Netflix's Pulse, which released its ten-episode first season on April 3, 2025, might initially seem like another hospital drama. However, beneath the surface, it effectively blends character study, ethical tension, and genre subversion.
Created by Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse, Pulse makes bold narrative choices that explore power dynamics, gender politics, and the emotional toll of emergency medicine—all set against the backdrop of a looming natural disaster.
Characters & Performances: Deep Cuts and Nuanced Portrayals
Willa Fitzgerald delivers a quietly powerful performance as Dr. Danielle "Danny" Simms. Her arc, from haunted survivor to reluctant leader, feels authentic and emotionally resonant. The series avoids reducing her sexual harassment case to a plot device. Instead, it uses the case as a central narrative thread to explore how trauma and ambition intertwine in a high-stakes environment.
Colin Woodell, as Dr. Xander Phillips, masterfully walks the line between charm and menace. His character´s ambiguity, a man both admired and accused of abuse, creates a poignant and relevant portrayal of institutional complicity.
The supporting cast adds significant gravitas: Justina Machado's Dr. Natalie Cruz provides stability amidst the ER chaos, while Jessie T. Usher and Jack Bannon add depth to the show's subplots, enriching its emotional texture. The ensemble chemistry makes the hospital feel like a pressure cooker of simmering and exploding emotions.
Writing & Themes: Trauma, Power, and the Cost of Care
Pulse excels in its writing. The dialog is sharp but never showy, and the emotional stakes are relatable. Writers aren't afraid to leave moments unresolved, especially concerning Danny's fight for justice against a respected colleague.
The show moves beyond individual trauma, dissecting systemic failures within hospital hierarchies. There's a clear #MeToo undertone, but it never becomes heavy-handed. Ethical dilemmas are presented in nuanced gray areas, trusting the audience to grapple with ambiguity.
Visual Style & Direction: Clinical Realism with Cinematic Flourishes
The series employs naturalistic lighting and a documentary feel, notably during the emergency scenes. The hurricane subplot, while initially underdeveloped, gains prominence in the final episodes, creating visually striking sequences that rival the action thrillers.
Directors skillfully shift from frenetic operating room sequences to introspective character moments without tonal shifts. The hurricane becomes a metaphor for the internal turmoil within the staff.
Pacing & Structure: A Slow Burn That Earns Its Climaxes
While early episodes might seem slow compared to fast-paced medical dramas like ER or Grey's Anatomy, Pulse's methodical storytelling pays off. By episode 5, relationships unravel, secrets surface, and loyalties shift. The final three episodes deliver emotional payoffs and plot reveals that justify the careful buildup.
Notable Episode: “Code Gray” (Episode 9)
"Code Gray," a stand-out episode, expertly intertwines a mass casualty event with depositions surrounding Danny's complaint against Xander. It's a demonstration of parallel storytelling, using physical trauma as a metaphor for emotional wounds and institutional failures.
Final Diagnosis: A Strong First Season with Room to Grow
I'll give this an 8.5/10⭐
Pulse doesn't reinvent the medical drama, but it reimagines it with maturity, relevance, and emotional depth. The first season ends with satisfying closure while hinting at potential for further development in a second season. It's not about the medicine, but about the people who practice it—and the hidden and visible scars they bear.
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Bold, timely, and emotionally resonant, Pulse is a drama that lingers in the mind long after the closing credits.
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