Ep 17. Their Story

In the episode "Their Story" from season 6 of the hit medical comedy-drama series Scrubs, the focus shifts away from regular characters J.D., Turk, and Elliot to explore the lives and careers of the hospital's support staff.

The episode opens with a montage of various members of the hospital staff going about their daily routines, set to a jaunty musical number. We see janitor (Neil Flynn) moving through the halls, adjusting items on the walls and flitting in and out of patient rooms. We see Carla (Judy Reyes) taking charge of her nursing duties and initiating various medical procedures. We see Ted (Sam Lloyd), the hapless hospital lawyer, struggling to contain his misery in a variety of hilarious ways. These glimpses into the lives of the supporting players draw us further into the hospital's world, highlighting the diverse characters that populate it.

The plot of "Their Story" follows a young woman named Sandy (guest star Keri Russell), who is working as an x-ray tech at the hospital. Sandy is introduced as a somewhat aloof character who keeps to herself, but as the episode progresses, we learn more about her past and what led her to her current position. Scrubs is known for its poignant and heartfelt moments, and "Their Story" is no exception.

As Sandy interacts with her coworkers, we learn more about the struggles she has gone through to get where she is today. We see her butt heads with Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) as he insists on her taking one more x-ray on a patient who has already undergone a great deal of radiation. We understand the weight of Sandy's experiences and her reluctance to subject others to unnecessary medical risks. Sandy's story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity, of the power of human resilience, and ultimately, it is a story of hope.

As the episode progresses, we also see some developments in the ongoing storyline surrounding Dr. Kelso (Ken Jenkins) and his attempt to take over ownership of the hospital. Kelso's schemes are always a source of tension on Scrubs, and "Their Story" is no exception. In this episode, we see Kelso expanding his power and influence, but also struggling with some of the more existential questions he faces as he ages.

Meanwhile, the episode dips into the personal lives of some of the other support staff. We see Janitor struggling with his romantic feelings for a new acquaintance, and Ted so down on his luck that he convinces himself he has a terminal illness. Scrubs has always been adept at balancing humor and pathos, and "Their Story" demonstrates that balance perfectly.

Some standout moments in this episode include a tense exchange between Dr. Cox and Elliot (Sarah Chalke) wherein he challenges her self-confidence as a doctor. We also see Turk (Donald Faison) attempting to mentor a young and clumsy surgical intern, leading to some hilarious hijinks in the OR.

As with most Scrubs episodes, "Their Story" is well-written, well-acted, and filled with memorable characters, genuine emotion, and biting humor. It is a testament to the show's ability to tell a captivating story in just 22 minutes, to keep us engaged in the lives of even the most peripheral characters, and to leave us wanting more.