By Faith McQuinn

Last season on SCRUBS, after learning Kim (Elizabeth Banks) was still pregnant; J.D. (Zach Braff) decides to give the relationship another try. But, just like with every relationship he’s ever been in, he can’t stay committed and ends up lying in a small cot next to Elliot (Sarah Chalke). As the music swells, and the credits roll, the two go in for a kiss.

Tonight, Elliot and J.D. continue to inch towards one another and the familiar sound of J.D.’s voice-over fills the air. They don’t kiss. I’m sorry if I ruined it for anyone, but I knew it wouldn’t happen. Creator Bill Lawrence said a few years back that these two would never get together again, and it’s nice to see him sticking to his word.

This is the last season of one of my favorite shows on television, and it’s nice to see it’s off to a decently funny start. Elliot finally comes to terms with the idea of not marrying Keith (Travis Schuldt), and J.D. decides that he must try not to sabotage himself. Meanwhile, Turk (Donald Faison) and Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) are trying to figure out what’s wrong with the greatest patient they’ve ever had. Just call him Joe.


For those who love this show no matter how badly NBC treats it, you’ll be happy to know that all the silly sight gags and non-sequiturs are still in place. When Elliot breaks up with Keith, the entire hospital watches and sighs collectively, but then J.D. spots Snoop Dogg attendant (Manley Henry) professing his love to a “fun-sized” resident, and everyone collectively smiles, and then Carla (Judy Reyes) sees a rainbow, and everyone “oh”s. Man, I’ve missed this show.

I’ve missed the Janitor (Neil Flynn) taking jabs at J.D. It was a little lacking in this episode, but it’s nice to see the Janitor is dating.

I’ve missed Turk and J.D.—two friends with the greatest guy love on television.

I’ve missed Dr. Cox’s long-winded, wise-ass speeches. The one in this episode wasn’t as air-gasping as some, but it did involve the first annual Who Caresies Awards which went to J.D. for thinking anyone cared if he was being self-sabotaging or not. He won out over Elliot, who thinks anyone cares about she and Keith breaking up; Turk, who thinks anyone cares that he’s still enjoying his one candy bar a month; and The Todd (Robert Maschio), who thinks anyone cares about his new shirt.


Turns out J.D. received the award for good reason. After an episode full of oddly crazy and funny moments, SCRUBS always moves into its serious moment. This one? About Occam’s Razor—the simplest solution tends to be the right one. In the case of Cox’s and Turk’s patient, the fun-sized resident didn’t look close enough, and it turns out the guy had Lyme Disease. In the case of Elliot, she realizes that letting Keith hate her is the only way for him to work through it. And in the case of J.D., he realizes the reason he’s staying with Kim is because she’s carrying his child.

SCRUBS has always had a way of depressing the hell out of you. But I do think seeing J.D. deal with Kim should make for a hilarious final season. If anyone remembers how funny Turk and Carla’s birth episode was, then I can only imagine how crazy J.D. is going to be.