The Pitt Season 2 Episode 2 Review: 8:00 AM

On The Pitt Season 2 Episode 2, “8:00 AM,” Dr. Robby and Al-Hashimi continue to clash over their different styles. Meanwhile, Dr. Whittaker must deliver difficult news, a new rival emerges for Javadi, and Langdon reunites with Mel.

The Pitt is all about the details and this episode, though slower in comparison to the premiere, operates as a crucial character study that fleshes those details out. Some patience may be required, but it’s important to remember the long game. These beats are paving the way for larger arcs in the coming weeks. 

Dr. Al-Hashimi and Dr. Robby

“8:00 AM” clearly demonstrates Al-Hashimi’s lack of preparation for the conditions of the Pitt. Though she’s extremely knowledgable and skilled as a medical practitioner, she is not well-versed in the day-to-day operations of this particular hospital and it’s interdepartmental operations.

Though his methods are risky, the chaotic environment requires Robby’s non-traditional methods. However, Al-Hashimi sidesteps a lot of the inevitable fallout from Robby’s risks. Both clearly have a lot to take from the other to find a happy balance.

On The Pitt Season 1, it was Robby and his team versus the system. Here, the friction between the two provides an interesting new lens through which to examine the healthcare system. Is it at all possible to improve the system by working with it as Al-Hashimi suggests?

Her goal to improve the system brings along a new AI app. The Pitt is no stranger to tackling relevant topics from the real world and AI is top of mind in the culture. However, incorporating it here broadens the scope of the discussion around AI and increases the urgency of the discourse.

What are the implications of relying on AI in an environment where the stakes are life or death? It adds an interesting layer not only to Al-Hashimi and Robby’s dynamic but the larger conversations of the series.

Langdon and Mel Reunite

The centerpiece of the episode rests on the much-anticipated reunion between Langdon and Mel. It’s a relief The Pitt opts to tackle this conversation right away rather than drag it out for dramatic effect, especially while Robby actively avoids having a conversation with Langdon.

Mel’s response to Langdon’s addiction is a beautiful moment for the duo and a testament to her character. She avoids judgment and stigma when it comes to Langdon and his situation. Ultimately, she recognizes the person at the center of the struggle first and foremost.

Langdon’s insistence that he did let Mel down reiterates his commitment to taking responsibility for his actions. It’s important to him that Mel doesn’t hold him on a pedestal and he takes ownership. 

Their interaction concludes with Langdon making the room comfortable for an over-stimulated Mel, harkening back to what she taught him in Season 1. It’s a wonderful reminder of his willingness to learn and his commitment to growth. The Pitt strikes an impressive balance between the honest presentation of Langdon’s recovery and preservation of his humanity. 

Taylor Dearden and Patrick Ball don’t overdramatize the matter. They exercise remarkable restraint and even bask in the discomfort that comes with a conversation like this. The series thrives in chaos, but its the moments where it steps out of the storm and basks in the quiet that it’s characters shine brightest.

Students Become the Masters

“8:00 AM” also showcases immense growth for both Whitaker and Javadi.

Whitaker repeatedly delivering news of a spouse’s passing to a patient with Alzheimers feels like a test. He and this patient relive the horrible news over and over again, but, despite the weight of it, Whitaker handles it much differently than he would have last season. 

In addition to more experience under his belt, Whitaker is also teaching student doctors. This moment for Whitaker could have been repetitive, but Gerran Howell’s subtle changes in performance allow the increased experience and confidence to be felt.

One of those student doctors operates as a major challenge for Javadi.

Ogilvie gives Javadi a run for her money in terms of intellect, resulting in a humorous battle of wits mid-evaluation. This feels like the first time Javadi actively fights for her place in the hospital after spending a majority of Season 1 uncertain about her path.

Javadi often feels uncomfortable putting her intellect on display, so this moment is a lovely turn of confidence for the character. Rather than downplay her brilliance, she owns it and proves her merit. 

Shabana Azeez’s portrayal of Javadi crackles with awkward energy. With Ogilvie, though, a switch flips and she channels all that energy into her breathless delivery, resulting in something that is impressive, funny, and a little desperate all at once. It’s a glimpse at a new side of the character.

Javadi and Whitaker both fell into a specific lane with Season 1. This time around feels like they’re advancing and breaking out of those boxes.

Across the board, “8:00 AM” does a wonderful job giving these characters opportunities to show off how they have or haven’t developed in ten months’ time. There’s room for those developments to come forward in natural ways without bludgeoning the audience with flat out exposition. The characters get to breathe and the audience breathes with them.

Stray Thoughts

• It’s fun that Dr. Langdon’s eyelash patient is portrayed by Patrick Ball’s real life partner!
• Dr. Santos potentially dealing with another abuse case is nerve-wracking, but it will be interesting to see how she navigates it this time ten months later.
• Everyone whispering about throwing Javadi a twenty-first birthday is so stressful given her feelings about her birthday.
• Dr. Mohan providing the nun with extra gloves for her work is a small but loud reiteration of her character and intention when it comes to her patients.
• Dana saying that “punchy is [her] new baseline” is heartbreaking. She’s been irrevocably altered by her assault. 
• Robby avoids difficult conversations at every turn and is definitely using the sabbatical as an excuse to run. We’ll see how long he can continue avoiding these convos.

 

---

What did you think of this episode of The Pitt? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

The Pitt airs Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET on HBO Max.

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!