Ritesh Sharma
Created by Zoe Robyn, Netflix’s medical drama series ‘Pulse’ throws viewers into the heart of a high-stakes level 1 trauma center in Miami, where the adrenaline never stops—both in the ER and behind the scenes. At Maguire Medical Center, life-or-death cases collide with personal struggles, exposing the cracks beneath the doctors’ seemingly unshakable exteriors. The first two episodes, titled ‘Abby’ and ‘Alone Time,’ respectively, waste no time pulling us into a storm—both literal and emotional—setting the stage for an engrossing drama as past secrets, shifting power dynamics, and unresolved tensions threaten to upend everything! SPOILERS AHEAD.
Danny Files a Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Phillips
The premiere episode of ‘Pulse’ dives straight into one of its central conflicts—Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms has filed a sexual harassment complaint against the chief resident, Xander Phillips. This revelation sends shockwaves through Maguire Medical Center, where Phillips is a highly respected figure in the trauma unit. Already stretched thin by the chaos of Hurricane Abby, the hospital staff now finds itself further divided by the scandal. The chief resident’s immediate suspension leaves a leadership vacuum in the trauma center. In an unexpected move, the hospital appoints Danny to take over his position, a decision that sparks controversy among her colleagues.
While some stand by Danny, others remain skeptical of her allegations, given Phillips’ esteemed reputation. However, her discomfort around him is evident, hinting at a deeper, more complicated history between the two. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to the story than what initially meets the eye. In the second episode, Phillips cryptically asserts that he knows the “real truth” and threatens to expose what actually happened. Danny, in turn, counters with a warning of her own—she is prepared to reveal the circumstances that led to his transfer from Kennedy Memorial General Hospital to Maguire. This revelation suggests that the sexual harassment case, which ultimately resulted in Phillips’ suspension, may be intricately linked to his past at his former workplace. As tensions mount and secrets begin to unravel, the battle for truth and justice at Maguire Medical Center is only just beginning.
Danny and Phillips Share a Complicated, Secretive Past
Throughout the first two episodes, flashbacks from Danny’s point of view provide insight into her history with Phillips, revealing that their relationship once appeared to be built on mutual respect. As a senior resident, Phillips was a well-regarded figure in the trauma unit, and Danny, talented in her own right, flourished under his guidance. However, their dynamic gradually shifted, evolving in ways that were not immediately apparent. The first episode reveals that Danny approached Phillips. She appeared hesitant, maintaining an emotional and professional distance. Yet, the tension between them culminated in an unexpected moment—they ended up sharing intimacy.
This sudden escalation suggests unresolved emotions, but its full significance is not immediately clear. The second episode further explores Danny and Phillips’ past, showing them deeply involved with each other. In one pivotal scene, they are seen together in a helicopter, working to rescue a patient. However, the turbulence in their relationship became apparent when Phillips later asked Danny to leave the operating room, signaling a shift in their dynamic. These moments suggest that their relationship was far from straightforward, with tensions and conflicts brewing beneath the surface.
Residents Struggle to Save Lives as Hurricane Abby Puts the Trauma Center in Crisis
As Hurricane Abby intensifies, the chaos outside mirrors the turmoil inside Maguire Medical Center. The trauma center is flooded with critically injured patients, the result of a bus accident amid the raging storm. The doctors and residents struggle with internal conflicts and power struggles, but they must set personal issues aside to face the life-or-death situations in front of them. One of the key moments involves the coach from the bus accident who initially refuses surgery due to his disappointment in himself. Danny steps in, sharing with him a story about her sister, Harper Simms, who ended up in a wheelchair because of a mistake she made.
This emotional appeal convinces Coach Harris to agree to surgery. However, a later reveal shows that Danny’s story is a lie—her father, not her, was responsible for the accident. This twist complicates the relationship between her and Phillips, adding tension to an already stressful environment. Meanwhile, Nia Washington risks her life to save two children during the hurricane but ends up injured in the process. She arrives at the hospital with the children, and Tom Cole performs her surgery. His actions seem driven by more than his obligation as a surgeon, as he clearly has feelings for Nia despite being involved with a colleague, Cassidy “Cass” Himmelstein.
Enduring all the pain, Nia remains strong in the face of her injuries. Camila Perez, a third-year medical student, shows her ability to work well with the team during the crisis. Her calm and quick thinking prove beneficial in the hospital’s high-pressure environment, and she earns respect from her seniors and colleagues. Through all the tension and conflict, the residents of Maguire Medical Center come together to deal with the hurricane’s victims. Personal issues are put aside as they focus on saving lives, and in doing so, they form a sense of camaraderie in the midst of the chaos. Despite the personal and professional struggles, they demonstrate the ability to work as a team when it matters most.
Danny and Phillips Are Forced to Work Together as Hurricane Abby Wreaks Havoc
Despite the ongoing investigation and personal tensions, Danny and Phillips are forced to set aside their issues when Hurricane Abby overwhelms the hospital with an influx of patients. The natural disaster pushes them into an unavoidable partnership, and despite their differences, their ability to work together under pressure remains evident. In addition to Coach Harris, the school bus accident sends numerous critically injured patients to the trauma center. Among them is Vero Cruz, the daughter of Natalie Cruz, the head of Maguire’s Surgery and Emergency Medicine department. With the stakes higher than ever, Natalie makes a controversial call—Phillips, despite his suspension, is to assist with emergency cases.
This decision frustrates Danny, who is already struggling to establish control in the trauma center with her new leadership role. As the storm intensifies, the hospital faces additional crises—power outages, an influx of storm victims, and mounting pressure pushing the trauma center to its limits. Despite the tension between them, Danny and Phillips instinctively fall back into their old rhythm, stabilizing critical patients with seamless coordination. The storm outside mirrors the unresolved storm between them, their personal history threatening to surface at any moment. As the premiere episode concludes, Danny and Phillips work together to save Vero Cruz, rekindling the professional chemistry they once shared. In the second episode, the chaos continues to escalate.
Amidst the hospital’s crumbling infrastructure and dwindling resources, Danny is faced with an unexpected challenge—helping a pregnant woman deliver her baby in a washroom with no medical facilities available. This moment ties back to a flashback from the first episode, where it was revealed that Danny had once been terrified of treating pregnant women. Now, in the midst of the crisis, she is forced to confront that fear head-on, proving her growth under immense pressure. As the storm worsens, so do the dynamics between Danny and Phillips. Tensions boil over into multiple confrontations, their unresolved past clashing with the present emergency. By the second episode’s end, both are left standing in separate locations, gazing at opposite ends of the sky—a quiet yet powerful visual representation of the growing divide between them.
Elijah’s Growing Support For Danny is More Than Just Friendship
Elijah is Danny’s close friend and one of the senior residents at Maguire Medical Center. From the very first episode, it’s clear that he holds a significant position in the hospital’s hierarchy, and his presence is felt throughout the tense environment of the trauma center. However, as the show progresses, subtle hints suggest that his relationship with Danny is more than just professional or friendly. The shift in power dynamics at the hospital acts as a catalyst for these underlying emotions to surface. The leadership vacuum leaves many wondering who will step up, and Elijah, given his seniority, naturally expects to be the next in line.
However, to Elijah’s surprise, Danny is chosen instead. While he doesn’t voice his disappointment outright, his initial reaction suggests he hadn’t considered the possibility of his best friend surpassing him in rank. Despite any initial tension over the appointment, Elijah remains a steadfast presence in Danny’s life. Throughout the first two episodes, he is seen standing by her side, offering support during moments of intense pressure. While the hospital staff is divided over Phillips’ suspension—some see him as an invaluable doctor, others question his ethics—he firmly aligns himself with Danny. The second episode then drops a major clue regarding Elijah’s true feelings.
In the final moments, Phillips, always one to stir the pot, directly tells Danny that Elijah has feelings for her. This revelation forces Danny to reevaluate their interactions. Has Elijah’s protectiveness been driven by more than just friendship? Has he been suppressing his emotions, knowing she has been entangled in a complicated history with Phillips? Interestingly, Danny and Elijah share a rare, heartwarming moment in the second episode, as the latter reassures her that he is on her side. Given the intense atmosphere of the trauma center and the personal battles Danny is fighting, this moment stands out as a quiet but significant interaction.
Danny and Elijah’s interaction also reveals a deep bond—one that might go beyond professional camaraderie. However, ‘Pulse’ is careful not to make the latter’s feelings too obvious. His character is not defined by a romantic pursuit but rather by his dedication to the hospital and his complex relationships with those around him. With Danny still reeling from her past with Phillips and the storm continuing to disrupt the city, her relationship with Elijah is revealed to have the potential to provide much-needed stability—or complicate things even further.
Read More: Why Did Danny and Xander Break Up?
