A key element needs to be explained in Netflix’s Pulse: what happened between Danny and Xander and why the sexual harassment report?
Pulse is the new medical-themed Netflix series, a response to the numerous streaming releases that have marked the success of this type of content (some might see it as a reply to HBP’s The Pitt, airing on the same days). Ten episodes that depict life inside a hospital, balancing emergencies caused by exceptional external events with complex personal and professional relationships within the workplace.
From the very first episode, the central focus of the plot revolves around Danny’s shocking decision to report Xander to HR, accusing him of sexual harassment. This triggers a wave of gossip throughout the hospital, with friends and colleagues wondering what really happened. Pulse has explained the full story after a few episodes: let’s take a look at what happened.
Netflix’s Pulse explained: why does Danny accuse Xander of sexual harassment?
When we talk about sexual harassment, we refer to the use of unwanted sexual behavior directed at a person. The term includes unwelcome comments, advances, actions aimed at coercing someone’s behavior, and unsolicited physical contact. It is, of course, a very serious accusation that can cost someone their career—especially, as in Xander’s case, when the accused holds a position of authority over the victim.
As viewers, we learn about Danny’s accusation in the very first episode, and we start wondering what might have happened. Did Xander really use his authority to force Danny into unwanted sexual contact? As the episodes unfold, we begin to realize that Danny is a brilliant doctor, but tends to make poor decisions in his personal life. We also discover a shocking detail: Danny and Xander had been in a (consensual, of course) romantic relationship for over a year.
The truth is revealed in the final episodes of Pulse Season 1, and it’s important that it’s thoroughly explained, as it’s not easy to grasp—especially from Danny’s perspective. Danny and Xander are truly in love and had been living together for several months. Their relationship began after some initial hesitation from Danny, who wanted to avoid complicating his professional life with a romantic involvement. However, their feelings were real and naturally developed, leading Danny to a dilemma: should they make their relationship public, showing honesty and professionalism, or keep it a secret to avoid giving the impression that Danny is sleeping with his boss to gain a professional advantage?
The issue becomes urgent because the new Chief Resident is about to be appointed, and Danny is one of the most popular candidates for the role. Danny fully deserves the position based on her professional merits, but being in a romantic relationship with Xander raises serious doubts for her. If she were to become Chief Resident and the relationship were to be revealed afterward, many might question whether she earned the role for purely professional reasons. That would be a permanent stain on her career—and on her self-esteem. What makes things even more complicated is that Xander is among those who will express his position for the new role and he will ultimately name Danny, genuinely believing she is the ideal person to be Chief Resident.
Amid all these doubts, in a moment of confusion and following her sister’s advice, Danny decides to end the relationship with Xander and report him to HR for sexual harassment. There was no harassment, of course, but this was her way of breaking free from the impact their romantic relationship was having on her career, somehow implying that her relationship with Xander had been forced without her consent (which is not true). It was a poorly thought-out decision, and in fact, Danny will withdraw the accusation by the end of the season—leaving everyone wondering why she made such a serious claim in the first place.
At the ending of Pulse Season 1, Danny doesn’t become Chief Resident, and free from that pressure, she might finally decide to fully embrace her romantic relationship with Xander—who is no longer her boss. We’ll see how things unfold if a second season of Pulse comes along: stay tuned.
