The parents of the interns descend on Sacred Heart. Elliot is embarrassed by her parents, and Turk worries over how well his Mom and Carla will get on. J.D. wishes his father were more of a father.
- Like Parent, Like Spouse: Carla realizes that she's just like Turk's mom.
- Parents as People: JD realizes his dad is struggling in his career as a salesman and likely always has.
- Sad Clown: The implication is that JD's dad tells jokes all the time because he's struggling with work.
- Special Guest: Famed sitcom actor John Ritter joins the episode as JD's father. Appropriate, given the show's love of 70s sitcoms like Three's Company.
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are: Cox reassures JD that his father could have done a much, much worse job.
