Channeling fave curmudgeons Louie De Palma and Lou Grant, McGinley, as Dr. Perry Cox, takes nearly orgasmic delight in pricking pretentiousness, in green interns, irascible boss or ball-breaking wife. His signature dig: addressing Zach Braff's geekish Dr. "J.D." Dorian as Abigail, Tiffany, Thelma -- whatever ludicrous girl's name pops to mind. His rapid-fire, complex, articulate rants are hilarious demolition derbies that turn pomposity into road kill. Dr. Cox's crustiness -- though he wields wit like a scalpel -- is only skin deep. Like Hugh Laurie's House, he's vulnerable at heart; a deep-feeler and healer. The difference is that McGinley's loveable curmudgeon cuts up within a brilliant ensemble, while House is a one-man band.