by Bethany McHugh
via ABC
There was a point midway through this episode where I turned to my friends and asked (somewhat rhetorically) “Why is this show so good?” In between laughs, a response came: “because it’s all real!” Post-mortem of the episode, this really is true: there’s nothing that happens in this show that isn’t necessarily out of the realm of possibility. Yet, it remains superbly entertaining. Pretty awesome, huh?
Tonight, the Cul-de-Sac crew fought the invasion of some street-gang miscrients who have used the neighborhood backyards as a shortcut to the new mall. Andy, believing that he is king of the Cul-de-Sac, tries to take the charge in expelling them, but Jules contradicts this by asserting her authority. Of course, his authority is thwarted by Jules, who sees herself as the leader. Equally obvious, her plans are easily thwarted by the biker kids, and she must turn to Andy to lead the charge against them. In an emotionally charged scene (that in my viewing space, was completely filled with hysterical laughter), the group must stand against the bikers to reclaim their turf. Luckily, only one kid gets a sprained finger, so they regain control of their land.
In a truly touching sub-plot, Laurie begins a tweet-relationship with a black army man (“I’m still not sure if that’s racist,” Greyson was quick to comment), and while Ellie mercilessly mocks the idea, it is revealed that the mystery man and Laurie actually have a somewhat deep connection. Although it was discussed earlier this year as a story arc that had to be trimmed when ABC cut the “Cougar Town” order, here’s to hoping it’s still a story that develops enough to carry over until next season (yes, NEXT SEASON. Turn on those Nielsen boxes, people!)
Meanwhile, the best for last – the lovely Ms. Sarah Chalke kicks off the parade of “Scrubs” guest-stars to continue through the next 4 episodes! Starring as Travis’ photography teacher, Chalke’s character assigns a project which requires the students to take photos of a stranger. She then falls in love with Travis’ subject–Bobby, who’s not exactly a stranger. Travis had trouble completing the project within the rules due to his helmet (which only gets funnier the more he wears it. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m kind of grateful that Dan Byrd didn’t cut his hair). When Bobby picks Travis up for a lunch and meets her, Bobby falls in love with her too. Although Travis is uncomfortable with the situation, he finally gives Bobby his permission to ask her out on a date.
And on that note, I think it goes without saying that next week is going to be amazing. After seeing a sneak preview at the Paley Center a few weeks back, I can tease this: if you’re a “Scrubs” fan, you should make every necessary arrangement to watch next week’s episode. It will be worth it.
Bethany McHugh is a staff writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
