2001 saw the start of a new series that, personally, was genuinely life changing.
A mix of odd comedy and poignant messages created a connection between viewer and sitcom that was frankly a bit strange. Almost all of the episodes in the 8 (good) seasons (this blog will ignore season 9) were started with the word ‘My…’ to create a diary feel, allowing those of us watching to relate to the problems several of the characters face. The following series of blogs are an expression of gratitude to everyone involved with Scrubs.
Centred around a new medical intern, John Dorian (J.D), the show demonstrates a rare ability to explore several struggles within a single episode, usually similar to ‘real life’ challenges.
On a personal note, there is no doubt that the stage of life I was at allowed me to buy in to the show. Going through high school as I was and experiencing all the hormonal changes that comes with being a teenager, it created a melodramatic internal monologue; a central theme for J.D throughout the show with that being the style of narration.
For a number of years I was able to relive the show due to it being replayed almost constantly on Comedy Central (Friends syndrome). Suddenly, though, that stopped. At the time I didn’t mind as, truth be told, I’d probably seen all the episodes far too many times within a 10 year window.
But in 2016 I started to miss it. With all of the things I gave up my time to in 2017, the occasional Scrubs binge on YouTube was one of my most nostalgic. I genuinely started to miss the characters. I forgot how cool Turk was, how strong Carla was, how heartless Dr Kelso could be as well as how much I loved J.D’s on and off love interest, Elliot (but who didn’t?!)
Quite wonderfully, 2018 brought with it a new beginning. From Series 1 episode 1, Comedy Central brought back Scrubs. With a couple of click of the remote it was set to Series Record and my opportunity to watch it as and when I pleased presented itself.
I know there’s a large group of people though who get what I’m talking about. Those who understand the complexities of the characters and how they all work together. Those who both laughed and learned from each and every episode. Those who would love the chance to re-watch every episode again for the first time and go through all the emotions.
As a group of fans I know we’d all like to thank Bill Lawrence et all who created the show. J.D, Elliot, Turk, Carla, Dr. Cox and Dr. Kelso for leading the show. Ted, the Janitor, the Todd, Laverne, Jordan, Hooch, Doug Gift shop girl, Keith, Tasty coma wife, Julie, Rex, Sean… all hilarious and integral characters in their own right.
The goal of these blogs is to go through that journey again myself, bundle it all up and share it with you.
Stuart fenwick 