Pulse on Netflix: Willa Fitzgerald Attempts to Revive the Medical Drama but Falls Flat
In the ever-expanding world of television, Netflix’s foray into the medical drama genre with Pulse has aimed high but ultimately seems to struggle for a distinctive identity. Centered around a rapidly unfolding crisis in a Miami hospital during a hurricane, the series stars Willa Fitzgerald as Dr. Danielle "Danny" Simms, a third-year resident thrust into a leadership role under extraordinary circumstances. However, the series fails to breathe new life into the medical drama format, reminiscent of Grey’s Anatomy but lacking the depth and originality that fans have come to expect from the genre.
A Promising Premise Runs Aground
Pulse is created by Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse, who previously earned praise for their work on renowned shows like Lost and Bates Motel. The storyline sets out with an interesting premise: Dr. Simms must navigate the pressures of her job while dealing with the ramifications of reporting her previous supervisor, who has been accused of sexual harassment. This dynamic, while relevant and timely, ultimately feels underexplored. Viewers might anticipate a nuanced take on workplace harassment in the context of power dynamics within the hospital; however, the narrative quickly transitions into familiar territory as Dr. Simms’ past romantic involvement with her former boss returns to complicate the plot.
Unfortunately, this interesting hook is overshadowed by clichés and predictable subplots. The series brings no substantial novelty to the already crowded genre, leaving the audience with a sense of déjà vu as they encounter scenarios reminiscent of other successful medical dramas.
Character Development Lags Behind Plot Development
Another issue arises with the character arcs, which appear shallow amidst a sea of potential. For instance, while Danny’s sister, Dr. Harper Simms, portrayed by Jessy Yates, introduces an important representation of disability within the medical profession, her character doesn’t evolve beyond serving as a mirror for Danny’s struggles. Similarly, other prominent characters, such as Dr. Natalie Cruz and Dr. Ruben Soriano, are relegated to supporting roles, lacking the depth required to engage viewers meaningfully. These missed opportunities scale back the potential richness of character interaction and development.
Moreover, the romantic entanglements within the hospital milieu feel painfully derivative, recalling moments from earlier seasons of Grey’s Anatomy. This reliance on formulaic relationships detracts from the ambitious narrative Pulse seeks to portray.
Surface-Level Representation
Despite a promising attempt at representation, particularly through characters that communicate in Spanish in Miami’s diverse setting, the depiction ultimately comes off as superficial. The series hints at larger discussions surrounding disability and workplace dynamics but often shies away from fully realizing these narratives, allowing potentially rich storylines to slip through the cracks.
As the arena of medical dramas continues to evolve, merely focusing on the emotional turmoil of its characters without significant plot evolution odes little to differentiate Pulse. While it is commendable that the series seeks to tackle tough issues, the handling of these elements appears half-hearted and fails to make a lasting impact.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Innovation
In summary, Pulse on Netflix, despite its high stakes and an ambitious storyline, struggles to stand apart in an oversaturated genre. Willa Fitzgerald delivers a commendable performance as Dr. Danny Simms, but the series seems unable to rise above the shadow of its predecessors. As it seeks to navigate complex themes such as workplace harassment and the challenges faced by medical professionals, it falters in execution, lacking the innovative spark necessary to ignite audience interest. With its repetitive tropes and underdeveloped characters, Pulse regrettably falls flat, landing more comfortably in the realm of a Grey’s Anatomy wannabe than as a fresh contender in the medical drama space.
