The Pitt’s Isa Briones Explains How ‘Internalized Sexism’ Created Discourse Over Santos and Langdon

A Nuanced Character and Grateful Fans: Isa Briones on Dr. Santos in The Pitt

Isa Briones, the 26-year-old actress who plays Dr. Santos in the gripping medical drama The Pitt, recently expressed her heartfelt gratitude to fans for their evolving and thoughtful discourse about her character. In a heartfelt Instagram Stories post, Briones shared her appreciation for the nuanced conversations surrounding Dr. Santos, particularly in a Reddit megathread that caught her attention. While she usually avoids reading online discussions about her work due to their often harsh nature, she made an exception this time because the focus was on her character rather than personal attacks. Briones found it "incredibly heartening" to see fans engaging in detailed and intelligent discussions about Santos’ complex arc on the show.

Briones also noted that the polarizing nature of her character is a hallmark of great storytelling. "Some people hate Santos. Some people love her. Many people love to hate her. And that’s great TV," she said, praising the show’s writers for crafting such a multi-dimensional character. She went on to highlight how the character has sparked meaningful conversations, with many viewers reflecting on their own biases, particularly in relation to gender. Fans have shared how their initial dislike of Santos led them to confront their internalized sexism, particularly in how they judged her for challenging her supervisor, Dr. Langdon, who was later revealed to be struggling with an opioid addiction. Briones called this phenomenon "a beautiful thing," emphasizing how powerful storytelling can challenge viewers’ assumptions and provoke deeper reflection.

Dr. Santos: A Complicated and Necessary Character

Dr. Santos has been a central figure in The Pitt, a series that follows a group of employees in the ER of a fictional Pittsburgh hospital during a chaotic 15-hour shift. In the first half of the season, Santos found herself at odds with her supervisor, Dr. Langdon, played by Patrick Ball. Their tense dynamic led some viewers to express frustration with Santos, who is portrayed as a determined but sometimes abrasive intern navigating her first shift. However, as the story unfolded, Santos proved to be right about Langdon’s secret opioid addiction, a revelation that not only validated her character but also deepened the audience’s understanding of the complexities of addiction.

Briones, who wasn’t surprised by the mixed reactions to her character, acknowledged that not everyone would like Santos. She affectionately described how some people on set even playfully referred to her as a "tattletale" for Santos’ bold actions. However, Briones emphasized that Santos’ decision to expose Langdon’s addiction was rooted in a moral obligation to do what’s right, even if it came across as confrontational. "At the end of the day, this was something wrong that was going on and she exposed it," Briones said. "It is illegal." She also noted how Santos’ assertive personality often led viewers to second-guess her motives, but ultimately, her character’s actions were justified.

The Opioid Crisis and Dr. Langdon’s Struggle

The opioid addiction plotline in The Pitt adds another layer of depth to the story, shedding light on a real-world issue that affects millions. In a recent episode, Dr. Robby (played by Noah Wyle) confronted Langdon about his addiction, leading to a poignant confession. Langdon, a high-functioning addict, revealed that his addiction began after he was prescribed painkillers following a back injury sustained while helping his parents move. Patrick Ball, the actor who plays Langdon, shared with Us Weekly how relatable this storyline is. "You see this opioid problem that is just riddling itself all across this country," he said. "It’s really sad because it’s not people that ever set out to become addicts. It’s people that trust and that get caught in a trap. That’s part of what happened with Langdon."

Ball’s comments highlight the tragic nature of addiction, which often begins with legitimate medical treatment and spirals into a devastating cycle. Langdon’s storyline serves as a reminder that addiction can affect anyone, even the most high-functioning individuals. It also underscores the broader societal issue of overprescription and the lack of adequate support systems for those struggling with addiction. By addressing this topic, The Pitt not only entertains but also educates its audience, encouraging empathy and understanding for those caught in the grip of addiction.

Audience Reactions: Bias, Sexism, and Bias

One of the most striking aspects of The Pitt is how it challenges its audience to reflect on their own biases. Briones pointed out that some viewers initially sided with Langdon over Santos, only to later realize that their judgment may have been influenced by gender stereotypes. "People wanted to really like him but then if Langdon is doing something wrong, why are they choosing to cover up for a man instead of believing a woman?" she remarked. This dynamic sparked important discussions among fans, with many admitting that their initial dislike of Santos stemmed from subconscious biases.

Briones found it "cool" how the show’s twist forced viewers to reevaluate their assumptions. "It’s a cool moment for the audience to be like, ‘OK, maybe that was right of her. I don’t like her. I don’t like what she did, but maybe she was correct.’" This moment of realization not only highlights the brilliance of the show’s writing but also speaks to the power of television as a medium for social commentary. By creating a character like Santos, the writers of The Pitt have successfully challenged their audience to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and society at large.

The Power of Storytelling and the Future of The Pitt

For Briones, the most rewarding aspect of playing Dr. Santos is the opportunity to portray a truly complicated woman. She praised the show’s writers for their ability to craft a character that elicits strong emotions and sparks meaningful conversations. "Big kudos to our incredible writers for creating such a complicated woman, and thank you to the whole team for letting me portray her," she said. Her gratitude is a testament to the collaborative effort that goes into bringing such a compelling story to life.

As The Pitt continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline and thought-provoking themes, fans can look forward to more episodes that challenge their assumptions and leave a lasting impact. New episodes of The Pitt premiere every Thursday on Max, offering viewers another chance to immerse themselves in the world of the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital and its complex characters. With its nuanced storytelling and realistic portrayals of real-world issues, The Pitt is not just a medical drama—it’s a reflection of our world, our struggles, and our capacity for growth and understanding.