Pulse Episode 7 and 8 Recap: Choices and Retreat

The seventh and eighth episodes, ‘Choices’ and ‘Retreat,’ of Zoe Robyn’s Netflix medical drama series ‘Pulse’ offer shocking revelations, finally shedding light on the truth behind Xander Phillips and Danny Simms’ tumultuous past. The full extent of what transpired between them—leading to her serious sexual harassment accusation—comes to the surface, shifting perspectives in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, characters like Tom Cole and Cass Himmelstein step into the forefront, adding new layers to the unfolding drama! SPOILERS AHEAD.

Danny Withdraws Her Accusation Against Phillips

One of the central plotlines of ‘Pulse’ is the sexual harassment allegation Danny has filed against Phillips, a conflict that has been driving the show’s narrative forward. However, in a shocking turn of events in the seventh episode, she unexpectedly retracts her accusation, leaving everyone—including Phillips—in complete disbelief. Before the scheduled HR meeting, she arrives early and formally withdraws her complaint. This decision blindsides everyone, especially Phillips, who has been preparing to defend himself against the allegation. When he arrives at the office, he is visibly taken aback by Danny’s choice. What follows is a deeply emotional conversation between the two, one that unravels their complicated past.

Phillips, still processing the turn of events, tells Danny that everything between them had been fine before the retreat and that their relationship could have continued smoothly had the fight never happened. His words strike a chord, prompting her to finally confess—she has always loved him. In response, he admits that he has always loved her, too. Determined to put an end to the turmoil, she declares that she will tell HR the truth that their relationship ended and that the sexual harassment allegation is not outrightly true. At this moment, all the drama surrounding them fades, leaving only the raw reality of their emotions.

Danny says, “See you at work tomorrow,” to Phillips as she withdraws her accusations. However, this doesn’t make things any easier for her, as the ER department head, Natalie Cruz, warns her about the possibility of her dropping out of the residency program because of it.

Danny and Phillips’ Incompatibility Resulted in Their Separation

The seventh and eighth episodes of ‘Pulse’ continue to unravel Danny and Phillips’ past through a series of flashbacks. In the latter, a pivotal revelation emerges, shedding light on the actual altercations between the couple. One flashback scene marked 14 days ago takes viewers back to the retreat, where a string of significant events unfolded. During a conversation with Elijah, Danny learned that everyone already knew about her relationship with Phillips. In response, she assured her friend that regardless of who became the chief resident, their bond should remain unchanged.

Later, in another flashback, Danny had dinner with Natalie Cruz, the head of the ER department. During their conversation, she accused Phillips of being biased and revealed that he had gotten into a fight with Elijah. She urged her boss not to consider his recommendation for her to become the chief resident. When Phillips found out about this, he became furious and confronted Danny. While their initial argument was briefly resolved, what followed only deepened the tension. Phillips confessed his love for Danny, and she reciprocated his feelings. However, their moment of vulnerability quickly turned into another conflict when Phillips insisted that he would disclose their relationship to HR.

Danny, though initially wanting to reveal the truth herself, believed that doing so just days before the chief resident selection would be unwise. This left Phillips dumbfounded, and she explained that if they made their relationship public at that moment, everyone would assume she got the position through favoritism rather than her merit. He struggled to accept her reasoning, and Danny, growing frustrated, told him that he could never understand what it felt like to be in her position. Their argument escalated as she accused him of conveniently choosing to disclose their relationship only after securing his attending position at the hospital.

Danny then pointed out Phillips’ privilege, telling him that as a wealthy man, he would never truly understand her struggles. This conversation carried even more weight, given what had happened in the previous episode. In the seventh episode, Danny firmly stated that she didn’t want to be the chief resident just because she had been involved with Phillips. Later, Cass Himmelstein, who had witnessed the couple kissing, warned her that he was taking advantage of her. The emotional turmoil became overwhelming for Danny, and she broke into tears. Cruz, seeing her distress, coldly advised her never to be weak.

Camila Perez Steps Into the Spotlight With a Life-Saving Intervention

The seventh and eighth episodes of ‘Pulse‘ also bring Camila Perez into focus. In a tense moment in the former episode, Elijah snaps at her, leaving her visibly shaken. However, he later apologizes, leading to some unexpectedly heartwarming moments between the two. Together, they treat a 9-year-old patient suffering from what initially appears to be a normal flu. Still, Elijah insists that the child remains under their care. Things take a sudden turn when her condition worsens, requiring immediate medical attention. In a pivotal moment for Camila, Elijah asks her to assist him in treating the child.

This marks Camila’s first major step into a high-stakes medical situation. With determination and skill, she successfully saves the young patient’s life, leaving her overwhelmed with joy. Beyond the medical triumph, this experience also serves as her first significant bonding moment with a resident at Maguire. Through this experience, she not only builds a connection with Elijah but also takes a major leap forward in her personal and professional growth. With Camila stepping up in a crisis, ‘Pulse’ highlights her evolution from a student to a capable and confident future doctor.

Nia and Cass Have a Conversation About Cole

Another character who takes center stage in these two episodes is Tom Cole, the egotistical yet ambitious surgeon caught in a tangled web of professional and personal dilemmas. On the career front, he gets an opportunity to connect with the esteemed Dr. Ruben Soriano, a reputed surgeon and mentor. However, his personal life takes a messy turn as he becomes deeply entangled with his patient, Nia Washington. This growing attachment causes cracks in his relationship with Cass, adding further tension to his already complicated life.

Professionally, Cole faces another challenge when he receives an invitation to a yacht party hosted by the influential plastic surgeon Dr. Hoffman. Seeing it as a valuable networking opportunity, he eagerly accepts—despite Cass’ warning that attending the event might upset Soriano. Ignoring the advice, he proceeds to the party, convinced it will bolster his career prospects. Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Cass meets with Nia, and their conversation delves deep into Cole’s character and choices. As the night unfolds, the latter’s condition deteriorates, prompting Soriano and Sophie to step in and provide urgent care. Sophie immediately informs Cole, who rushes back to the hospital, torn between personal obligations and professional responsibilities.

Upon Cole’s return, Cass confronts him about her meeting with Nia, further adding to his emotional turmoil. As he struggles to process the situation, it becomes evident that his choices are catching up with him. To make matters worse, Soriano subtly expresses disappointment over his decision to attend the yacht party, hinting at potential consequences for his career. With his personal and professional life spiraling out of control, Cole finds himself at a crossroads—one where every decision he makes can alter the course of his future.

Harper Gets Into an Altercation

The eighth episode of ‘Pulse’ brings a harrowing medical case to the forefront when baby Benny, a nine-month-old who is considerably underweight, is rushed to the hospital. Harper Simms is immediately drawn into the case, and her instincts as a doctor clash with the emotional weight of the situation. The baby’s condition is alarming—underweight and struggling to breathe—raising serious concerns about neglect. As Harper and the team work tirelessly to stabilize Benny, she begins questioning the parents about their child’s health and well-being. Her frustration grows when their vague responses fail to give clarity about Benny’s critical state.

Despite Harper’s attempts to convince them to keep the baby under medical care, the parents resist, seemingly in denial about the severity of the situation. The tension escalates when her persistence crosses a line, leading to a heated confrontation. Fueled by a mix of anger and desperation to protect Benny, she lashes out, demanding accountability. The argument turns physical when Danny steps in, further intensifying the scene. The explosive altercation shakes Harper, but her commitment to Benny remains unwavering. She proves herself to be a true professional by putting the kid’s life above everything else.