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Checking in for the final season of 'Scrubs'
Scrubs is back for an eighth season Tuesday at 9 p.m. on ABC.
And when I say it’s back, I don’t just mean the show is returning with new episodes. I mean the comedy is back to the Scrubs we knew and loved.
As you know, the series moves from NBC to ABC for its final season (the show has always been produced by ABC studios) and the new network looks good on the doctors. The series has always been a delicate dance between the absurd and the poignant. It was a show that could make you laugh and cry – often in the same episode. And the first two episodes of the season hit that balance spot on.
Courteney Cox guest star for three episodes (two of which will air tomorrow night) as Dr. Taylor Maddox, the new hospital administrator. She is hilarious as a doctor who prioritizes cost saving measures over, well basically, everything else. (By the way, Cox and Scrubs executive producer Bill Lawrence are already working on a new show called Cougar Town).
The episodes also introduce a new crop of interns to Sacred Heart. Pay close attention to these interns. There’s a chance that they could be part of a Scrubs spin-off series next season.
But even if Scrubs returns in some form next season, this is the beginning of the end of the Scrubs in its current format. Zach Braff, who is the center of the Scrubs world, announced long ago that this would be his final season.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about the possibility of a spin-off since I didn’t immediately take to the new interns. Right now I feel they are fine guest stars but I don’t know if I would want to watch a show centered around them. Of course that could totally change as the season progresses.
The other thing I don’t know is if I want J.D. and Elliot together when Scrubs ends. They’re not exactly Ross and Rachel or Carrie and Big but after so much back and forth I kind of think I like them best as friends.
How about you? Would you want to watch a Scrubs spin-off? Do you want J.D. and Elliot together when the series ends? Talk about it below. And after you’ve watched tomorrow’s episodes, definitely let me know what you think.
Ask TV Gal
I've been trying to find an answer to this and can't find it anywhere so hopefully you can help. Having just watched Eli Stone last night, I'm a little panicky that the show is going to be left with that as an ending. I hope not! I thought ABC said when they cancelled it and Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money, that they were going to air all 13 episodes, they just weren't ordering any more beyond that but, I don't see it in the schedule for the next couple of weeks. Thanks! Chris
Chris I wish I could offer you words of comfort but let the panic ensue. You are correct that ABC does plan on airing the remaining episodes of both Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone but you are also correct that both shows are currently nowhere to be seen on the ABC schedule. Eli is replaced this week with Primetime: What Would You Do? and repeats of Scrubs and Lost fill the Pushing Daisies time slot for the next couple of weeks. I think the remaining episodes will eventually air on ABC but it might be awhile (think summer) until that happens. But we do know that networks are capricious these days – so by next week ABC could have changed its mind. I say air the episodes on Saturday night and let us TiVo them. Who’s with me?
Some Fun Links
One Tree Hill is back with a new episode tonight at 9 p.m. on the CW. You can watch a preview of the episode by clicking here.
The season four DVD of Battlestar Galactica is out tomorrow and here and here are a couple clips of the special features that will be available on the DVD.
Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for January 5-11
The CBS Monday night comedies aren’t back with new episodes until next week but most shows do return from their holiday break this week. I know most of you really liked it but I’m hoping Chuck tones down his histrionics on Gossip Girl (Monday, CW, 8 p.m.).
I have to make my weekly push for Privileged (Tuesday, CW, 9 p.m.). Sharon Lawrence continues her guest star stint as Megan’s estranged mom. I really like the way the series is addressing Megan’s fractured family background –- it grounds the series in a more dramatic story arc while still giving us some of the fluffy fun (like Sage’s [Ashley Newbrough] crush on Luis) and good old fashion romantic angst. I continue to like this show more and more every time I watch it.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who plays Agent Vivian Johnson, directs this week’s episode of Without a Trace (Tuesday,CBS, 10 p.m.)
Eric Stoltz plays a death row inmate in need of medical attention on Grey’s Anatomy Thursday at 9 p.m. on ABC and –good news! - Izzie finally tells Alex that she’s been seeing the very dead Denny.
Private Practice is now in the post-Grey’s time slot and has a new episode this week. Everyone is under quarantine when one of Cooper’s patients is diagnosed with measles. By the way, how do we feel about Violet and Pete getting together? It seems to come out of nowhere, don’t you think? Oh and I have to share this with people who will care as much as I do. Next week Tyne Daly guest stars on Grey’s Anatomy as Derek’s mother. I’m so happy to see Tyne Daly but wouldn’t it have been so much more fun to reunite her with Amy Brenneman (her on screen daughter) and Tim Daly (her real life brother) on Private Practice? People should really check with me first.
That’s all for today. There’s a bunch of new programming coming our way this week (hooray!) so I’ll be back on Wednesday with a look at this week’s familiar faces and to talk about the season premiere of Damages and on Friday I’ll have quotes of the week and a review of the new season of 24. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.
Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®
I'm first! I have nothing to say, but I'm first!
Dex | Jan 5, 2009 1:03:50 PM | #Looking forward to new episodes of Scrubs, for sure.
One highlight of the week for me, that you didn't mention, is a new episode of Leverage Tuesday night! I am all in on this show!
It's great to have "Scrubs" back, as there are so few good comedies on the air--especially on ABC.
And wait, is FX scheduling "Damages" on Friday nights? That's ridiculous. I liked the old Tuesday night timeslot better.
Dex | Jan 5, 2009 1:12:11 PM | #Amy - Thanks for the big mention on what i feel is the most underrated comedy of all time --- Scrubs. I love, love, love this show. abc.com has an area where u can blog with creator Bill Lawrence and see see previews and more. Just choose Scrubs from the pull down menu under "Shows" on the site and it's all there. I agree about a spin off and also about JD and Elliot, though I like them so much, I wouldn't mind either way really. Let's hope many watch and the show goes out on a well-deserved high quality and ratings-wise.
Rick | Jan 5, 2009 1:20:53 PM | #I'm so excited that "Scrubs" is back! (And "Nip/Tuck" is back tomorrow too) Happy dance time!
I don't know if I'd watch a spin off with the interns. I guess I'll have to watch the eps and see what I think of them. Of course, Frasier Crane was my least favorite character on "Cheers" but I absolutely loved him on his own show, so I guess ya' never know!
And I agree Amy, would've LOVED to have seen Tyne Daly on "Private Practice" because of the Tim Daly/"Judging Amy" connection. But there will be a bit of a "Judging Amy" reunion as it looks like Jillian Armenante (Donna) will be guest starring on the next ep. I hope she and Amy have some scenes together.
Michelle | Jan 5, 2009 1:27:02 PM | #Dex, I think Damages is on Wednesdays at 10 PM.
Sue | Jan 5, 2009 1:35:03 PM | #Lawerence and Cox also worked before on Family Ties I think.
Kevin | Jan 5, 2009 1:41:50 PM | #Thank you for at least acknowledging that Scrubs (which was great the first few seasons) has basically sucked for a while. I'm glad to hear it's back on its game.
Also, I'm so glad Tyne Daly isn't going anywhere near Private Practice. Now that Violet and Pete are together I think it's best not to throw Tyne into the mix and create an icky sense of incest.
Mike | Jan 5, 2009 1:44:15 PM | #I'm still in denial. Eli Stone is not canceled.
ABC better air those remaining episodes soon. I don't care if it's airing at 2am.
Krissy | Jan 5, 2009 1:51:05 PM | #Damages: Yes
I watched almost the entire first season again sunday, will probably finish up tonight. I can't believe it was only 13 episodes seems like more. On another bad note, Bones is moving to Thursday, which means 5 shows in the 7pm slot, I only have 4 slots open on the tivo. So either Bones, Ugly Betty, or Survivor must go. (probably survivor)
I love Scrubs, and though I will miss Kelso (will he still be around, but not as administrator?), I'm looking forward to Courtney Cox's appearance.
I, for the record, vehemently do not want J.D. and Elliot together. I like them as friends, but I've never liked them as more. :-P
Aimee | Jan 5, 2009 2:39:58 PM | #I hope that if Cougar Town comes to fruition, it gets a name change. That name is so gross!
Jen | Jan 5, 2009 2:59:42 PM | #Amy, you forgot to mention Flashpoint, with the beloved
Enrico Colantoni, returns on Fri at 9.
Scrubs was always more than just a comedy. It was more serio-comic, like M.A.S.H. Think of Brendan Frasier dying. It's great that the characters changed and grew over time, even Dr. Cox. (Unlike House, who's still the same ass that he's always been.) I suspect that J.D. and Elliot will finish as a couple which will leave a bad taste for me.
b | Jan 5, 2009 3:48:13 PM | #Knowing ABC, I'll be surprised if anymore Eli Stone or Pushing Daisies episodes are aired. I'm just looking forward to the DVDs.
zed | Jan 5, 2009 3:51:23 PM | #I seem to be the only person who does want to see JD and Eliiot together... Anyone else with me?
Mitch | Jan 5, 2009 3:54:14 PM | #I want to see JD and Elliot together! I don't want it to happen at the last episode though like ross and rachel. That would really annoy me, but if they get together earlier in the season that'd be great.
ctwright | Jan 5, 2009 5:12:19 PM | #I want to see JD and Elliot together too! I mean, it's the final season so we wouldn't have to worry about it getting boring like those things do sometimes. And on a much more important note, IMHO, ABC HAD BEST GET ITS HEAD OUT OF ITS COLLECTIVE BUTTS AND AIR THE REST OF ELI STONE ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pam | Jan 5, 2009 5:36:09 PM | #One thing I don't love about Grey's is that they constantly change relationships in order to suit their needs. Izzie and George used to be best friends and now they never talk. Besides the quick mention from George to Alex, they have been totally ignoring each other... Strange.
Mandy | Jan 5, 2009 6:49:59 PM | #I agree with you. I don't care what time or day they air them.. I just want to see the last episodes of Eli Stone and Pushing Daisies... I'll record them whenever they're on (yes I said record, on my VCR)
| Jan 5, 2009 8:36:02 PM | #My guess is that they won't air Eli Stone which will be devastating, but at the VERY VERY LEAST they better include them in the dvd set so we loyalists can watch them. Same with Pushing Daisies. I remember when Miss Match was taken off with no ending, and American Dreams, and I can't take it anymore! :)
SB | Jan 5, 2009 10:13:26 PM | #I echo everyone's excitement about "Scrubs" returning (January is the new September, isn't it?).
My two cents: I'd be annoyed if JD and Elliott end up together because they just can't make it work, despite being close friends. It does seem like they're going to need to tie up the romantic loose ends with each of those two characters, though, by the end of the season. I have no suggestions for man-child JD, but they should bring Shawn back for Elliott. Scott Foley was so fun on that show.
Cat | Jan 5, 2009 11:38:25 PM | #SOOOO psyched that Scrubs is back, and you have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that it is set to go out at its peak, giving us the show the way we love it best. And I agree with you - I don't want JD and Elliot together. Period. They were always best as friends.
I have also been seriously bummed out by Grey's post-2nd season. At the rate it's going, I give it 1 more season before the viewers give up, 2 before the network stops flogging the dead horse. Shonda, we need some magic here! I used to love Izzie and the Izzie/Alex relationship from Season 1 (or was it 2?), as dysfunctional as it was. Now? Gone. Couldn't care less. And that makes me very sad.
I think it would be hilarious if Tyne Daly guested on Private Practice, or, better yet, showed up in the upcoming crossover episodes (imagine Derek, Derek's mother, Addison, Pete, and Violet in a scene together). But only in theory. I highly doubt it would actually work in reality. Boo.
Sammie | Jan 6, 2009 1:09:18 AM | #Why aren't you promoted as much as Korbi? I get sooooo much more information from you! Keep it up!
Jason | Jan 6, 2009 5:52:30 AM | #Cougar Town? That sounds dangerously close to MILF Island...
Seb | Jan 6, 2009 7:28:31 AM | #
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