What a strange episode of Scrubs we got this week. More than any of the other ones, this felt like one of this in-series setups for a spin-off, kind of like Private Practice did to spin out of Grey’s Anatomy. Or to kick it old school, how Empty Nest was set up in The Golden Girls before spinning out. It’s been done a million times, you get the point.
Usually what happens is the episode focuses almost entirely on the cast of the spin-off show, offering token appearances by a few members of the show you’re actually meaning to watch. And that’s what Scrubs did this week. No point in listing the missing cast members. Only Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison were there. Now, out of respect for the writers, they handled this very well by having the two working an overnight shift together with the new interns. And it was a good, if a bit somber, episode.
It was interesting to see that being a doctor is starting to weigh so heavily on Elliott. She’s a bundle of anxieties, sure, but who knew the rigors of having to give people “the bad news” all the time was starting to take its toll. It makes sense and it created a kind of poignant closing moment as she contemplated when she might just walk away from the profession completely. I’ve had those same moments with the IT work I do. Stress and seeming thanklessness can only make you feel great about yourself for so many years.
Outside of Turk and Elliott’s mentoring, the episode was mainly about establishing the relationships between the new interns. Since the show won’t be continuing with these kids, as far as we know, it felt kind of like an exercise in pointlessness.
Which is a shame, because I could almost see myself liking some of these kids. Intern Kiss-Ass is starting to be more human, and Intern Who-Gives-A-Crap is completely well-rounded, which was nice because we were able to root for her when she got to witness Intern Egomaniac get taken down a peg … and then bang him. Well, everyone has their issues.
I missed Janitor, J.D., Cox and the rest but actually found myself enjoying the quieter times with Turk and Elliott. The two rarely get quality screen time together, and these serious contemplative moments are what set Scrubs apart from traditional sitcom fare. Still, without those guys the episode was far less wacky and actually far less funny than usual as well. Luckily, when it comes to Scrubs that doesn’t mean it isn’t every bit as good as usual.
Clacked by Jason Hughes 
on Apr 03, 2009 @ 17:00 EST5EDT
It was an interesting episode; but I couldn’t see them two in a spin-off because well Elliot is still seeing JD (I think, Scrubs doesn’t come on every week sometimes so I forget), and Turk is married to Carla, so all four would have to be included which would basically be Scrubs. I could however, see the new interns in their own spin-off or as the “New Scrubs.”
Best episode of the season for me.
I think the interns can get their own show now.
I really like the interns and would love to see them in a spinoff. Any other of the old characters need not apply.