Goodbye, Sacred Heart

Thursday, May 7, 2009

I know I usually discuss movies in this blog, but last night I watched something truly extraordinary. It was what may be the last episode of one of TV's modern comedy classics, "Scrubs." And while ABC discusses bringing back the show for a ninth season, I pray that they don't. Last night's episode was just too good.

From J.D.'s (Zach Braff) imaginary victory walk as he left the halls of Sacred Heart Hospital to Dr. Cox (John McGinley) actually admitting what he actually thought of Dr. Dorian to the last film clips when J.D. relaized his future is what he wants it to be, this episode had just about everything a final show should have. Even the Janitor (Neil Flynn) finally told J.D. his name (maybe). I laughed, I sobbed, I laughed some more, and most importantly, I felt resolved when it was over.

I don't see how ABC could bring "Scrubs" back. First of all, Zach Braff is done with the show either way because he is focusing on films (There, we talked movies). Without J.D., Elliott (Sarah Chalke) won't have any more spontaneous 'Ross-Rachel' moments on the show and Turk (Donald Faison) will be a bromance-less character. And who doesn't love the bromance? Plus, who would narrate the show? Ted?

The second reason it shouldn't come back is that the ratings for the show have been terrible this season. The show was on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ABC. Clearly, the network didn't understand that this show has a generally younger audience that would have been more inclined to watch it at 8 or 8:30 p.m. That's why other networks air it in syndication between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. ABC has no reason to sign up for a ninth season if they're simply going to bury "Scrubs" with an early timeslot.

The third reason is that the show's new characters (interns like Katie, Howie and Jo) aren't very funny, original or well-developed. I know I wouldn't watch a show that starred these characters and neither would a lot of people.

If that's not enough, even the show's fans want it to end. "Scrubs" had an excellent run, but the show was lacking the last couple of seasons. I mean, everyone was having babies, Dr. Kelso wasn't the chief of medicine anymore and, for God's sake, sadsack Ted found a girlfriend and the psycho Janitor got married! The writing was on the wall two years ago. Even though the show was still funny, some of those little things that first season viewers loved had faded away.

I'm ready to say goodbye to Sacred Heart along with J.D. Hopefully, ABC is too.

"Scrubs" fans, sound off! What did you think of last night's episode?