TW: Discussions of child abuse and neglect.

The sitcom Scrubs ran from 2001- 2010 delighting viewers with the escapades of daydreaming Dr ‘JD’ Dorian and his friends. Unlike most TV sitcoms Scrubs perfectly balanced the comedic and the tragic. Being set in a teaching hospital with most of the main cast being doctors; there was plenty of fodder for some truly heart-wrenching storylines.

Like with most sitcoms, if you look under the jolly veneer (and have too much time on your hands) a much darker story emerges. In Scrubs, I would argue, this may be the past of its titular protagonist JD (played by Zach Braff). Some fans (ok, me) speculate that not only did JD have a less than ideal childhood but an abusive one.

Hints of this could be interpretated throughout the series:-

1. Attachment to Dr Cox

 One of the most popular aspects of the series is the oddly touching relationship between mentor and mentee: Dr Cox (John C McGinley) and JD. It’s perfectly normal to admire and want to emulate an older colleague. But JD’s admiration of Dr Cox always seemed to go a step further. JD looked to the older doc as not only a mentor but a father figure. 

JD explicitly states this throughout the series. Most notably in the finale; when during his much sought after hug JD claims Dr Cox smells “like a father figure”. This is odd as Dr Cox is only about 13 years JD’s senior. We know JD’s biological father (played by the late John Ritter) was pretty much absent during JD’s childhood. Is this yearning for a parental figure a way to fix JD’s damaged childhood?

As loathe as I am to criticise a fan favourite but Dr Cox openly mocks and belittles JD, almost never referring to his protégé by name. Instead by a vast archive of disparaging nicknames. The show does establish that there is love and respect om both sides, from Dr Cox deep down (deep, deep down). But why does JD not only put up with as well as seek out this treatment? Very masochistic. Or, has JD been subconsciously taught that taunts and aggression equate to love?

2. Feels Affinity with Dr Cox and Elliot

The show establishes early on that Dr Cox had an abusive homelife as a child. He openly reminisces about his parents being violent alcoholics. Is this the real reason that JD clamours for Dr Cox’s attention? Does JD see Dr Cox as an inspiration of someone who came from a similar background to his and became a well-respected doctor and family man?

Is the same true of JD’s on/off girlfriend, future wife and fellow doctor; Elliot? The show establishes that Elliot’s parents are mentally, emotionally, and financially abusive. Are JD and Elliot drawn to one another (partly) because they are both traumatised by their past? Even when it is proven time and time again that they are not suited.

3. Hostile Relationship with Older Brother

 JD’s older brother Dan (Tom Cavanagh) appears several times in the show. Despite regularly visiting his kid brother, JD makes clear that these visits are not welcomed. JD’s ire is uncharacteristic as he’s shown as an ardent people pleaser throughout the show. Yes, Dan did bully JD throughout their childhood, though it’s unclear whether this was normal sibling rivalry or more.

In Series 3 Episode 5 ‘My Brother, Where Art Thou?’ JD attempts to cut off contact with Dan claiming that Dan never looked out for him. Even as children of divorce why is JD so upset his brother didn’t protect or “come through” for him? In the same scene JD comments about how their mother “married anyone that rang the doorbell”. Reading into this (hey, it’s what we’re here for) did Dan not protect JD from these multiple husbands?

4. Audience Never Actually See JD’s Mother

To me this is the most obvious that something is suspicious about the Dorian matriarch. Despite seeing every other cast members mother (except Dr Cox but its implied that his parents are dead) we never see JD’s. He, at the very least, seems to have a good relationship with his mother. Mostly speaks highly of her and she calls often. It doesn’t follow the trope many sitcoms use; having a character the audience never physically sees being used for comedic effect.

We hear JD’s mum (Barbara) speak in a flashback (Series 3 Episode 21 ‘My Self-Examination’). While Barbara was tucking young JD into bed she was saying some quite toxic things to her child, like how no women will ever be good enough for him. It is clear this scene is supposed to be somewhat creepy as Barbara is stroking the child’s face in an inappropriate manner. Adult JD even refers to his mum as “sexy” in the same episode. Very Freudian but in the light of everything else we are discussing: very disturbing!

5. JD’s Mother Drank

Linked to number 4 JD admits in Series 8 Episode 2 ‘My Last Words’ JD admits his mum “drank a lot”. Does this statement answer some questions about JD’s odd childhood?

6. JD is a People Pleaser

As we have already mentioned JD is a pathological people pleaser (what’s that like?). As a doctor he goes above and beyond for his patients. He does everything from finding patients estranged family members (Series 4 Episode 11 ‘My Unicorn’) to shaving his head in solidarity with a chemo patient (Series 5 Episode 15 ‘My Extra Mile’). Of course this is all very commendable but JD particularly enjoys the gratitude. Why does he need this validation? Is this a coping mechanism from a turbulent background who had to go above and beyond to get the love that should have been unconditional?

7. Extremely Tactile

 Another of JD’s character traits is he extremely tactile. This is of course played up for comedy with his ‘sneak hugs’ (Series 6 Episode 13 ‘My Scrubs’) delivered to the stand-offish Dr Cox or the fact he has his friends on a ‘hugging schedule’ (Series 5 Episode 8 ‘My Big Bird’). Is this someone trying to seek the love and affection he never received in childhood? Or reassure himself that the people he loves won’t disappear?

8. Self-Sabotaging

A common reaction to childhood trauma is self-sabotaging behaviour. In his romantic relationships JD has this in spades. Throughout the run of the show JD has more romantic partners than the rest of cast put together. It is acknowledged that JD goes from relationship to relationship with alarming speed and breaks them off for shallow reasons. Again, he may be trying to seek the love and security he never had in childhood.

JD’s damaged psyche is put on full display when after spending the majority of the series chasing Elliot she finally leaves her loving boyfriend for him. JD immediately decides he doesn’t want her anymore to many fans outrage (Series 3 Episode 20 ‘My Fault’).

9. No Therapy

As well as never actually seeing his mother, we never see JD engaged in any kind of therapy. All of the other characters attend various types of therapy throughout the series. JD does not, despite arguably needing it the most. Is JD perhaps too scared of what therapy might uncover or not want to deal with his trauma head on?

10. Overactive Imagination

During Scrubs entire run (except the final series thou shalt not be named) hinges on JD’s overactive imagination. His outlandish fantasies make for excellent comedy and unique sequiturs to break up the storylines. But what if this was yet another coping mechanism for the hapless leading man? 

Children from challenging background often disappear into elaborate fantasy worlds in order to escape their surroundings. Is this a habit JD could never quite kick? It would explain why he doesn’t seem to have a lot of control of his daydreaming despite being an adult. It is a comfort and a way to deal with the difficult stuff life throws at him.

If any or all of these speculations are true Scrubs goes from being a mere half-hour sitcom to a story of one man’s triumph over his dark past. Despite his flaws and failings JD has still made something of himself and is surrounded by his chosen family; all of whom love him for who he is. This is extremely inspiring.

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