Scrubs: My Manhood
(S07E08) When I was watching the cold open to this episode, one thought came to my mind, “Oy, I don’t know how I’m going to put up with another season.” Usually on Scrubs, the cold open is a good indication of how the episode is going to go, comedy-wise.This cold open was not only not particularly funny, but it seemed oddly paced, as well. The only funny part about it was the gag about Ted being The Janitorial’s investigative reporter because no one ever knows he’s there.
But then something happened: the episode got funny. Not peak-level Scrubs funny, not even peak-level season seven funny. But it at least gave me hope that Bill Lawrence and his gang have enough in the tank to give us another twenty or so episodes (between what’s left this season and what they’ll likely shoot for ABC next year) and not make me want to stick a fork in my eye or, worse yet, turn the show off altogether.
The Janitor hasn’t had much to do lately, aside from wielding his knife-wrench last week (nice catch from the commenters on that one), so the newsletter plot was good to see. I’ve always enjoyed seeing him screw with Cox, because he truly is the only person, with the possible exception of Jordan, who isn’t afraid of ol’ Per. Admittedly, I do miss seeing him torture J.D., but I guess that joke had played itself out. Anyway, the current brain trust of Murphy, Ted, and The Todd has been a funny one, especially when The Todd gives an “entire Coffee Bucks high-five.”
Is it me or have J.D. and Turk been oddly antagonistic towards each other lately? First it was last week’s “suck it, bitch!” gag and now we have them beating on each other and Turk chasing his Vanilla Bear down the halls of Sacred Heart. It just seems weird. Yes, I get it that the “remote wrestling” and other aggressive acts by Turk were a compensation for his testicle being removed (by the way, I was wondering if I had missed the episode where he went to visit his brother, then everything was explained). And I get that J.D. wanted to show his son Sam that he wasn’t a wuss. But seeing the two of them beat on each other was a little unsettling. Though hearing how J.D.’s inner monologue sounds while he’s being sat on might have made the plot worthwhile.
By the way, even though they were beating on each other, the “Guy Love” duo did take the time to admit what we all knew… Turk: “I think we’re a little bit married.” J.D.: “I know, and it’s great.”
It’s interesting how the continuation of the Kelso forced-retirement plot had more to do with Elliot than it did with Bobbo himself. And, did they ever show what happened with the male patient who was mortified that he had breast cancer? Usually, Scrubs follows through on those stories, but they dropped the ball here. Anyway, even though almost none of Elliot’s stories end with the phrase “and then he hung himself,” it was funny that Kelso thought that was the case. Of course, both of her stories ended that way this week, but at least one of them lived. We also found out that Dr. Reid once dreamt of having sex with a half-dolphin version of Kelso, even though we don’t know which half was dolphin-ized. Hmm. I don’t think I want to know.
Other fun stuff:
- I do really feel bad for Kelso at this point. No one’s scared of him, he’s got an eating problem, and he’s puttering around the hospital waiting for someone to kick him out. It was getting sad. Luckily, Elliot and Carla — and, I’d guess Cox, eventually — will help him keep his job.
- The overly aggressive patient J.D. faced at the beginning of the episode was played by Mindy Sterling (Frau from Austin Powers). I once guested on a segment of Attack of the Show with her, debating the merits and demerits of Saturday Night Live. I’d like to say I kicked her ass, but she got her points in pretty well. She’s definitely a funny actress; I wish we saw her more often.
- Mindy’s husband was played by Michael McDonald of Mad TV, who played extraordinarily frank patient Mike Davis in three episodes (and voiced Dr. Toilet last year). However, I think his role here is different. And way too brief.
- I love the shocked look on J.D.’s face when he found out that C-Bear had a ball removed. That part of the story — remember, Turk tells J.D. everything — wasn’t really examined, was it?
- When J.D. went to give Cox a hug, Cox asked “You saw the interview, too?” J.D.’s classic response: “What interview?” J.D. always thinks Coxie needs a hug; he didn’t need some fake article in The Janitorial to tell him that.
- How can you “sit ’n’ surf” (or was it “squat ’n’ surf?”) without burning your lap? Those laptops are kinda warm.
- Don’t ever, ever call the Janitor stupid. Even if he didn’t go to Harvard (or Yale), he’s smarter than most of the doctors there. Heck, J.D. still thinks one testicle creates boys while the other creates girls.
- Another extended fantasy sequence this week, but this one was at least reasonably funny: The “Turk tree” that grew from the extracted ball would have been a lame gag if not for Donald Faison’s squeaky mumbling as the plant.
- Murphy wanted to get Hello Kitty toe tags to put on the dead kids. That’s just wrong.
- The Todd’s upskirt camera was an obvious sight gag (he could just use his cell phone), but it still generated a nice chuckle from me.
Like I said, this episode gives me some hope. A maturing J.D. isn’t exactly the funniest version of J.D. but he was getting too silly, anyway. And I love seeing Elliot mature; she doesn’t even get phased when people call her names or question her skills as a doctor. As long as she keeps telling those stories (and looking hot), I’ll be happy.
Numb3rs: Breaking Point
(S04E11) “He’s not one of your agents. You know that, right?” - Alan
The return of everyone’s favorite FBI nerd! With only one new episode left (”Power,” it airs next Friday) you better savor it, though. We won’t be getting any new Don and Charlie exploits for a while now.
Fortunately, we started off this final two episode run with a good one. I’ve always been a proponent of episodes that play to the characters weaknesses/strengths and this was a perfect example. A good case that doesn’t overwhelm the storyline coupled with some personal issues (Alan and Charlie in this episode) generally makes for a good hour of Numb3rs.
So, let’s get the case out of the way first. It dealt with an investigative reporter who went missing. She had uncovered a real estate agent who had been undervaluing properties in a poorer neighborhood where he planned to build a development. The reporter was going to break the case on the evening news and the developer (played by Damian Young… always plays a sleaze) had her kidnapped until a zoning board vote passed. Get it? Good.
The problems in the case stemmed Charlie’s mistake with another news reporter. He broke the FBI’s number one rule. Never discuss an ongoing case with the media. Oops. So Charlie inadvertently became the “face of the case.” I was a little surprised that he so easily started discussing details with the reporter though. I know Charlie has achieved some fame because of his book, but when it comes to the media, I still thought he was a little smarter than that.
The result? Charlie got stalked, run off the road, and almost got shot. It was a great set-up though because it knocked Charlie off his game. I’ve been waiting for a moment when this job finally got to him (hence, the episode’s title). He lost his mojo. He became paranoid, nervous, and jumpy. All with good reason of course, but it was a nice change of pace to see someone in this show with a little vulnerability.
While really not related to anything, the other development on the character’s personal front was Alan and his reluctance to do any upkeep work on the Eppes’ home. Professor Ray Galuski (Chris Bauer) made a return and he offered Alan his expertise on solar paneling and making your house more eco-friendly. Alan had reservations because to him, the house as it was held far too many memories to make changes. It’s been a while since the late Mrs. Eppes has been brought up, but I liked how Alan reacted negatively to change. We’ve never really seen him like that before.
More thoughts…
- I loved when Ray found out that Larry was dating Megan (who was conspicuously missing). Nerds never get the girl! Funny stuff.
- I loved how Larry’s efforts to clean out his cluttered office resulted in him throwing away all his teaching textbooks. That guy is out there sometimes.
- I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m glad to see that the idea of Charlie doing something more important with his life is on Don’s mind too. I really think it’d be an interesting development to see Charlie step away from the FBI for a few episodes and pursue something else. Doesn’t he need to go on a book tour?
I think my favorite part of the episode was Colby and how he took Charlie under his wing. If anyone on the team has seen some crazy stuff in his career, it’s definitely Colby. This is what I’m talking about though. All this character interaction and personal development is far more interesting than the cases themselves. Reminds me a little of Homicide: Life on the Streets. Lately Numb3rs seems to be more about the toll the job takes on those involved and less about the job itself. That’s a good thing in my book.
This week’s numb3rs: 628,000 square feet, 734 residents displaced, 3 felons, 1 obsession
This week’s math: Breaking Point
Thomas Sangster Cast as TinTin in Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s Tintin?
According to the Daily Mail, rather accomplished 17-year-old British actor Thomas Sangster, whose credits include Love Actually, Nanny McPhee and appearances on the UK’s Doctor Who, is nearly a lock for the lead title role in the 3D motion-capture trilogy Tintin from Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Kid’s last name is pretty cool and, if the rumor proves true, will compliment the oncoming fame and boatloads of dough.
Earlier this month, actor Andy Serkis, who will portray Captain Haddock in the films, dished that Spielberg’s installment will go first in September for a 2009 release, presumably followed by Jackson’s and then another sequel presumably from a top tier and still unchosen director.
Based on the decades old children’s comic created by the late, singular-named Belgian artist Hergé, the title character is a young, somewhat aloof investigative reporter whose sidekicks are an affable, liquor-loving terrier named Snowy and one very pronounced wave of a cowlick. Together they solve mysteries and avoid close calls. Tintin’s friend, Captain Haddock, is a brawny sailor with a penchant for alcohol and wisecracks.