Warning! Spoilers for Scrubs season 10, episode 7, ahead!Scrubs season 10 just subtly reminded us why this medical comedy show has always been so fantastic. This revival from Hulu has been a breath of fresh air, since it's more than just a nostalgic homage to a series we once loved. It's an organic continuation of the story—like Scrubs never ended in the first place. This is possible, in part, because of the overall structure of the original series. Scrubs' characters are absolutely ridiculous, but their troubles and relationships make them seem real.
These new Scrubs episodes revisit JD, Turk, Carla, and Elliot 18 years after the story wrapped up in season 8, and their lives have naturally changed a lot since then. Episode 7, "My Best Friend's Barbecue," really emphasizes this fact. Turk and Carla are hosting a barbecue and decide to invite Elliot and her boyfriend rather than JD. It's a similar dynamic as in the past, when JD and Elliot would be fresh out of another try at their tumultuous romance. The difference here is that these relationships have evolved over the past two decades.
Rather than focus on JD and Elliot, Scrubs, season 10, episode 7, places JD and Carla under the microscope. It's a meaningful choice, layered with plenty of emotion, comedy, and even a very welcome flashback scene. This episode effectively brings JD and Carla full circle in the most Scrubs way.
There's never been any doubt in Scrubs that Carla is a badass nurse, and no one knows it more than she does. However, in season 10, we see her slowly losing that confidence. Turk reveals that Carla is going through menopause, and as her energy levels change, she finds it more difficult to do all the things she used to. She's open to JD's support, but when he tries to take matters into his own hands by cutting her patient load, Carla loses her cool.
It becomes clear in Scrubs season 10, episode 7, that Carla still struggles with one of the same challenges as in the original series—she wants to be everyone else's rock, but isn't quite willing to accept help herself. Carla admits as much to JD, and the pair reminisce about the days when JD was just an intern and Carla took him under her wing. Now, "Bambi" is the Chief of Medicine, and Carla is struggling to make it through a shift.
Just as JD learned to look to Carla for help back in the day, Carla ultimately learns in this Scrubs season 10 episode that it's okay to let Bambi help her out. The two share a sweet and vulnerable exchange while eating ice cream in the morgue, reminiscing about how far they have come. We even get a flashback scene to their very first interaction on JD's first day. It's a heartwarming, full-circle moment, and a reminder of just how pivotal JD and Carla's friendship was to Scrubs' success.
JD's bromance with Turk is central to the comedy of Scrubs, while his will-they-won't-they dynamic with Elliot was key to the series' messy romance. However, much of the heart of Scrubs comes from JD's unique bond with Carla. While JD looked to Dr. Cox as a mentor, Carla was his true guiding force in the hospital. Over the years, their relationship shifted, and both JD and Carla found they could be themselves around each other in ways that they couldn't even with Turk or Elliot. They essentially became brother and sister, and some of Scrubs' emotionally weightiest moments came directly from these two.
It's a relief that the Scrubs revival has recaptured this dynamic after all these years, and it's especially impressive since Judy Reyes, who plays Carla, isn't a primary cast member on the new series. She's only appeared in a handful of Scrubs season 10 episodes. Still, they take full advantage of every moment Reyes is on screen, so it's easy not to notice. That fantastic balance resulted in another great, emotional new episode for Scrubs, rooted in Carla and JD's unique connection—just like the old days.
Scrubs revisits the dynamic duo of JD and Turk as they reunite at Sacred Heart Hospital. Amidst the evolving landscape of medicine and changing interns, they navigate challenges with their enduring friendship.
