Scrubs: My Supermen Return

After a subpar (by Scrubs standards) seventh season, it looks like Scrubs is getting back into form. I don't know if the writers felt rushed last year because of the impending strike or network mandates made writing difficult (the show was required to do a "green" episode, requiring it to have an environmental-friendly message, which was probably the worst of the season, and I got the feeling that NBC no longer had any love for the show), but things just didn't work. J.D.'s abrupt break-up with Kim didn't feel right, Turk learning Spanish didn't have the emotional impact it should have, and Dr. Kelso's forced retirement happened before the characters could truly appreciate what had actually happened (also, the so-called "series finale" was blatantly aired out of order, because Kelso was still Chief in it). The one part of the season I really enjoyed was Josephine, the fun-sized intern because of the way Cox hated her but couldn't help but love her (and her voice was hilarious).

But this year, everything is clicking again. Kelso's new role as the annoying guy that everyone wishes would go away, even though he gives out sage advice is hilarious, and Cox's role as the new Chief of Medicince is a great way to explore new relationships. The episode "My New Role" really caught me by surprise; the title led us to believe that it was referring to Cox's role as Chief, but the title actually refers to J.D. (I won't explain why, though). I will admit that I really didn't want J.D. and Elliot to get back together because of what happened at the end of Season 3, but the writers are handling it well (and they acknowledged those events, which placated me a little).

It looks like the writers are moving towards a planned ending that should tie everything up nicely. The characters have certainly grown over these past eight years while remaining true to who they are at their core, and it is going to be interesting to see how everything ends.

Up next: Looking for a home...