Weird Janitor Problem in Scrubs Season 10 Has a Solution
While the highly anticipated <em>Scrubs</em> season 10 has yet to officially announce its returning cast, it is widely believed that Neil Flynn’s iconic character, the Janitor, will play a vital role in the revival. However, his return may not come without its own set of challenges. Following his initial appearance as a figment of JD’s imagination in season 1, Flynn became a staple character throughout all nine seasons of Scrubs, although his role in the ninth season was reduced to a fleeting cameo in the premiere episode that explained his absence. The Janitor is one of the essential characters whose presence is crucial for season 10 to recapture the beloved essence of the original series.
As the Scrubs revival gradually moves closer to reality, various cast and crew members have expressed enthusiasm about reuniting for the project. Although the outgoing showrunner Bill Lawrence has confirmed that season 10 will introduce new characters, expectations for a near-complete reunion of the original cast are high among fans. This exciting prospect brings a sense of nostalgia for the medical sitcom’s dedicated audience, but it’s important to note that Scrubs will offer a fresh perspective this time around. The Janitor’s choices in the season 8 finale significantly contribute to this new direction.
Bill Lawrence Confirms the Janitor Revealed His Real Name to JD in “My Finale”
Discovering Neil Flynn’s Scrubs Character: Officially Named Glenn Matthews
The Janitor’s true identity has long been one of the most intriguing mysteries within the Scrubs universe. Although he adopts numerous humorous aliases throughout the series, including the memorable Dr. Jan Itor, his genuine name remains concealed for most of the show’s run. At the conclusion of Scrubs season 8, he discloses to JD (played by Zach Braff) that his name is “Glenn Matthews,” yet this revelation feels like just another layer of deception consistent with the Janitor’s character. However, the creator of the show confirmed over a decade ago that the Janitor was indeed truthful in that moment, solidifying Glenn Matthews as his actual name.
Leaving fans in suspense about whether the Janitor was honest about his name being Glenn Matthews arguably added to the comedic elements of the show. His anecdote regarding the childhood difficulties associated with his name seems like a classic Janitor fabrication, making it easy to question the legitimacy of his claim. Nevertheless, as the series progressed, the Janitor’s character became more relatable, especially in the penultimate season when he married and exhibited less of his eccentric behavior. This evolution might indicate that Lawrence intended to conclude the Janitor’s narrative arc by finally revealing his real name.
The Strangeness of Hearing Other Characters Call the Janitor “Glenn”
Why Scrubs Season 10 Would Be Unusual with This Name Change
Throughout the original series, the Janitor was known by a variety of nicknames, most of which humorously highlighted his imposing height or his occupation. JD is the only character who ever addresses him as Glenn, and this occurs only when the Janitor finally reveals his name. So, while Lawrence has confirmed that the Janitor’s name is Glenn, Flynn’s departure from the show after season 8 left little opportunity for anyone to actually use this name in front of him.
Despite the show’s efforts to make the Janitor a more relatable character, transitioning to calling him such a mundane name would feel like a significant departure from his established persona.
With the revival on the horizon, the show faces the challenge of reconciling the Janitor’s newfound name recognition. Viewers may find themselves hearing characters refer to him as “Glenn” or even “Mr. Matthews,” which could feel quite disconcerting. While the series did a commendable job of making the Janitor more relatable over time, giving him a simple, ordinary name might undermine the uniqueness that he is known for.
How Scrubs Season 8’s Finale Provided a Solution to This Naming Dilemma
JD’s Forgetfulness: The Key to Understanding the Janitor’s Name
In the final episode of Scrubs, JD admits he has forgotten the Janitor’s name, which he learns is Glenn Matthews. However, when JD tries to say goodbye using this name moments later, he completely forgets it and requires a reminder. The Janitor humorously justifies this lapse by stating, “People don’t want to know a janitor’s name.” This statement rings true for JD, at least, as his memory fails him when trying to recall the Janitor’s real name.
Since the Janitor never discloses his name to any other character—in fact, he is mistakenly called “Tommy” shortly after JD’s farewell—the narrative conveniently allows for the revival to sidestep the awkwardness of characters using the name “Glenn.” Essentially, JD is the only character who knows the Janitor’s name, and given JD’s tendency to forget, he could easily ask, “Whatever happened to the Janitor?” in the Med School pilot instead of “Whatever happened to Glenn?” This forgetfulness is even more plausible if the Scrubs revival marks the first encounter between these two characters since “My Finale.”
In summary, the Janitor’s unique situation provides an opportunity for the Scrubs revival to navigate the complexities of his character’s name. With the emphasis on humor and character development, fans can expect to see creative storytelling that honors the past while moving forward. As audiences eagerly await the revival, the potential for hilarious situations around the Janitor’s real name adds to the excitement surrounding Scrubs season 10.
