Very few series can introduce an entirely new subset of characters — or ones we’ve barely met — so late in the season and still leave us as thrilled as when the Avengers assembled in Endgame.
Naturally, The Pitt pulls it off, as it does everything else. This series is an unstoppable force, a masterclass in delivering on every front.
Somehow, The Pitt crafts characters you instantly connect with, even as they navigate the most high-stakes, nerve-wracking situations.
Sure, Santos is polarizing, and Langdon benefits from “pretty privilege” while making questionable choices. But overall, The Pitt is a showcase of complex, compelling characters trying to survive the most nerve-wracking situations ever.
Goodness, it’s only been ONE SHIFT.
Noah Wyle cemented his Emmy-worthiness the second he opened his mouth in the first episode. Seriously, give that man ALL the Emmys.
Robby is the heart and soul of The Pitt. He’s this overworked, stressed-out, grieving, competent man who still exudes so much compassion, intelligence, and integrity.
He’s as close to a superhero as one can get while still heartbreakingly human, embodying every message The Pitt conveys about frontline workers.
Through these 11 episodes, we’ve grown attached to this core cast as they tackle one medical crisis after another.
Dana feels like family. The interns? Impossible to choose a favorite — protect them at all costs!
And then, nearing the final stretch, The Pitt somehow succeeds at bringing in an influx of new faces who, in mere minutes, feel as integral as those we’ve followed all season.
How does this show create fully realized, deeply compelling, viscerally human characters in minutes?
Because now, the question becomes, how do we get to spend more time with these other shift characters?
We can likely anticipate a similar concept of a full season representing a shift next season. There’ll likely be a time jump, too.
We can have most of the same characters we already have in the first season at different stages in their careers to the point where we sense and can see the character development.
But it also means they can explore some of these new faces if they switch shifts or focus on a new one –assuming they all make it.
Considering that there’s only one hour remaining in the shift and a few episodes remaining, it’s the perfect setup for a handoff as things kick into overdrive (and overtime). Is this a deliberate choice?
Because after introducing many of these new characters, I’m not ready to let any of them go just yet.
From the moment she stepped into the fray, Walsh exuded confidence that instantly reassures you. She’s calm, collected, and thrives under pressure.
She followed Robby’s lead effortlessly, proving she’s precisely the type of person you want in a crisis. The Pitt needs more of her.
I’d trust that woman with my life on sight because she commands the room, which makes her an effortless asset and ally for Robby as chaos erupts around them.
In five minutes of screen time, Ellis was one of the most relatable characters yet.
Her “Put me in, Coach” energy was as telling as her quiet “Help” when she realized how overwhelming the situation was. She’s terrified, sure, but she steps up anyway — and that takes guts. Who wouldn’t want to see that type of earnest, honest resilience again?
And then there’s Ken Kirby‘s Shen, whose calm, collectedness comes across as passive indifference.
The man shows up with an iced coffee as if it’s just another day, and they’re not about to see some of the worst of humanity’s sins at influx in seconds. American runs on Dunkin’, so does John Shen.
At first glance, Shen’s laid-back, borderline indifferent attitude seemed problematic and concerning for Robby. But then he expertly calls colors like a pro, is collected under fire, and his deadpan demeanor is revealed to be a coping mechanism.
All he needs is an iced coffee and a cause, and he’s locked in — beast mode, baby!
There is no way the series could introduce such dynamic characters for the last stretch and not keep them, right?
Abbot’s return sealed the deal.
His introduction in the premiere was him contemplating stepping off the roof’s ledge after his own harrowing shift.
His epic return builds on that and knocks it out of the park. When he walks back into that hospital, Robby’s face lights up. He’s visibly relieved that his best friend, his brother-in-arms, is back in the trenches with him. Their hug alone is enough to move anyone to tears.
Then, Abbot reminded us exactly why he’s an indispensable BADASS.
The man practices medicine like it’s a high-stakes sport.
His combat medic training shines through every move he makes. He’s unshakable, prepared for anything, and the person you want by your side when things go south.
Abbot is a freaking rockstar. Like Robby, he fights through his own darkness and demons to be that way, which makes him equally compelling and human.
Fortunately, Abbot will likely appear in the sophomore season. He’s a great character, and his chemistry with Robby is too delicious not to be explored further.
Plus, it’s Shawn Hatosy.
I would happily watch that man recite the freaking White Pages. You know, if they still existed.
On a show like The Pitt, where even its B-Team, is the freaking A-Team, we definitely need more of them, right?
Over to you, Pitt Fanatics!
Did the newbies make an impression on you, too? Would you love to see more? sound off below!
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