J.D. gets called in to work on his day off. Elliott attempts to pass off her knowledge of endocrinology, Turk volunteers for a heart transplant, and Carla faces her fears of mothership.
Tropes in this episode
- Actually Quite Catchy: Keith starts bobbing along to "Payback Is A Bitch" until he spots J.D. giving him a Death Glare. Then he stops.
- Black Comedy: Taking advantage of some Mood Whiplash...Kelso: Dr. Reid, our hospital lecture series is tonight and our psychologist Dr. Burkehead canceled his talk on fear of public speaking.
Elliot: Why, was he afraid of speaking in public? [chuckle]
Kelso: [solemnly] No, his depression finally got the best of him and he hung himself.
Elliot: [Blank Stare]
Kelso: [smiling] Anywho, we need a speaker and Dr. Cox suggested you'd be the perfect speaker for an intensive Q&A on endocrinology. Be in the classroom at 6. - Brick Joke: J.D. tentatively tastes Elliot's Mango Body Butter while taking a bath at her place. When she asks later where it went, his thoughts reveal he spread it on a bagel.
- Cool and Unusual Punishment: Cox tells Keith to page J.D. for every little question as punishment for J.D. doing it as an intern. He caps off his explanation by revealing Laverne's choir group singing a gospel rendition of "Payback Is A Bitch".
- Crazy-Prepared: Elliot has hidden sheets and full textbooks all over the hospital, including in bedpans and on J.D.'s chest.
- It Was with You All Along: In the end, Elliot, Turk, and Carla all realize they have the brains, the heart, and the courage they were looking for.
- Off to See the Wizard: This episode is rife with references to The Wizard of Oz. Among them:
- J.D. begins the episode by listening to "Africa" by Toto, which is the name of the dog. Later in the episode, he tells Turk that "Toto and I are going home." J.D. essentially plays the part of Dorothy. Dr. Cox also calls J.D. "Dorothy" twice.
- Janitor paints his white shoes red.
- JD spends the episode trying to get out of the hospital; Janitor has painted yellow lines to indicate the exits.
- Elliott plays the part of the Scarecrow.
- Turk plays the Tin Man.
- Carla plays the Cowardly Lion.
- The episode begins in its usual color scheme, but by the third act, the color scheme becomes brighter, reflecting the film beginning in sepia tone and shifting to Technicolor.
- Ted's Band sings "Off to See the Wizard" and "Over the Rainbow".
- The latter is done with a ukulele, in the style of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version.
- The patients are named Baum, Flemming and Bolger, references to author L. Frank Baum, director Victor Flemming, and actor Ray Bolger.
- Todd says they say have "Lions, tigers, bears, oh my!" regarding his visit to the zoo.
- The Janitor asks for an oil can.
- Jack manages to paint himself green, like a resident of the Emerald City.
- Dr. Cox calls Jordan "the Wicked Witch of the East Wing", and when Jordan is locked in a boiling room, she cries out "I'm Melting!!"
- The last shot shows JD heading home and pans up to a rainbow.
- J.D. begins the episode by listening to "Africa" by Toto, which is the name of the dog. Later in the episode, he tells Turk that "Toto and I are going home." J.D. essentially plays the part of Dorothy. Dr. Cox also calls J.D. "Dorothy" twice.
- Sentimental Music Cue: The "sad theme" from earlier episodes returns only to warp down when J.D. agrees to help Turk.
- Take That!: "I'll be an even bigger fraud than Barry Bonds!"
