‘Pulse’ (2025) Netflix Series Review - Technically Solid, But Hesitant to Reach its Potential

Zoe Robyn, the creative force behind Pulse, teams up with veteran showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel, Five Days at Memorial) to craft a medical drama with an ethically charged premise. Set in the heart of Miami’s busiest Level 1 Trauma Center, the series follows a third-year resident who finds herself in an unexpected leadership position under less-than-ideal circumstances. She is temporarily promoted to chief resident, replacing the very superior she previously reported for sexual harassment. This twist sets the stage for an exploration of power dynamics in the workplace, particularly within the high-stakes, hierarchical world of medicine.

With her colleagues eyeing her with skepticism rather than support, the protagonist faces an uphill battle. She must not only earn the respect of those around her but also prove her mettle in the ER—an already pressure-cooker environment made even more chaotic by the arrival of a destructive storm. The premise promises a compelling blend of professional resilience and personal reckoning, but Pulse ultimately struggles to capitalize on its potential fully.

The show’s strongest moments come in its depiction of emergency medicine. The frantic energy of trauma cases, the delicate balance between life and death, and the raw emotional toll of the job are all vividly captured. The storm acts as both a literal and figurative force of nature, escalating the tension in ways that should work seamlessly with the protagonist’s internal conflict. However, as the narrative unfolds, Pulse sidesteps the more nuanced discussion of workplace harassment, reducing what could have been a complex character-driven arc into a backdrop for medical crises.

Instead of delving deeper into the emotional and professional ramifications of reporting misconduct, especially in an industry notorious for its rigid hierarchy, the show treats it as little more than a career hurdle. The protagonist’s struggle to gain credibility feels divorced from the weight of her past experiences, leaving the central conflict underdeveloped. As a result, Pulse misses an opportunity to add meaningful discourse to a workplace issue that is particularly relevant in high-stakes environments like hospitals.

That said, the performances keep Pulse engaging. The lead actress delivers a solid portrayal of a doctor navigating skepticism, exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt. The supporting cast, while occasionally relegated to stock character roles, still manages to bring warmth and humor to the ER’s otherwise relentless atmosphere. Visually, the series leans into a gritty realism, with handheld camerawork and dim lighting reinforcing the chaos of the emergency department.

Despite its promising setup, Pulse ultimately plays it too safe. The medical drama elements deliver tension and urgency, ensuring that the show remains watchable, but its handling of workplace harassment—a storyline that could have set it apart—lacks depth and conviction. Instead of engaging with the difficult realities of speaking out in a rigid professional hierarchy, the series reduces the protagonist’s conflict to a mere subplot, allowing it to fade into the background. This reluctance to fully engage with its most compelling theme results in a series that, while technically solid and entertaining, feels hesitant to embrace its own potential. Viewers looking for an intense medical drama will find plenty of high-stakes moments, but those hoping for a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics may walk away unsatisfied.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times