Few sub-genres so naturally lend themselves to dramatic tension like that of the Emergency Room drama. Implicit in its name, life-and-death situations can be repeatedly portrayed without feeling forced or contrived. However, these shows can also be limited in scope and run the risk of getting repetitive or melodramatic as they focus on the interpersonal relationships of the characters in an attempt to break the monotony.

The Pitt offers a slightly new spin, at least for a hospital series. One that successfully amps up the tension and keeps things moving at a brisk, sometimes even panicked, pace without feeling gimmicky. It hasn’t done away with office romances or the obligatory drug-addicted doc. Instead, The Pitt adopts the 24 model, with each episode depicting the next consecutive hour in the doctors' and nurses' 15-hour shift.

It’s a brilliantly directed piece with exquisite pacing that belies the inherent challenges of its format and setting, giving the audience an occasional breather so that, once the emotion is ramped up again, they aren’t overwhelmed by the intensity. It’s so well done, in fact, with grounded and nuanced performances and a cast who understands not only their own characters but their characters’ relationships with one another and backstories so well that you can almost forgive the Leonid Meteor Storm of radical progressivism that bombards the audience from the opening credits of the first episode until the final fade out of the last.

And that’s where The Pitt falls into eye-rolling contrivance and humdrumary. Conservatives, or just those with common sense, will feel the need to search out a shelter for abused audiences as they quickly come to grips with the showrunners’ cycle of abuse. First, they offer compelling drama. Then, they beat you mercilessly with their insane views on everything from abortion to transgenderism. Next, they try to make amends with some heart-stopping drama, only to blindside you with an ideological back-hand, starting the cycle anew.

If you or a loved one is a victim of The Pitt’s abuse, you’re not alone. Call 1-800-LIBS-SUCKA-BIG1 today.

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