Warning: Spoilers ahead forBad Monkeyseason 1, episode 10, “We’re in the Memory-Making Business.“Bad MonkeyandScrubsshare a showrunner in Bill Lawrence, and both projects featurea supporting actor who has been a part of the medical sitcom’s cast and another of Lawrence’s comedy shows. His three characters create an interesting trend that could have a meta explanation. His role in theBad Monkeycaststarts small but gradually grows to be slightly more prominent. While this is a change from his time spent onScrubs, it doesn’t necessarily break the connection between the characters.
The actor in question survived the mass character exit inBad Monkeyseason 1’s ending, so he could technically return further down the line. If so, his collaboration with Bill Lawrence would be extended even further. However, the trend began in season 1 of Lawrence’s medical sitcom, when the actor debuted as one of the manydoctors onScrubs. The unusual nature of hisScrubscharacter sets up a potential arc that goes surprisingly far into the future.
All 3 shows have Bill Lawrence in charge
Bob Clendenin’s portrayal ofBad Monkey’s KJ Claspers brings to mind not just his time asScrubs' Dr. Paul Zeltzer, but also his performance as Tom Gazelian inCougar Town. The Courtney Cox-led sitcom ran for six seasons, all of which Clendenin appeared in. Interestingly, Dr. Zeltzer, Tom, and KJ Claspers all share several traits.All three Clendenin/Lawrence characters are pretty off-beat, and their intense neediness often results in them forcing their friendship upon those around them.
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There is something of a sinister air around Clendenin’s Bill Lawrence sitcom characters, although Tom is a little less ominous than his two sitcom counterparts. Clendenin’s ongoing return to Lawrence’s comedy projects proves the actor’s signature performance style is something that the showrunner values and has a specific use for. WhilehisCougar Towncharacter is by far Clendenin’s most-reprised role, it doesn’t stop Tom from unknowingly aligning himself with Claspers and Dr. Zeltzer.
Could Bob Clendenin Be Playing The Same Character In All 3 Bill Lawrence Shows?
Dr. Zeltzer’s problematic behavior in Scrubs may have resulted in him going on the run
Despite the fact that bothCougar TownandScrubsare owned by Disney, andBad Monkeyis the property of Apple TV+, the presence of Bill Lawrence at the helm of all three shows could certainly lend credence to the fact that Clendenin is playing the same character in each show. The Clendenin character timeline would begin withScrubs, andDr. Zeltzer got up to some very shady and unsavory thingsin almost every one of his seven episodes. So, it’s not unreasonable to assume that his actions caught up with him, and he had to change his name and go on the run.
The Same Side Character Appears In 2 Different Sitcoms (& It Creates A Problem)
Connecting multiple television shows as part of the same universe is a fun idea, so long as no characters complicate the canon of both.
Hiding out in Florida for several years as Tom would have resulted in Zeltzer lying low - if Zeltzer was even the original name of Clendenin’s character. However, Clasper’s solid criminal association by the time ofBad Monkeywould explain his most recent identity overhaul. AlthoughTom was essentially a toned-down version of Zeltzer, the company kept by Claspers isn’t that hard to believe given Zeltzer’s behavior. Then again, accepting the Clendenin theory means Zach Braff’sBad Monkeycharacter confirms a dark turn forScrubs' JD.
Bad Monkey
Cast
A former Miami detective turned health inspector, Andrew Yancy, discovers a severed arm while working in the Florida Keys. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim his former position, he navigates through a web of quirky locals and corruption, all while dealing with a troublesome monkey.
