Earlier today, we witnessed Dr. Robinavitch neglecting basic helmet safety, a stark contradiction to his claim of always following such precautions in Season 2, Episode 3 of The Pitt, titled “9:00AM.” It’s a situation worth scrutinizing. The episode begins with a double trauma case in the Emergency Department. Nancy Yee (played by Angela Lin) explains that she and her husband, Mark (Eugene Shaw), were arguing in their car when a motorcyclist ran a red light and collided with them. Initially, Mark is diagnosed with paralysis, which later turns out to be a potassium imbalance. Meanwhile, Nancy collapses unexpectedly due to internal bleeding, unnoticed at the crash scene. However, the motorcycle rider is in critical condition, suffering a skull fracture and lacking a pulse. The medical team is disheartened to discover he isn’t an organ donor. Interestingly, both Robby and the biker had completed the Pennsylvania DOT rider safety course, which allows riding without a helmet. One can’t help but wonder if Robby, as an ER doctor and motorcycle enthusiast, reflects on the tragedy of losing a patient in such a manner without questioning his own vulnerability.

Robby’s risky behavior might be a manifestation of a midlife crisis. This thought first struck viewers when they saw him cruising on his Triumph motorcycle earlier this season, only wearing sunglasses for protection. As a life-saving professional, he seems to feel invincible, though he never addresses his lie about helmet use. Yana Kovalenko (Irina Dubova), another patient, challenges him on his safety choices, questioning his decision to embark on a lengthy motorcycle trip. Her inquiries about his marital status and faith prompt Robby to jokingly label his actions as a “midlife crisis.” The scene, coupled with his ambiguous relationship with Noelle Hastings, suggests Robby might be grappling with personal issues. He admits, “I should’ve left last night,” hinting at deeper unrest.

Meanwhile, Dana, with her keen perception as a charge nurse, notices Robby’s struggle, much like she disapproved of his motorcycle parked outside the hospital. Her role involves teaching new nurses, such as Emma Nolan, the importance of empathetic care. Dana listens to patient Mr. Digby’s healthcare concerns, acknowledges his avoidance tactics, and advises him on seeking regular care to prevent issues like his current condition. Her approach highlights that empathy in healthcare often transcends mere facts and numbers. This is further exemplified when a patient’s family member is overwhelmed by the technical jargon of a treatment plan, underscoring Dana’s efforts to teach Emma about the human elements that often drive the hospital more than modern medicine alone. Digby’s brightened demeanor after Dana offers him a simple sandwich reflects the power of kindness in medical care.

Elsewhere, Santos, alongside social worker Dylan Easton (Becca Blackwell), is worried that young Kylie (Annabelle Toomey) might be in an abusive environment. When they confront her father, Benny Connors (Patrick Mulvey), about Kylie’s unexplained bruises, the situation escalates. As tensions rise, the girl’s correct diagnosis reveals she has immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a condition causing her bruises. Although relieved, Santos notes it’s “better than the alternative.” However, Benny’s aggression turns towards his girlfriend, Gina (Ino Badanjak), leading to a public breakup in the ED. Gina seizes the moment as her personal ‘independence day.’

Mark Yee, recovering from his paralysis scare, watches the drama unfold between Benny and Gina. With his wife undergoing internal scans, he records a heartfelt video message for her, reflecting on their car argument before the crash—one sparked by her thoughtful gesture that he brushed aside due to work stress. His near-death experience, Nancy’s health crisis, and witnessing a couple’s breakup prompt a profound reflection on his values. He shares a philosophical moment with Robby and Al-Hashimi, pondering the illusion of importance we place on things until life’s fragility is laid bare. Observing Mark’s insight, a shadow of contemplation crosses Robby’s face. Is he considering his own midlife crisis or what truly matters? As an attending physician, Robby confronts these realities daily in the bustling city hospital, seeing firsthand what is genuinely significant.

It’s another sense of the latent emotional ballast around the ED, still tied up with incidents like the PittFest mass shooting, and the plaque from the city, shown early in Season 2, which commemorates their response. It’s another sense of Robby’s breakdown in Pedes. It’s another sense of what he shares in this episode with Yana Kovalenko, when she recalls her trauma over witnessing the antisemitic 2018 shooting that killed 11 people at Tree of Life, her Pittsburgh-area synagogue. We all need to realize, when we finally end up and see, what really matters. Robby tells Yana there’s no clock on how long the processing of trauma will take. We wonder if he thinks blasting down the highway on his two-wheeled death machine will prove to himself he beat it.

But there is no rest in the meantime. Dana receives the call from Pittsburgh medical command. A developing situation at another area hospital has diverted all ambulance traffic to PTMC. “Is this a joke? A drill? It’s the 4th of fucking July.” But it’s no joke: the Pitt is about to get slammed.

Nurse’s Desk for Season 2 Episode 3 of The Pitt (“9:00AM”):

• “Sounds like a betting grid to me.” When the call comes in from central command with scant info on the how comes, how longs, and how manys the Pitt is about to receive, Ahmad fires up the staff betting pool. It’s his favorite thing. Remember, Ahmad was also the bookie for Season 1’s bets on who went joyriding in an ambulance.

• Jackson (Zack Morris), the screamy and confused college kid from last episode, has been stabilized. He’s also been followed to the ED by Tony Chinchiolo (Kurtis Bedford) from campus security. This guy’s going all Paul Blart about Jackson’s condition being drug-related when it turns out blasts from his taser probably set Jackson off. Pittsburgh PD turns to Tony. “That changes things, Mr. Chinchiolo.”

• Langdon’s version of being present, of being conscious of what matters in life, and especially after his benzos rehabilitation, emerges while he’s treating a little boy. Alongside the kid’s father and soon-to-be-a-dad Nurse Donnie, Langdon shares an affirmation from the late Irish poet John O’Donohue, and the men all agree: there is no handbook for fatherhood. You end up here and see.

Johnny Loftus (@johnnyloftus.bsky.social) is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.