2009 Black History Month: Favorite Black TV Characters (#2)

By: Luke Florence

My Favorite Black TV Characters

#2 - February 27th - Donald Faison as 'Christopher Turk' - "Scrubs"

Throughout this entire list, I have mentioned, when it was necessary, how much the black-white relationship between two characters played an impact on this list. For Donald Faison aka. Turk from Scrubs, it vaulted him past the legendary Bill Cosby, and landed him here, at the coveted #2 spot.

I was a late arrival to Scrubs, a show centered around a doctor named J.D. and the cast of characters surrounding him in Sacred Heart Hospital. Up until January of last year, I had never watched a single episode, and it was always one of those shows that when I saw a re-run, would immediately switch channels. In other words, it was on the same level as Frasier, or My Wife and Kids.

But, I got tired of hearing other people tell me how much they liked Scrubs, and I also got tired of switching the channel all the time, because Scrubs always seemed to be on. So, I gave in, watched a couple of episodes, and to put it simply, fell in love. Any fan of comedy TV series, will love Scrubs. No question about it.

With all that being said, you still may be asking yourself why Turk (a black surgeon) is so high on this list. The short answer probably says it best. He is best friends with JD (a white doctor), and their interactions completely make this show. Sure Dr. Cox is terrific, and who doesn't love the Janitor? But, the essence of this show is Turk and JD. Without it, there is no Scrubs.

Turk and JD roomed together at college. They went to medical school together, and now work at the same hospital together. They know each other better than their significant others. In fact, after coming back from his honeymoon, Turk gets wildly excited upon seeing JD again, and the two share a long embrace. Turk's new wife says, "I wish someday he would love ME like that." They truly are best friends.

But, that's not to take away from Turk's essence either, because he is a great television character ... period. He is highly competitive, always striving to be the best in everything, including his job as a surgeon. He loves sports, loves to dance, and is always there for his friends and family. Throw in a fun-loving spirit and a terrific sense of humor, and what's not to love?

A great aspect of Turk's character is how he constantly embraces his blackness, always in a light-hearted and comical manner. It's what makes Scrubs such a unique show. It is seemingly always bringing up common stereotypes, and instead of poking fun at each other, they poke fun at the actual stereotype instead. Throw in the black-white combo of Turk and JD, and well, you have a terrific show.

So, hopefully that answers why Turk is #2, just one spot shy the summit. He's on a ridiculously funny television show, I love his character, and the fact that he has a white best friend. But, there's even a bit more.

When I compiled this list, Turk was originally slated #4. Gervase was #3 and Bill Cosby was #2. However, at the beginning of the month, when searching for clips to be put on this list, I stumbled upon a video so great, so perfect, that I bumped Turk up two spots. I'm doing this list for Barnes, and this video about Turk reminded me so much of Barnes it's almost uncanny.

If I had to rank every video/clip I've posted the past 28 days, that one would be far and away the best. Tell me that doesn't remind you of Barnes. It's not shown in the above video, but there is even a billboard of Turk. All that's missing is "I am the Promise."

Okay, that will wrap it up for today. Just one more final day left in Black History Month. I've already written the final pick, and it will automatically post with just one minute remaining in February. It's my last ditch effort to keep you in suspense until the final seconds, although, the top pick should be nothing of a surprise. Far from it.

Make sure to check out Barnes' blog (on my sidebar), to find out how he views my selections. Check regularly, because due out soon will be his recap of my entire list. A podcast is also in the works.

Hint for #1: This guy can do it all. Sing ... check. Rap ... check. Act on television ... check. Star in blockbuster movies ... check. Like I said, he can do it all.

Until tomorrow, "read it, roll it, hole it."