Scrubs - Season 8 [DVD]

*SOME SPOILERS*

This series really goes back to basics and recaptures what made Scrubs such a roaring success in the first place, culminating in a stunning finale which left a tear in my eye.

The previous few series had, in my opinion, been going downhill, with an ever-increasing cast (think Simpsons-style, with many characters acting as a one-joke prop such as Beard-Face, Snoop-dog intern etc) and an increasingly ridiculous script. The characters were becoming parodies of themselves, the jokes were repetitive, JD was annoying and all realism had been lost.

Needless to say, I had a bad feeling about series 8.

But I needn't have worried. Seasons 8 is brilliant for a number of reasons:

- The realism and drama are back - one episode in particular, involving JD, Turk and a dying man, had me in tears
- The character of JD is massively toned down, returning to the likeable, caring chappie of the first couple of seasons
- JD and Elliot are back together, but genuinely happy and minus the drama
- They've trimmed the fat in terms of the size of cast and repeated jokes
- The final episode, which is brilliant for reasons all by itself (which I won't spoil).

So why only 4 stars?

Mainly because, as great as this series is, I don't believe anything could top the first two series - mainly because they were still new and fresh.

Also, this should have been the last series and it's a crime that it wasn't. The existence of season 9 (essentially a spin-off) somehow makes the season 8 finale less poignant and meaningful.

But a definite must-have for any scrubs fans, especially those who were losing faith in their favourite programme. Season 8 is back on form (and then some).

As I have been a massive Scrubs fan since the very start I did worry a bit about Season 8. I thought seasons 4 and 5 were amazing, Season 6 was good but it was becoming very formulaic and a lot more like a normal sitcom. Then Season 7 just about managed to get made, with a mere 11 episodes and plenty of evidence that they were running out of ideas. Then there was nothing for nearly 2 years, and now finally the 8th Season is out to own on DVD. So I guess you're all wondering if it's worth buying? Well, if you're a fan, a newcomer or even someone who's never seen it before, I would still have to say 'Hell Yeah it's worth it'.

The season kicks off in typical style with JD pestering the Janitor, then Courtney Cox turns up as the new chief of medicine using the 'hot woman walking through the corridor as her hairs blows and some funky rock music plays in the background' style. It's obvious straight away that it's still the same old Scrubs. There are a few big changes of course, but they are incorporated fairly well. The exception being poor old Dr Kelso who is kept in the series as a lonely old retiree. Kelso was always a huge favorite character for me (much like Mr Burns in the Simpsons) as he was always steaming around the hospital yelling, humiliating people and generally being what the Americans refer to as 'A Douche!'. They should have let him bow out gracefully after his awesome final episode in Season 7. Unfortunately, instead he is still in nearly every episode, pottering around the cafe mostly with a few one liners and a couple of moments with Dr Cox. It's a nice idea, but in reality Kelso is no longer funny in this role, so it's a bit of a shame.

Luckily the other characters are still in top form. JD and Turk, Elliot, Carla, Cox, Todd, Ted (Sometimes) and of course The Janitor who is still as brilliant as ever. Some people might be getting a bit tired of Dr Cox's rants, The Janitor's random pranks, Turk and JDs silly songs and dances or just Zach Braff altogether. But I still find it all hilarious. Plus there are a load of new characters in this season, most of which are really good additions. Ed, the lazy, smart-arsed, chat machine is so funny. Denise, the butch (yet extremely hot) girl resident provides humour through her total lack of sensitivity; eg: "It's funny they call it CANcer, because there's nothing we CAN do for your wife". But best of all is Howie, the dorky looking Nerd with a deeper voice than Barry White, he only pops up every now and then but I found him hilarious. The producers clearly trimmed the fat a bit too, getting rid of (or severely reducing) a lot of the lesser characters like Keith, Gloria, Boon, Lonnie, Lloyd, Rex and Doug (which was actually a bit of a pity because he got a lot funnier since he wound up in the morgue). Bill Lawrence even pops up in a couple of episodes.

As usual there are a few celebrity guests, although Courtney Cox is the only one really worth mentioning. The music is still fresh and perfectly suited. There's a great 2 part episode set in the bahamas. There's not too much in the baby department. There is still a fair bit of Hugh Jackman bashing. And the season finale where one of the main characters leaves was handled pretty well too, featuring about 20 guests in a single minute from loads of previous seasons including Dan, Jill and Tasty Coma Wife. So all in all, I really enjoyed Season 8 and I give it a clear 5 stars. It might not their best season ever, but it certainly improves on the last 2 in my opinion. So a must have for Scrubs fans.

Last in the series by the original producer. The series should have ended here, but they made the mistake of making series 9 with Zak Braff at the helm, and it just was not as good. The one after this one went from funny and touching to purile and stupid. This one however is up to the usual standard and the ending is exceptional