It’s hard to imagine Scrubs without John C. McGinley‘s Dr. Cox — the original version, anyway.
In those days, JD’s dynamic with Cox was one of the show’s highlights, and Cox was one of the most complicated characters, hiding his pain behind sarcasm and off-shift drinking, while secretly admiring JD more than he did.
The Scrubs reboot could have worked without Cox, but he’s coming back, and I have decidedly mixed feelings about that.
Cox will now be teaching medical school, which isn’t entirely different from what he was doing in the first place.
One of my favorite moments from the show is Scrubs Season 3 Episode 11.
A specific scene shows Cox trying to teach the interns how to use the defibrillator paddles properly, but everyone reverts to high school behavior, teasing each other, gossiping, and not paying attention… until Cox reminds them of what’s actually at stake with one of the series’ most memorable quotes.
Cox: You people were kind enough to piss all over learning a procedure that could determine whether some poor sucker lives or dies… I am accountable for the continued, undeniable amateurism that you people drag into the hospital day in and day out. So believe you me when I tell you that one of you perpetual disappointments doesn’t have the decency to try to do better at something you supposedly do, I will toss your ass out of here in 10 seconds and forget you forever in the next 5.
Those kinds of scenes were powerful because he would mix in some sarcastic or funny comments with a serious point, cementing Scrubs in the world of comedy-drama rather than pure comedy.
Scrubs Season 3 was powerful in this regard, with several episodes that were on par with, or even better than, most medical dramas, while still being humorous.
In addition to these types of stories, Cox ended Scrubs’ original run, taking over Kelso’s position as Medical Director at Sacred Heart. This position forced him to balance leadership and teaching.
Cox will likely be relieved to avoid budgetary and operational responsibilities that don’t align with his personality.
However, is there a significant distinction between teaching interns at the hospital and instructing a class at medical school?
Cox Is Likely Coming out of Retirement To Terrorize Medical Students
The news coming out of the Scrubs reboot suggests that this is a big change for him, but I don’t see it.
JD and Cox had the most unhealthy relationship ever, and a lot of the humor revolved around that.
The more Cox insulted JD, the more desperate JD was for his attention.
Cox called him by girls’ names — a joke that likely would be less well received 20 years later because it smacks of misogyny and inadvertently reinforces transphobia.
JD: You know, Dr. Cox, I want to be like you… But I want to be a more successful version of you.
Even without that, Cox often came across as a bully, though JD saw it as tough love.
If Cox is now teaching medical school, the challenge will be to soften some of those rough edges without losing the sarcasm and defense mechanisms that made him a fantastic character.
Cox And JD’s Relationship Needs to Evolve on the Scrubs Reboot
It would be ridiculous for JD to be still doe-eyed and for Cox to be still putting him down now that JD is middle-aged. He should have left being an intern behind him a long time ago.
Additionally, Zach Braff has indicated that JD has grown into a doctor, much like Cox was when he was an attending physician.
That being the case, we don’t need two Coxes, though it may be interesting for Cox to recognize himself in JD. Would he try to discourage his behavior or encourage it?
It’s hard to say, but that would make for a more compelling story than JD continuing to worship Cox all these years later.
What about you, Scrubs Fanatics? What’s your take on this big return?
I want to hear your thoughts! Remember: your contributions are what keep the lights on here at TV Fanatic.
Whether you’re excited about Dr. Cox’s return or don’t plan to watch, please let me know in the comments.
If you’re looking for more coverage of comedy series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia just had a polarizing season. If you’re looking for more Scrubs alums, then High Potential is for you!
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