Scrubs (TV Series) My Screwup (2004) User Reviews

Just When You Get Used to The Same Old Routine...

[joel-182 · 10/10 · 9 July 2006]

I am in awe.

I just finished this episode and I had to watch it a second time. It reminds me of the movie The Usual Suspects. You are in such shock that you have to watch it a second time to see it from the real perspective that you may have missed the first time around.

Sure, I caught what I had missed the first time and understood what I was supposed to see the 2nd time that I just didn't realize the first time. Truth is the first time the tears that flew from my eyes were out of shock, the 2nd time I was prepared and they flew just as much.

I have been watching the Scrubs DVDs in order so Season 3 brings us Episode 60, which is a landmark for Scrubs because for one of the few times the laughter turns to reality and it hurts, but it hurts in a way that makes you appreciate the show more than you did for the laughs before.

My cousin is a young doctor, and after watching Season 2 I called him and asked him what he thought of Scrubs as a series. He told me it was his favorite doctor show. Not because it is a comedy, but because it is more realistic than any serious doctor show he has ever seen. He told me ER has nothing on this show because it can be so realistic.

Episode 60 crossed the line and let us know this series can also make you think.

Probably the best episode I've ever seen on ANY series

[dawn-clover · 10/10 · 15 January 2009]

Who would have thought it would end like it did when the episode first starts?

This episode has everything a MOVIE should have: comedy, intrigue, an excellent story and 'twist', romance and something else you should find on your own (not wanting to spoil).

If you like scrubs or have some idea of how the characters are with each other, damn even if you don't like it, you should give this episode a try.

Scrubs has that little something many comedic series can't achieve: when it's meant to be serious, it is and with excellency. This episode, more than others will make you see a side of Cox you never thought you'd see and probably won't see again.

It's THAT good.

It has it all

[Luumutarhuri-1 · 10/10 · 28 July 2006]

One of the best episodes I've ever seen in TV-series.

It all starts with the normal Scrubs humor, to which all the viewers of Scrubs are already used to, but can never get enough. Then it takes a turn to somewhere, where these shows don't usually go, or even dare to explore because they might just not have what it takes to pull it through.

Well, Scrubs has what it takes and pulls this dramavaganza through with such brilliance that it even cost me a few tears in the end.

Cox, once again the main man, showed us a side of him that he's never shown before and I doubt that it'll come trough ever again after this episode. That expression, when he finally realized what was really happening, was just so painful.

(sorry for bad English)

One of Scrub's best episodes EVER

[Goodbye_Ruby_Tuesday · 13 June 2006]

Assuming you're already a huge fan of Scrubs, you all know how off-the wall hilarious the show can be. The casting is pitch-perfect, the comedy never fails, and the actors all look like they're having a ball. What most people probably haven't known until this episode is how versatile this show really is, and how surprisingly well it handles the drama here. Without giving away the end, the episode starts off with the grand return of Ben (played by the increasingly versatile Brendan Fraser), Dr. Cox's best friend and Jordan's brother after a two- year absence. J.D. is as neurotic as ever, especially with an elderly patient who could go at any given moment.

What starts off as another smart comedy slowly turns into an examination of guilt and letting go, and the show handles that with maturity, something that's always been there even behind the Todd character, but this episode really exposes it in the flesh. It also honors the situation at hand, always keeping just the right dramatic tone and never breaking it with a cheesy, nervous joke. Even on most likable sitcoms such as "Friends", the writers will really be onto something with the drama, and then break it with comedy. Not here. One of the key episodes to Scrubs and one of the finest (half) hours on television. 10/10.

By the way, the song played at the final scene is "Winter" by Joshua Radin

A very confusing and emotional episode

[AlsExGal · 10/10 · 20 April 2013]

My Screw Up" is another serious episode, and one in which you are likely to be totally confused until the end. Jordan's brother Ben - a two year cancer survivor - comes for a visit. On top of being his brother-in-law, Ben is a close friend of Dr. Cox, which is a club with few members. Apparently, an elderly patient that Cox leaves in J. D.'s care unexpectedly goes into cardiac arrest and dies. Inexplicably, Cox rides J. D about this death for the rest of the episode. Then Cox refuses to leave the hospital because "when he's not here people die" - apparently referring to J. D.s patient. Only at the end do we discover the meaning behind Cox's strange behavior. This episode features perhaps McGinley's finest performance on Scrubs, and there are many to choose from. Although J. D. plays a minor role in this episode, the way he asks one key question to Cox at the end - "Where do you think we are?" is worthy of a supporting role award in itself. This episode just won't just break your heart, it rips the still-beating organ from your chest.

Without a doubt, the greatest scrubs ending ever

[hunter47-1 · 10/10 · 13 September 2006]

The ending of this episode was, without a doubt, excellent. i had already heard the song played at the end of this episode ("winter" by Joshua Radin)before i watched it, and i quite enjoyed it, but after seeing the funeral scene, every time i hear that beautiful song, i cant help but get an emotional lump in my throat.

Also, if you were to go back and watch the episode with the ending in mind, you would realise that the only person who acknowledges Ben's presence is Dr Cox. Also, J.D. refers to "that thing" which we assume is Jack's Birthday party, also, Ben "answers" J.D. with, "put me down for Ben plus one", indicating, he's going to be there. You could say that Elliot looks at Ben in the puppet scene, but i think that she is just wondering why Dr Cox is looking above her head and laughing.

This episode is pure writing and directing genius.

This is one episode where it's OK for a grown man to cry

[da_gopsta · 10/10 · 10 March 2008]

This episode, which pays homage to the film 'The Sixth Sense', is incredibly well written and directed. Little, discreet clues are left throughout the episode to suggest that Ben has died, though I doubt many would have caught on to them on their first viewing. From the beginning of the show where Ben mentions that he would hold on to his camera till the day he dies (he is not shown with his camera after he has died) to the fact that no one, apart from Dr. Cox, interacts with Ben after his death, the way the clues are left are so discreet that we all just believe that it was the old man in the wheelchair who has died, and not Ben. These clues become blindingly obvious on a second viewing, and where you were too shocked at the twist to cry on the first viewing, on a second viewing you now know what is coming, but can't help yourself bawling like a baby. Without adverts, the episode is only 20 minutes long and, for me, is the greatest 20 minutes to be witnessed on television.

In a nutshell: the greatest episode of any show of all time.

This is the one!

[Espelid · 10/10 · 25 October 2006]

The two first seasons of Scrubs were great, the humor was priceless and their focus on the drama made the series really special. The thing about the third season is that the series is taken to another level, and this is the episode that proves it. The balance between the humor and the drama is perfect, after watching an episode you're not only left with a grin on your face, but also something to think about. The themes discussed in every episode are something everyone can identify themselves with, and they are always presented in a way that really moves you. The fact that the soundtrack is stunning and the guest appearances are brilliant doesn't make things worse!

All the Emotions: The Brilliance of Scrubs

[Furious_Fenner · 10/10 · 1 March 2007]

The two things that mark out Scrubs from all the other millions of comedies out on TV at the moment are the following: 1). It's obscure randomness and surreal humour that recalls The Simpons when it was back in it's prime, and 2) it's ability to change the mood from humour to pure emotion and sadness in an instant. This episode is one of the best examples of both such things. Skip the next paragraph if you don't want to know what happens...

SPOILERS

It starts off brightly, with the re-appearance of Brendan Fraser's popular character, Ben Sullivan, Dr Cox's best friend and former brother-in-law. He's in usual charismatic and lovable form as a larger than life amateur photographer, and it seems he has come back to attend Jack's first birthday. Although the leukaemia that blighted him two seasons before is still a problem. From then on, it seems as if it's another laugh-fest, and much of the episode's quality is clear to see. However, one of JD's patients dies, due mainly to him being overworked, and Cox refuses to accept that it wasn't his protégé's fault. We are made to believe that he is talking about an older man with an irregular heartbeat who he was worried about earlier, and therefore things don't seem too serious. But there are hints throughout as to the identity of the patient who has died, and the signs are not good. Cox forgives JD, something which means a lot to him. Out walking, with Cox dressed smartly, but Ben not, Cox finally agrees to let go, something Ben has been telling him to do throughout the episode. It the transpires, when JD shows up, that they are in a cemetery. There is a funeral. It's Ben's. It turns out that the patient who died was in fact Ben, and Cox had failed to cope with it. As the ceremony begins, Cox bursts into tears. END SPOILERS

The way the writers hint at the Truth the whole way through is brilliantly done, and it really shows the emotional depth that the shows makers have that they are able to insert such a premise into a comedy show without it looking out of place. By making the said character such a popular one too, it insures that the audience is just as hard hit as the characters, and the acting, particularly from John C. McGinley at the end is phenomenal. The only other times I've been so touched by a TV show were at the ends of the My Lunch episode on Scrubs, and the end of the Pilot in Boomtown. Truly great writing.

Definitely one of my top ten screen moments...

[cool_dan_green · 10/10 · 19 August 2006]

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It is worth watching the episode before reading this as you will appreciate it more.

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This is one of the(if not *the*) best episodes of Scrubs and one of my personal favourite moments of every TV program and film I've ever seen. Every time I see the ending of this episode I cry. the first time I saw it I was so touched and when I saw it again after having forgotten the ending it was the same. Even now when I watch it, it is such a sad ending even though I'm expecting it. The second that JD says 'Where do you think we are?' there are tears in my eyes. Having lost rather to many people close to me due to Cancer this episode may touch me more than others but I think the way John C. McGinley shows the pain and difficulty of losing someone amazingly. This episode along with 'My Old Lady' (Ep: 1.03) and 'My Philosophy (Ep:2.13),are the reason why I love Scrubs. The writers and cast are able to make me laugh for almost the whole half-hour show in most episodes, but are able to evoke real, powerful emotions in others. I think that this is so unique and original to blend comedy and drama so well! If you haven't seen this episode I urge you to see it, and if you have seen it, see it again!

Great Episode with the best ending ever

[jackpollock-1 · 10/10 · 27 May 2007]

Most people who have added their comments saw the episode long before I did, but I have recently had the opportunity to buy this episode along with others on iTunes. (They finally added the 3rd season!) I love being able to watch scrubs, especially this episode, right before I go to bed. Surprisingly, I had never seen this episode on TV, so I was just as shocked when I got to see the whole thing through.

(Spoiler) The ending was very emotional, and of course the acting was great, but I liked the smaller details, such as the fact that JD places a consoling hand on Dr. Cox's shoulder, and Cox accepts it. I immediately watched it again to figure out where it is that Ben actually dies. At the beginning, for example, JD does talk to Ben, but after about half of the show, Dr. Cox is the only one who really notices Ben. I've been trying to figure out if the patient that went into cardiac arrest and died was Ben (does that happen to leukemia patients?). I believe that theory to be much more eloquent, although I had originally thought that it happened when the two days pass and it merely says "two days later". (Also, did the birthday party happen in those two days?, because at the beginning, even Jordan was planning it.) It does seem, though, that after JD's bad news, Dr. Cox is the only one who talks to Ben.

I'm glad that this show is able to do drama well, because I believe it validates Scrubs as a truly great show.

Beautifully written

[sofierauh · 10/10 · 16 August 2020]

This episode was beautifully written. I have watched dramatic medical shows such as Grey's Anatomy, The Good Doctor, The Night Shift, etc. but I have never shed a tear from those. EVER. The ending of this episode brought me to tears. I had tears dripping down my face. It was so unexpected and was written so perfectly, I am surprised this episode isn't rated 10/10. It is absolutely beautiful.

"Where do you think we are?"

[Fabizi · 10/10 · 24 June 2010]

Joy, sadness, amazement, fascination Season 3's episode "My Screwup" of Scrubs is the pinnacle of emotion in TV history.

It has always amazed me how Scrubs can be hilariously funny and incredibly sad at the same time. In my eyes it is more than just a TV show as it manages to pull off some of the most jaw-dropping moments in the history of TV & Film. All that in just 20 minutes runtime. It is something you cannot find in any other TV series with 43 minutes runtime.

"My Screwup" is one of those episodes that completely justify everything I just said. It has the best plot for a single episode ever and the greatest twist of all in TV. The scene of Ben's funeral is so gut-wrenching and sad it still makes me break down in tears after seeing it for hundreds of times. John C. McGinley's, Zach Braff's and Brendan Fraser's performances are outstanding. Combined with a great soundtrack you get the saddest moment in TV history.

If you've never seen Scrubs before I advise you to do so right now and catch up on a truly magnificent TV Series.

I agree with user joel-182 100%!

[missjenna522 · 10/10 · 15 January 2007]

I totally second everything User JOEL 182 said in the first two or three paragraphs: "I am in awe...I just finished this episode and I had to watch it a second time...You are in such shock that you have to watch it a second time to see it from the real perspective that you may have missed the first time around. Sure, I caught what I had missed the first time and understood what I was supposed to see the 2nd time that I just didn't realize the first time. Truth is the first time the tears that flew from my eyes were out of shock, the 2nd time I was prepared and they flew just as much." Very well put, my friend! I, too, saw things the first time i watched this episode and in the back of my mind i knew some things weren't right (Why isn't Ben changing his clothes? I thought that old man JD was helping died?). and, i also watched the episode a 2nd time (thank God for DVR). This episode is my absolute favorite. a close second is the one where Carla finds out she is pregnant...it also makes me cry every time i see it.

Incredible

[gyre-38407 · 10/10 · 26 June 2020]

I can't say anything more than what others have already said. This episode is the best of the series and one of the best episodes of all TV. The payoff at the end is emotionally riveting. Having said that, to get maximum enjoyment, you need to watch the previous two episodes in season 1 with Ben. Those are in My Occurence and My Hero.

I have found that Scrubs humour is not for everyone (sadly that's true). So if you don't like the style of humour, keep an open mind while you watch all three episodes.

This Episode is a Masterpiece

[gusreyes · 10/10 · 23 March 2021]

Not every day you find an extraordinary moment in your life. Not every month and sometimes even in years. But I can't remember a more deeply touching and profound moment in Television than this episode. Just watch it and let it in.

Remarkable

[hansenmv2002 · 10/10 · 22 June 2009]

Like other comments---- this isn't "just" a good Scrubs ep - which is saying a lot in itself -- it is easily within the top 5/3/? TV ep's i've EVER seen --- and i bore instantly -- I only watch the best of the best.

Particularly remarkable ---- this *requires* multiple re-watches - you don't know what is going on till ---- well ---- leave it at that....

Then u watch it over and over to look for the hints -- BRILLIANT writing --- yeah i am envious ---- don't care about acting or directing --- --- coming up with this kind of material --- woulda loved to be a fly on the wall during first staff reads of this script. This had to be a profound moment for all in the room --- not just "phoning things in" --- to get thru another week.

this is the greatest episode of this show period

[will4592 · 10/10 · 15 June 2006]

i am a huge fan of scrubs, to me it is ,without a doubt, one of the best shows on t.v.. It combines side splitting laughter with great acting and realistic drama. This episode is one saddest and greatest things ever to grace TV. The episode itself is like pretty much any other one you get the laughter and the drama but this one is different. this one is one of the ultimate tearjerkers ever. Brendan Fraiser was in an earlier episode, where he was Dr.Cox's best friend who unfortunately was diagnosed with leukemia. In this one he is visiting Dr.Cox , who is preparing for his sons first birthday. As the episode progresses lessons are learned and everything is alright. But in the last five minutes all this is changed. Dr. Cox and Brendan Fraiser are talking to each other in the middle of a suburban street (Dr. Cox believes it is his sons birthday party on that day), when Brendan Fraiser tells him everything will be o.k.. J.D. then walks up to Dr.Cox out of no where and asks him where he thinks he is. Dr.Cox and J.D. then walk through a cemetery for a funeral. Its Brendan Fraiser's and Dr.Cox (trying to hide his feelings) breaks down and bursts into tears, showing us a side of him that we never knew existed. Just sheer brilliance, it caused me to let out few tears. I'm glad that episode got many awards forget about the rest this simply the best

10/10

[skyline_w · 10/10 · 27 May 2021]

How can a comedy show make so many people cry? This episode, even though it has some funny comedy scenes, was hard to watch. It really makes you think. I appreciate this show so much.

Heartbreaking

[monadin92 · 10/10 · 8 June 2021]

"You might just find out that the thing you hate the most is the very same thing you miss when it's gone " Dr kelso ..this episode is just amazing and heartbreaking ,,makes you cry for real , it portrays loss, love, friendship in the most beautiful way.

Best episode of scrubs

[garrettkelley-91059 · 10/10 · 2 December 2020]

This is not only the best episode of scrubs, but one of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen. The comeback of Ben is great, but also the best ending of scrubs with the reveal that Cox was imagining Ben the whole time and they were really at Ben's funeral. Edge of my seat 10/10

One of the best Scrubs episode ever!

[robertparker-48832 · 10/10 · 27 May 2021]

If anyone asks me want an example of why Scrubs is SO good. This is what I'll use as an example. Also one of the best twists in a comedy show. Also also this show shows Brendan Fraser, is a pretty good actor, he just needs good material.

Done so well...

[annajanemcnamee · 10/10 · 30 January 2023]

I am a huge Scrubs fan.

There's a perfect balance between great humour and an examination of tough emotional situations.

This episode is so perfectly done.

It is so easy to watch it again and forget what is going to happen. The almost sixth sense quality of this episode is haunting.

I often wonder about moments of complete disaster, like losing someone close. This episode shows how the brain can protect you.

This is a deeply sad moment in the series. John C. McGinley is excellent as he usually is.

Those final moments as the seats fill at Bens funeral stay with me. It is a perfect shot sequence, so simple and effective.

10/10.

Brings me to tears every time

[jtphiza · 10/10 · 8 February 2019]

This is one of TVs finest written, directed and acted piece ive watched.

10 is actually the lowest feedback in the reviews section

[ImLilDark · 10/10 · 7 June 2020]

Because it's that heart taking, funny how Scrubs was the first series I've ever watched in my life when I started learning English and I enjoyed the hell out of it back then, here I am back to see if it's actually as dope as I used to think and dammit it really is, this episode is truly one of the best realistic episodes in all TV history along with the FPOBA when Fresh met his dad and lost him again.