8. My New God (Season 5 Episode 5)
What happens in the episode? Jack, the son of Dr. Cox and Jordan, is to be baptized, and his sister has come, but they have a problem: he seems to despise religion.
What makes the episode so good? Dr. Cox, throughout the series, shows his aversion to religion, and in this episode, we learn for the first time why. It reminds him of his troubled childhood. He tells his sister that she reminds him of that terrible time, which is why he has such a problem.
It’s a very honest moment from Cox, and even in the last conversation with his sister, it’s not made into an overly dramatic moment. A basketball shot lightens the situation while still giving it a lighthearted tone.
7. My Catalyst / My Revelation (Season 3 Episode 12/13)
What happens? In both episodes, guest doctor Dr. Kevin Casey, played by Michael J. Fox, shakes up the entire hospital and influences the staff. J.D. believes he might become a new mentor to him. However, Dr. Casey is also struggling with many problems.
What makes the episode so good? Michael J. Fox delivers a fantastic guest appearance, performing excellently even with his Parkinson’s disease. The episode shows that everyone, no matter how perfect they seem, has their burdens to bear.
Michael J. Fox simply delivers a great performance here, even though he actually stopped acting in 2000.
6. My Partnership (Season 6 Episode 15)
What happens in the episode? Laverne is dying, and her machines will soon be turned off. It hits Carla the hardest, who just can’t let go. In the episode, she talks to the deceased Laverne. Meanwhile, Dr. Cox is expecting his second child but doesn’t want it to be associated with Laverne’s death.
What makes the episode so good? This is probably the best episode in which Judy Reyes, the actress playing Carla, shows how well she understands her craft. She acts incredibly well, and her sorrow is believable at all times. In this episode, the series manages to pack all the characters into a story without it feeling forced. Jokes are made, but the character’s death is treated with respect.
Along with the fantastic song choice at the end, a situation is created where each hospital staff member forgets their disputes for a moment and simply mourns. Each in their own way.
Unfortunately, Laverne’s death was humorously continued in a later episode.
