The Pitt Season 2 Episode 14, “8:00 P.M.” Review: Robby’s Struggles Reach A Critical Point As The Finale Nears
Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Pitt season 2, episode 14.
Given that “8:00 P.M.” is the final episode before The Pitt season 2 finale, I was hoping the season would finally reach a climax after a slower stretch of episodes. To an extent, that pacing makes sense. Not every day in the ER is going to match the intensity of the last, and the show clearly prides itself on realism. But, at the same time, it’s still a television series, and keeping viewers engaged should be its number one goal.
I’ve continued to enjoy the season, but that’s been driven more by the characters than the overarching plot. With multiple main characters being written off for creative reasons, there’s a growing concern that the show could eventually lose some of its appeal. The 15-hour structure is an interesting concept, but no series succeeds on structure alone. It’s a combination of elements that make viewers tune in every week, especially in a world where there’s so much content to choose from.
That said, I do feel myself starting to come back around on Robby, which is a welcome shift considering how much my frustration with him has shaped my overall perception of the season. His mental state, and the increasingly concerning implications of his dialogue, reaches a peak in “8:00 P.M.,” making it impossible for other characters to miss. Robby’s treatment of the staff has been difficult to watch, but this episode suggests there’s a path toward redemption if he works through his underlying issues.
Although it doesn’t come from Robby directly, it’s important to learn that his anger towards Langdon is actually rooted in frustration with himself for letting his resident down. That revelation reframes their conflict and allows the episode to show them functioning as a real team for the first time this season.
While that dynamic serves as a highlight, the episode’s final moments felt underwhelming. I found myself expecting something more impactful from the cliffhanger. To be fair, I’ve grown to appreciate Dr. Al-Hashimi more than I did when she was first introduced. Even so, I’m not invested enough in her character to fully feel the weight of those closing moments.
It’s possible this disconnect comes from me wanting the show to lean more heavily into character-driven storytelling, which may not be its primary focus. Still, strong characters are often what define a series’ long-term success. Emotional investment doesn’t happen automatically — it has to be built. And while I do feel that connection with many of The Pitt’s characters, it’s fair to question whether the show is prioritizing that same investment in return.
I’m still holding out hope for a season 2 finale that was worth the slow build, as I truly believe in The Pitt and want nothing more than it to continue its successful run. But at this point, I’m also adjusting my expectations to match what I’ve seen onscreen so far.
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.
