NBC's Scrubs is like a child's fantasy: full of whimsy, charm, and loony characters, its a hideaway from the overly-serious world - or in this case, a hospital. To call the antics and oddball daydreams of Scrubs juvenile would only be undermining the show's credibility, which in its sixth season, remains intact in its new home on Thursday nights, acting as anchor to NBC's newly-revived Must See TV lineup.
Most of Scrubs' charm comes from the series' unmatchable knack to juggle emotions, storylines, and characters at whim. This season opens to daffy doctor J.D. (Zach Braff, as charming and boyish as ever) discovering that his new girlfriend (guest star Elizabeth Banks) is pregnant. Meanwhile his best friend Turk (Donald Faison) and wife Carla (Judy Reyes) are having a baby of their own. Scrubs is experiencing an oddly-placed baby boom, but the show has always taught us to never second guess it. Even with children on the way, there's plenty of fun still to be had. Imagine J.D. as a doting father - better yet, imagine the gags we'll get to see with Braff.
In a classic moment, the hospital employees start freestyle dancing to 'N Sync's "Bye Bye Bye." The funniest part, however, is the that song is being used as a cellphone ringtone by Turk, who's getting a frantic call from a preggers-freaked J.D. And don't worry, parenthood won't hinder the supertight duo of J.D. and Brown Bear: in a grand gesture, J.D. and Turk gather a marching band to accompany Carla on her trip to deliver their baby.
Much of Scrubs has remained the same, which in its own way, is a great thing. It's loony, energetic, and sweet, which can all be afforded by the impeccable cast, which has grown cofident and loose, creating a genuine bond on screen that Friends never could attain. Especially endearing are the show’s trademark juxtaposing scenes - a serious talk about abortion can quickly turn into a religious pun. Even its hilarious non-sequiturs, and lengthy, highly complex fantasy sequences are done with a bouncy grace - like best friends making home movies, these characters act as if there are no expectations, making everything seem effortless. NBC's child-like sitcom wants to be a kid forever. I don't blame it.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
I just can't seem to get this show. All my friends love it and I'm continually turning into the reruns to see what its all about only to be wildly disappointed. It's just really goofy, but not all that funny to me. Yet I can't stop watching in hopes I'll eventually figure out what's so funny.
2 - A Fan
Wether you like it or not really depends on the type of humor you like. I know people who hate the show, they prefer shows they consider to be "smart" humor. Scrubs is the kind of show to indulge in random and nonsensical humor and that almost never changes.
3 - Baronius
If you're willing to accept Zack Braff as a likable befuddled everyman, it's a great show. But he gets on some people's nerves. It was a little tough for me to get used to him because he reminds me so much of "Ed". But as that show fades from my memory (too bad; I liked it) I find I'm ok with JD. Scrubs really is a clever show.