While most of the old cast has left, a few staples from the "old" Scrubs are still around, mostly Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) and Turk (Donald Faison). In the time between the two seasons, Sacred Heart Hospital has been torn down and rebuilt on the campus of the medical school. As a result, most of the show has moved out of the hospital halls and into the classrooms. Cox and Turk each teach their classes in the show, and the other old characters return for brief stints teaching other classes.
The season starts with J.D. (Zach Braff) returning for a few episodes teaching a subject, but eventually passes the torch to the new med students who are the main focus of the season. These include Lucy (Kerry Bishe), Cole (Dave Franco) and Drew (Michael Mosley). Lucy ends up taking the introspective role of J.D. and we get to see the first year in med school from her perspective. She ends up sleeping with Cole, who is actually more obnoxious and annoying than The Todd (Robert Maschio). The problem is, Cole's family helped to build the new hospital and is considered untouchable, much to the chagrin of his teachers.
Which brings us to Drew, whom I consider to be the most interesting new character the show has to offer. Older than his peers, Drew is trying his hand at med school for a second time after having a bit of a nervous breakdown during his previous attempt several years before. Not only does Drew catch the eye of Dr. Cox and becomes the insult-filled Chief of Medicine's new protege, but Denise (Eliza Coupe) also takes a liking to him. For those that may not remember, Dr. Denise Mahoney (AKA "Jo") was introduced last season as one of the new first-year interns at Sacred Heart. The couple's anti-social and dark nature makes for quite a few funny gags this season.
Scrubs: The Complete and Final Ninth Season also feels a little light on special features, especially considering it ends the show. There is a featurette called "Scrubbing In" that talks about the new characters, the new show and the transition between the two. While there are other extras like deleted scenes and bloopers, this is the one that will grab most fans. The other special feature is a cable-access like program put on by the two golf-cart driving security guards that seem to be a poor replacement for the Janitor (Neil Flynn). On a side note, the Janitor does make a brief appearance in the premier to explain his leaving the show. Apparently, upon realizing J.D. has left Sacred Heart for good, he simply walked away from his job, never to be heard from again.
The Complete and Final Ninth Season is pretty much better left unwatched by Scrubs fans. The show had a great ending last season, and to watch Scrubs "Med School" with any kind of hope that is matches the previous incarnation of the series will just leave you disappointed.
