With so many great sitcoms over the past 20 years, it is easy for some never to make it, or never to find their audience. Scrubs managed to do both, and yet still may be the most underrated single-camera comedy of the 21st century thus far. Alongside the brilliant writing and cast, the characters of the show make the show what it is, with Dr. Cox at the forefront of them all.
From "My First Day" to "Our Thanks," Dr. Cox delivered and proved to be one of the best and funniest characters on the show every season and, in so many ways, just continued to get better and better.
There is a story in Scrubs where Cox invites multiple people round to his house, with not only nobody showing up, but J.D. dropping off of his mentorship for a while.
This is a prime example of Cox getting in the way of his happiness. But, throughout the show, we see many relationships blossom with Cox, from a genuine liking of Carla, a competitive frenemy dynamic with Turk, and a total denial of his respect with J.D., as well as friendships with the Janitor and Kelso.
Speaking of Carla and Turk, it is easy to forget that Cox had a major crush on Carla at the start of the show, and jealousy of Turk seeped in due to that.
However, in the end, Cox not only let go of his crush, making him better on his own, but also giving Carla as much of a blessing as he can muster for her relationship with Turk.
The pilot of the show is pretty fantastic and acts as a perfect introduction to everybody, except for Elliot, whom the writers took a little longer to nail down the personality.
However, the dynamic between J.D. and Cox is set up immediately, with the first few episodes setting up their relationship as a mentor/mentee, with this solidified in the end-of-episode scene, in which Cox bigs up J.D. to the board of directors.
Jordan is introduced early on in Scrubs and was immediately a great character, with her dynamic with Cox a highlight of that. Their future relationship was always a brilliant part of the show.
In the early chunk of the show, it was very doubtful Cox and Jordan would get together, however after his crush on Carla, endless sleepovers from Jordan, and during his relationship with Julie, Cox chooses Jordan, and they were together for the rest of the show.
Cox has a slew of issues stemming from his childhood, his family life, and just who he is as a person, and it seriously harms not only the people around him but himself.
However, throughout the show, Cox begins going to therapy and starts seeking out a healthier life for himself and the sake of his loved ones.
Cox was always destined to go high up in the hospital. He is an incredible doctor who cares more than anyone else, with perhaps the exception of J.D., on top of his incredible skill.
When the board gives Cox the position of Chief of Medicine at the recommendation of Kelso, it is a massive moment for Cox. He takes a while to adjust, but he gets into his stride and can make real change.
Jordan and Cox have always had a bizarre relationship, one unlike any other, and their hate-filled personalities fit perfectly with one another.
After choosing Jordan, despite some ups and downs, Cox makes a serious effort with Jordan, and instigates all of the enormous steps forward in their relationship, highlighting the love he has for her.
One of the most significant parts of the pair's relationship is their children, with Jack followed by little Jennifer-Dillon having a significant impact on their lives.
Cox's journey to becoming a better person and dealing with his issues more healthily stems from Jack and his relationship with Jordan. Finding out Jack was his caused some initial issues, but quickly just made everything better.
From the first episode, Cox and Kelso get set up to be bitter enemies, and total opposites within the hospital with Cox being prioritizing patients, and Kelso prioritizing the hospital. Cox got shown to be the hero to Kelso's villain.
However, when Kelso retires, a friendship blossoms between the two, and it is fantastic. It makes Kelso a far more likable character, and it gives Cox more layers also, with Kelso's wisdom and knowledge of the Chief of Medicine position aiding Cox greatly.
For so long in Scrubs, Cox had one issue that ruined his life far more than any other, even perhaps over his anger issues, and that was his inability to get out of his own way.
However, with Jordan and his children, and the realization he can make changes and do good around the hospital, Cox makes a conscious effort to stop getting in his own way and be better.
