
The Tangled Lives of Doctors: A Close Inspection of Netflix's 'Pulse'
- Apr 11, 2025
Netflix’s latest original series 'Pulse' raises initial comparison to Max's 'The Pitt', primarily due to its ER-based storylines and hospital drama genre. However, as the series unfolds, viewers may find a stronger resemblance to 'Grey’s Anatomy' with its masterful blend of soap operatics and medical drama.
'Pulse' takes its time to unravel its narrative. The initial episodes are set in the Maguire Medical, the best level one trauma center in the state, over an unusually stressful shift. The storyline revolves around a sexual harassment claim filed by a third-year resident and a hurricane threatening Miami. While the external threat of the hurricane is obviously critical, it's the internal rift that ultimately takes center stage.
Filled with an ensemble of young physicians who are prized, not just for their medical competence, but also for their capability to handle complex cases, Maguire Medical is a hotbed for drama. The doctors put aside the hurricane threats and prioritize their internal issues that give rise to several momentous instances, both personally and professionally.
However, any viewer may question the viability of wanting to visit Maguire Medical due to the constant personal affairs of the doctors that impede their duty. Yet, somehow this self-indulgence makes for entertaining television with a strong ensemble cast that manages to overcome any uneven writing here and there.

While the sexual harassment storyline provides a backbone to the drama, it unfortunately leaves little room for the supporting cast to shine in their own light. Characters like Danny's sister Harper, who is a wheelchair user, are left defined by their association to the lead characters.
While the series might seem to stagger at times due to the prolonged drama between the lead characters, it does manage to stir debates about power dynamics, gratitude, attraction, manipulation without subscribing to preconceived notions of 'victim' and 'villain'.
The series does have its shining moments of connection though, underlining the human elements amidst chaos. In spite of the apparent toxicity and complex dynamics in the hospital, the series encapsulates the heart and potential of its young staff, making 'Pulse' a worthwhile watch.
