Scrubs is one of those shows where virtually every character combination works. From the major relationships, like Turk & J.D., J.D. & Elliot, or Turk & Carla, to those that get less focus, like Turk & Elliot or Cox & Carla, every duo is engaging and entertaining.
J.D. and Cox is, of course, one of the show’s major relationships, and it’s the focus of today’s write-up. It’s a type that I don’t think I’ve discussed on the blog before: a mentor/mentor relationship, albeit a highly reluctant one. Like most on the show, it sort of loses its way over the years as J.D. and Cox’s personalities flatten respectively into man-child doofus and angry misanthrope, but at its best, it’s a great connection that’s rich with comedic and dramatic value alike.
When the series starts, J.D. is the earnest, overwhelmed intern and Cox is the cynical, disillusioned veteran doctor. To J.D., Cox is a heartless crank who lives to make him sweat and doesn’t care about patients. To Cox, J.D. is a barely-competent nervous nelly who worries too much about what people think of him. Given this inauspicious foundation, it’s no surprise that Cox terrifies J.D., who in turn aggravates Cox. It seems a recipe for interpersonal disaster.
But naturally, most things improve when they’re well-balanced, and each of these two is just what the other needs. J.D. should be a little frightened, a little on edge; medicine is serious business, and when a mistake could risk someone’s life, he needs to have his game face on. If Cox’s approval weren’t so difficult to gain, J.D. wouldn’t push himself so hard to be a better doctor. Additionally, Cox’s many years of for-better-or-worse experience help J.D. to recognize that the world isn’t divided starkly into blacks and whites. He needs to be warier and more discerning if he wants to get at the truth of things.
For his part, J.D. reminds Cox of a time when he wasn’t so jaded, so worn down from fighting a broken medical system that values the bottom line over patient care. He proves that he’s more than Cox’s first impression of him – he’s capable of real professional skill and learning. And, as cowed as he is by the intimidating Cox, J.D. surprises him with his continued willingness to speak up when he disagrees with Cox’s philosophies or practices.
It’s great to watch their relationship develop be degrees. There’s comedy, obviously – Cox’s tirades, J.D.’s screw-ups, Cox’s annoyance at J.D.’s immature tendencies, J.D. abject pursuit of Cox’s approval. But it has serious and heartfelt angles as well. I like the way Cox stops ranting and supports J.D. when things really go wrong, and it’s cool when J.D. forces Cox to step back and take a look at himself. Richest and most surprising of all are the moments when Cox opens up to J.D. and reveals some of his own doubts and vulnerabilities.
I mentioned that the relationship as a whole deteriorates as the show does, but it also changes in good ways, growing alongside J.D. As he becomes a surer, more confident doctor, he takes fewer cues from Cox and forges his own way. Cox gradually develops a grudging respect for J.D. and looks to him as more of a colleague. However, they never fully lose their mentor/mentee dynamic, and even after years of working together, Cox still calls J.D. “newbie,” and J.D. wants nothing more than Cox’s assurance that he’s done well.
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