Noah Wyle might be the recognizable face of The Pitt—and an extraordinary one at that—but we need to acknowledge the team of women who stand beside him, specifically Tracy Ifeachor. As campaigning for award season continues, I remain utterly appalled at the lack of recognition the women of color are getting. This blatant disregard isn’t just happening for The Pitt but also for Severance, where still, so few people are talking about Dichen Lachman’s exemplary work in Season 2.
So much of Robby’s breakdown in Season 1, Episode 13, “7:00 P.M.,” occurs because the show takes away Dr. Collins and Langdon. Both of them are enormously impactful on Robby’s state of mind on an already difficult day, and Collins, especially. In addition, we have all these conversations about possible romantic relationships, and yet, theirs is the one that was once canon. Theirs is one we can still potentially explore in coming seasons, and their moment of vulnerability in Season 1, Episode 11, “5:00 P.M.,” proves this.
Dr. Heather Collins is, quite literally, one of the most important women on the show, and the work Ifeachor brings to the season is nothing short of extraordinary.
Whether it’s how she silently breaks down later after the miscarriage or how she talks to different doctors with an understanding of who they are, Ifeachor allows the character to feel fully fleshed out in the eleven hours we get to know her. From the moment we meet Dr. Collins, it’s evident that there’s more behind her pregnancy. There’s a reason she’s keeping it a secret, and it’s obvious that she’s harboring a plethora of heartache. Plus, taking into consideration the disproportionate mistreatment that occurs in hospitals with women of color, everything Ifeachor shows us is the result of someone who understands not only her character but the system on an intimate level.
When it comes to The Pitt, the premise doesn’t leave much room for us to know the characters as well as we can in another series. We catch small glimpses of their personal lives outside of the workspace, yet it’s because of every single actor and the brief layers they exhibit that we get enough context to care deeply. And Tracy Ifeachor isn’t even in the entire season, yet Collins’ importance is still front and center. Her absence is felt the entire time she’s gone, and her presence on screen is transcendent.
It’s heartbreaking to wonder what on earth we consider a drama and a good performance nowadays, when we’re rewarding the same type of performance every time. It’s tiring to consistently see the same people on shortlists for performances that are good but not even remotely sensational. Rich people paddling about, complaining about their problems? Entertaining, sure, but the relatable pangs of a woman having one of the worst days in a grueling work environment where she’s supposed to help others? That, to me, is the type of performance that leaves a mark.
A series that’s highlighting every nuanced and vital topic we should be having about our health care system, with women of color at the helm? They’re the ones we should be tirelessly praising.
The Pitt Season 1 is now streaming on HBO Max.
First Featured Image Credit: Photograph by Warrick Page/Max