Scrubs: A Review

I guess I should say – straight off of the bat – that I am a huge fan of Scrubs, and that it easily ranks in my top two favourite television shows of all time… However, that isn’t necessarily a reflection of why this review is as it is, but it’s more about the merits of the show itself.

Scrubs is one of those shows that I happened upon, entirely by accident, like most of the shows I watch these days. I had been watching TV, a lull in scheduled programming came up, and whilst flicking through the channels I settled on Scrubs as a matter of despair and laziness to continue browsing. My initial impressions were of total indifference, finding it neither amusing or entirely logical. Oh, how that changed.

With some situational comedies, particularly those who find their origins in the 90’s, they excel in one aspect of their production – be it the actual comedy, the quality of production, the cast or any other number of things – but they often tend to fail in so many other areas. A “jack of all trades, half decent at one” situation. Scrubs is the antithesis of this. No matter what it turns its hand to, it really does exceed all expectation. From writing to acting, soundtrack to sets; I am genuinely of the belief that there is nothing Scrubs can’t do well.

I have had a long-standing belief that what makes American TV shows far better than (most) English TV, is the choice of soundtrack. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the musical choices made by some producers in the British television industry, on the whole they are made to feel low budget and obvious by comparison to the pedigree and calibre of American TV acoustics. In this respect, Scrubs is really no different, and is probably the best example of this I can think of – although Supernatural could be a close second!

Scrubs is known for its music. The featured music can quickly set the mood for a scene, hit an emotional cord within the viewer, or highlight a comedic or dramatic event. The show has a history of selecting the perfect piece of music to compliment the moment, from some great artists, some of whom are so far from the mainstream, yet so musically gifted. By not bowing to social expectation (unlike their Trans-Atlantic cousins), the Scrubs team manage to create a show that is touching, just through the soundtrack. I have watched all 168 episodes of the show, many times over, and have never once been disappointed by a particular song choice, or disparity between moment and song. Heavyweights like The Fray, David Gray and Queen are made regular use of, whilst musical minnows like Joshua Radin, Barenaked Ladies (yes, those lads who did the theme for The Big Bang Theory!) and Clay Aiken add a lovely back tone. I have got to be honest, in that my musical knowledge isn’t the most extensive, but thanks to this show I have discovered artists and bands I would have been totally unaware of. My Walkman is all the better for it!

The writers of Scrubs are truly of the highest calibre, pumping out scripts with an alarming consistency and quality. The show is – in its purest sense – a comedy, and it always honours that, with some of the freshest comedy and slapstick humour you will see from across the Pond. Sometimes, it is just good old-fashioned funny, the sort you’d be amused by as a child. Other times, the humour is rather dark, and definitely for a more mature taste. Either way, there is always something to laugh at, and each episode is full to the rafters of brilliantly crafted puns, punch lines and witticisms.

One of the saddest moments - 4 deaths in one episode.

What sets Scrubs aside from its SitCom brethren however is the versatility which I mentioned before, that not only shows in the myriad things it does well, but even pervades the way the show is written. Sure, it is a comedy at heart, but it is also a drama. It has serious moments, it has sad moments, and every other episode there is something beyond the comedy, for the viewer to connect to. Unlike Friends or TBBT, it tugs on your heartstrings, and I have found myself in tears almost as much through the sadness as I have through the laughing. Not only can it achieve a level of sadness that truly makes the heart ache, it shows a level of tenderness and emotional love that you rarely see on a show from the genre, and some of the cutest moments in all of film and TV, I have seen on this show. Go ahead, watch “My Soul on Fire Part2” and see what I mean.

John C McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox.

Continuing the theme of diversity of emotion, you can’t look at Scrubs in an analytical light without touching on the cast. Aside from JohnMcGinley – who made a cameo in one of the other great American SitComs, Frasier – I can honestly say I had never encountered any of the cast prior to my watching this show. I quickly became mystified as to why this might have been, immediately appreciating the thespian talents on display from each of our beloved characters.

The role portrayed by the actors is honest, true and believable, with their characters and the situations they find themselves, being universally accessible. In keeping with the shows writing, the cast are able to reflect the mood perfectly, capturing the humour when we are wanted to laugh, and displaying the heartbreak when we are supposed to cry. In particular Zach Braff and John McGinley’s efforts are truly outstanding, giving their all every episode in true Emmy-worthy displays.

The show also makes very good use of cameo appearances from “guest stars”, and the pedigree of these are truly out of this world for a SitCom, eclipsing even Friends (screw you Brad Pitt!). Tara Reid (Oh yes!), Heather Graham (even more, oh yes!), Michael J. Fox, Mandy Moore, Brendan Fraser, Clay Aiken, Matthew Perry, Courtney Cox (even hotter than she ever was in Friends)… Do I need to go on? Oh, okay then; Colin Farrell, Ryan Reynolds, Dick Van Dyke, George Takei and The Blue Man Group. To name but a few. The best part of all is that the show avoids the pitfall all too often fallen into, and doesn’t just parade these stars around like a prize show dog. It casts them in meaningful and well thought out roles, actively contributing to the episodes story.

The Hospital set for the show.

The show is nothing like Friends, TBBT and various British SitComs, in which they make use of one main set, and a couple of minor ones if you are lucky. It is filmed in an actual (albeit empty) hospital, meaning the sets are real and convincing in their execution, but doesn’t fear to stray outside of here, throwing in so many alternative settings that the show never feels repetitive or washed out. No expense is spared when kitting out the scene, and having spoken with a few pre-med friends of mine, the equipment is true to life and really does add a new level to the conviction of the show.

Overall, the show really is a rare gem in a market saturated with niche comedies, and will no doubt prove timeless in all of its qualities. The show can bask in a glory it really has worked hard to achieve and I can say, with all honesty, that I will never tire of watching it.

Score: 9.5/10