In times of economic uncertainty, Hollywood often relies on proven formulas, leading to a surge of medical dramas. Among the recent entries, Max’s , which stars Noah Wyle and reunites producers of ER, stands out. NBC’s offers a comedic take on emergency medicine, while Apple’s Berlin ER provides a German perspective on the familiar setting.
While each of these series puts a unique spin on the format, Netflix’s Pulse, set in a Miami Level 1 Trauma Center during a hurricane, lacks originality. The drama begins with the suspension of chief resident Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) due to a sexual misconduct investigation. Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), his accuser, is appointed interim chief by Dr. Natalie Cruz (). As rumors spread and flashbacks reveal a complex relationship between Danny and Xander, Cruz’s daughter is critically injured and brought to the ER. Adding to the coincidences, Danny’s sister, Harper (Jessy Yates), is also an emergency medicine resident working during the storm.
Despite the potential for an engaging procedural, Pulse suffers from poor execution. The patients are merely glimpses of trauma, and a talented supporting cast, including Machado and Néstor Carbonell (), are underutilized. Instead, the show focuses on a weak plot involving Danny and Xander, using their story for cheap suspense and Danny’s generic backstory for sympathy. Fitzgerald’s performance as the lead is adequate, but the material is too weak to be salvaged.
The biggest surprise is the involvement of Lost co-showrunner Carlton Cuse, who, despite previously reinventing network TV, now seems to be embracing stale tropes for a risk-averse streaming environment.
