'The Pitt' Episode 12 recap: Tensions build between Robby and Nurse Dana as the ER gets more chaotic
Episode 12 of 'The Pitt' Season 2 finds the staff at PTMC even more on edge than they have been so far. Robby's last day at the hospital is testing his patience, causing him to clash with his good friend and ally, Nurse Dana. The ER chief leans into his God complex, worrying about the hospital's state after he walks away, as everyone seems weighed down by exhaustion and burnout. Titled '6:00 P.M.,' the episode sees the night shift arrive as the analog shutdown comes to an end. However, the staff's worries are far from over.
The episode picks up from the last moments of Episode 11, where Nurse Emma was strangled by the patient Curtis Larson. Code Hula Hoop is called to alert the staff about the assault as Nurse Dana comes to her trainee's rescue and neutralizes Larson with a shot of a sedative to release Emma from his chokehold. It is revealed that Larson was in a psychotic state caused by a combination of alcohol and cocaine, and doesn't remember attacking Emma. However, Dana is sure to report the incident to the cops. At the end of the episode, McKay informs Larson that he will be arrested for attacking a nurse soon.
Later, Robby calls Dana out for not following protocol and using a leftover sedative to disarm the patient. But Dana claps back by saying, "Anyone else uses force to stop an assault, they’re a hero. But a nurse does it, and we’re punished." Dana reveals that she has been carrying the sedative in her pocket in case Doug Driscoll, a former patient who punched her in Season 1, ever came back. Their conversation then shifts to Langdon, with Robby adding that he doesn't want him back. Robby's worries kick in as he wants the hospital to be in good shape before leaving, "How am I supposed to leave this place when it’s such a s--tshow?" But Dana reminds him, "This place is always teetering on the brink of disaster, with or without you." She sets him right by saying, "This place is bigger than one person, and it’ll survive without you."
Given the situation, Dr. Baran suggests having two attendings present during a shift after Robby leaves for his sabbatical, but he doesn't seem thrilled by the idea. When she suggests Santos and Langdon, Robby points out that Santos had reported Langdon earlier, but doesn't disclose that he was stealing drugs from the ED. A firework explosion brings Dante to the hospital with serious injuries to his scalp and arterial bleeds. Robby guides Santos through a procedure to treat a tear in his ventricle, which she aces. Even Garcia compliments her work. But Santos is triggered throughout the episode, seeing Langdon back at work as if nothing had happened. It affects her to the point that she takes a scalpel kit to hurt herself.
Episode 12 also shows an elderly couple, Eddie and Frida Cohen, bickering after the latter was hit by her husband's car, which he disputes. Samira treats Frida for a fracture and tells the couple that Eddie's combination of meds has been affecting his balance. She helps the couple with arrangements for their care under their Medicare-covered plan. Seeing her empathy and patience with the couple, Robby tells Samira to consider working in Geriatrics. While treating a patient, McKay finds Roxie’s quilt and gets emotional. Seeing this, Langdon encourages her to cry it out, but she is unable to let her feelings out after having suppressed them for so long. She also turns down his offer for a hug.
As the episode ends, the night shift arrives, meaning Robby is free to leave the hospital and start his sabbatical. But neither he nor the staff is sure of his return. Watch the next episode to find out what Robby does next. All episodes of 'The Pitt' Season 2 air at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays on HBO Max.
