Scrubs (Thursdays E4 9pm) occupies a strange situation on UK TV. On one hand, everyone I know adores it, but then no-one seems to actually watch it when it's on. It's a DVD show - you stick it on when there's nothing else, but you don't make sure you're in on a Thursday to watch a brand new episode. Perhaps we used to make an effort when it was part of the Channel 4 Friday night line up, but not anymore.

But this Thursday, I did make the effort (ok I was flicking and happened to come across it) and I'm really glad, because 5 series in, Scrubs is still in good health. Sorry, that pun's unforgivable, but I just couldn't resist...

So, for those of us who are completely lost as to what point we're at with Scrubs, this was episode 21 of series 5 - My Fallen Idol - and it was one of those episodes that just makes you sigh with contentment, and reach for the DVDs (old habits). It followed on directly from the previous show which ended with Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) struggling to come to terms with the death of three of his patients, and if you know anything about Scrubs, then you'll recognise that while the outrageous comedy is wonderful, it's these moral dilemmas, the pathos and the heart, that makes this show really special.

In particular for me, anyway, nothing tugs at the heart-strings more than the relationship between JD (Zach Braff) and Dr. Cox - something explored in this episode. As an intern, JD relied on Dr. Cox for help with pretty much everything, whether hospital related or not, which allowed for those fantastic frustrated rants which McGinley does so well, and clearly relishes, and also for little tear-jerking moments of reconciliation. What was wonderful to see here, though, was how this relationship has developed into one of near-equals. After appearing at work drunk ("Newbie would you give me some trouble, I'm having a little help here") Carla decides that Dr. Cox needs someone with him at all times. At first, JD bottles out, unable to contemplate seeing his hero in such a weakened state. But he's come a long way in five years, and eventually he steps up, tells Dr. Cox how proud he is that after all these years he still takes the death of a patient so hard, and, predictably but still beautifully, he's the one who brings Dr. Cox back to his old self.

This episode has made me fall in love with Scrubs all over again. It's reminded me what a stunning ensemble piece it is, how left-field a lot of the humour is and, most importantly, how it does what all truly great sitcoms do - it really affects the people watching. [annawaits]