To employ J.D.'s contagious new catchphrase, "big news, sports fans" - "Scrubs" is back!
The comedy returned for its seventh season last Thursday. Playing on awkward situations and uncomfortable romantic plot lines, the season premiere of "Scrubs" grabbed fans with the classic sarcastic humor of seasons past, while adding a newer dramatic aspect that definitely spiced things up.
The unresolved sexual tension between Elliot (played by Sarah Chalke) and J.D. (Zach Braff) reaches an all-time high as they admit to being in loveless relationships, J.D. with his pregnant significant other and Eliot with her ex-fiancé who insists on calling her "pig whore" at every opportunity.
Keith (Travis Schuldt) and Elliot's breakup last season culminates in the season opener with a messy, though arguably hot, scene of breakup sex. But even that fizzles as Elliot sabotages herself, setting up the theme of the entire episode. Elliot's reservation to sleep with any man that repeatedly calls her "pig whore," however, is not as sad in the end as J.D.'s decision to stay with his girlfriend because she is pregnant. This brings "Scrubs" to one of its saddest conclusions, as he admits that he does not love her and probably never has the capacity to. That's heartwarming, NBC.
Meanwhile, in a "Brokeback Moutain"-eqsue subplot, a homoerotic patient-doctor relationship finally forces Turk (Donald Fiason) and Cox (John McGinley) to do their actual jobs. The patient, Joe, shines his baby blues at the men and has them scrambling to find out what is wrong with him.
This thankfully distracts from the depressing nature of Elliot and J.D.'s predicaments. Though all of the plotlines had a decisively funny nature, they still ended up being a little depressing in the end. It was difficult to watch Elliot break Keith's heart again and J.D. sit next to his ex, Kim (Elizabeth Banks), on the couch and reflect on the fact that he doesn't love her.
J.D. and Elliot's behavior is ultimately a little sad, even when they receive strange, yet well-intentioned advice from Carla (Judy Reyes) and the resident janitor (Neil Flynn), who offers J.D. the option of "cognitive therapy" - basically the idea that he would get to bash his head in for hours.
Janitor and Carla seem to have the right idea going, even if they choose to express it in questionable ways. J.D. and Elliot, like so many other people, insist on screwing themselves over romantically, seemingly purposely sabotaging their chances for happiness. It's tragic, but true. Luckily, viewers don't have to wait the entire season for that message to reveal itself, like on "Scrubs'" counterpart medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy."
This new season promises to have all of the awkward and sarcastic elements that make "Scrubs" enjoyable for its fans, but a new serious component as well, which promises to be self-reflective. There is no telling what will happen now that Elliot is single and J.D. doesn't love his girlfriend, who is so happy it's heartbreaking. Hopefully, the writers will let her down gently - or gently as one can be left single and with child.
Overall, the acting and writing made for a great show. The comedic deliveries were on point and deadpan - the classic "Scrubs" feel. Zach Braff's private musings were hilarious, up until his realization about his relationship with Kim. Hopefully he continues this season addressing everyone as "sports fans," because it's pointless and absurd and that's exactly how a great comedy should be.
