When comparing The Pitt Season 2 to its unforgettable (and rare) debut, the sophomore run falls short in finding its footing as quickly. It’s excellent still, there’s no question about that, but the spark that makes it stand out in a sea of countless medical dramas is dimmed a bit. Ironic considering the season takes place during the Fourth of July weekend, and there should be more sparks. The problem is, even when you sit with the emotions a bit, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes the first few episodes so awkward, but the show still does its due in providing significant conversations necessary in the medical field and examining them within the space of the real world we know today.
For starters, Tracy Ifacheaour’s exit as Dr. Collins is felt—there’s no denying that. The character’s importance was hugely impactful in Season 1, and it’s not an easy loss as a viewer. In addition, while some of the new characters are pleasant, not every student doctor is going to be as memorable as Shabana Azeez’s Javadi, Gerran Howell’s Whitacker, or Isa Briones’ Santos. Quite frankly, nine episodes in (at the time of writing this), and I’m not certain I care about any of them staying in the hospital afterward.
More than anything, the appeal of this show is entirely character-driven, and that’s what continues to be great in The Pitt Season 2. We care about the majority of them, and every time they’re on screen, it’s comforting despite what darkness lurks in every room. Cases are also heavier, and those who are particularly triggered should probably tread lightly with this season. But it’s ultimately what happens after Episode 6, “12:00 P.M.,” that adds to the heart again.
The following section contains spoilers, published post-mortem.
Louie’s death hurts. It’s impossible to get to know and remember every patient as well as those who accompany them into the hospital, but we knew Louie. Like the doctors and nurses at PTMC, we had enough time to form somewhat of an attachment, so watching him lose the battle while every doctor in the room does everything in their power to bring him back reignites the very depth present throughout the show’s debut. It’s here where everything feels personal again. Where it feels like family. It’s in the quiet moments during and the final moment at the end where we are reminded why this show stands out, making an episode that’s also brilliantly penned by Valerie Chu.
It’s after “12:00 P.M.” and a number of moments during, where it feels as though we’re moving forward in a manner that’ll stick the landing by the end. Al-Hashimi’s AI program making a mistake? Called it. Will Langdon likely go through twelve steps with every person who was close to him at the hospital? Likely. We called that, too. (It somewhat happens with Mel in “8:00 A.M.,” with Dana here, and presumably, it’ll also happen with Robbie and hopefully, Santos.) Ultimately, these quieter, more human moments are what make the season more gripping.
We’re not even halfway through after Episode 6, but the steps the characters take in this hour do a solid job of maintaining the show’s appeal. Still, and again, it’s rare for a series to have such a riveting debut the way The Pitt does, and by the end of Season 2, we might still look back at Season 1 as a unicorn of sorts, but at least this guarantees that we aren’t headed toward a sophomore slump.
Topics might look different, some characters may not get to shine the way we want them to, various and questionable decisions might impact how fans react, but at the very least, it’s still compelling. A little more mellow and quieter, but thoroughly significant, especially when addressing medical-based issues that are a tremendous problem in the real world that we all face in the hands of the system.
As Al-Hashimi states in this episode, “Just because you know it’s broken, doesn’t mean you stop trying.” This is the essence and heart of The Pitt, both in their jobs and outside during the moments where they step away from the episode, and how the episode, as well as the remaining episodes, will touch on it is precisely where we’ll find the strength in the narrative.
So while The Pitt Season 2 may not be as exhilarating as its debut, it’s still a remarkably thoughtful arc that continues to highlight all that’s flawed in the system while delivering character moments that we’ll think about long after.
The Pitt is now streaming on HBO Max.
First Featured Image Credit: ©HBO Max