Brendan Fraser's portrayal of Dr. Cox's best friend has always been revered by viewers, particularly because two of Ben's three outings conclude with striking narrative stings: 'My Occurrence' and 'My Screw Up'. Both episodes are widely considered to be among the greatest produced by the series, but the final twists contained by each are only contributing factors to how emotionally attached viewers are to Ben Sullivan. What makes Fraser's performance as Ben so magnetic is that it opens up several levels of engagement. For starters, Fraser has great fun with the comedy surrounding his character's familial bonds with Jordan and Danni Sullivan, especially when it comes to making J.D. uncomfortable in that regard. There's also his status as Dr. Cox's best friend. Here we have a man to whom the unflappable Perry is able to bounce off of in an unironic manner, and observing their friendship is hilarious while also granting both characters a richer mythos: further layers which open up questions and ideas about their lives outside of the show's narrative. And then there are just his little eccentricities, which are arranged in such a manner by Fraser and the writers that they become crucial character points, rather than irritating miscellany. His obsession with taking pictures, his title as the King of Gay Chicken, his offhand remarks and nonchalant attitude... Ben isa manchild who takes simple pleasure in picking out the joy in life, and so seeing his own existence cruelly cut short hits all the harder. He's just fantastic fun in his own right, and seeing his coffin at the end of 'My Screw Up' is absolutely wrenching when the ever-effervescent funnyman is withdrawn from the universe. Although not around for long, Ben will always be remembered as the archetypal Scrubs minor character; one who had little screen time, but made a huge impact nonetheless. Best Line: Pictures capture moments in time. When theyre posed, theyre not real.
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.
