Scrubs - Season 8, Episode 4: "My Happy Place"

Right out of the box, "My Happy Place" is pumped to be the funniest and best episode of the Season Eight thus far.

At the beginning, we are privy to the re-introduction of The Todd, who has only ever failed to entertain when he's scripted to be wise beyond beyond himself (which he does at the end of the episode). The point could be made that these insightful observations are actually so obvious that even The Todd can see them, but it's frustrating to have a character whose stupidity is the punchline of many of the show's jokes all of a sudden pull a Jiminy Cricket and be able to concisely vocalize the story's lesson.

As I mentioned before, this episode is funny in a way that has been lacking until now. Most of the characters are spot on, with Ted and Dr. Kelso stealing the show. Sam Lloyd shines as brightly as Ted's forehead, shamelessly devoting himself to his portrayal of the hospital's pathetic-beyond-all-hope lawyer. Dr. Kelso, on the other hand, starts to crawl out of his own funk, showing signs of equal parts piss and vinegar. His one-liners (like, after being welcomed by everyone in the coffee shop, saying "I'm like Norm in this bitch") are a welcome, refreshing return to form, and among some of the funniest parts of the episode.

This season has also found some new gags, like Jimmy, the overly touchy orderly. Like Dave, the tackling Alzheimer's patient before him, Jimmy is a Dilbert-esque character who only exists for the sake of physical comedy. He's everywhere, this season, with two separate appearances in this episode. There is some danger of staleness, so I wouldn't be surprised to see his touchiness escalate, or for him to be scrapped before it gets old.

I nearly forgot to mention that "My Happy Place" also deals with the possibility of JD and Elliot getting back together. After Kelso mistakenly thinks they already are, the two sit down to talk about it. Here, they discuss the pros and cons, with the conversation kept (kinda) entertaining by being blatantly self-referential. Elliot points out the character traits in JD that make up the narrative framework for Scrubs episodes, and both characters interrupt each other with "blah, blah, blah" (literally), when they get going about why things didn't work in the past. It's not the strongest thing Scrubs has ever done, but their final decision is made in a very sweet, honest way.

Replete with hilarity, and enough actual heart to make me not want to gag, "My Happy Place" is going to be a tough act to follow.

Rating: 3.75