THINK TO EXIST: All 'Scrubs' up: Sitcom can offer valuable lessons

In 10 days, the sitcom "Scrubs" will finish its eighth season on television and most likely be its last forever. Over the last few years, I have become an avid fan of the witty, quirky and fast-paced dialogue seen on "Scrubs."

As I prepare for the one-hour season finale on May 6, I have begun to reflect back on memorable moments from the show.

Even if I am talking about "Scrubs," I have realized that much can be learned from the silliest of shows.

So with summer upon us, I would like to rehash some words from this wacky, yet sensitive TV show.

Perhaps the biggest topic of "Scrubs" is the inner workings of relationships. From Elliot and J.D. to Carla and Turk, the show features multiple story lines that affect each of the main characters. It is the connection between the characters that shapes comical but serious affairs.

Attending Ball State gives us the same opportunity to meet people who share similar interests and ambitions. According to Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox, it's couples who are truly right for each other that wade through the same crap as everybody else, but the big difference is they don't let it take them down.

In essence, whether it's a romantic relationship or just a friendship, we will still experience trials and tribulations, but if it's right then nothing can break it because there's going to be forgiveness and compromise. It's important to let go of the little things, even if you can't let go all the way.

Another vital theme in "Scrubs" is the significance of communication. Whether its J.D.'s continuous attempt to acquire respect and/or a hug from Dr. Cox, Todd's awkward sexual innuendos and high fives or Ted's disturbingly close relationship with his mother, the exchange of ideas is apparent in every episode.

What I have learned from watching "Scrubs" is that nothing in this world worth having comes easy. Turk and Carla are wonderful together, but after eight seasons they have certainly had their share of fights.

Even when Carla said, "Why is there a pancake in the silverware drawer?" and Turk replied, "You mean why is there silverware in the pancake drawer?" the two were able to shake it off because when you care about someone you'll do whatever you can to make them happy.

Finally, "Scrubs" focuses a lot of attention on characters' insecurities and how to deal with life's problems.

J.D. has said he is afraid of intimacy and self-sabotages every one of his relationships. Elliot is insecure about someone talking to her while she is on the toilet. She dislikes swearing and sex-related words, and therefore has created remarks like "frick" and "bajingo." And Dr. Cox is constantly concerned about the way he is perceived in the hospital and often feels left out. The admirable thing about J.D., Elliot and Cox is that they have acknowledged their insecurities and taken steps to grow and improve their well-being.

Simply put, "Scrubs" displays characters taking chances. As college students, it's really just about overcoming your fears. But, I believe any big risk they take in life, no matter how it ends up, most people are always glad they took it. When it comes down to it, you just have to be proud of the decisions you make.

J.D. once said that things seldom work out the way you expect. He goes on to state that fate is only sometimes on your side, but either way you have to trust that whatever is supposed to happen, will happen.

The show is not only a great source of comedy, but also great drama and meaning. "Scrubs" finds the right balance between humor and emotion. It is incredible how relatable all the characters are in this show.

So as you get ready to venture into summer break, I encourage all of you to find a show you can relate to and get as much out of it as possible. Because when I started watching "Scrubs" I thought it was simply a comedic sitcom about sarcastic doctors. But as the show progressed, I realized "Scrubs" was offering advice to relevant situations in life that we will encounter.

And as college students, I think that is something we can all appreciate.

Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu


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