15 Best Scrubs Episodes
4. My Cake (Season 4, Episode 6)
"Truth be told, Newbie: I'm proud of you."
Death was constantly present throughout Scrubs, but almost always happened at the hospital, where, for the characters, it was an expected part of their working day. In My Cake, though, death hits a lot closer to home, as JD learns from his emotionally unattached brother Dan that their dad has passed away.
As Dan wallows in his grief, drinking and refusing to leave the bathtub, everyone at the hospital begins to come through for JD, helping him through his mourning period. Cox, though, always JD's idol but just as emotionally detached as his brother, struggles to properly comfort his protege. Until the episode's end, that is, when he consoles both brothers with some beers and a toast to their father.
Zach Braff is a particular stand-out in the episode, reigning in JD's wacky shenanigans for a more emotional performance than ever. It's sad but hopeful (a line Scrubs walks perfectly), and serves as a key turning point in JD's growth and Cox's relationship with the young doctor.