerability and honesty, but it also served as a way for him to express his love for her. It was a moment of closure and honesty, but it also left their relationship in a complicated and uncertain place.
Throughout the season, the show did an excellent job of exploring the nuances of their relationship through flashbacks and present-day conflicts. The textured environment created by the medical setting allowed for a rich exploration of their emotions and struggles, making their relationship feel authentic and compelling.
In the end, “Pulse” succeeded in creating a unique and engaging relationship drama that stood out from other medical shows. The focus on the central relationship between Danny and Phillips, the depth of their emotions, and the complexities of their past and present made for a captivating and emotionally resonant story. The show managed to strike a balance between the medical drama and the interpersonal relationships, creating a truly memorable and textured environment for their relationship to unfold. It symbolizes her letting go of the weight of her past trauma and embracing a moment of peace and freedom. It also represents a new beginning for her, a fresh start where she can move forward without the burdens that have held her back.
For Danny and Phillips, the future is uncertain but full of possibilities. They have a deep connection and love for each other, but they also have personal hurdles and complications that they need to overcome. As they navigate their relationship in Season 2, they will continue to face challenges and grow individually and together.
The final scene at the beach, where they stumble over their words and share a heartfelt moment, shows the audience just how deeply connected they are. They may not have said everything they wanted to say to each other, but their actions speak volumes. It’s clear that they care deeply for each other and are willing to be vulnerable and honest with each other.
Phillips’ growth throughout the season is evident in his decision to come clean to the hospital review board. It shows his vulnerability, accountability, and willingness to face his mistakes. It’s a moment of growth and self-awareness for him, and it sets the stage for his character development in Season 2.
Overall, “Pulse” has set the stage for a compelling and emotional journey for Danny and Phillips. As they navigate their personal and professional lives, they will continue to face challenges, make difficult decisions, and grow as individuals. The audience will be along for the ride, watching these characters evolve and change over time, just like family members.
As the first season of the medical drama series comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead for the characters. One of the most significant moments in the finale is the promotion of Elijah (Jessie T. Usher) to the position of chief resident. Throughout the season, Elijah has been overlooked for the promotion in favor of Danny, but it is only at the end that he finally receives the recognition he deserves. The decision to make Elijah the new chief resident is not only a reflection of his abilities as a doctor but also a strategic move by Patrick Sanchez (J.R. Ramirez) to shape the department in his own image.
The promotion of Elijah will undoubtedly have an impact on his relationship with Danny, with whom he shares a deep connection. While their friendship will always remain strong, the shift in power dynamics will add a new layer of complexity to their relationship. As Elijah takes on his new role, he will have to navigate the challenges of leading his friend and colleague, while also dealing with his own personal feelings for her.
Another character who undergoes significant growth and development in the season finale is Tom Cole (Jack Bannon). Throughout the season, Cole has been portrayed as self-absorbed and focused on his own ambitions. However, a pivotal moment with a patient forces him to confront his own shortcomings and learn some tough lessons about empathy and compassion. As he faces the consequences of his actions, Cole is left at a crossroads, unsure of the path he wants to take in his career and personal life.
One of the most surprising twists in the finale comes in the form of Sophie (Willa Fitzgerald) and Camila’s (Daniela Nieves) relationship. What started as a hesitant friendship blossoms into a close bond, with Sophie even considering asking Camila out. However, a shocking revelation about Camila’s personal life puts a halt to their budding romance. The twist adds a layer of complexity to their relationship and leaves viewers wondering what the future holds for the two characters.
Overall, the finale of the first season of the medical drama series is a moment of release for the characters after a season filled with challenges and growth. As they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their journey. With new relationships forming and old ones evolving, the stage is set for an exciting and emotional second season. In the upcoming Season 2 of the medical drama series, viewers can expect to see Sophie delving deeper into her surgical residency. There will be a noticeable shift in dynamics with Camila, as Sophie takes on a more senior role while Camila questions her commitment to surgery. This mirrors Sophie’s own experience in Season 1, where she looked up to Cole as her senior.
Procedural shows, especially medical dramas, have a tendency to run for many years, sometimes even decades. When asked about the future of the show, the creators expressed a sense of openness to the possibility of an unlimited number of seasons. However, they humorously mentioned that they might start considering wrapping up the series around Season 23 or 24.
The longevity of a show like this is a testament to the enduring appeal of medical dramas and the engaging storylines they present. As viewers continue to be drawn in by the personal and professional challenges faced by the characters, the show has the potential to evolve and captivate audiences for years to come.
In conclusion, the creators’ vision for the show’s future is open-ended, with the potential for many more seasons to come. As the characters navigate the complexities of their careers and relationships, viewers can look forward to new developments, challenges, and triumphs in the world of surgical residency.
