Protagonists with daddy issues are a trope in themselves, and have been stretched to breaking point in a variety of sitcoms on both sides of the channel. Scrubs manages to avoid over-egging the pudding by keeping the friction of J.D.'s family ties understated rather than overbearing. Although his brother crops up at various intervals, J.D.'s father only has one proper appearance in the show (excluding one or two flashback sequences). After divorcing from his wife when their children were still in onesies (although J.D. retained his affection for such bedwear), Sam Dorian made a living selling office supplies (or as he preferred to call them, "dreams"). In his time, he was a man of simple pleasures, finding mirth in bodily functions, enjoying sneaking Jell-O from hospital cafeterias, and being very thrifty when it came to birthday gifts. Graced with John Ritters charming, brave-face faҫade, J.D.s father is a slightly tactless (you know, your mother had a beautiful bosom) but ultimately warm and lonely soul just trying to make ends meet. His roundabout way of re-connecting with his son is an endearing and humane exercise in restraint by the writers, who deliver a final message of warmth and sadness without bashing their viewers over the heads. Sadly, Ritter passed away of aortic dissection in 2003, yet the actor and his corresponding character were both honoured in the Season 4 episode My Cake. Its a touching episode and a lovely treatise to Ritter, sending both him and his character up in a respectful manner, as J.D. comes to terms with his father's death with the help of his loved ones and the wonders of televised football. Best Line: Pull my finger; see what happens I pooed a little.
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.
