Pulse Explores High-Stakes Drama Among Doctors in Miami Emergency Room

LOS ANGELES, CA — The new Netflix series Pulse takes viewers into the heart of a bustling Miami Level 1 trauma center, Maguire Medical Center, revealing the pressures and personal dramas of its medical staff. The series, created by Emmy winner Carlton Cuse and writer Zoe Robyn, debuted on April 3, just as a hurricane bears down on the city.

The narrative centers on Dr. Danny Simms, portrayed by Willa Fitzgerald, a third-year medical resident whose personal life intersects dramatically with her professional duties. Danny is placed in a contentious position as she navigates a romantic relationship with her supervisor, the chief resident Dr. Xander Phillips, played by Colin Woodell. Robyn emphasizes the importance of the hospital environment, stating, ‘You don’t really want to be in the hospital. But if you were in the hospital — this is the one you would want to be in.’

The complexity of relationships within the hospital is a focal point, with characters like Natalie Cruz, the chair of surgery and emergency medicine, portrayed by Justina Machado. ‘She’s that way with the people who work with her and for her and with her family,’ Machado said, highlighting Cruz’s dual role as a leader and a mother.

Throughout the ten episodes, the show delves into the dynamics of workplace relationships strained by personal complications and the pressures of a medical emergency. The plot escalates with the introduction of a hurricane, adding layers of tension as patients flood into the ER amidst the chaos.

Fitzgerald commented on her character’s journey of self-discovery, saying, “Danny is incredibly resilient and driven. She’s also an incredibly compartmentalized human.”

As the narrative unfolds, the characters face ethical dilemmas and the realities of working in a high-pressure medical environment. When news of Danny’s relationship with Xander hits the grapevine, it raises questions about her promotion. Colleague Sam, played by Jessie T. Usher, grapples with feelings of betrayal and his own romantic interest in Danny.

Co-showrunner Carlton Cuse outlines the authenticity they aimed for with the characters. “We wanted these characters to be real people who have to go through the relatable issues of working together in a pressure cooker,” Cuse said. The series avoids presenting its doctors as infallible heroes, opting instead for a nuanced portrayal of their challenges.

The show also explores the backgrounds of its characters, revealing truths about their personal lives and how these affect their decisions in the hospital. For example, Danny’s strained relationship with her family is revealed through critical flashbacks, adding depth to her character.

As the hurricane’s chaos unfolds, it serves as a metaphoric backdrop for the personal storms brewing among the staff. Amid patient crises, romances bloom and break, emphasizing the urgent need for connection in a demanding profession.

Pulse aims to resonate with viewers not only through thrilling medical emergencies but also through the very human experience of love, loss, and ethical challenges within the confines of a hospital. Each character’s journey is intricately tied to the overarching theme of personal responsibility in a high-stakes environment, raising questions about the choices we make and their consequences.