Warning: suicide is discussed and there are television spoilers for Scrubs
I love re-watching television as much as the next person. Some of my favorites are Ugly Betty, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Chuck, Community, and Scrubs. This time around, I'm watching Scrubs. I forgot how much I love Turk and JD's relationship, the quirky liners from Dr. Cox, and the ever-present fantasies of JD. The first time around, I really watched the primary characters, as most people would. But what I didn't notice was how some primary characters interact with Ted Buckland, the lawyer for Sacred Heart.
Here are some facts about Ted Buckland, the sad but lovable lawyer:
1. He has clammy hands, a sweaty brow, and a tragic balding head
2. He took the bar exam in Alaska, where there are only ten laws; it is understandable why he's such a bad lawyer
3. He loves cycling, his mother, the Brain Trust (a friend group he is in), and The Worthless Peons (a barbershop quartet he is in)
4. He hates his boss, his job, his baldness, and his lack of courage
5. His nicknames include "The Hospital Sad-Sack" and "Big Chief Flop Sweat"
With all this in mind, one can imagine that Ted is the punching bag for all the medical staff, which is true. Because of his noticeable lack of self-confidence and verbally abusive relationships, Ted is suicidal. He occasionally gets up on the hospital roof, trying to build the courage to jump. However, he is too scared for it, creating a pseudo-humorous atmosphere. Ted doesn't hide his feelings either, expressing to coworkers such laments:
- “Hey... Home come all you have in there is a smiley face button and a revolver?” -Dr. Maddox
- “Well one's in case I get sad... and the other is in case I get really sad. ” -Ted
Re-watching these scenes, I knew it was supposed to be funny, but I was actually quite repulsed by how Scrubs handled such a serious topic.
And by no means is Scrubs alone. How I Met Your Mother and Friends also touched on suicide, but still managed to handle it less-than-gracefully. In real life, suicide is a very serious matter. When it happens, loved ones usual wish they had done something before it happened. But in the case of Ted, his loved ones seem to ignore his feelings and humanity.
On behalf of Sacred Heart, Ted, and even though you're a fictional character, I am sorry that noone has truly reached out to help you. No one listened to you, Ted; you expressed how terrible and depressed you felt multiple times, but people decided to make it worse by either ignoring you or making it worse. In real life, people also dismiss these red flags as cries for attention, when in all actuality, we should stop to take it seriously and help. I hope other people will learn from this Ted, so that real people can start to vocalize how they are affected by suicide, if they're ready. It's not a laughing matter: thank you for bringing this to my attention, Theodore Buckland. You started a conversation that I'm ready to continue, as long as others listen.
Ted, you may not be the best lawyer or have the greatest hair, but there are other people that understand your problems. It will be hard, Ted, and I'm sorry others are making it harder, but do not ever feel undeserving or hopeless. You are a key character in the show and the Scrubs universe; though you have few lines comparatively, you are here for a reason. A barbershop quartet member, a staff member, a lover, and a friend, people do love you and will miss you. You aren't alone, Ted. I know you're important. And I will help you realize that too.
These dark days will seem to go on forever, but believe me when I say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can get through this. Don't be afraid to ask for help because someone will help you. It's not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and faith.
Ted, I'm sorry that your coworkers didn't listen to you or try to help. Because of you, however, I also will give thanks for helping me speak out and recognizing how real suicide is.
I want people to live, Ted, but more so, I want people to live.
It's not a fun topic, but heck, it shouldn't be. But we need to talk about it so it becomes more real than a sit-com's running joke.
We love you, Ted. Keep your head up and know you are loved, man.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
