Briones on Santos Feud, Fan Hate, Therapy Needs

Source: rollingstone.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Isa Briones discusses playing prickly resident Dr. Trinity Santos on HBO's medical drama The Pitt, her character's tensions with Dr. Frank Langdon, and fan reactions. The interview by Rolling Stone staffer CT Jones comes right before the Season 2 finale aired on Thursday. Briones is also starring as Connie Francis in the Broadway jukebox musical Just in Time about Bobby Darin.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)[[2]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573)

Key points

Details and context

Briones appeals to Santos for letting her play an unpalatable woman who takes up space without apology, a break from "girl next door" roles. Their instant hate roots in projection: Santos hates her own traits in Langdon, and his recovery shames her unresolved issues.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)

Santos resists Whitaker's kindness due to fear of abandonment or hurt, shown in her reaction to his potential exit. Briones jokes the show's moral is that therapy and real talks would fix everything, but drama thrives on silence.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)

Off-screen, the cast's distinct acting styles create trust, especially between Briones and Ball. She's dealing with fame's annoyances like disguises while feeling under the weather from Broadway's grind.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)

Key quotes

Why it matters

The Pitt captures raw ER tensions and personal demons in doctors, with Santos embodying complex, divisive women in TV. Fans get Briones' take on character hate as bias, plus production insights that deepen viewing. Watch for Season 3 buzz, though Briones eyes a break from her stethoscope amid Broadway demands.

FAQ

Q: Why does Dr. Santos hate Dr. Langdon so much?

A: Santos sees traits she hates in herself, like addiction struggles, in Langdon from their first day together. His rehab recovery triggers her guilt and shame over her own unhealed issues. She lashes out because he invalidates her hard work to fit in at the ER.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)

Q: What causes some fans to dislike Santos?

A: Briones points to misogyny in fan discourse framing Langdon-vs-Santos battles. Women with unspoken trauma get labeled "scary" faster than men with similar problems. Santos starts prickly with walls up, demanding patience some fans lack.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)

Q: How does Santos relate to Whitaker?

A: Whitaker keeps offering friendship despite her pushback; their "love language" is her telling him to shut up and go away. Her past losses and abuse make her fear people will hurt or leave her. His potential exit scares her into higher walls.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)

Q: Has Briones seen the Season 2 finale?

A: No, actors don't get screenings; she'll catch it later due to her eight-show Broadway week. Fans may hit her stage door then head to watch. The grind keeps her from obsessing over reception.[[1]](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-pitt-finale-isa-briones-interview-1235544573/)