THE PITT pulled the plug back a little, allowing audiences to take a moment to catch their breath. Thank you. I needed a deep one before a lung collapses. I hope one of the brilliant doctors at the Pittsburgh Emergency Trauma Center catches it before it’s too late. The writers made even the “changing of the guard” compelling and compassionate. Bravo.
This episode triggered many horrible memories from my son’s childhood. The terror of trying to keep asthma in check will always haunt Aaron and me. I can’t tell you the number of times I would have to race to the ER in the middle of the night, carrying my son in my arms, because he could not breathe. I used to watch him desperately suck on his inhaler or his “magical, miracle, machine” just to get to the next minute. “I was scared.” Thank goodness some doctors and nurses sensed our fears and cared deeply. I will never forget them. They saw us on “our worst days.” THE PITT captured all of this with intention and loving authenticity.
THE PITT also brought up the hero complex that can fuel and fail the finest medical personnel everywhere. It is not easy to think that “only you” can save the masses. Dr. Robby and the brutally honest Dana prove this human flaw time and again. I am in awe of their subtlety, anger, and tenacity, never to let go of each other. “You don’t always get everything right the first time.”
THE PITT holds a mirror up and allows us to see each other clearly and succinctly for who we are, even at those times when we don’t recognize ourselves.
It is streaming on HBO MAX.
