Episode 4 of Season 1 of "Pulse" kicks off with Danny perched on the rooftop, the remnants of the hurricane still evident all around. As a helicopter approaches, loaded with more injured souls, the focus shifts to Hank, a volunteer firefighter who bore the brunt of debris while exiting a building.
Meanwhile, Vero, fortunately, has regained stability and is back on ventilators, thanks to the restored power. However, the picture isn't as rosy for numerous other patients. The aftermath of the hurricane has left the hospital wards brimming with patients, with many more lying helplessly in the hallways. Danny, now in the Chief's shoes, navigates from one patient to another, striving to maintain order amidst the disarray.
Yet, the whispers among the other doctors and nurses reveal a different story – one about Danny and her troubles, which only serves to hinder their cooperation. Moreover, Danny has been intentionally avoiding Harper amidst this crisis.
In steps Lucy Broussard, arriving just in time to seize control of the chaotic scene. She berates Danny for failing to take charge effectively and promptly sets about organizing the mess. Danny, determined to redeem herself, provides an overview of the patients but finds herself in the dark about specific care details, including an eerily empty room that was cleared out mere minutes ago. This lack of communication among staff members is glaringly apparent and paints a grim picture.
Broussard reinforces their creed of "treat 'em and street 'em," emphasizing the dire need for enhanced leadership within the hospital. From what we've witnessed thus far, Danny's performance leaves much to be desired.
Amidst the turmoil, Danny seeks solace in the break room with Elijah, who's astonished by her secret year-long living arrangement with Phillips. She labels it "complicated," hinting at her lingering doubts about her former love.
Elsewhere in the hallway, Cole examines Danny's patient with a cut leg and discovers a distressing diagnosis: necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria necessitating immediate surgery. Amputation might be inevitable, but the patient, relying on his leg for work, steadfastly refuses. Cole conveys these concerns to Soriano, who commends him for stepping up to the plate under pressure.
Amidst the turmoil, Cole finds himself receiving the icy treatment from Cass, who is consumed by jealousy over Cole's growing closeness to Nia. Inevitably, their interactions turn flirtatious, culminating in a kiss. Separately, a saga unfolds between Camila and Chan, sparked by the intern's ponytail—a hairstyle adopted out of necessity due to the hurricane, unbeknownst to her that Chan sports a similar look. This misunderstanding leads to a rift between them, only to be mended towards the episode's close. Elsewhere in the hallway, Hank gasps for breath, beckoning Danny for assistance, only to find her absent. Emotions flare in front of Broussard as Danny scolds Hank, asserting that he is not entitled to special treatment and must wait his turn. Hank reluctantly submits, retreating to his bed. However, the delay proves fatal, as Hank ultimately succumbs to his condition. Danny, as usual, retreats from the team, prompting Harper's visit. Danny, still bitter, blames her sister for escalating the Phillips situation to HR. Displeased, Harper leaves her sister to grapple with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, the ER begins to calm, with Luis noting the unoccupied chairs in the waiting area—a testament to Cruz's efficiency in reallocating surgical nurses and beds. Broussard, acknowledging Phillips' readiness for discharge, also commends Danny for her commendable efforts.
Broussard escorts Danny into the Chief Resident's office, highlighting her remarkable achievement of guiding the entire emergency department through a treacherous hurricane. However, I can't help but wonder which narrative she's been watching; wasn't it Phillips who rose to the occasion, meticulously organizing the team while Danny struggled to compose herself, ultimately isolating herself in rooms to grapple with her emotions? Regardless, Broussard is in awe of Danny's prowess and urges her to cease concerning herself with the sentiments of others. Danny inquiries about the accusations leveled against Phillips, but Broussard neither acknowledges nor dismisses them, leaving Danny to grapple with them alone. As they depart, Broussard expresses her respect for Danny.
Meanwhile, Danny opts to unwind in the Chief Resident's office, while Phillips is officially exonerated and heads home. He warns Danny, however, to steer clear of Broussard's manipulations.
The episode's flashbacks transport us nine months earlier, where Phillips and Danny continue their professional collaboration and wind down over drinks. At the venue, Danny publicly berates Phillips in front of their colleagues, branding him as a mere personality hire and generally irritating him.
In private, however, Phillips and Danny confess their mutual attractions, leading to a passionate encounter in the car.
Returning to the present, it seems evident that Broussard is toying with Phillips, virtually confirming that nothing untoward transpired with those girls, albeit the true nature of the events remains shrouded in mystery. It appears that Phillips did commit some indiscretion, the specifics of which are being obscured, but precisely what remains unclear.
