Is Dr. Santos the Hero We Didn’t Expect in ‘The Pitt’ Finale?

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After a 15-hour shift that came as quite a surprise, the doctors and nurses at The Pitt could finally leave for home after wrapping up Season 1. With twists and turns aplenty, including the intense mass casualty incident, the first day of work in the ER for the medical students and interns was anything but typical. To put it simply, it was an on-the-job training in the high-speed world of emergency room care.

Initially, Dr. Santos (Isa Briones) wasn’t well-liked by many viewers from the start due to her arrogant and self-assured demeanor. It was easy for audiences to dislike her. However, as Season 1 progressed, it became apparent that viewers may have judged her too harshly early on. While she can come off as abrasive and could use improvements in her bedside manner, Dr. Santos isn’t portrayed as a villainess in the series.

As a devoted cinephile, let me share my perspective: That final scene made it crystal clear that Santos deeply values her patients and colleagues. Far from being harsh, she’s a dedicated doctor who respects her seniors to learn and grow. Her ambition shines brightly, and striving for excellence isn’t a flaw. If Santos happened to be a man, the scrutiny she faces would likely not exist. Now, it’s high time we all give her a break and recognize her strengths!

Dr. Santos Deeply Cares About People

During Season 1, several instances showcased Dr. Santos’ tender nature, but the finale underscored this trait significantly. Upon learning that Whitaker (Gerran Howell) had been living unofficially in an empty hospital floor, she generously offered him a rent-free accommodation. Her actions, such as identifying and challenging a child abuser, supporting a suicidal patient, demonstrate her deep concern for people’s wellbeing. It’s evident that she has faced numerous hardships in her life, but she has successfully transformed those difficult experiences into a means to empathize with her patients on a profound level.

Her strong sense of compassion and commitment to doing what was best for her patients ultimately put her at odds with Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball). In truth, she never intended to harm him. Instead, she was simply standing up for what she believed was right. Although some may have perceived her actions as manipulative, it should have been evident from the start that she was acting in the best interest of her patients. As time has shown, there was merit to her accusations. Her courage in speaking out, particularly in a new setting, deserves praise rather than criticism.

Dr. Santos Is Driven, But That’s Not a Bad Thing

It’s undeniable that Santos aspires to excel in her career, and she consistently pushes herself to accomplish great things. This isn’t a negative trait, but it seems others perceive it differently. The fellow interns and medical students at The Pitt, like Santos, aspire to become excellent doctors. However, they are viewed more positively because they come off as humble in contrast to Santos. In general, people may have a bias against assertive women who express ambition for success. When men display similar drive and passion as Santos, they often receive praise instead. Regrettably, such determination is often met with skepticism when demonstrated by women.

Dr. Santos Would Be Viewed Differently If She Were a Man

Frequently, in virtually any profession, women who are confident can encounter an unfavorable response. If Santos were a man, she might not have experienced the same degree of criticism from spectators. This doesn’t mean viewers deliberately disliked her due to her gender. Instead, the hostility toward her demonstrates our society’s instinctive tendency to assess women differently, especially young women who haven’t yet established their position.

Initially, many female characters from the series captivated viewers’ hearts instantly. Yet, it was these characters who didn’t make their debut during their initial shift at the ER. Consequently, we are unaware of how they behaved when they first began working there. Moreover, being older and having already faced numerous challenges in their careers, those female doctors and nurses are perceived as having “earned” their positions. In simpler words, they have “gained” an attitude that comes with experience and the confidence that follows it.

As a movie enthusiast, I find it fascinating how Santos is penned as a reflection of Langdon, yet their reception by viewers couldn’t be more polar opposite. Both characters share striking similarities, such as delivering identical lines and sharing an unusual fascination for the gruesome aspects of medicine. However, while Langdon was showered with accolades (despite blatantly swiping medications from patients), Santos was met with widespread disdain.

Santos didn’t require any type of redemption story to gain popularity, and it shouldn’t be necessary for her character to receive one in order to be accepted by viewers. From the start, there was nothing fundamentally wrong with her; she was just inexperienced. The fact that viewers may not like Santos is significant, but not essential. Had Santos been a man, her likeability and ambition would not have been questioned.

By the way, Season 1 of The Pitt is available for streaming on Max.

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2025-04-15 03:02