I’m Surprised The Pitt Season 1's Finale Ended Without Reviving Whitaker's Grossest Running Gag

Throughout the first season of The Pitt, audiences got to see some truly shocking moments, yet one of the show’s most disgusting gags didn’t return before the finale. It is pretty much a rite of passage that medical dramas include some level of gore, whether that is surgeries, bad injuries, or gross medical procedures. However, when it came to The Pitt, which has been lauded for its medical accuracy, the graphic moments were never too far off-screen. Audiences saw all manner of wounds, bloodshed, and even human waste.

Much of The Pitt’s gore came with some level of emotional turmoil. Watching patients suffer from gunshot wounds or other maladies likely caused viewers a certain amount of stress or sadness. Fortunately, though, not every violent moment in the show was accompanied by a bad emotion. One perfect example is the joke that ran throughout season 1 where Whitaker continually had to change his scrubs after being splattered with blood, urine, and other hazardous materials. While definitely nasty, this was more humorous than tragic.

The Pitt’s Season 1 Finale Never Brought Back Whitaker Constantly Having To Change His Scrubs

Why Whitaker’s Ending May Have Been Better Without The Gag

The Pitt season 1 finale managed to tie up several loose ends, but unfortunately, it did not bring back Whitaker having to change his scrubs. Throughout the season, Whitaker changes his scrubs 3-5 times after increasingly nasty encounters. While debriding a wound, blood spatters all over him. Before shaking a bottle of medicine, he forgets to tighten the cap, and gets white goo all over him. Later, a patient with tonsillitis throws up blood on him, and a homeless man suffering from a mental health episode urinates on him.

The Pitt Episode 15 Review: I Hope The Show’s Wonderfully Realistic Ending Means A Similar Approach Will Be Taken For Season 2

The Pitt episode 15 ended season 1 with a fittingly realistic winding down for the day shift, alongside some interesting setup for season 2.

It would have been fun to see Whitaker have one more mishap before the end of the season. Another gross interaction would have made perfect sense at the end of an already long and arduous shift. However, there’s also a benefit of Whitaker leaving this gag behind. Even though he’s only spent one shift at The Pitt, Whitaker has already been deeplu changed. While the scrubs gag makes fun of Whitaker’s inexperience, letting him go unscathed in the final episode implies that he isn’t as much of a newbie as he was at the start.

Whitaker’s Scrub-Changing Gag Being Dropped Makes More Sense After His Sad Season 1 Finale Reveal

Whitaker’s Season 2 Future Explained

Dr. Dennis Whitaker (Gerran Howell) smiling in The Pitt Season 1 Ep 11 — Image via Max

Leaving out another Whitaker scrub change also makes sense for The Pitt finale because Whitaker gets a surprising plot twist that is more important than a silly gag. As Santos is leaving, she notices Whitaker going back into the hospital. She follows, and discovers that he has been living there without anyone knowing. While there is some element of humor to this revelation, it mostly shows how lonely Whitaker is, and his lack of resources. One more scrub gag might have messed with the emotional importance of this scene.

Of course, The Pitt’s Whitaker scrub joke could definitely return in the next installment, as The Pitt season 2 has already been confirmed.

Of course, The Pitt’s Whitaker scrub joke could definitely return in the next installment, as The Pitt season 2 has already been confirmed. Apparently, the next season will take place nine to ten months after the first season, during Fourth of July weekend. Most likely, Whittaker will be back and better than ever, perhaps with a stronger relationship with Santos, more confidence, and far more medical experience. Hopefully, The Pitt can continue to use Whittaker as a meaningful yet hilarious character.