The Episode’s Core: Redemption at a Cost
In its emotionally gripping season finale, Pulse Episode 10, titled “Kennedy”, brings the heat, the heart, and the haunting consequences of past decisions to the fore. It’s a tension-filled hour that perfectly captures the emotional complexity of the series, ending the season with a blend of vulnerability, consequence, and hope.
At the center of this episode lies Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell), a character whose journey throughout the season has oscillated between confidence and guilt. In “Kennedy”, the facade of control finally fractures. Xander is forced to reckon with a tragic case from his residency at Kennedy Memorial Hospital—a procedural error that led to a patient’s death. The hospital review board has opened the file, and this time, silence isn’t an option.
Through somber flashbacks, we watch Xander as a young, overworked resident make a decision that haunts him years later. The writers don’t shy away from the discomfort. There’s no melodrama—just raw accountability. By choosing to fully disclose the truth to the board, Xander takes one of the most human, heroic steps of his arc: owning up, despite knowing it could cost him everything. This vulnerability gives his character a much-needed layer of depth that pays off emotionally.
Danny Faces the Fire, and Rises
Meanwhile, Dr. Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) is thrust into a high-pressure trauma case when a family of three is rushed into the ER after a car crash. Among the injured is Glen, a man who had previously clashed with Danny during a domestic altercation she once responded to as a med student. Now forced to treat him under dire conditions, Danny must rise above personal feelings to deliver top-tier care.
What follows is one of the best showcases of Danny’s growth so far. She’s not the unsure third-year resident we met in Episode 1. She’s capable, commanding, and compassionate. As Glen’s condition worsens, Danny advocates for an experimental procedure, navigating resistance from the team and emotional pressure from the patient’s teenage daughter. It’s tense, and it’s clear: Danny is now a leader in her own right.
Sam Steps Up
Dr. Sam Elijah (Jessie T. Usher) is officially named Chief Resident in this episode—a shift that promises new dynamics in Season 2. His steady hand during Glen’s surgery, paired with a quiet moment of mentorship with Danny, signals a future where collaboration, not competition, will define Maguire Medical Center’s surgical team.
Emotional Breakthroughs and Relationships in Focus
Interpersonal threads are not left hanging. Danny and Xander finally confront their strained relationship—not with fiery words, but with quiet honesty. Their hallway conversation, where Xander admits to hiding his past mistake out of fear, serves as one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the entire season. The mutual respect in that exchange doesn’t solve everything, but it opens a door.
Elsewhere, Dr. Natalie Cruz (Justina Machado), the formidable Chair of Surgery and Emergency Medicine, has a smaller role in this episode, but her subtle guidance behind the scenes cements her influence on the hospital’s culture. Her support of both Danny and Sam shows a commitment to nurturing the next generation, while still holding everyone accountable.
Cinematography and Direction: Quiet Tension
Director Lee Rose delivers a finale that is both atmospheric and tightly paced. Lighting plays a key role here—cool, sterile tones dominate the flashbacks, while the present-day hospital is shadowed, mirroring the characters’ emotional darkness. The score is minimal, letting dialogue and silence do most of the emotional heavy-lifting. It’s subtle, sophisticated storytelling.
Themes: Accountability, Growth, and Moving On
At its core, “Kennedy” is about the past—how it shapes us, haunts us, and, if we’re brave, can be confronted and transcended. Xander must reckon with the worst thing he’s ever done. Danny finds herself stepping into leadership despite lingering self-doubt. Meanwhile, Sam embraces a new role that puts him directly in the spotlight. For the audience, it’s a reminder that the most compelling heroes are the ones with flaws, scars, and the courage to evolve.
Final Verdict:
Pulse Episode 10 delivers a deeply satisfying conclusion to a season that has never shied away from moral complexity. With authentic character arcs, surgical tension, and emotional catharsis, “Kennedy” is a standout installment—and a promise that Season 2 is going to be even more daring.
