Netflix's new medical drama, Pulse, attempts to carve out its niche in the saturated landscape of hospital shows, but struggles to find its footing amid familiar tropes and a lack of character depth. Set in Miami’s Maguire Medical Center, the series unfolds during a catastrophic hurricane, which serves as a backdrop for the personal and professional chaos experienced by its characters.
Created by Zoe Robyn and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse, known for his work on Lost, Pulse introduces Dr. Danielle "Danny" Simms, played by Willa Fitzgerald, a third-year resident who finds herself thrust into the role of interim chief after filing a sexual harassment complaint against her boss, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). The story kicks off with Danny's promotion coinciding with the hurricane's arrival, leading to a tense atmosphere as the hospital prepares for an influx of patients.
As the storm looms, the show dives into the intricate dynamics of the hospital staff. Dr. Natalie Cruz (Justina Machado), the chair of surgery, appoints Danny to lead the ER, which adds to her mounting pressure, especially with Xander’s return to the hospital amidst ongoing investigations into his behavior. This setup promises a gripping narrative but quickly reveals itself to be a rehash of themes explored in other medical dramas, notably Grey's Anatomy.
While the initial premise of workplace harassment and the ensuing power struggle is compelling, the execution falters. Critics note that the show lacks originality, often leaning on clichéd storylines and character arcs that feel recycled. As Danny grapples with her new responsibilities and the fallout from her complaint, the series fails to delve deeply into her character or the complexities of her situation. Instead, viewers are treated to a series of predictable plot twists that undermine the potential for meaningful commentary on sexual harassment in the workplace.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Pulse is the inclusion of Danny's sister, Dr. Harper Simms (Jessy Yates), who navigates her own challenges as a wheelchair user in a demanding medical environment. Episode 5 showcases her struggles, offering a rare glimpse into the unique obstacles faced by doctors with disabilities. However, beyond this episode, Harper's character often serves merely as a supporting role in Danny's storyline, lacking the development she deserves.
Additionally, the show features a diverse cast, including Dr. Ruben Soriano (Néstor Carbonell) and medical student Camila Perez (Daniela Nieves), who communicate in Spanish, reflecting Miami's multicultural backdrop. Yet, critics argue that the representation feels superficial, as many characters remain underdeveloped and serve primarily to support Danny's arc.
One of the most glaring issues with Pulse is its struggle to establish a clear identity. While the medical drama genre is rife with soap opera elements, Pulse fails to balance its clinical cases with engaging personal narratives. The character relationships often feel forced and lack the depth needed to resonate with viewers. Critics have drawn parallels to other successful series, noting that Pulse often feels like a lesser imitation rather than a fresh take on the genre.
Despite these shortcomings, there are moments of potential within the series. The ensemble cast, including Jack Bannon as the egotistical surgical resident Dr. Tom Cole, brings a level of charm that occasionally shines through the script's weaknesses. The interactions between characters, particularly between Danny and her colleagues, hint at the camaraderie that could develop if given more time and attention.
Ultimately, Pulse presents a mixed bag of entertainment. While it attempts to tackle serious issues such as workplace harassment and the challenges faced by disabled professionals, it often falls back on familiar tropes that do not break new ground. As the hurricane wreaks havoc outside, the internal storms within Maguire Medical Center serve as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships in high-pressure environments.
As the first season progresses, viewers are left hoping that future episodes will take the opportunity to deepen character development and provide a more nuanced exploration of the themes introduced. For now, Pulse remains a watchable, if not particularly memorable, addition to the medical drama genre.
All episodes of Pulse are available to stream on Netflix as of April 3, 2025.
