The Pitt Season 2 Episode 10, “4:00 PM” Review: Robbie’s Harsh Leadership Methods Are A Disappointing Departure From Season 1.
Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Pitt season 2, episode 10.
The most recent installment of The Pitt was perhaps my favorite in terms of how it propelled multiple storylines and working relationships. However, it also solidified how I felt about Robbie, which was disappointing. During The Pitt season 1, Robbie was my favorite character. He led with compassion and commitment, consistently prioritizing his patients and staff over his own well-being.
It was clear he had suffered a lot, yet he still pushed forward despite the difficult day the show’s first shift took place on. Because of who we saw him to be in The Pitt’s first fifteen episodes, I did my best to extend grace throughout this second shift. His treatment of Langdon upon his return initially made me wary, but I could understand it to an extent.
Robbie took Langdon’s betrayal of trust personally. It’s clear he saw him as a friend, not just a resident. But, at the end of the day, Robbie needs to take his own advice and remain professional if he’s going to allow Langdon back in his emergency department. Robbie is human, and it makes sense that he felt blindsided. But Robbie is also a doctor who consistently reminds his staff how important it is to act like one.
He knows exactly what addiction is and what it can cause a person to do, yet there’s been very little compassion from him regarding the work Langdon put in to get better. In fact, right now, Langdon appears to be the character with the best mental health. So when Robbie shamed Mohan for having a panic attack in the ED, especially considering the number of breakdowns Robbie had himself, he stopped being a doctor I looked up to and instead became another man who lacks empathy.
While he did apologize to Mohan by the end of the episode, the brief apology wasn’t enough to change how I view him now. It was a difficult realization to come to, but luckily, The Pitt has so many intriguing characters that there’s no lack of investment on my end. In fact, I now feel more protective of characters like Mohan and Langdon after seeing what they’ve been subjected to.
Moving on to a more positive aspect of the episode, “4:00 P.M.” really hits the nail on the head with Becca’s storyline. Mel isn’t thrilled to discover that her sister is sexually active, worrying that Becca could be taken advantage of because she’s on the spectrum. However, having autism doesn’t mean Becca can’t have bodily autonomy, and that’s an important message The Pitt makes sure to drive home.
Having Langdon be the one to treat her felt very intentional. With such a large ensemble cast and limited screentime, every narrative choice carries weight. I hope the show continues to emphasize the independence of people on the spectrum. While The Pitt shows that certain considerations, like dim lighting, can help create a more comfortable environment, autism shouldn’t impact an individual’s desire and ability to experience what life has to offer.
All in all, The Pitt season 2, episode 10 was a strong addition to the series, and I’m excited to see where these characters and relationships end up when the shift comes to a close.
New episodes of The Pitt season 2 drop Thursdays on HBO Max.
About The Pitt
The Pitt is a realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in today’s America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes working in a modern-day hospital in Pittsburgh.