The third episode of The Pitt Season 2 includes the real-world 2018 attack at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. The decision to include this local tragedy was made by the show’s creators and star, Noah Wyle, who felt it was essential to the series’ Pittsburgh setting and its characters. In the episode, a burn victim’s post-traumatic stress is linked to her experience of the attack. This storyline is also used to show a specific act of community support between Muslim and Jewish residents of Pittsburgh that followed the violence.
Why the Writers Chose This Specific Real-Life Event
For Noah Wyle, who is both the star and an executive producer on the show, the choice was directly tied to the show’s location. He has explained that the attack was such a major event for the city of Pittsburgh that addressing it felt necessary. In an interview, Wyle stated, “That being such a significant event in the city of Pittsburgh, it seemed like a wonderful opportunity”.
During his research for the episode, Wyle was moved by a particular part of the story that received less public attention. He focused on how the Muslim community in Pittsburgh showed support for the Jewish community after the attack. “It was the most underreported aspect of the story, and perhaps the most hopeful moving forward” Wyle said.
R. Scott Gemmill, the show’s creator, agreed with this decision. He noted that with a main character who is Jewish and a show set in Pittsburgh, the story needed to be told. He emphasized that the specific detail of inter-community support was an important part of the history that they wanted to share with a wider audience.
How the Story Is Told in The Pitt Episode 3
The episode, titled “9:00 A.M.,” weaves the real-world event into the hospital’s daily drama. The patient, Yana Kovalenko, is being treated for a severe burn. She explains that she dropped a hot samovar after being startled by the sound of Fourth of July fireworks, which reminded her of gunshots. During her treatment, she talks with Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, and Nurse Perlah Alawi, played by Amielynn Abellera.
Yana speaks directly to Nurse Alawi, who wears a hijab, and thanks the Muslim community for their help. She mentions that after the synagogue attack, Pittsburgh’s Muslim community allied with the Jewish community and helped pay for memorial services. This moment in the show reflects the real-life solidarity that occurred.
The episode also uses this patient interaction to show a different side of Dr. Robby. Because he and the patient share the same faith and cultural background, he is able to relax and speak with a familiarity he rarely shows. This connection allows the patient to ask him personal questions about his life choices, which affects him deeply.
The Real-Life Tragedy Behind the Storyline
The event referenced took place on October 27, 2018, at the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. A gunman entered the synagogue during services and killed 11 people. Six others were wounded. The attacker was found guilty on 63 federal charges and sentenced to death.
Among those killed was Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, a family medicine physician. Some fans have noticed that the show’s main doctor, Robby, shares a professional similarity with Dr. Rabinowitz, leading to speculation that the character might be a subtle tribute. While this connection is not confirmed by the show’s creators, the episode itself serves as a clear tribute to the victims.
Fan and Viewer Reactions to the Episode’s Tribute
Viewers have responded positively to the way the show handled this sensitive topic. On social media, many have praised the episode for its grace and emotional impact.
One viewer commented on the show’s attention to real community stories, saying, “I didn’t know what the Muslim community did. What a touching tribute, especially in a time where people try to always sow division”. Another viewer, who is from Pittsburgh, shared a personal connection: “I was sobbing because that is where I am from and I was so worried and sickened when that happened… The show is amazing!!”.
The praise often centers on how the storyline focused on unity and healing rather than just the violence of the event. Fans have noted that the show’s commitment to telling Pittsburgh’s stories is a key part of its success.
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The Pitt’s Commitment to Authentic Storytelling
Including the Tree of Life attack is part of the show’s larger effort to tell authentic, researched stories about medicine and society. The producers conduct extensive research with healthcare professionals to find stories that are not widely reported. As John Wells, an executive producer and director, explained, they ask experts, “What’s going on in your world? What stories aren’t being told?”.
This approach extends to the show’s medical accuracy. The cast participates in boot camps and spends time observing in real emergency rooms to make their performances realistic. The production also uses practical effects and real medical advisors to ensure procedures are depicted correctly.
This is not the first time The Pitt has included a story about mass violence. The first season featured a fictional shooting at a local festival called “PittFest,” which deeply affected the main characters and resulted in a significant loss for Dr. Robby. By addressing both fictional and real events, the show examines the ongoing impact of violence on healthcare workers and their communities.
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