HBO’s “The Pitt” continues to push boundaries in its unflinching portrayal of emergency medicine and its latest episode, “1:00 P.M.,” is no exception. The second season’s seventh installment tackles the sensitive and often-overlooked process of a sexual assault forensic exam, offering a detailed and remarkably respectful depiction of a procedure rarely seen with such nuance on television.
The episode centers on Ilana Miller (Tina Ivlev), a young woman seeking care after an assault that occurred at a barbecue with friends. As Ilana arrives in triage, Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) enlists Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) to assist charge nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa), who is the hospital’s only certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on duty during the holiday shift. The immediate need for a SANE underscores a critical issue within the healthcare system – the limited availability of trained professionals equipped to handle these delicate cases.
What sets “The Pitt” apart is its commitment to showing, not just telling. Before the exam begins, Dana provides a concise yet informative overview to a recent nursing school graduate, Emma (Laëtitia Hollard), and, crucially, to the audience. She explains the role of a SANE – performing forensic exams, collecting evidence for potential legal proceedings, and providing crucial support and resources to survivors. This upfront explanation demystifies the process and prepares viewers for what unfolds.
The creative team behind the episode, including co-writer Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman, deliberately aimed to highlight the vital work of SANEs and the bravery required of individuals navigating the aftermath of sexual assault. “We wanted to highlight the very important and incredible work of a SANE, especially in the department setting,” Pierre-Geyfman said. “And we also wanted to see the bravery it takes for a survivor to come forward, let alone do a rape kit.”
To ensure authenticity and sensitivity, the production team consulted with experts from the UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). Dr. Kathleen Sekula, a SANE at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, emphasized the importance of accurately portraying the scope of the exam, noting that it typically takes three to four hours to complete. “I wanted people to understand the extent of the exam, I think that’s a misconception among a lot of people,” Sekula explained.
The episode meticulously walks through the steps of the forensic exam, from the initial change into a hospital gown and the careful collection of evidence to the documentation of any injuries. Dana’s approach is characterized by a calm and methodical demeanor, consistently checking in with Ilana and respecting her agency throughout the process. The writing and direction deliberately avoid sensationalizing the trauma, focusing instead on the clinical aspects of the exam and the support provided by the medical staff.
Laëtitia Hollard, who plays Emma, noted the meticulous detail involved in the procedure, from the precise handling of evidence to the legal considerations surrounding the collection process. “On a technical level, it’s so meticulous,” Hollard said. “There’s so many parts, so many envelopes. You have to take these swabs and they can’t touch each other.”
Director Uta Briesewitz prioritized a sensitive visual approach, avoiding invasive camera angles and focusing on Dana’s mindful actions to protect Ilana’s privacy. The production team also employed an intimacy coordinator to ensure the comfort and safety of the actors during filming.
Katherine LaNasa’s portrayal of Dana is particularly compelling, informed by her character’s own history of trauma. Having been assaulted in a previous season, Dana’s approach to Ilana is layered with both professional expertise and a personal understanding of the emotional toll of such an experience. “With Dana’s arc and her own assault last season, she’s definitely calcified a little this season,” Pierre-Geyfman said. “She’s trying to create a little bit of distance between her and her patients, and is really trying to prioritize her nurse’s safety.”
The episode doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the situation. Ilana’s initial reluctance to proceed with the full exam, her questioning of the assault, and her concern about the impact on her social circle all feel authentically portrayed. “I don’t want a break, I want to stop,” Ilana states at a critical juncture, revealing the internal conflict and emotional turmoil she’s experiencing. The episode leaves Ilana’s decision regarding pressing charges unresolved, acknowledging that survivors need time and space to process their experiences and make informed choices.
“The Pitt” isn’t simply presenting a medical procedure; it’s offering a nuanced and compassionate look at the human experience of sexual assault and the critical role of healthcare professionals in providing support and care. LaNasa hinted at the lasting impact of this case on Dana, suggesting that it will continue to inform her work and advocacy throughout the season. “We’re going to hear Dana, later in the season, refer back to this process that these people have to go through, in defense of a sexual assault victim,” she said. “It’s big on her mind. She’s been doing it quite a while.”
By tackling this difficult subject matter with sensitivity and accuracy, “The Pitt” continues to solidify its reputation as a medical drama that is both compelling and socially responsible.
