2. Mrs. Tanner
My Old Lady is the fourth episode of Scrubs opening season, and its arguably the shows first truly great instalment. While the three preceding episodes all gave the series a strong enough start, My Old Lady was the first instance in which the creative team managed to strike a powerful emotional chord, and thirteen years on, it still holds a secure place in the hearts of viewers. Largely responsible for this forward leap is the central storyline shared by J.D. and the elderly patient Mrs. Tanner. As the young intern urges her that starting the dialysis process would prolong her life, Mrs. Tanner resolutely refuses to undergo any further procedures, instead affirming that her life has been rich enough, and she feels ready to die on her own terms. The entire episode is assembled beautifully, weaving together three separate doctor-patient relationships into a moving and cohesive study of attitudes towards death. Writer Matt Tarses deservedly scooped the 2002 Humanitas Prize for his efforts, and possibly of equal commendation is Kathryn Joosten, who invests her character with an understated sense of headstrong compassion, rendering her both endearingly lovely and admirably bold. With Scrubs, a good proportion of its morals can be rather obvious, but when channelled with the right touch through characters such as Mrs. Tanner, their power is not diminished. Best Line: So, with your precious free time, youve been sitting in a hospital room talking to an old lady. What about your list? How many of those things have you done? For that matter, how many times have you sat in the grass and done nothing, hmm?
Michael Perry
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Film and Literature student, keen bloggist, and aficionado of most things music, film, and TV. I've also been told I should stop quoting pop-culture as often as I do in everyday conversations.
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