The premiere episode of Netflix's "Breathless," titled "Above All Else,"
kicks off with a bang, setting the stage for a gripping medical drama that
promises to delve into the high-stakes world of public healthcare. The episode
opens with the Joaquin Sorolla Public Hospital in Valencia on the brink of a
strike, as the staff demands better healthcare conditions. The tension is
palpable as the clock ticks down to midnight, when the strike is set to
begin.
We are introduced to Biel, a dedicated first-year resident, who is shocked to learn that his cancer patient is being prepped for surgery at 11 PM, just an hour before the strike. The lead surgeons, Pilar Amaro and Nestor Moa, are at odds over the best course of action for the patient, whose cancer has spread. As the clock strikes 12, Nestor is ready to abandon the surgery, but Pilar intervenes, insisting that the patient's life must come first.
The narrative then shifts back two months, where we see Biel at a market, encountering Moa who is checking on Rosa, a fish vendor. The teasing from fellow residents about Biel's supposed crush on Moa is a light-hearted moment that contrasts sharply with the high-stakes medical scenarios that follow.
A traffic accident caused by the Valencian President, Patricia Segura, brings the hospital staff into a whirlwind of activity. The residents are thrust into the spotlight as they must handle the influx of patients without the full support of the attending physicians. Among them, a pregnant resident faces disdain from a passing attendant, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the medical field.
Rodri, an influencer and resident, finds himself in a difficult position when a desperate mother pleads with him to attend to her daughter who is struggling to breathe. The mother's defensive reaction to Rodri's questions about her daughter's symptoms adds a layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
Biel's personal connection to Patricia, the accident culprit and a family friend, adds another layer of drama. Patricia's charm and boldness are quickly overshadowed by the discovery of a tumor. Meanwhile, Quique, a resident under the influence, arrives with Oscar Amaro, who has overdosed. The medical team, led by Nurse Blanca and Dr. Rocio, manage to save Oscar just in time, as he goes into cardiac arrest.
The episode takes a darker turn when Rosa, despite finally getting her appointment, learns that her illness is terminal. Moa's frustration with the public healthcare system's shortcomings is evident as he rants to the staff, vowing to go on strike. His resolve is tested when he learns that his son, Oscar, has overdosed. Pilar's fury and determination to find those responsible for Oscar's condition are palpable, as Quique's fear grows.
The residents' concerns about Oscar's potential STDs after the overdose are realized when Quique secretly runs tests and discovers that Oscar has contracted multiple infections, including hepatitis. The search for the cause of Oscar's coma leads Quique to order a CAT scan.
The episode continues to build tension as Moa and Biel inform Patricia of the need for aggressive chemotherapy. Patricia's desire to seek treatment at a private hospital is met with Biel's insistence that Moa is the best in the country. Her departure is met with a swarm of reporters, leading to a public relations nightmare.
Patricia's DUI scandal is cleverly redirected to her tumor, and she publicly endorses the public healthcare system, announcing her intention to be treated at the public hospital. Moa's public criticism of the hospital's resources, however, backfires when the hospital manager, Lluis Blasco, threatens to fire him unless he can convince Patricia to return.
The episode reaches a climax with two critical surgeries happening simultaneously. Jesica, despite being involved with Biel and having a boyfriend, is pulled in two directions as she operates on both Oscar and a young girl who has fainted. The pressure is intense as Rodri, who has taken over the girl's surgery, pleads for Jesica to return when the girl goes into cardiac arrest. Pilar's refusal to release Jesica from Oscar's surgery leads to a tragic outcome for the young girl.
"Above All Else" is a powerful start to "Breathless," setting the tone for a series that will undoubtedly explore the complexities of medical ethics, personal relationships, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in a public hospital setting. The episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next installment in this compelling drama.