Pulse Episode 3 and 4 Recap: Power and Treat ‘Em, Street ‘Em

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Many shocking revelations unfold in the third and fourth episodes of Zoe Robyn’s Netflix medical drama series ‘Pulse.’ Titled ‘Power’ and ‘Treat ‘Em, Street ‘Em,’ respectively, these episodes heighten the tension at Maguire Medical Center. The serious accusation against Phillips by Danny resurfaces, reigniting conflicts that refuse to be buried. Meanwhile, as the hospital struggles to recover from the hurricane’s devastation, new crises emerge, bringing even more destruction and emotionally charged moments! SPOILERS AHEAD.

Phillips’ Actual Reason For Transfer From Kennedy Creates Complications

In the third and fourth episodes of ‘Pulse,’ a significant revelation reshapes the narrative, exposing the real reason behind Dr. Phillips’ transfer to Maguire from Kennedy. The former begins with Phillips and Danny attempting to establish a truce to make their tense working relationship work. However, in a heated moment, he loses his composure and inadvertently reveals a crucial detail—he and Danny once lived together. He further claims that her accusation of sexual harassment, which led to an HR complaint, is false. This outburst casts a shadow of doubt and raises questions about their shared past.

In the fourth episode, the tension escalates with the arrival of Lucy Broussard, a doctor from Kennedy. Sensing an opportunity to uncover the truth, Danny confronts the senior doctor and directly asks if the rumors about Phillips’ departure from his previous workplace are true. Specifically, she inquires whether he had engaged in similar misconduct with other women at Kennedy. Broussard does not provide a clear answer and leaves without elaboration. However, her silence speaks volumes to Danny, who interprets it as confirmation of Phillips’ past wrongdoings.

Armed with this newfound conviction, Danny confronts Phillips once more. She asserts that her sister, Harper, had already told her about his alleged misconduct, and now, Broussard’s response has further solidified her beliefs. Phillips, however, remains defiant, warning her never to trust the doctor from Kennedy before storming off. Later, he seeks out his former superior privately, demanding that she reveal the full truth. His frustration is evident as he insists that the narrative being painted about him is misleading. Broussard, however, remains firm and reminds him of the consequences of violating the NDA he signed at Kennedy. She further adds that if he chooses to speak out, he risks losing his career entirely.

This revelation implies that whatever transpired at Kennedy was serious enough to warrant a legal agreement, yet the ambiguity leaves room for doubt about Phillips’ true nature. After these two heated confrontations with Danny and Broussard, respectively, Phillips angrily leaves Maguire. As the hurricane has passed, he is no longer needed in the hospital, and his suspension stands.

Hurricane Abby and its Aftermath Devastate Maguire

At the start of the third episode, the storm intensifies, leading to a life-threatening accident—Mike, a civilian, is struck by a falling pole while he is inside his car. With emergency services stretched thin, Danny punctures the vehicle tires to prevent him from driving further and rushes him inside for treatment. However, with power outages crippling the hospital, saving his life becomes increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, a patient named Mackenzie goes missing in the chaos, prompting Camila and Sophie to venture into the brutal storm to find her. On the other hand, Natalie Cruz faces a personal nightmare as her daughter, Vero, fights for her life.

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To make matters worse, the hospital’s fuel supply dwindles when fuel trucks are rerouted due to the hurricane. Just as the situation appears hopeless, Phillips manages to get the trucks back on track, restoring power and allowing critical treatments to resume. Vero survives and is taken off the ventilator, offering a rare moment of relief. However, the aftermath of the hurricane proves just as catastrophic. With a surge of new patients overwhelming Maguire, even the presence of an experienced doctor like Lucy Broussard is not enough to stabilize the chaos. Danny fights to maintain order, but despite her best efforts, she loses a firefighter’s life—a devastating moment that showcases the storm’s lasting toll.

Danny’s Flashback Keeps Giving More Insights Into Phillips and Her Story

One of the recurring elements in ‘Pulse’ so far has been flashback sequences featuring Danny and Phillips, which offer deeper insights into their intricate relationship. These glimpses into the past are particularly significant as Phillips, now suspended due to accusations against him, remains at the center of the unfolding controversy. The two episodes shed further light on his companionship with Danny, revealing key moments that shaped their dynamic. A pivotal scene introduces Phillips’ mother, Libby, a high-ranking medical director. Her position led Danny to assume that Phillips had an easier path in the profession. Their exchange took a more personal turn when he directly asked her whether she had been aspiring to become the chief resident.

Despite her previous reluctance and repeated denials, Danny finally admitted that she wanted the role and would even accept Phillips’ help to achieve it. Beyond professional ambitions, the flashback sequences also delve into their personal histories. Danny confided in Phillips about her mother abandoning her at the age of nine—a vulnerable moment that reinforces their once-close bond. This emotional connection contrasts sharply with their present-day hostility. The end of the third episode exemplifies this juxtaposition: after a particularly harsh comment from Phillips, the scene cuts between a past moment of them dancing together and Danny crying in the present.

Another striking contrast appears when Danny confronts Broussard about the rumors of Phillips’ sexual misconduct—interwoven with a flashback of the couple intimately making out. These layered scenes not only provide context for their past relationship but also heighten the emotional weight of their present conflict, making the revelations in these episodes even more impactful.

New Bonds Form Among the Residents Amid the Hurricane

As Hurricane Abby unsettles Miami, the residents at Maguire find themselves forging unexpected connections. With limited power, a surge of patients, and personal tensions simmering under the surface, they are forced to rely on each other like never before. While old conflicts remain, new relationships start to form, making the storm a turning point for many. A partnership develops between Sophie and Camila when Mackenzie suddenly disappears. Camila panics, knowing that she is responsible for keeping an eye on her. This leads to some friction with Sophie, but instead of letting it shake her, both of them team up to track down the missing patient.

As Sophie and Camila search the hospital together, their initial tension fades, and a sense of mutual trust begins to grow between them. Furthermore, the latter compliments the former, saying she admires her ability to stand up to Tom Cole when nobody else can. However, this bond is short-lived, as in the next episode, Sophie again starts noticing problematic qualities in her junior’s behavior. She believes that Camila wears a ponytail to impress Cole and is unhappy with her registering as an intern despite being a third-year student.

Meanwhile, Cole and Nia’s relationship shifts from professional to personal. In a quiet moment, he opens up about his father, and she listens with genuine understanding. The emotional depth of their conversation builds an unexpected connection, and later, their growing closeness turns romantic, with them eventually kissing. This unexpected development makes the dynamics of the characters even more complicated, especially because of Cole’s relationship with Cass Himmelstein. Amid everything happening around them, this moment of intimacy stands out as a rare instance of comfort and vulnerability for the surgeon.

The other residents are also dealing with surprising revelations. When news spreads that Danny and Phillips have been living together for almost a year, it shocks everyone. Danny goes to Elijah and asks him whether he believes her or not. To this, he expresses disappointment since she did not tell him about it earlier. She explains that she didn’t do so because Phillips is her superior rather than her equal. Danny also asks for Elijah’s support as a longtime friend.

Read More: Where is Netflix’s Pulse Filmed?