The Pitt Season 2 Episode 1-9 Early Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of the first nine episodes of The Pitt Season 2, premiering January 8th on HBO Max and Crave.

Debuting a year ago, The Pitt is back to deliver another intense shift in the emergency room of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, nicknamed ‘The Pitt.’ With each season taking place over the course of a shift, the series is all about immersion, taking viewers on the ground level of what goes on during any shift through the perspective of its doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. Not pulling any punches, the series does not shy away from the harsh realities one may face, instead of relying on the glitz and glamor of other medical dramas. It is not easy because it isn’t easy, offering a wide spectrum of cases for the doctors to contend with. Meanwhile, the series avoids the easy procedural pitfalls in favor of a serialized storyline that shifts to focus to the doctors and first responders that help keep us healthy and safe. Though the health care system is far from perfect as everyone already knows, the staff of ‘The Pitt’ nevertheless persist in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against them on a day-to-day basis.

Coming off the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first season was that much more timely, highlighting the daily stress and anxiety of those working in a field at a time where the disease has taken the lives of countless of their patients and countless of their own. Meant to shine a light on those everyday heroes, it struck a nerve with critics and audiences alike, going on to win 5 Primetime Emmys, including ‘Outstanding Drama Series.’ Setting such a high bar, how can this new season top it? Only nine episodes in (episodes provided to press ahead of the premiere), the answer to that question remains to be seen but, as it stands, it is off to a great start as it gives our team a different set of circumstances to work with. Set approximately one year after the events of the first season, this latest shift just happens to be on the 4th of July, a day notorious for fluky injuries and other unruly behavior. However, this is nothing our crew is unfamiliar with. For Dr. Robby, this day would not be without stakes, though he would not be alone. His last day before a 3-month sabbatical, for him, it was all about survival before moving on. His unfinished business was a different matter. Looking to bide his time, Robby was met by his temporary replacement Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi). Effectively starting the transition a day early, the difference in their management styles could be felt right away. Taking in how Robby ran things, butting heads and inefficiency became an evolving understanding that his ways, while different from hers, also had merit.

On the other side, Santos, Whitaker, or Javadi, now with another year under their belt, started to come into their own. However, progress is not a linear path. Given more time to shine this season, their advancement as characters made for an interesting transition as the hospital ushered in a new class of medical students. Starting the day relatively calm, it was only a matter of time until the intensity began to ratchet up as the hours went on and the holiday festivities began (and the inevitable repercussions). In the calm before the storm, there was still plenty of drama to be had, reminding viewers of the reality of the emergency room. Armed with a full roster of doctors and staff, some, meanwhile, may wonder about the status of two prominent doctors from the first season. Dr. Collins may have left for a job closer to her family, but a new Dr. Langdon returned to the hospital, post-rehab and now sober. Addressing his established substance abuse issues in his time away, most welcomed him back with open arms, except for Robby, who wasn’t ready to accept him just yet. Stuck in a position where he had to prove himself and earn back his trust, to his credit, Langdon kept his head down and did what he was told. However, he could only be pushed aside and kept away from patients for so long. As a series of deescalating events systematically went about dismantling hospital guard rails, the arrival of a new crisis to exacerbate those issues was only a matter of time, giving Robby, and the rest of the team, another challenge to overcome.

While the tone may not be as consistent as the first season, the primary focus appears to be setting the stage for the last third. That being said, the series continues to deliver on a character level. Building upon where last season left off, thanks to more strong writing and performances, weaving in character development within the medical drama. Perhaps not living on the edge as much as season one did, season two finds the characters settled in, before unceremoniously pulling the rug from under them. Using the 4th of July as a jumping off point, it presented them with another difficult day that would only get worse as it went on. Putting the characters to the test physically and emotionally, the overall dynamic may be different, but it allows more of the impressive cast the chance to shine individually.

Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa, winners for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Emmys for the first season, follow up that work with captivating performances as Robby and Dana. The two pillars of ‘The Pitt,’ these two characters have clearly been through a lot over their respective careers, they were looked upon to be grounding presences in the face of the occasional chaos. In the case of LaNasa, she steps it up to another level, showing that behind Dana’s stern exterior, is a dedicated nurse who keeps coming into work after all this time because she truly cares for others. Meanwhile, as Robby found himself at a personal and professional crossroads, Wyle digs deeper to comb through years of trauma to make it through one more day. Giving off an aura of not caring in order to make it easier to leave, he wanted to leave ‘The Pitt’ in a good place. Patrick Ball also deserves recognition for his turn as a much different Langdon, dealing with the anxiety of returning to the workplace and the self-imposed pressure of having to prove himself all over again to the coworkers he had let down. When it comes to his relationship with Robby, one that meant a bit more to him, that friction made it that much more difficult for him.

On a technical level, this new season features more of the same prowess that made the first such an impressive and immersive watch that brings viewers in on the ground level, from the perspective of the doctors, nurses, and other staff of ‘The Pitt.’ Fluid camera work and editing captures all the action, keeping things moving as it goes from patient to patient. Rather than simply following Robby around, this season lets the other doctors take the lead, pushing him back into a supervisorial mode. While they get a longer leash, he is still there to assist and impart his wisdom where needed. Moving on from Robby’s post-COVID PTSD, season two works better as a better ensemble piece. Setting up a ‘Pitt’ without Robby, the others have proven that they are up to the task, but their day is far from over, and the real fireworks are about to begin.

The new season of The Pitt offers another gripping crescendo of medical drama, putting the titular emergency room, and its staff, to the test. Though it will certainly not be easy, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

still courtesy of HBO Max

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.