WARNING: spoilers for The Pitt season 2 episode 7 ahead.
The tension between Drs. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) and Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) has been simmering throughout season two of The Pitt. While the show has softened the professional rivalry between them, the decision to prioritize procedural changes has created a significant vulnerability within Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. The latest episode reveals the consequences of that decision.
In season 2, episode 2 of The Pitt, Dr. Al-Hashimi proposed implementing an automated patient processing system. The goal was to streamline administrative tasks – note taking, organization, diagnosis, and treatment plans – and free up physicians to focus on patient care. While intended to improve efficiency, this initiative has now become the focal point of a potential security breach, leaving the entire hospital vulnerable.
By the end of season 2, episode 7, the entire hospital system has been shut down to prevent being targeted by a cyberattack. The practical implications of this shutdown remain unclear, but as of now, access to patient records – and even the location of patients within the building – is unavailable.
The timing of this cyberattack feels contrived, particularly given the powerful and emotionally resonant scene that immediately preceded it. The episode featured a particularly delicate and vulnerable moment involving a sexual assault victim and nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa). The narrative shift felt abrupt, diminishing the impact of a storyline that had been building for some time.
The Pitt season 2 episode 7’s cyber attack scare detracted attention from Dana’s sexual assault patient
Last week’s episode, season 2 episode 6, highlighted the humanity and empathy of the nursing staff, with Dana Evans at the forefront. This week, she was responsible for the care of a sexual assault victim, guiding her through the often-terrifying process from the moment she entered the emergency room.
The show accurately portrayed the victim’s fear and attempt to appear brave, rushing through the process as quickly as possible. Dana Evans provided the calm and reassuring presence needed in such a situation, speaking softly and explaining each step. Her response was precisely what a patient in that situation would hope for.
The episode depicted a moment where the patient began to panic, questioning whether to proceed with the assault kit examination because the assailant was “just a friend.” Dana’s unwavering support and understanding were crucial in navigating this complex emotional response. This portrayal offered a valuable, and rarely seen, depiction of the realities faced by victims of sexual assault.
Instead of allowing this powerful scene to resonate, the narrative abruptly shifted to the looming cyber threat. While a cyberattack is a realistic concern for modern healthcare facilities, its timing within the episode felt contrived, serving primarily as a cliffhanger. It’s a plot device that could have been deferred to a later episode, allowing the emotional weight of the assault victim’s experience to linger.
The introduction of the automated patient processing system in episode 2 foreshadowed this vulnerability. As reported by TVLine, the dynamic between Robby and Al-Hashimi is less about romantic tension and more about a power struggle as they navigate their roles within the emergency department. However, the episode’s strength lay in the portrayal of the sexual assault victim and Dana’s compassionate care.
The cyberattack, while a plausible threat, ultimately overshadowed a more important and nuanced storyline. It raises questions about the show’s priorities: prioritizing procedural drama over character-driven storytelling, a misstep for a series that has previously excelled at both. The hope is that future episodes will allow Dana Evans, her team, and her patients to receive the attention they deserve, not just for their professional dedication, but for their inherent humanity.
