The Pittis the latest streaming sensation that further highlights the appeal of the weekly episode format. Premiering earlier in the year, the series follows a group of senior attendings, residents, interns and medical students throughout fifteen hours of a single shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital.
Celebrated for itsearnest depiction of life in the medical field, the series also received strongly positive reception for the colorful characters that balance their devotion to their patients with their own mental health and an alleviating humor that offers moments of brevity in the midst of panic and grief.
As much as the multiple operations matter,The Pittis largely a character-drivendramawith authenticity as a basis. Additionally, characters like Matteo Diaz (Jalen Thomas Brooks), Kiara Alfaro (Krystel V. McNeil), and Dr. Jack Abbott (Shawn Hatosy), already providing much-needed touching and hilarious moments alike, serve as more of a testament to the hospital staff’s attentiveness, compassion, and dedication. Sifting through one of the best recent examples of an ensemble cast makes sense, so let’s go through the show’s most likable characters and what unique spark they bring, not only to the hospital but to television.
10Dr. Langdon
Played by Patrick Ball
Dr. Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball) is introduced in the premiere as an experienced yet arrogant professional. Throughout various procedures, fans can count on him to be quick on his feet, both with knowledge of how to best care for the patient, but also quick with jabs towards peers like Dr. Garcia (Alexandra Metz). As the shift persists, Langdon becomes the center of controversy following a series of clashes with Dr. Santos (Isa Briones), culminating in the revelation of his addiction to pain medicine, and subsequent suspension.
A Prickly Yet Powerful Player
Patrick Ball does a phenomenal job capturing Langdon’s earnestness, openness to improve, as well as his temper, standing as one of the best performances of the initial season. From time spent encouraging and learning from Dr. King (Taylor Dearden), and for better or for worse, his one-on-one follow-ups with Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle), it is evident that Langdon is great at his job and has the capacity to improve. Even with his confrontations with Santos, he clearly recognizes arrogance as a hindrance to the health and security of the patients and crew. With a nuanced yet healthy approach to the revelation of his experience with addiction, as well as, a second chance, forgetting Langdon would be illogical.
9Dr. Santos
Played by Isa Briones
Dr. Trinity Santos enters the Pittsburg Trauma Medical Hospital with a bravado that is both refreshing and overwhelming. Throughout the harrowing 15-hour shift, Santos relies on her wit to help patients to the best of her ability. Furthermore, her humor ranges from morbidly humorous to insulting, frequently ridiculing Whitaker (Gerran Howell) and Javadi (Shabana Azeez) for their shortcomings, no matter the severity of the issue at hand. Her central conflict with Langdon, however, illuminates audiences to the complexities of Santos, making it difficult to simply praise her as an unsung hero or discard her.
An Icarus-Like Figure Unlocked
Whether it be her striking fear into the heart of a patient accused of abuse or her discernment of a questionable amount of Librium left for a patient, Santos has a strong sense of justice. Valuing the well-being of her patients, combined with her strong interest in exploring and progressing further in the medical field, Santos also exhibits a worrying level of impatience and lack of restraints. Despite her heart being in the right place, Santos frequently crosses boundaries, be it with her patients or her peers. In spite of this, Briones' portrayal highlights the imperative complexities that make Santos an admirable addition.
Where You’ve Seen the Cast of ‘The Pitt’ Before
With an extensive cast, viewers will certainly recognize the show’s actors and actresses from numerous other television shows and films.
8Victoria Javadi
Played by Shabana Azeez
Introduced as a 20-year-old genius, Victoria Javadi comes in with a keen interest in proving herself worthy of being employed at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. Partly influenced by the presence of and pressure from her mother, Dr. Eileen Shamsi, Victoria, sets out to carve her own reputation. Aside from her astute examination of patients, as well as her ability to empathize with others, Victoria brings an alleviating humor to the series.
The Gen-Z Genius with Many Faces
Shabana Azeez’s particular use of facial expressions and tone contributes immensely to the authenticity and admiration viewers have of Victoria. Whenever the hospital is in a frenzy, audiences can count on Victoria to have one of the funniest reactions without saying a single word. Furthermore, watching Victoria’s confidence build up throughout the season is a rewarding and relatable experience for anyone dealing with impostor syndrome despite their talents, while also hitting close to home for anyone from sheltered, immigrant backgrounds.
7Dana Evans
Played by Katherine LaNasa
As much as maintaining the stability of the hospital is a collective effort, Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) remains uniquely essential to the day-by-day operations. As the charge nurse, Dana directs doctors to patients in hopes of getting as many people evaluated, medicated, and healed. Furthermore, Dana also serves as a reliable confidante, offering Dr. Robby, Dr. Collins, and the various medical students the advice and consideration they need to power through the day and save as many people as possible.
The Mitochondria of This Medical Universe
Through Dana, audiences learn of the trials and tribulations of a charge nurse. As depicted later in the season, they are some of the first people to come face to face with disgruntled patients who physically take their anger out on hospital staff. In spite of her unique and shared struggles, Dana remains dependable. LaNasa carries herself with a unique openness, with Dana serving as the most approachable character in the series. With a balance between her unique predicaments as a charge nurse as well as her involvement in the flow of the hospital shift, Dana will surely remain a familiar and enjoyable face to spot onThe Pitt.
6Dennis Whitaker
Played by Gerran Howell
Whitaker is just one of many awkward doctors inThePitt.However,he also stands as one of the most charming. The youngest brother in a large family, Whitaker radiates a meekness developed by years of being the receiver of ridicule from his older brothers. Initially appearing in his clumsiness as well as his guilt, much of the first season sees Whitaker slowly develop his confidence. In fact, some of his most embarrassing moments set the foundation for equally rewarding moments, as seen in his handling of the hospital’s rat issue and his expertise in dealing with a psychiatric patient referred to as “The Kraken”.
The Dark Horse of ‘The Pitt’
Whitaker emerges as one of the strongest examples ofThe Pitt’s stellar characterization. Much like Azeez, Gerran Howell relies on evocative facial expressions and choreography that perfectly captures Whitaker’s shyness. Moreover, his physical displays of discomfort are juxtaposed with fast-paced operations where Whitaker proves himself to be witty and quick on his feet, especially when a close-by tragedy threatens to overwhelm the hospital. It is during those dire moments that Whitaker proves to be a great source of motivation and a reliable provider of much-needed care.
5Dr. Collins
Played by Tracy Ifeachor
Dr. Heather Collins, portrayed by Tracy Ifeachor, is introduced as a resourceful and dependable senior resident. Throughout her shift, Collins remains attentive to the various patients under her care, even at the expense of her personal health. As audiences follow Collins, they also become privy to her pregnancy journey and the complex combination of excitement, trauma, and fear that is introduced into her life.
A Masterclass in Resourcefulness and Regulation
When people argue that knowledge conquers fear, Dr. Collins embodies that assertion the best, for the most part. Be it for her sound advice to hopefuls like Dr. Mohan, witty back-and-forth conversations with someone as close as Dr. Robby, and her instrumental insight during episodes like “5:00 PM”, Dr. Collins makes it her mission to prioritize the well-being of her patients, while also remaining generally kind. However, just like any human being, Collins also deals with the damaging effects of carrying immense pressure, especially as her pregnancy journey continues.
One of many great examples of complex characterization, Ifeachor offers audiences a subtle yet ultimately realistic look into defining and mundane moments for black women in medicine. Qualities such as her relative calmness and discernment are imperative to the success and security of the hospital and should be commended as such. But through Ifeachor’s performance, best depicted in morose moments alone, viewers also witness how preconceived notions of blackness and black femininity have informed Collins of the limited choices she is allowed to make, even if they are conjured in good faith.
4Dr. McKay
Played by Fiona Dourif
Known for her adept ability to connect with and alleviate patients of their anxiety, her discernment, and her observational approach to dealing with medical emergencies, Dr. Cassie McKay (Fiona Dourif) makes quite the first impression. As knowledgeable as McKay is, what makes her an excellent part of the staff is her ability to also receive similar criticism to varying degrees, as seen through her discussions with Victoria and Dr. Collins respectively. Moreover, while her sense of justice aligns with Dr. Santos, she has the experience and the tact to go about tricky situations with a similar urgency but through more responsible methods, even if they are not always successful.
Insight and Experience, Personified
Providing audiences with hilarious lines of her own, Dourif’s range gives light to McKay’s complicated past. Given her role as a single mother, her experience with violent men from her past, as well as her journey as someone who has lived with addiction, McKay carries a compelling set of lived experiences that many people can identify with. Furthermore, by bringing her insight to work, she is one of the many characters that implores her superiors, peers, and viewers to make note of their implicit biases, best represented in her conflict with Dr. Robby over the treatment of troubled youth David Saunders (Jackson Kelly).
3Dr. Samira Mohan
Played by Supriya Ganesh
Introduced in the premiere, Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) makes it her purpose to affirm her patients, listening to them and going the extra mile to ensure that they do not feel isolated, overlooked, or neglected. Whether it be her vouching for Joyce (Ashley Romans), a woman who’s suffering from sickle cell disease and was misidentified as a case of drug withdrawal, to her care of an influencer reeling from the effects of mercury exposure, Mohan brings a necessary compassion and dedication that creates a satisfying trifecta when combined with her knowledge. As the series persists, Dr. Mohan finds herself juggling a desire to help the patients to the best of her ability while meeting hospital standards.
Striking the Perfect Balance
Ganesh’s portrayal allows audiences to understand the bountiful consideration doctors can have for patience. With someone as socially aware as Dr. Mohan on call, there’s an extra layer of security that patients feel. Despite the pervasive belief that her attentiveness slows her down, Dr. Mohan continues to be dependable for both her team and patients, illuminating both with the wide range of information she has collected in her personal and professional life.
2Dr. Robby
Played by Noah Wyle
The face of the series, Dr. Michael Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) gives audiences a mesmerizing, close look at multiple stories: a story of grief, hope, frustration, and leadership. Throughout the series, audiences have the privilege of seeing Dr. Robby as the insightful leader that he is, as well as someone still reeling from a close loss and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this 15-hour shift, Dr. Robby attempts to mitigate his grief and frustration while also being present in his instruction of students as well as his examination of patients, even if some predicaments seemunrealistic to certain medical professionals.
A Truly Captivating Paragon of Medicine, and Life
Harnessing the viewer’s familiarity with loss and the COVID-19 pandemic and relying on his prior experience, most notably onER, Noah Wyle commands attention with an astonishing understanding of human emotions and how those are exacerbated during stressful situations like the countless Dr. Robby finds himself. The first season sees a lot of myth-making in motion. While the idolization of Dr. Robby is expected and warranted. It not only comes with near-suffocating pressure, but also does a disservice to the people around him, who aim to help him improve in the same manner he hopes of his team.
‘The Pitt’s Noah Wyle Addresses His Character’s Heartbreaking Meltdown Ahead of Season Finale
Noah Wyle talks about that recent harrowing scene in ‘The Pitt’ where Dr. Robby loses it.
1Dr. Mel King
Played by Taylor Dearden
Dr. Mel King (Taylor Dearden) initially appears with an optimistic glow, elated to join the team. Despite the harrowing situations the team finds itself in, Mel seems formidable, offering answers and advice with an impressive quickness. However, it would be remiss of anyone watching to assume that she is impenetrable. Throughout the season, her kindness gets tested but never erodes, even when it seems that her confidence falters.
Proof of a Better Future
Dearden brings her best yet in her portrayal of Dr. King. Her enthusiasm and well-forged connections with characters like Dr. Langdon and Dr. Mohan are just as satisfying to watch as it is to witness the immense care she has for her sister throughout the season. Furthermore, Dearden’s own neurodivergency largely informs her portrayal of Mel.
When discussing the strongly positive reception of her character, Dearden picked up on Mel’s experience and identified with her easily due to her experience living with ADHD and autism.Aspiring to inject realism into the performance,Dearden eloquently explores how characters who are considered to be neurodivergent have been portrayed and juxtaposes said performances to her aspirations with Mel. “We’re not robots,” she proclaims, and she succeeds in offering audiences a character that projects the greatness of humanity and the might of kindness back onto them.
