Movies

Pulse’s #MeToo Storyline Falls Flat

BBG News

Netflix is entering the realm of medical dramas with “Pulse”, a hospital series set in Miami, created by Zoe Robyn (known for “The Equalizer”). Like many medical shows, it’s packed with compelling cases, a multitude of complex characters, and a dose of drama. The show starts off with a school bus falling off a bridge into the water below, and things only get more intense from there. Although this setup is quite common in hospital shows, “Pulse” introduces an aspect that sets it apart, sometimes uneasily: the integration of a #MeToo narrative. This narrative serves as a powerful critique of how institutions mishandle reports of misconduct, yet at times feels underdeveloped and overly sensationalized. Let’s delve deeper to understand its approach better.

In the first installment of Pulse, the main topic of conversation is the controversy surrounding Dr. Xander Phillips’ (Colin Woodell) suspension and the provisional elevation of Dr. Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) to Chief Resident, replacing Phillips in his previous position. This new assignment presents a challenging debut for Simms; a school bus accident floods the hospital with patients needing immediate attention, and a hurricane is imminent. Due to staffing shortages and Phillips having just completed a shift, he’s asked to work the next one despite his suspension. However, it’s important to note that it was Simms who accused Phillips of suspected sexual harassment, a fact well-known throughout the hospital.

Phillips is not a shady character who elicits disapproval from those around him; instead, he’s portrayed as quite the contrary. As surgical resident Tom Cole (Jack Bannon) puts it, “Phillips is practically a saint,” and this view is widely held among the staff at Maguire Medical Center. He’s known for his kindness, assistance, strong leadership, and exceptional medical skills.

In the TV series “Pulse”, flashbacks provide insights into Simms and Phillips’ history prior to the filed complaint. Since Phillips holds a position of authority over Simms, there’s an evident power dynamic between them. During these flashbacks, it becomes clear that Phillips attempts to kiss Simms in the hospital, which she promptly refuses. However, a suspenseful ending in the first episode hints that Simms turned him down because it was at work, not due to disinterest. Intriguingly, they are actually involved in a romantic relationship and share a living space now. This unexpected revelation makes one reconsider Simms’ honesty and integrity, casting doubt on her character as a whole if she has been dishonest about her relationship with Phillips.

Throughout the course of the ten episodes, it becomes evident that he wasn’t being honest: Phillips leveraged his position to persuade her into a romantic relationship. Initially, she grew fond of him, but the truth is, he manipulated her into something she didn’t desire. Though their love may seem to have improved the situation now, it doesn’t erase the fact that he misused his authority at the beginning. We observe that he intentionally avoided reporting their relationship to HR to safeguard his professional standing and gain what he wanted personally, disregarding her career and public image. The issue here is that presenting their consensual relationship as if Simms is trying to bring down a more influential man is highly misleading. This portrayal is at best unethical, and even if she were lying, using stories of sexual misconduct for sensationalism is distasteful at its core.

The most impactful scenes in the plot unfold as Simms wanders the hospital halls, overhearing others disparage her, labeling her manipulative, dishonest, and self-serving. Unlike characters in TV shows, Simms doesn’t respond with a witty comeback. Instead, she continues on her way. A key aspect of Simms is her unwavering commitment to her job – it’s her life. When there’s work to be done and lives at stake, she won’t let herself get sidetracked by gossip. Instead, she endures the insults and presses forward. What stands out about Simms is her relentless focus on her profession.

In Episode 7, during a flashback scene, Cass (Jessica Rothe), a senior ER nurse, catches Simms in a compromising situation with someone in her corner. Later on, when Cass confronts Simms about it, Simms worries that her relationship might be seen as a means to climb the career ladder faster. However, Cass offers a different perspective: “Perhaps I suspect he’s using his chief position to advance , not the other way around,” she suggests. The series acknowledges that women are diverse individuals with unique experiences.

In the closing moments of the same episode, Dr. Natalie Cruz, the Head of Surgery and Emergency Medicine (who’s been a solid ally for me), gives me a word of caution about what lies ahead. Regarding our upcoming HR meeting, she says, “I understand you’re hoping it will resolve everything. I truly hope so too. But let me be clear, it’s complex and there’s a risk that things might even get more complicated.” Hearing words like these from someone who has been my advocate isn’t exactly the boost of confidence I was seeking.

In essence, Pulse’s predicament lies in the fact that the harassment plotline feels insubstantial. This subplot often takes a secondary role to conventional medical drama, leading to a pivotal moment for Simms that leaves viewers grasping at straws. The dialogue is overly vague, making it difficult for us to discern the specific complications Cruz refers to. Is Simms’ job or reputation on the line? Or her chances of success? An earlier scene in the same episode shows Phillips’ influential mother discussing the complaint with Cruz, but even she fails to clarify her intentions. The show seems to hint at Phillips’ mother suggesting Simms be dismissed, yet we never fully grasp the extent of their family’s power or how they can exert influence. The following day, Simms visits HR and submits her complaint ahead of the meeting, but the exact nature of their family’s power remains unclear.

Among Simms’ reasons for lodging her criticism against Phillips was the circulation of allegations about inappropriate sexual behavior at his former hospital, which apparently led him to switch hospitals. Throughout the series, there’s a hint that the truth would eventually come out. This secret is unveiled in the final episode, where it’s disclosed that Phillips had no proven charges of sexual misconduct against him. Instead, he entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement due to an error he made that led to a patient’s death. Once more, this appears to be a sensitive matter being exploited for dramatic effect rather than being handled with the seriousness it deserves.

The aspect of the storyline that seems most problematic is how it portrays the outcomes for each character. The message it conveys – that making the right decision doesn’t necessarily lead to a positive outcome – unfortunately, resonates with reality. However, Pulse appears reluctant to take a stand, preferring instead to acknowledge people’s complexity and their capacity for mistakes. This unexpectedly works against the power imbalance the show aims to challenge. It suggests that Simms and Phillips are equally at fault when, from this viewer’s perspective, it is clear that Phillips is in the wrong.

Season 1’s finale presents an unexpectedly positive tone, as Phillips obtains his desired outcome, while Simms encounters a significant obstacle concerning her top priority. However, this predicament is portrayed as a triumph for Simms, as she appears content and liberated in the sea. She’s free from the relationship that had offered both pain and love during the past year. However, her professional life has suffered a blow, and it’s a result of her efforts to assert herself within a system that prioritizes preserving the status quo, regardless of personal consequences.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by the intriguing exploration of deception and office gossip presented in the initial season of “Pulse.” Once unleashed, these falsehoods have an uncanny ability to linger and grow in directions we could never anticipate within our work environments. It’s not that it’s wrong to delve into the murky waters of workplace dynamics – after all, life isn’t always clear-cut with right and wrong – but “Pulse” seems to be so entrenched in this gray area that it shies away from making bold judgments about its characters’ actions. Instead, it immerses itself so deeply in the ambiguity that the series ultimately loses any vibrancy or impact.

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2025-04-03 21:06

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