Spoiler Alert: This article contians spoilers for The Pitt season 1.
Summary
The Pittseason 1 finalewas dark, emotional, and memorable, and given the impressive 15-episode first season, it’s no wonder the Max hospital drama has such a large fanbase. AsDr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) and his team navigate a 15-hour shift at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital, viewers get glimpses into their personal lives, dreams, traumas, and fears. The series is as realistic and grounded asthe FX/Hulu comedyThe Bearand has been compared to bothE.R.andGrey’s Anatomy.
The Pittseason 1 is so excellent thanks to the strong acting and the well-developed characters, includingDr. Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball), a confident character who has been stealing medication from the hospital. It’s shocking to find out the truth about Langdon, but this also sets up a big problem forThe Pitt, which has been renewed for season 2.
How Can The Pitt Season 2 Handle Dr. Langdon’s Plotline?
In an interview withTV Line, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill said Dr. Langdon has to attend a 30-day rehab program in order to still be a doctor. Gemmill said:
“I think we will pick up on Langdon’s first day back at work, but it’ll be more than a month…. The biggest driver of [the Season 2 time jump is] Langdon. Thirty days is probably the minimum he would have to do.”
If this is what happens, thenThe Pittseason 2 has to show Langdon having a challenging time. If he returns to the hospital and everything is fine, that won’t feel realistic. If Langdon is struggling, then his path to healing might take more than a month. SinceThe Pitttells a dramatic yet grounded story in real time, viewers need to see Langdon in rough shape. While no fan wants him to suffer, especially since it’s clear he loves what he does, he can’t have an easy time getting back to his job. However, this sets up a potential issue:how much can Langdon change?On the one hand, fans want to see character growth, and that would mean that he has realized he wants to make a change and move on from the mistake of stealing from the hospital. On the other hand, it wouldn’t make sense if everything was suddenly back to normal.
If Langdon is allowed to practice medicine again, thenThe Pittseason 2 needs to focus on how his relationship with Robby and the other doctors, interns, and residents changes now that he has spent some time away. Langdon’smental health struggleshave allowed him to connect with Robby more, although they have a complicated relationship.
The Pittseason 2 should also play upthe difficult dynamic between Langdon and Dr. Trinity Santos, who is played by Isa Briones, who starred on season 1 ofthe Disney+ TV series based on R.L. Stine’sGoosebumpsbook series. IfThe Pittseason 2 opens with Langdon’s first day back at work, then Santos should be unsure how to act around him. This would be interesting since she’s the one who told Robby about what was going on. It would also be great to seea moment of real and genuine connection between Santos and Langdonsince, ultimately, they’re both overly confident and believe they’re the best doctor at the hospital. They have more in common than they might originally think.
What Did Patrick Ball Say About Playing Dr. Langdon On The Pitt?
In a March 2025 interview withDeadline, Patrick Ball shared his experience playing Dr. Langdon onThe Pittseason 1. He talked about how his parents, who are a paramedic and E.R. nurse, lovethe series, which has gotten praise from Stephen King, because it’s so realistic.
Ball praised showrunner R. Scott Gemmill for crafting Langdon’s storylinesince there are no easy answers and by the end ofThe Pittseason 1, viewers are still wondering what’s going to happen to the character. Ball said:
“He doesn’t come out and present you with a tidy thesis or a tidy takeaway. He kind of leaves that for the audience to do. And I don’t want to get in the way of that.”
When asked about coming back toThe Pittseason 2 and Langdon keeping his job, Ball said:
“I want to stay. I love it here.”
Hopefully Ball will reprise his role of Dr. Langdon inThe Pittseason 2, andhopefully, his storyline will wrap up in a logical way.
