Possessive case

One of my favorite TV shows in the early days of this century was an ensemble piece called Third Watch. It was about first responders—cops, firefighters and EMTs—set and shot in Manhattan. The stories were for the most part well-written, and you know what a sucker I am for a good police procedural.

But mostly it was the mix of characters, with all their flaws, playing off one another, and growing. Almost like, you know, humans.

I was reminded of one exchange from the show recently. The setup is basically that the older EMT, Doc, and the young legend-in-his-own-mind, Carlos, are discussing an attractive new doctor in the local ER, in whom both are interested. (Even though, truth be told, she is more car than Carlos can handle.) Neither has as yet made a move, but already there is tension between the partners.

Carlos says, “I told you I was interested,” and Doc replies, “What, now we’re in the eighth grade and you called dibs?”

Carlos: “’Dibs?’ What the hell is dibs?”

So I’m wondering how many of my readers will get this reference: