The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6 continues the series’ trend of mixing some really heartbreaking and tense moments in with some genuinely hilarious ones. And, as always, we really do need the laughs wherever we can get them, what with Kristi’s mom still trying to force her to carry a fetus to term, Dr. Santos stabbing Dr. Garcia in the foot (accidentally but still mortifying!), and the gutting scenes with Nick Bradley’s parents. Although, what is funny to one person might not exactly qualify as a joke to another. That’s something we’ve seen with Dr. Santos’ mean girl “jokes” all along. Here, though, Javadi doesn’t exactly find her mom’s little teaching opportunity all that entertaining, while Dr. McKay really enjoys her student’s reaction to the whole situation.
(It’s possible that at least one viewer is also guilty of having a good laugh at the situation…or maybe just enjoyed seeing Dr. McKay so thrilled while also rescuing Javadi with a fake phone call. Just saying.)
MORE: What were our initial impressions of this show? Read our reviews of The Pitt Season 1 Episode 1 and The Pitt Season 1 Episode 2.
“Oh, it never gets easier”
Up until now, Dr. Robby has let Nick Bradley’s parents have a little bit of hope and, kind of, slowly prepare themselves for the news of their son’s death. Arguably, some part of them has known for at least a couple of hours now. Possibly, even, John has clung to his denial a little bit less forcefully than Lily has. Nobody has said anything to that effect; rather, something in Brandon Keener and Samantha Sloyan’s incredible performances has hinted at it. But in The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6, when that cerebral profusion scan comes back, there’s no plausible doubt left — the Bradleys’ son is dead. Even though our journeys with Dr. Robby have made us aware of this since pretty much the beginning, that final confirmation still hurts. Because it hurts Robby and, much more profoundly, it hurts Nick’s parents.
Much like with Mr. Spencer’s death in Episode 4, we have no choice — Robby has no choice — but to sit and bear witness to Nick’s loved ones’ pain. And, everything is just handled so incredibly beautifully. Quietly, as well, with a dreadful awe, really. Away from all the buzzing chaos, the high life-and-death stakes of the swamped ER. Just as before, winding a family’s story down in its own, isolated space is extremely effective. As in, everything about it just works. From the grieving parents’ simultaneous hurt, acceptance, and shock, to the camera’s perspective, to that silence and tension in the room, to Robby’s discomfort — it works.
And, if we go back to the very first episode of this series, it seems as if Robby’s explanation of how the staff at this hospital deals with each loss of life was about more than some fictional doctor addressing the newcomers in his world. At least from where we’re sitting now, it looks like the writers might have also been speaking to their audience, letting viewers know we were in for a gut-wrenching sort of storytelling around each patient’s passing. Death comes for us all; in an emergency department, it’s going to risk becoming so routine as to be meaningless. Nobody’s letting that happen on this series, though. And we appreciate that effort because the reality is that once a life has touched our own in some way, its absence bears a certain weight. One that’s similar to other losses — yet uniquely its own.
Perhaps the single most lasting image from The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6 is one of the most simple, human ones: Robby, placing his hand atop the Bradleys’ clasped ones in a moment of comfort. Even with everything he has to get back to — with the many times he hasn’t had a second to treat one patient because of the new emergency with another, or to use the bathroom because someone or something needs him — he makes that briefest of delays here. He may not know this exact grief, but he does know grief. He shares in it, especially on this horrible anniversary.
Then, to have to find a way to almost immediately put that aside and be all cheery and flirty for Ginger as soon as he leaves that room…well. Let’s just say we don’t think we’d be able to do it. But we’re glad for the sound of her laughter, even as she doesn’t yet realize her daughter abandoned her, just the same.
MORE: What did we think of Mr. Spencer’s final episode? Read our The Pitt Season 1 Episode 4 review.
“Kinda makes me sad”
We haven’t talked about our love for Mel in a minute, and we barely ever give Dana the recognition she deserves. Well, we can fix both of those at once because The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6 brings these two characters together in a really lovely way. As we see at the beginning of the “12:00 P.M.” hour, Ginger’s sitting in a wheelchair, totally alone, ready to be discharged. But her daughter’s still missing — and Mel’s super anxious about it. Dr. King has no idea how to handle this and rushes through some combination of confessing her worries about the patient to Kiara…and beating herself up because she blames herself for Rita leaving. But as Kiara tells her, she can’t jump to the worst conclusions right away, and no matter what the outcome is here, it isn’t her fault. It’s a systemic problem, not a Mel problem.
Later, Dana finds her in the stairwell, still stressing out. And maybe Dana can’t fix this, but she does take some of the weight off Mel’s shoulders. Maybe, even, nobody can fix things. After all, if Rita really has abandoned Ginger, there’s no fixing that. On the other hand, Dana still just shows up, with so much empathy, and support, and wisdom. After Mel fills her in and says she thinks the situation’s kinda said, Dana validates those feelings, confirming that “it is sad.” Even so, she gives great advice: “…you can’t dwell on it. That’ll tear you apart. Taking some time to step away: that’s good. Don’t forget, your patient needs you.” And when Mel admits she doesn’t even know what to tell Ginger, that’s ok too. “You don’t have to have all the answers.”
The scene works so well not just because what Dana has to say is so important, but because there are so many little touches that add up to something that really hits us hard. We can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about either Taylor Dearden’s performance or Katherine LaNasa’s. But we do, however, know they bring something to the table stairwell that’s really special. We also would like to specifically highlight the moment when Dana moves closer to Mel and sits right next to her, yet maintains a boundary. She realizes this particular doctor probably doesn’t necessarily want to lean on her in a literal sense. So, the warmth’s there, as is the option to lean on her — but the pressure, and added discomfort, are both off.
Let’s be clear, though: Mel does get to lean on her emotionally here. And Mel’s emotions are so powerful, yet don’t quite get beyond that sense of simmering right beneath the surface either. Dana doesn’t force them to boil over, doesn’t put the fire out (so to speak). She only gives Dr. King what she needs. No more, no less. So, after that encouragement from Dana — that tiny bit of reassurance that it’s ok to be a little lost here — Mel is finally able to face Ginger. She admits that she doesn’t know where Rita is, but she promises she’s going to do what she can to find out.
Does it get Ginger safely home and into caring hands? No. But, at least, she gets a chance to ask for something to eat. She also now knows Mel’s looking out for her. And, going forward, Mel knows Dana will look out for her. Basically, what we’re saying here is: We could all use a Dana and a Mel.
MORE: We first met Ginger in The Pitt Season 1 Episode 5; a lot happened in that episode, too!
“You’re in good hands”
In The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6, things look like they’re about to get interesting between Dr. Santos and Dr. Garcia. “Spicy,” even, based on Garcia’s comment and Santos’…particularly thirsty look. After several hours of Garcia supporting the intern every step of the way, we would very much have been here for something happening by the end of the shift. But well, we’d say we’re probably going to have to put a pin in that — because Santos put a scalpel in Garcia’s foot.
This type of thing would mortify anyone, but it’s particularly awful for Dr. Santos. Sure, there’s clearly a thing there with Dr. Garcia. But even from a purely professional standpoint, this is someone who’s been nothing but supportive, even when others weren’t. Obviously, Dr. Garcia just gave her the opportunity to do the procedure she’s been dying to try all day, and earlier she told the patient he was “in good hands” with Dr. Santos. Additionally, when Robby brings up the risk of causing a tension pneumo, Garcia jumps right in and says Santos “won’t make the same mistake again.” But then, we can’t stress enough, Santos stabs her in the foot.
But eh. Garcia’s technically right, at least. This is, after all, not the same mistake. Just a much more careless and embarrassing one. Anyway!
The situation keeps getting worse for Dr. Santo because this time, she’s kinda got no one to stick up for her. Understandably, Dr. Garcia doesn’t provide the same support as she did after that previous mistake either. Instead, she gives Dr. Santos a pro-tip. A reminder, even: “You’re confident. That’s good. But there’s a fine line between confidence. And cockiness.” As we know, this isn’t the first time someone has had to explain that to her. Dr. Collins warned her about making sure to pair her confidence and ambition with respect and humility in The Pitt Season 1 Episode 3. And what was that conversation about? If you don’t remember, you might be able to guess: Santos was asking her if she could do…drum roll…a chest tube. So, the setup was there all along, whether we knew it or not.
Based on her reaction, and Dr. Garcia’s complete change in demeanor toward her after the fact, we’re hoping Dr. Santos has learned herself a lesson here. The reaction itself is like she’s some combination of frozen, horrified, and looking to crawl into a hole and die. Like the entire world has just…ended, really. You know that moment where your heart just seems like it’s completely still inside your chest, yet somehow, you’re still breathing — but not doing a great job at it? We can feel that radiating out of Isa Briones as Santos just stands there while Dr. Garcia finishes up the procedure. And, again, we get that breathless anxiety when she’s totally flustered and at a loss, rushing through following Dr. Garcia’s barked orders to assist her in suturing her own wound.
Which, side note? Totally bada—. And second? Just ouch. Petty on a level we kinda aspire to. Imagine being like, “I want you to know how much I don’t want you to touch me, so I’m going to sew up my own foot.” Talk about punishing Dr. Santos in the only way that might get through to her. We’d also like to point out that we see a very different side of our usually over-eager intern here. And we’d be willing to bet that lack of confidence is much more real than the mask of arrogance we’ve seen so far.
MORE: Check out our Isa Briones interview to get her perspective on this “nightmare” scenario for Dr. Santos.
More on The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6
- “This is Mrs. Wheeler. Kristi’s mother. Lynette is Kristi’s aunt.” Tracy Ifeachor’s delivery here is everything. Very much gives “proceed with caution. Oh, and I’m infuriated.” Meanwhile, there’s a brilliant shot of Robby standing in that doorway after he hears this news, looking like “oh, FML. Or, “record scratch. Freeze frame. Yep, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I got here.” It’d all be hilarious if this kid’s mother and people like her weren’t so infuriating.
- “Are you mean to everyone? Or just me.” “Just you.” See, now exchanges like this work — and don’t at all come across as actually mean — because there’s care there, with Dr. Langdon and Dana both willingly participating in the joke. Dr. Santos’ “jokes,” on the other hand…
- “Kristi should make her own decisions.” LOUDER.
- Everything about Noah Wyle’s performance makes us happy (except when it breaks us), but the amount of “OMG YES GO OFF” when Dr. Robby was openly hostile toward that
SynergixECQ America lady… - (That strikethrough part was an ER reference, for those who don’t know. Here’s another: Dr. Greene would be proud, Carter.)
- “This is bulls—t! You know this is bulls—t!” No, seriously. GO OFF KING.
- “And the rich just get richer.” “You need to practice more gratitude.” “I’d be a lot more grateful if my paycheck was bigger.” “That part.” OMG same.
- “Annnnnnnnd I’m focused on our patient.”
- “Seriously. What is wrong with you?” A question, Dr. Garcia. A. Ques. Tion.
- “She found the guy on TikTok. He did the injections in his living room…she thinks it was maybe silicone caulk from Home Depot.” Yikes.
- Not a “kids today” comment!
- “Still need 10 more of her.” Nothing but respect for my favorite doctor.
- “See? You do have patients that appreciate you,” as Myrna rolls past giving him the finger. The Pitt is totally going to get Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series, huh. I mean, if The Bear can…
- Dr. McKay is such a mom giving little baby Whitaker a snack and reminding him to pack his lunch next time.
- I kinda want to hate Dr. Santos, but it’s hard not to love her with the way she pops her head in between the two students here and how she always has a funny. I mean, sure. A funny at their expense and all, but…
- Langdon and Collins just cutting up when Robby gives his lecture. LOL.
- Obligatory “Collins and Robby!” comment. This time, we’re at “always appreciate your support” and “everybody likes you when they’re on morphine.”
- Poor Javadi. Kid was so uncomfortable, and her mom just kept quizzing her. Plus, the “Honey” pet name in a professional setting is a pet peeve of mine…really grateful that Dr. McKay found an excuse to get away.
- Whitaker, on the other hand, gets a gold star for his knowledge of medicine — and no stars for his (in)ability to read the room.
- “You just have that look on your face that my son gives me when I give his basketball team pointers from the sidelines.”
- “Who’s Captain Morgan?” She really is a baby doctor, huh.
- Cute of her to apologize for cussing, too.
- “I totally F—ed up.” “Tell me something I don’t know.”
- “Should I draw your blood?” “You already did.” Absolutely dead.
- “A woman should only have a child if she wants to.” LOUDER.
- Dr. Collins’ little smile in the background while Dillion’s mom mothers him…pretty sure this entire dynamic is not my lane. For what it’s worth, though, I found a very clear difference between this positive view of a very involved Black mom and how (I think ?) TV often frames that kind of relationship. Hope that makes sense. If not, I literally said nothing.
- “He is my heart in human form.”
- Also: Very interesting that Dr. Collins shares both her first name and her very fragile news about becoming a mom, “hopefully soon,” with Tina. It’s like this is a safe person who she knows will instantly get it.
- “ADF. Always Discharge First!” Um. It’s American Dance Festival for me but ok.
- “He could be out there hurting somebody.” Glad we didn’t magically drop this, still concerned. And Dr. McKay’s still right.
- “Is my brain like Swiss cheese? Am I dying?” Me when I try to write.
- …Robby’s really taking credit for McKay’s idea, huh.
- “Devastating personal loss can be very hard to manage on your own.” Dr. Carter would know. Chase? Lucy? Mmmhm.
- No but really what kind of mother makes such a snide remark about her daughter, who she’s forcing to carry a fetus she doesn’t want, needing medication for morning sickness? And who doesn’t even, like, pretend to comfort her when she vomits?
- “Haven’t you ever done anything stupid?” “No, not really.”
- Dr. Santos: Not doing great.
- Nick’s dad having to apologize for his wife’s outburst during the organ donor conversation, having to be there for her, and having no space to really let go of his own feelings right now…oof.
- The way Wyle’s demeanor changes the instant Robby starts reading that note…wow. Nobody needs to explain to us that the sandwiches came from someone who knew what day it was. (But poor Whitaker really has no idea what’s going on around him, so.)
- And here we have Kristi’s mom being the worst again. “That’s enough!” indeed.
- …just not enough of the show. We need to know what happens!
What did you think of The Pitt Season 1 Episode 6? Leave us a comment!
New episodes of The Pitt stream Thursdays at 9/8c on Max.
