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Pulse: A Medical Drama That Struggles to Find Its Heart
What do you get when you mix a lively setting with the trials of medical professionals—yet feel an emotional void? Enter Netflix’s latest medical drama, Pulse. This series aims to deliver engaging storytelling but ultimately falls short of fully capturing the essence of the genre.
Imagine a version of Grey’s Anatomy that tries to address long-standing issues like workplace ethics and complicated relationships. That’s exactly what Pulse attempts, and for this ambition, it’s worth a nod. The show dives into the often messy and problematic dynamics of personal relationships in a high-pressure hospital environment, which serves as a relatable backdrop for anyone involved in medical contexts.
The central narrative spans the tumultuous relationship between Danny and Xander, exploring how their complicated power dynamic impacts not only them but their colleagues as well. Nepotism plays a significant role in their interactions, particularly as the story unfolds and Xander’s privileged background comes into sharper focus, leading even his allies to question the implications of his family ties.
Unlike many shows that romanticize doctor-patient connections, Pulse candidly addresses the potential repercussions of such entanglements, especially as conflict arises towards the season’s close. The series also takes a realistic look at the troubling nature of hazing and hierarchical challenges within medical environments, emphasizing that teamwork is essential in hospitals, especially in educational settings.
While the series excels in highlighting key themes, it also falters in its execution. Despite the glamorous Miami setting, a lot of action takes place within the hospital, and the narrative often struggles with credibility. The show’s characters switch into Spanish and Spanglish fluidly, capturing the multicultural essence of Miami, yet this abrupt shift sometimes feels forced and out of place, detracting from the overall authenticity.
With many medical dramas saturating the market, Pulse faces the challenge of distinguishing itself. It often resorts to soap opera tropes while trying to assert itself as a serious medical narrative, which creates an uneven viewing experience. Many characters do not resonate well, with Danny, the lead, presenting a mix of brilliance and unlikability, reflecting the real-life challenges faced by those in the medical field struggling with Imposter Syndrome.
Xander Phillips, portrayed as a charismatic yet problematic figure, embodies the complexity of the “nepo baby” stereotype. His interactions with Danny oscillate between mentorship and exploitation, leaving viewers perplexed about his character’s true intentions. This ambiguity can frustrate as it never fully resolves how viewers are meant to perceive him.
Moreover, Pulse relies heavily on flashbacks as a narrative device, which often causes confusion regarding the timeline and fails to provide a clear separation between past and present. This stylistic choice detracts from the immediate emotional stakes, leaving audiences disengaged during pivotal moments of character development.
As the season progresses, the arcs of supporting characters such as Tom Cole and Sophia, while flawed, reveal more relatable dimensions of human experience compared to Danny and Xander’s convoluted relationship. Tom’s journey from self-centeredness to a more considerate approach shows growth that resonates well, especially in contrast to Xander’s stagnant development.
On a more positive note, the portrayal of characters like Harper and Natalie Cruz offers glimpses of depth through their unique experiences, particularly highlighting the challenges they face in a competitive environment. However, these moments are not enough to elevate the overall narrative, which often feels meandering.
In summary, Pulse provides enough drama and intrigue to keep viewers entertained, but its inability to delve deeply into character growth or societal commentary diminishes its overall impact. With the abundance of choices in the medical drama genre, just being serviceable is likely not enough to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
What are your thoughts on Pulse? Which storylines captured your attention the most? Share your insights below!
Source
www.tvfanatic.com