Netflix’s latest offering, “Pulse,” attempts to carve out its niche amidst a genre teeming with storied predecessors. Helmed by creator Zoe Robyn, with Carlton Cuse of “Lost” and “Bates Motel” fame serving as co-showrunner, the series endeavors to blend high-stakes medical emergencies with intricate personal dynamics. Despite its ambitious premise, “Pulse” struggles to infuse fresh vitality into familiar tropes, resulting in a series that feels more derivative than innovative.
Pulse
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of a Miami hospital bracing for a catastrophic hurricane, “Pulse” introduces us to Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms, portrayed by Willa Fitzgerald. Danny, a third-year resident, finds herself thrust into the role of interim chief resident following the suspension of Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) due to allegations of sexual misconduct—a complaint initiated by Danny herself. This narrative choice positions the series to explore the complexities of workplace relationships and the ramifications of power imbalances within a medical setting.
However, the execution falters as the series leans heavily on well-worn plot devices reminiscent of “Grey’s Anatomy” and other stalwarts of the genre. The central romantic entanglement between Danny and Xander echoes the Meredith-Derek dynamic, lacking the depth and nuance that made such predecessors compelling. The hurricane, intended to heighten tension and urgency, instead serves as a mere backdrop to interpersonal dramas that feel recycled and predictable.
One of the more promising aspects of “Pulse” is its diverse ensemble cast, including Justina Machado as Dr. Natalie Cruz, the astute chair of surgery, and Jessy Yates as Dr. Harper Simms, Danny’s sister and a second-year resident who uses a wheelchair. Episode 5 offers a glimpse into Harper’s challenges as a medical professional with a disability, touching on themes of prejudice and resilience. Yet, this storyline, like many others, is given cursory attention, leaving characters underdeveloped and their arcs unexplored.
The series attempts to weave in subplots involving other medical staff, such as Dr. Tom Cole’s (Jack Bannon) romantic dilemmas and paramedic Nia Washington’s (Ash Santos) professional struggles. Unfortunately, these narratives lack originality and fail to provide the emotional resonance necessary to engage viewers fully. The result is a tapestry of storylines that, while diverse in scope, are uniformly shallow in execution.
Critics have noted that “Pulse” feels like an AI-generated facsimile of existing medical dramas, offering little in the way of innovation or distinctiveness. The series’ reliance on established formulas and character archetypes renders it predictable and, at times, uninspired. While the medical emergencies presented are adequately dramatized, they serve more as vehicles for personal conflicts than as compelling narratives in their own right.
Moreover, the handling of sensitive topics, such as the #MeToo movement and workplace harassment, lacks the depth and sensitivity required to contribute meaningfully to these conversations. The portrayal of Danny’s allegations against Xander is muddled, with flashbacks revealing a consensual relationship that complicates the narrative without offering insightful commentary. This ambiguity undermines the series’ potential to engage thoughtfully with pertinent social issues.
In its inaugural season, “Pulse” endeavors to merge the adrenaline of emergency medicine with the intricacies of personal relationships and institutional politics. While the foundation is laid for a series that could delve into the multifaceted lives of medical professionals, the execution remains tethered to overused tropes and superficial character explorations. The series’ inability to establish a unique identity or offer fresh perspectives leaves it languishing in the shadows of its predecessors.
For viewers seeking a medical drama that breaks new ground or offers profound character studies, “Pulse” may prove disappointing. Its adherence to conventional narratives and lack of depth in addressing complex themes result in a series that, while watchable, fails to leave a lasting impression. In a genre crowded with exemplary offerings, “Pulse” struggles to find its own rhythm, ultimately delivering a performance that is competent but unremarkable.
