'Scrubs' Scoop Straight From The Bahamas

The Internet connection down here in the Bahamas, where I'm still hanging with the cast and crew of Scrubs, is a bit shaky right now. But I'm not complaining. Why would I want to be on the computer when I could be on set at the Hope Town Harbor Lodge, watching one of my favorite Sacred Heart characters tie the knot today? -- The officiant is being played by show creator (and director of this Bahamian episode) Mr. Bill Lawrence (photo, left), by the way -- But anyhoo, I have managed to gather some good knowledge in between Bahama Mama sips, so I suppose I should share. Thanks to all who sent questions in. I did my best to get them answered...

Can you ask Bill Lawrence any more about this Scrubs as a revolving door show thing? Most of the fans seem to be totally against it, so what's the deal?
I believe you're speaking of ABC's desire to keep Scrubs going for additional seasons -- with new and old cast members coming and going as they please -- despite the fact that Bill and star Zach Braff will exit the show after this upcoming eighth year. I spoke with Bill and he is totally supportive of the series continuing for a ninth season (and maybe beyond), provided the storylines are creative and make sense. He said there are a lot of very talented writers on staff who can carry the torch along with a few supporting cast members who would likely stick around. Plus, it would mean keeping his tight-knit crew (whom I've gotten to know this week, and really kind of love) together and working.

Can you get any scoop on the new cast adds? I know Aziz Ansari is a newbie. Will he actually have a storyline that intersects with the cast outside the hospital too?
Bill says Aziz, as well as Eliza Coupe, Betsy Beutler and Lee Thompson Young were brought on board because it was time for new blood. With seven seasons already past, there are only so many stories they haven't already told, so the logical thing to do was to hire a few fresh faces who will act as students of J.D., Turk and Elliot. The storylines planned for each intern are different, but a couple of them will definitely be all up in the vets' faces, both in and out of the hospital. For more info on the newest addition, Lee Thompson Young, read this.

Has anyone been cast as the new Chief of Medicine?
Several major names have been in contention. I mentioned Jennifer Garner last month, and since then, both Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver were possibilities. Unfortunately, neither actors are going to work out, so the casting directors are now back to square one, searching for a solid name to guest star in the first three season eight eps.

Will Ken Jenkins still be a series regular?
Though I'm hearing that Dr. Cox will take over as Chief of Medicine once the big name guest star exits, I'm told Kelso (Ken Jenkins, photo, right) isn't going anywhere. Muffins for life, baby! He'll be around.

Will Shirley/"Laverne again" return?
Though Aloma Wright is one of the only cast members who is not here in the Bahamas with us, she has already shot a season eight episode and will appear again.

Will Keith be a part of the group of new interns?
Keith has moved on, however I'm hearing we shouldn't count him out for good. One of the writers said Keith's return is a definite possibility.

Will The Janitor's Lady come back?

Will Scrubs start airing in HD?
It will. When the show bows on ABC, it will be available in HD!

Could there be a spin-off? Legal custodians perhaps?
Bill says he's not too sure about doing a spin off, but he does intend to work with every single Scrubs actor again in some capacity. "They're all just too hyper-talented," he told me. Said Zach, "In terms of working with Bill, I feel like there's such a good collaboration, so we'll look for ways to continue that."

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