Hey there, TV fans! Netflix’s Pulse has transported us to the bustling hallways of Maguire Medical Center in Miami, where the drama rivals the intensity of the emergencies. Launched on April 2, 2025, with all 10 episodes ready to stream, this show hooks you fast. At TV Acute, we aim to dissect the stunning finale and provide an answer to the crucial question: who secures the Chief Resident position? Expect a mix of hospital chaos, tangled relationships, and some serious power plays—without rehashing the same old details. Let’s dive into the fresh stuff!
The series kicks off with a storm—literally and figuratively. A massive hurricane slams Miami, pushing the ER team to their limits. At the center is Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), a third-year resident caught in a whirlwind of her own making after clashing with Chief Resident Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). Their messy past sets off a chain reaction, pulling in friends, family, and bosses. Everyone’s got an opinion, and the pressure’s on to see who’ll lead the residents next. Danny is in the running, but her friend Sam Elijah (Jessie T. Usher) is prepared to fight for it. Be prepared for unexpected twists in this ending!
Netflix Pulse Ending Explained
A Stormy Start Sets the Stage
Pulse, created by Zoe Robyn and co-run by Carlton Cuse, kicks off with a bang. Third-year resident Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) files a sexual harassment complaint against Chief Resident Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). Their secret romance implodes, and Xander’s suspended, leaving Danny as acting Chief. Then Hurricane Abby slams Miami, flooding the ER with patients and forcing Xander back into the mix. Talk about tension! Danny’s juggling her new role, a strained friendship with Sam Elijah (Jessie T. Usher), and family drama with her sister Harper (Jessy Yates). Meanwhile, the race for the permanent Chief Resident spot heats up.
This show isn’t just about scalpels and stitches—it’s about ambition, loyalty, and the fallout when personal and professional lines blur. By the finale, the stakes are sky-high, and the decisions aren’t as simple as who’s the best doctor. So, who snags the Chief gig? Let’s unpack it.
Sam Elijah Takes the Crown—Here’s Why
Danny’s been gunning for Chief Resident, but she’s never been fully sold on her own worth. While she excels at her job, self-doubt remains her greatest obstacle. Xander, her mentor-turned-lover, pushes her to chase the dream, and she starts believing she deserves it, not just because of him. When he’s sidelined after her complaint, Danny steps up as acting Chief and crushes it, even with everyone betting against her. Dr. Natalie Cruz (Justina Machado), the big boss of Surgery and Emergency Medicine, takes notice and pegs Danny as her top pick.
But here’s where it gets messy. Danny’s complaint ticks off Xander’s mom, a major hospital donor. She demands Danny’s head on a platter, and Cruz says no way. That sparks a power shift: the hospital splits Surgery and Emergency Medicine into separate departments. Cruz keeps Surgery, but a new guy—someone she can’t stand—takes over Emergency Medicine. He chooses Sam Elijah as Chief Resident instead of Danny, perhaps as a show of strength (and possibly as a form of retaliation against Cruz). Ouch!
Sam’s been dreaming of this gig forever. He’s Danny’s best friend, but ambition turns him into a bit of a jerk along the way. He makes some selfish calls, straining their bond, yet his skills are undeniable. The new boss’s decision isn’t really about Sam’s talent, though—it’s a power play. Danny’s crushed, Cruz is fuming, and both have to watch their backs now. One slip-up could tank their careers at Maguire. It’s a brutal lesson in how politics can trump merit.
Xander’s Promotion: Back on Top, But at What Cost?
While Danny is fighting for Chief, Xander is focused on achieving a greater goal: becoming an attending physician. He’s all set for it until Danny’s complaint derails everything. His family’s influence—those donor funds—causes a stir, leading Danny to retract her claim. Just like that, Xander’s back in the game. Suspension? What suspension? He slides right into the attending role like nothing happened.
Sam’s not thrilled, and honestly, it’s hard to blame him. Danny takes a hit for speaking up, while Xander walks away unscathed. It dawns on him how unfair the power dynamic was between them—him as her boss, her as his junior. He pursued her, kept it secret from HR, and now he’s enjoying the benefits while she’s left behind. The promotion’s sweet, but it comes with a catch: the higher he climbs, the less room there is for mistakes. If his team screws up, it’s on him. Plus, the gap between him and Danny widens—could that spell trouble if they try to patch things up? The finale leaves that door cracked open.
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Nia and Tom: A Love Story Gone Wrong
Over in the surgical wing, Tom Cole (Jack Bannon) stirs up his own drama. He is a confident resident who possesses exceptional skills with a scalpel. Enter Nia (Chelsea Muirhead), a paramedic with a sharp tongue and a knack for getting under his skin. They trade barbs, and sparks fly. When Hurricane Abby hits, Nia’s out saving lives and gets badly hurt. Tom’s rattled—way more than he expected—and realizes he’s falling for her.
He takes over her care, visiting her constantly. His fling with Cass (Daniela Nieves) fizzles as he opens up to Nia about his past, especially his dad’s messy legacy. They exchange a kiss, but the catch is that doctors are not allowed to date their patients. It’s a no-no. At first, Nia’s on the mend, but then her condition tanks while Tom’s off at a yacht party he was warned to skip. He races back, begs to scrub in for her surgery, and boots Sophie (N/A) out of the OR. But seeing Nia on the table breaks him—he freezes.
Boss Ruben Soriano (N/A) steps in, confused why his star pupil is choking. When Nia’s mother discloses their romance, chaos ensues. Soriano removes Tom from her case, and a lawsuit is imminent due to the involvement of her parents. Firing’s on the table, but it’s not a done deal yet. Tom is left anxiously pondering whether his career is in jeopardy. Nia pulls through, but their story’s a cliffhanger—will they risk it all again?
Camila Stays, Sophie Swoons: What’s Next?
While the Chief Resident drama steals the spotlight, another storyline quietly steals our hearts over in the surgical wing. Sophie, a surgical intern portrayed with grit and charm, gets off to a rough start with Camila, a third-year medical student who exudes energy and optimism. Sophie’s been ground down by her mentor Tom Cole’s tough-love approach—think relentless critiques and zero pats on the back. Camila, though? Her quick wit and warm vibe cut through the gloom. At first, Sophie can’t stand her cheeriness—it’s like sandpaper on a bad day. But over time, those differences turn into a solid friendship that’s got us rooting for them.
When Camila unexpectedly announces that she is leaving Maguire after her internship, the situation changes. Why? She is frustrated by the competitive culture of the place, particularly the way Tom treats Sophie like a target. She’s seen her friend shrink under the pressure and doesn’t want that toxicity rubbing off on her. Sophie’s gutted—losing Camila feels like losing her lifeline. However, it serves as a poignant reminder. She has grown weary of being Tom’s victim, and the next time they encounter each other, she will confront him directly. No holding back—just pure, fed-up honesty about how his attitude’s been dragging her down. Camila catches the whole showdown and can’t hide her grin. Seeing Sophie stand tall triggers a change in her.
Then there’s Dr. Natalie Cruz, the Surgery Chair who’s been quietly keeping tabs on Camila. When she pulls her aside to say she’s impressed—and bummed about her leaving—it’s a game-changer. Camila’s shocked someone that high up even knows her name, let alone values her work. Sophie’s newfound resilience and Cruz’s unexpected encouragement cause her to view Maguire differently. Sure, it’s a pressure-filled environment, but there’s a peculiar sense of family here—people who notice you, even if they don’t always express it. So, she flips her decision and stays. Cue the confetti!
Sophie is ecstatic—perhaps a bit too much. In a rush of relief, she almost plants one on Camila right there in the hallway. She pulls back just in time when Camila’s boyfriend rolls up. Plot twist: he’s not just a boyfriend—he’s her fiancé! Sophie’s face turns red, regretting her near-crossing of that boundary. The shocking part is that Camila also leans in, albeit briefly. Was it instinct? A hint of something more? The camera lingers, and we’re left wondering. Does Camila feel the spark, or is Sophie reading too much into it?
This close call uncovers a multitude of issues. Sophie’s clearly smitten—her heart’s doing cartwheels while her head’s screaming “abort mission.” Camila’s engaged, but that tiny lean-in suggests she’s not totally immune to the vibe. Could she be questioning her own feelings? The finale doesn’t give us answers, and that’s the fun of it. Their bond’s already tight—late-night study sessions, shared eye-rolls at Tom’s antics—but this tease of romance adds a juicy layer. If they go there, it’s another personal-professional mess waiting to explode at Maguire, and we’re here for it.
At TV Acute, we appreciate Pulse’s commitment to authenticity. It’s not about perfect heroes—it’s about people screwing up, learning, and fighting on. The finale concludes certain threads while leaving many others unresolved. Will Danny bounce back? Can Xander and she mend fences? Is Tom out of a job? And what’s up with Sophie and Camila? Season 2 can’t come soon enough. What did you think of the ending? Drop your take below—I’m dying to hear!
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