Pulse: The Next Grey’s Anatomy

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Comparing medical dramas to Grey’s Anatomy feels almost inevitable, given that Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, truly set the tone for the genre. There’s no denying a hint of her character in Dr Danny Simms, a third-year medical student at Maguire Medical Centre on Netflix’s Pulse.

Speaking as a passionate cinephile, I find myself captivated by the leading role of Danny (Willa Fitzgerald), a brilliant and devoted individual, who also happens to be an exceptional doctor. Intriguingly, she finds herself embroiled in a complex predicament involving her superior resident, Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell).

Thus far, Grey’s Anatomy echoes its earlier dynamics between Meredith and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). However, the power dynamic is subtly complex, and the main characters exhibit distinct personalities from their predecessors.

Notably, unlike Meredith who was often referred to as a “chaser” due to her persistent pursuit of Derek, Danny has consistently been cautious about entering a romantic relationship with Xander, even though they share an undeniable connection. This caution stems from her awareness that such a relationship might potentially interfere with her professional endeavors.

Despite failing to understand Danny’s viewpoint, Xander persistently presses and follows him, eventually leading Danny into a corner where his firm ‘no’ turns into a hesitant ‘yes’ due to being trapped in an unyielding predicament.

In comparison to Grey’s Anatomy, Pulse offers a unique depiction of a senior doctor and junior student relationship that is significantly more complex and layered, providing an in-depth exploration of the subject matter.

Instead of following the usual ‘Me Too’ storylines often depicted on screen, this series thoughtfully explores the impact of hidden prejudices related to gender, wealth, and status in workplaces. It shows how working in male-dominated environments presents unique challenges for women, as demonstrated by characters like Dr Cruz and Danny.

Just like other popular shows in its genre, such as Scrubs and ER, this series excels by combining workplace romances and relationships with dramatic medical crises.

In a more casual and engaging manner, the storylines involving Cole (Jack Bannon) and his paramedic-turned-patient Nia (Ash Santos), Sophie (Chelsea Muirhead) and Camila (Daniela Nieves)’s growing friendship, as well as Harper (Jessy Yates) and Danny’s sibling spats, offer a captivating mix of drama and humor that will keep you hooked.

Fundamentally, the show revolves around complex, imperfect friendships, such as Danny’s bond with Harper, which holds equal importance to her romantic connection with Xander. The heartwarming exploration of friendship strength and affection in Pulse adds depth, evoking a sense of camaraderie reminiscent of Meredith’s tight-knit relationships with Christina, George, and Izzie in the early years of Grey’s Anatomy.

But it’s not just the staff dynamics which are spotlighted.

Choosing to effortlessly switch between Spanish and English reflects the large Hispanic and Latino populations in Florida, thereby enhancing the authenticity and deepening the bond between the hospital team and their patients on the show.

90s and 2000s medical dramas typically featured mostly white actors, but Pulse strives for diversity to better reflect society. However, it’s important to note that everyone remains strikingly attractive – Dr Sam Elijah (Jessie T Usher) and Xander take on the roles of McDreamy and McSteamy counterparts.

As a die-hard fan of Grey’s, I’d say this ten-part series delivers the crème de la crème! You’ve got an impressive cast that plays off each other brilliantly, medical emergencies that keep you on the edge of your seat, characters with depth, love triangles, and conflicts that tug at your heartstrings – all set against the backdrop of a hospital pushed to its limits. However, it steers clear of the over-the-top storylines (like George and Meredith… come on now!), opting for a more realistic approach. The high-stakes drama is reserved for the patients, not the actors themselves.

It’s pleasant to note that none of the characters are portrayed as flawless individuals, and the trainee doctors aren’t shown as instant life-savers. Instead, many medical students struggle with sleep deprivation, self-doubt, and it takes them until the end of the season, with Dr Cruz (Justina Machado) providing constant encouragement, to recognize even a fraction of their potential.

Pulse offers a unique twist on a familiar formula, seamlessly blending its extensive elements. Ranging from the confinement of a pandemic-like hospital setting, the destruction caused by a severe hurricane, workplace mistreatment, and friendships tested by professional rivalry, there’s an abundance of tension and calamity, yet it never feels overwhelming.

Although people may draw comparisons and liken it to Grey’s Anatomy, it’s important to recognize that it stands on its own merit and kickstarts an exhilarating journey for a potential ongoing medical series.

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2025-04-03 18:35