Review: The Pitt, "8:00 PM" | Season 2, Episode 14

Using familial terms to describe relationships with co-workers is fairly common. Given how much time the PTMC staff spend together on a day-to-day basis, it is understandable why characters in leadership roles are assigned parental monikers. It is a setting with a clearly defined hierarchy, and The Pitt leans into using family dynamics to highlight the fraying bonds. I came close to writing “mom and dad are fighting” during Robby and Dana’s first big blow-up because that how it feels to watch them go at each other.

Throughout the season, patient stories offer a jumping-off point for addressing or highlighting parallels to personal issues. Because her mother works at the hospital, Victoria has the opportunity to tackle gnawing problems head-on. For Mohan, her mom's constant phone calls negatively impact her ability to do her job. Other links to parents are symbolic, like Abbot saying Dana is the “mama bear glue that holds this place together.” Dana’s face crumples immediately upon hearing this, demonstrating that this household is at a breaking point.

Pop culture also comes into play during these comparisons, with Ellis referencing Rumble Fish when talking to Langdon about his first day back: “Now you won’t have Motorcycle Boy to big brother you.” Since the conversation on the roof, Langdon’s interactions with Robby have been work-related. Similar to Robby needing Dana to spell things out to him in the ambulance bay, Langdon requires assistance. “I worked with that man for 10 months while you were gone. He’s not mad at you. He’s mad at himself for failing you, Rusty James,” says Ellis. It is something we already know, but without hearing this, I don’t know if Langdon would have the confidence to take a leap of faith during a nerve-shredding procedure. What is abundantly clear is that the night shift team is not stuck in a cycle of drama. “Just more white knight/white noise,” Ellis concludes to a still befuddled Langdon.