Remember what I said about the first episode of the season, that it's a shame that Scrubs always tries to hard to squeeze drama and self-discovery out of each episode? "My Last Words" shows that they know how to do it right. That's not to say it's a perfect episode, but at least this time there's some real emotional resonance.
The story centers on JD and Turk, who decide to give up their annual "Steak Night" in order to spend time with a dying patient, George Valentine (played by Glynn Turman). Together, they explore the process and mysteries of death. This is a theme we've explored before, getting to know a patient, and coming to grips with their eventual demise along side them. This time, it's done in a very open, honest way. The dialogue is a bit warmed-over, but the entire sequence's success can be attributed to Turman's performance. At its crymax, he observes the pointlessness and faux-encouragement of preparing for death, but is nonethless grateful for the company.
These heavy scenes are intercut with "new intern" gags. Ed (the tech-guy) demonstrates an uncanny ability to predict and create trends, while Denise (probably my favourite intern) tries, and fails... brutally, to connect with her patients. Ed's lighthearted charm and Denise's jaw-dropping bluntness act as perfect respites from what is otherwise a heavy, maybe even challenging, episode.
This episode is also (hopefully) the beginning of Turk's return to form. Although he mainly serves in the episode as the more publicly reluctant member of his and JD's bromance (a word they use themselves this episode), he still has a few moments to shine. I was thinking about typing it out, but the written word doesn't do Donald Faison justice.
Like the premiere, we are privy to some extra scenes during the closing credits. This time, it's a deleted scene, where JD talks about what he'd do with Turk's body. Funny stuff.
"My Last Words" proves that Scrubs still has heart, even if the road there is a bit familiar. And that is my last word.
Rating: 3.5 stars
They had a lot of problems holding season 8 together because the entire thing was shot out of sequence. Most of the first episodes featuring courtney cox were shot last in the season, I believe the first episode to be shot is actually number 6 or so. -Sabrina
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