In 2020, the classic NBC medical comedy-drama, Scrubs, received a bit of a resurgence, thanks in large part to a rewatch podcast hosted by series stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison. Created by Bill Lawrence, Scrubs is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest television shows ever made and it is heartening to see it open up to a whole new generation.
A return to Sacred Heart has also allowed fans to reevaluate the arcs followed by the heartful doctors, surgeons, and nurses who populated the series. Some characters were stagnant constants of comedic relief throughout the series, while others endured character arcs that are as high quality as the ones on thoroughly developed, novelistic shows, like Mad Men and The Wire.
The Todd
One example of a character who really doesn't change all that much (save for refocusing his attention and crude jokes on more people than just the women of the hospital) is The Todd (Robert Maschio).
Yes, as time went on, Lawrence allowed more space for The Todd's jokes to differ. But as a person, he hardly ever changed. A talented surgeon? Sure. A nuanced character with challenging arcs? Not really.
Jordan
The Todd hardly changed much on Scrubs because there was never really any reason for him to do so. The same is true of Jordan (Christa Miller), who was stoic and vitriolic at every turn on Scrubs.
When she's alone with Dr. Cox, though, that's when the positive side of Jordan's arc came through. Her ability to go scorched earth on him at the end of season one and still find a way to raise a child together is quite admirable.
Laverne
Laverne (Aloma Wright) is another recurring Scrubs figure who can come across rather one-note at times. Laverne is depicted almost exclusively as a gossip and as a nurse who entertains no foolishness in the hospital.
Ultimately, what sets Laverne slightly apart from Jordan and The Todd is that she is tasked with a major story in season six. After a violent car crash, Laverne dies in Sacred Heart, allowing the other characters to demonstrate what she means to them. It's a moving conclusion to a character with an unexpectedly emotional arc.
Janitor
The Janitor (Neil Flynn) on Scrubs may come across as another stalwart employee who conducts variations on the same activities in each episode. Yet, his proclivity for messing with the doctors and nurses is not some stagnant attribute to pitied.
Instead, there are frequent moments throughout The Janitor's arc when he's shown to be a complex figure. He tries to reach out and make friends, but fears being rebuffed. He attempts to garner respect for his profession and role in the hospital but doesn't expect to be taken seriously. Coupling this nuance with a series of hysterical moments and The Janitor has a better arc than many may remember.
Turk
Arguably, Turk (Donald Faison) is the second lead on Scrubs and yet, his character arc can often leave a lot to be desired. He does transform from a frat boy-esque surgeon to a caring husband and father, but he really never had much learning to do.
Turk's arcs were typically resolved with apologies and a growing sense of maturity. But aside from that, he's really not all that different by the series' end, nor is he all that different from Faison. Turk is a lot of fun and gets to do occasional, emotional heavy-lifting. Most of the time, though, he's just a fun guy.
Elliot
The arc of Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke) on Scrubs is one with innumerable peaks and valleys. Every time she believes she's made tremendous strides in her career and personal goals, there's a setback just waiting for her in a nearby hallway.
Ultimately, Elliot ranks in the top half of character arcs on Scrubs because there is a genuine trajectory to be traced against her. There's a mix of cockiness and nervousness within Elliot when she begins at Sacred Heart, but her arc eventually takes her to a point of security and the ability to mentor others. It's a well-plotted arc, undoubtedly.
Carla
While Elliot's arc was at least somewhat mapped out, a character like Carla (Judy Reyes) seems to have been figured out while the show was transpiring. As such (and because she wasn't a new nurse when Scrubs began), there's less of a clear arc for Carla.
Instead, her character development comes in key moments. In just a few episodes, the show's creative team conveyed how important Carla's job is to her and how scary it is to open up to people who frequently move on from her in their lives. This early story set the tone for Carla to become the true heart of Scrubs.
Dr. Kelso
Dr. Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins), the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart, is essentially the Scrubs equivalent of a villain. Often serving the role of an antagonist with others, Kelso is shown to have a heart, as in "My Screw-Up," when he relents and gives Carla romantic advice.
Dr. Kelso was often easy to hate, but the glimpses into his psyche and his eternally conflicted nature on what to prioritize are vastly humanizing. Dr. Kelso is a prime example of Scrubs' immaculate characterization, even when he's largely occupying the role of a frequent diner.
J.D.
The main character on a comedy often has one of the best developed arcs on the show because the whole thing revolves around them. Fortunately, in the case of J.D. (Zach Braff), the main character is actually easy to root for on Scrubs.
His character arc is one that is filled with romance, heartbreak, and friendships. He's an eager-to-please, sensitive daydreamer and unabashedly himself in every episode. J.D.'s arc is Scrubs' arc and it's one that helps show people to be more in touch with the part of them that cares so much about the world and its inhabitants they feel like they might burst.
Dr. Cox
As hopeful and optimistic as J.D. was, Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) was every bit as cynical. His arc, too, was defined by romances and friendships; they were just the kinds of dynamics he kept at an arm's length.
Ultimately, Dr. Cox has the best character arc on Scrubs because he's the one who is changed the most by the end of the show. Yes, he's still capable of unleashing devastating rants and insults, but he also accepts the love of the people around him and even takes a hug from J.D. in the series finale. The arc of Dr. Cox is one of the best arcs in television history; it's a masterclass in character development.