ITV's drama 'Breathtaking' continued to move audiences on Tuesday night, with the second episode depicting the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on frontline NHS staff and patients. Viewers took to social media to praise the cast, particularly Joanne Froggatt, who plays Dr Abbey Henderson, a hospital consultant based on the real-life experiences of writer Rachel Clarke.
The episode highlighted critical issues such as faulty personal protective equipment (PPE), the care home crisis, and the mental toll on healthcare workers. In one particularly gut-wrenching scene, Dr Henderson and a colleague pleaded with authorities to test patients before discharging them to care homes, only to be told to 'just do your job'. Their warnings were tragically validated when a patient she had discharged unknowingly spread the virus, leading to further deaths.
Viewers described the drama as 'harrowing' and 'heartbreaking', with many finding it difficult to watch due to its realistic portrayal of the pandemic. One viewer commented: 'It's easy to forget these doctors and nurses and dying patients are actors.' Another praised Froggatt's performance, calling it deserving of 'the TV equivalent of an Oscar'.
The series, based on Rachel Clarke's book 'Breathtaking', has been lauded for its honest depiction of the challenges faced by NHS staff during the pandemic. 'Breathtaking' is available to stream on ITVX.
