TOMMY Review

Article first published as TV Review: TOMMY on Seat42F.

The new CBS drama TOMMY is about the first female police chief of police in Los Angeles. In this fictional story, the mayor is forced to fire the previous chief after lots of scandal comes to light, from the chief’s own affairs, to officers under his command being involved in illicit sexual activities. Not all of the cops agree with the dismissal, so our hero, Abigail “Tommy” Thomas, has her work cut out for her.

Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie, The Sopranos) stars as the titular character. Falco is amazing in everything she does. She conveys so much subtlety and nuance, and acts the hell out of each scene. Even in the pilot, there are layers to her performance, especially in Tommy’s extremely complicated relationship with estranged daughter Kate Jones (Olivia Lucy Phillip), as well as her interactions with the mayor, Buddy Gray (Thomas Sadoski, The Newsroom), who is careful to avoid taking too firm on a position on anything he doesn’t have to. There is a lot for Falco to work with in those scenes.

There are also some wonderful supporting cast members. Sadoski is a favorite of mine, and Buddy is a terrific role for him. I enjoy Ken Rosey (Michael Chernus, Orange Is the New Black) as lawyer / speechwriter Ken Rosey, who adds a layer of optimism and idealism into the plot. Russell G. Jones (The Americans) is solid as stalwart Donn Cooper. Vladimir Caamano (Runaways) is delightfully playful as Tommy’s protection and unofficial advisor, Abnar Diaz.

I really want to like this show because it is pleasingly political. Tommy and Buddy aren’t enemies in the traditional sense, but in many ways, they’re locked in a struggle. There are interesting turns, like when Buddy’s guy Doug Dudik (Joseph Lyle Taylor, Sneaky Pete) attempts to hurt Tommy while colluding with the former chief, Milt Leakey (Corbin Bernsen, Psych), and instead helps her. Tommy’s dealings with ICE are inspiring, and her scene with Blake Sullivan (Adelaide Clemens, Rectify) about sexism in the work place is touching.

Yet, there’s definitely something missing from TOMMY. Part of it is how manipulative those latter two bits from the paragraph are, feeling designed to play with viewers’ emotions more than tell a fresh story. There’s also a strong element of procedural, as occurs far too often with CBS dramas, which drags it down. Not to mention, there’re a lot of familiar aspects to the story that have shown up in plenty of other programs as of late, which doesn’t help the originality factor. I can’t help but wonder how much better TOMMY would be if it were penned by Aaron Sorkin, as the drama seems to share a bit of DNA with his works, but pales in comparison.

For the record, TOMMY isn’t bad and I haven’t given up on it yet. FOX’s Deputy, which premiered a few weeks earlier, is in the same vein, and I’m watching both to see if either wins out as the better series, or if either earns a season pass on my TiVo. If TOMMY (or Deputy) embraces the character study element in a significant way and puts that at the center most weeks rather than running down this baddie or that on, they could be very good. But if they play to what they think the “common viewer” wants, they’ll never be anything more than easy escapism.

At the moment, TOMMY has a leg up over DEPUTY because of Falco, whom I have to mention again is just so darn good. But she wouldn’t be the first lauded performer to take a role that is beneath her. I’m not saying Tommy is beneath Falco, because on paper, there’s a lot in Tommy’s favor. But I fear that could end up being the case. Only time will tell.

TOMMY airs Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS.

PSYCH's "Breakup" With Us

Article first published as PSYCH's "Breakup" With Us on TheTVKing.

USA's Psych series finale, "The Breakup," is not what I was expecting at all, and yet feels completely perfect. This is a show that has its flaws, but also knows exactly what it is and satisfies both the characters and the viewers in its close. It keeps its story protected and gives the players about the happiest ending anyone could hope for.

A large part of the episode involves Shawn (James Roday) struggling to tell Gus (Dule Hill) that he's disbanding their detective agency and moving away to be with Juliet (Maggie Lawson). Shawn keeps talking to the camera, walking us through their final case together and all the times he almost manages to say the words, but can't. Then, two thirds of the way through the episode, we get the reveal - Shawn isn't talking to the viewers, he's making a goodbye DVD for Gus, and our "hero" slips away without confronting his best friend.

Shawn is emotionally stunted, but there are three people in his life he cares deeply for: his father, Henry (Corbin Bernsen), who will be fine if Shawn only visits sometimes, Juliet, the love of his life, and BFF Gus. Because Juliet takes a job in San Fransisco, Shawn is forced to make a choice: Gus or Juliet? It's an impossible task, but one can't stop romantic love, and so Shawn does what he has to do.

A lot of what Shawn says to Gus in the video makes sense. Maybe Shawn really has been holding Gus back, providing distractions from career and women and stopping Gus from reaching his potential. In Shawn's mind, he's actually doing right by Gus when he leaves, and one can understand that. In this way, Shawn's departure seems more like self-sacrifice than abandonment.

But Psych seeks to have it both ways. Gus, conflicted, and making a fool of himself with a woman one last time, decides to refuse "The Breakup" and moves to San Fran, too, so that he and Shawn can continue the life they've become accustomed to. Shawn gives Gus an out, and Gus says no, reaffirming their bond. That Gus doesn't make the decision lightly makes the outcome mean even more, Gus willing to sacrifice for Shawn, too. Their relationship, always the heart of the show, is served well.

This all culminates in an hilarious conversation over a dead body with Juliet and Vick (Kristen Nelson), a fine way to include the former and once again chief in the proceedings, and then Shawn and Gus's funny joint proposal to Juliet, which she gleefully accepts before her ring is stolen. This gets a little whacky and unrealistic, but only in the way Psych always has been. Things have changed a bit, Shawn has matured, but they've also stayed the same, the characters continuing what we've seen long after they leave our televisions.

There are many elements throughout the episode that also serve the plot well. Shawn finally calls his dad for help. The last murder case initially draws parallels to the ceasing of Gus and Shawn's partnership with their suspect (Billy Zane,  Back to the Future) having lost his childhood bestie. gus gets to work for Bud from The Cosby Show (Deon Richmond). New lead detective Brannigan (Mira Sorvino, Mimic) proves the department will be fine without our twosome. Woody (Kurt Fuller) has some nice bits, and Buzz (Sage Brocklebank) finally becomes a detective. We finally meet the oft-mentioned Dobson during the montage of Shawn's left-behind DVDs, and it's frequently referenced actor Val Kilmer (Top Gun, Batman Forever)! These are all excellent pay offs.

Psych would not be what it is without its resident stick in the mud, Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson). Lassie has grown a lot, becoming a fine chief in Santa Barbara, now having a family. He's left without the rest of the cast, but in an awesome place. He also gets his own farewell from Shawn.

Shawn decides to confess that he's not a psychic to Lassiter in his DVD, but Lassie breaks the disc before Shawn can say it. It may be because Lassie would have to arrest Shawn for fraud if he heard the words, and Lassie has come to like Shawn. I think the policeman values the chaos Shawn brings into his life, helping to hone his skills and raise his game. They have a hug earlier, one Lassiter wants, as Lassie, brilliant detective that he is, knows that Shawn is leaving before Shawn says anything. This same skill set also implies that Lassiter already knew the truth about Shawn and chose to ignore it, cementing his likeability even more.

There's a comfort in knowing that Psych goes on, even if it's not being filmed. Some shows need closure and a finite ending; this one does not. Psych is more about laughter than tears, and it finds a way to bring that through. My complaints about the show have been that it's too light and too procedural, and yet those same elements are used to great effect in this last episode, only possible because the writers have been committed to them all along. It's the perfect, fitting end.

Thank you to the cast and crew of Psych for an entertaining eight years. I won't say it wasn't time to go, but you will absolutely be missed, and if you ever go for a continuation or comeback, count me in.

PSYCH Sings For Its Supper

Article first published as PSYCH The Musical Review on Seat42F.

USA’s PSYCH has been off the air for far too long, and returns this weekend with “Psych the Musical.” In the two hour special, Shawn (James Roday) and the others attempt to bring to justice an escaped mental patient named Z (Anthony Rapp, Rent) who has a grudge against a certain theater company. An old foe returns to help, and demands singing and dancing as her price for information. Is all as it seems?

NOTICE: What follows contains some plot spoilers. I won’t ruin anything too big or what happens at the end (so nothing much more revealing than what’s already on IMDB), but if you’d rather not know anything ahead of time, you may want to wait to read this.

The biggest foe in PSYCH’s past is Yang (Ally Sheedy), the serial killer with a personal interest in Shawn. She is brought back out for “Psych the Musical,” allowing her to participate in a big episode. I feel like this is a pretty appropriate use of her. She should only return sparingly and with effect, and although she is not exactly the center of this story, she still plays a sizeable role, making her appearance worth it.

Mary Lightly (Jimmi Simpson) also comes back, but since he died during his last guest spot, I won’t go any further than to say he sings well and is brought in through a creative twist most should appreciate.

The premise of why PSYCH is doing a musical is thin. Yes, Yang demands that Shawn sing for her, but before that, the characters have already been crooning away, so it’s not just at Yang’s behest that the songs pour forth. Unlike Scrubs, which featured a patient who imagined her doctors singing, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where a demon cursed the cast to speak melodically, or Grey’s Anatomy, which had a story of hallucinations (all three terrific efforts), “Psych the Musical” is not so well thought out.

However, that’s kind of par for PSYCH. I love the series and all its references to pop culture, but it’s always been a series that doesn’t go deep. It’s much more focused on being funny than developing characters, and even though some wonderful arcs have snuck in, they are not the mission, making the show more enjoyable than high-quality. Believability has been stretched before to match a genre, so it’s in keeping with the usual tone that it happens again here.

“Psych the Musical” concerns a pretty typical case. While the run-time is two hours (including commercials), which allows space for musical breaks, the story itself is only an hour’s worth of mystery. The clues are typical, at best, and nothing particularly monumental happens. One wishes, especially with the inclusion of Yang and Mary, the writers had stretched themselves a little further, but oh, well, too late now.

The music itself is not bad. It’s campy and not particularly original, but that’s kind of the charm PSYCH seems to be going for. Although it was released that sixteen numbers were produced, many are repeats of an already-used tune, just with different lyrics. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just an observation that there truly isn’t as much variety as one might think.

Roday proves to be a more than capable singer, as does Dule Hill (Gus), who is light on his feet, as well, leading to a great, big opening. Gus also gets the finale to himself, which is a bit understated for my taste, not ending nearly as big as the episode starts. Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) is good on the base lines, and his harmonious sparring with Sharn are among the best moments of “Psych the Musical.” Juliet (Maggie Lawson) doesn’t seem particularly talented in this arena, but does a passable job when needed, and Vick’s (Kirsten Nelson) solo is brief, but effective. Woody (Kurt Fuller) is fantastic in his simple piece.

Henry (Corbin Bernsen) absolutely refuses to participate, which is in keeping with his character, so it works. Buzz (Sage Brocklebank) seems like he would really like to join in, but Lassie shuts him down repeatedly, again something that is appropriate for the part.

Z only has one number, which is disappointing, given Rapp’s resume. I understand the focus is on the main players, but when one casts a guest star of this pedigree for a musical, one should use him much more than PSYCH does. Even worse, Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) doesn’t get to sing at all. If that’s how “Psych the Musical” wants to use its guest stars, fine, but don’t bring in people viewers expect to hear if they’re going to be wasted.

Overall, I found “Psych the Musical” a middling effort. I was entertained, but wasn’t left desiring to download the music or listen to the songs again, as I have been after other shows’ attempts. I love musicals in general, so it’s a bit sad. But, the style of this installment is consistent with the rest of PSYCH, so on that count, it is decent.

“Psych the Musical” airs Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on USA.

Psych returns to "Santabarbaratown 2"

Review first published as PSYCH Review Season 7 Episode 1 Santabarbaratown 2 on Seat42F.

Grade: 86%

Warning: This review contains spoilers. 

USA’s PSYCH picks up right where last year left off in the new season premiere, “Santabarbaratown 2.” Shawn (James Roday) vows to find Henry’s (Corbin Bernsen) shooter, even though Jules (Maggie Lawson) warns him that he’s too emotional to be part of the investigation. Emotional, he is, but he’s also still Shawn, which means he is the best chance of bringing the bad guy to justice.

Most of the time, on television, when the cops are after a perp, anyone who is too close to the case is promptly taken off the job. Sure, it’s practically a cliché at this point that the detective will still pursue whatever leads they can, and most likely catch the villain. But they are usually ordered to stay away, and they sometimes get in trouble for refusing to do so.

PSYCH breaks this streak when Karen (Kirsten Nelson) tells Shawn to go after Jerry (Max Gail), as the police don’t know where to look for him. From a storytelling perspective, this is great because it doesn’t do what everyone else does, and makes it a bit easier for Shawn to stay focused. From a realistic point of view, though, this may be campy, stretching things too far, as Karen couldn’t actually condone Shawn’s actions, even in the roundabout way that she does, and still be considered a smart boss. She has to know she’s setting up a potential disaster waiting to happen. She’s supposed to be a professional!

Henry, too, does the wrong thing, giving Shawn clues from his hospital bed. In Henry’s case, it’s a little more understandable because he has limited contact with the outside world, and Shawn may be the only person that he can pass what he knows onto. But why would Henry want to put his son in danger? Shawn may routinely work with law enforcement, but he doesn’t carry a gun, and he can’t be prepared for this.

Gus (Dule Hill) is worried about him, of course, but Gus also tries to beg out of helping Shawn with his task. Gus can be a wimp, but at a time when his friend really needs him, and this is that time, he should be able to man up. The fact that he does so only reluctantly, with the rules of an out being brought up repeatedly, is disappointing.

PSYCH is a comedy, so we know right from the start that “Santabarbaratown 2” won’t verge too darkly. Yet, we also see Shawn act in a manner he never has before. His jokes have a biting bitterness behind them, not usually present. He acts shaken, and his heart isn’t in being funny. He barely pretends to be a psychic when finding a secret room in Jerry’s house. He seems to crack the one-liners out of habit, or to ground himself, rather than to try to be funny for others, as he usually does. It’s a whole different way to see the character.

For a second, at the very beginning, Shawn really gets raw. Thinking his father might die, he says some deep words. Roday handles the moment fantastically, balancing Shawn’s personality with how anyone would feel in this situation. It’s weird for the role to go in this direction, but also satisfying when we see how much Henry’s injury affects Shawn.

Which is promptly ruined by Woody (Kurt Fuller), entering prematurely with a body bag. And it’s not the last time Woody, whom I normally love, screws up a scene this week.

This continues throughout the episode. For every time Shawn lets his anger out and wrecks Jerry’s house, he also sneaks into a gun club wearing half a fake beard. I understand the desire to keep the tone of the series faithful to the rest of the installments, but shooting Henry in the manner they did breaks that rule. While Shawn shows signs of being changed a bit, no one and nothing else matches this shift. I really wish they embraced the drama in “Santabarbaratown 2,” even if for only one hour.

The worst offense along these lines is bringing back Chelsea (Arden Myrin), Henry’s stalker ex-girlfriend, who stays by his side in the hospital. Even Henry can’t be allowed to wallow and reflect upon what has happened, being dragged into unnecessary punch lines.

The best part of the episode is when Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) helps Shawn. It’s not entirely unexpected, from glimpses we’ve been given of Lassiter’s depth before, and based on the circumstances, but it does make for some very enjoyable moments and terrific dialogue between the characters.

Though, why Lassiter only goes as far as he does, instead of helping finish the job, is confusing, and a bit of a plot hole, even if it gives Shawn the opportunity to confront Jerry himself.

As a PSYCH episode, “Santabarbaratown 2” is good, and ranks as average when held up against other installments. But compared to what it could have been, a brave, new choice that would let the actors and writers try something new, it’s a bit of a disappointment.

PSYCH airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

- See more at: http://www.seat42f.com/tv/psych-review-season-7-episode-1-santabarbaratown-2#sthash.k5T5U3s4.dpuf

USA’s PSYCH picks up right where last year left off in the new season premiere, “Santabarbaratown 2.” Shawn (James Roday) vows to find Henry’s (Corbin Bernsen) shooter, even though Jules (Maggie Lawson) warns him that he’s too emotional to be part of the investigation. Emotional, he is, but he’s also still Shawn, which means he is the best chance of bringing the bad guy to justice.

Most of the time, on television, when the cops are after a perp, anyone who is too close to the case is promptly taken off the job. Sure, it’s practically a cliché at this point that the detective will still pursue whatever leads they can, and most likely catch the villain. But they are usually ordered to stay away, and they sometimes get in trouble for refusing to do so.

PSYCH breaks this streak when Karen (Kirsten Nelson) tells Shawn to go after Jerry (Max Gail), as the police don’t know where to look for him. From a storytelling perspective, this is great because it doesn’t do what everyone else does, and makes it a bit easier for Shawn to stay focused. From a realistic point of view, though, this may be campy, stretching things too far, as Karen couldn’t actually condone Shawn’s actions, even in the roundabout way that she does, and still be considered a smart boss. She has to know she’s setting up a potential disaster waiting to happen. She’s supposed to be a professional!

Henry, too, does the wrong thing, giving Shawn clues from his hospital bed. In Henry’s case, it’s a little more understandable because he has limited contact with the outside world, and Shawn may be the only person that he can pass what he knows onto. But why would Henry want to put his son in danger? Shawn may routinely work with law enforcement, but he doesn’t carry a gun, and he can’t be prepared for this.

Gus (Dule Hill) is worried about him, of course, but Gus also tries to beg out of helping Shawn with his task. Gus can be a wimp, but at a time when his friend really needs him, and this is that time, he should be able to man up. The fact that he does so only reluctantly, with the rules of an out being brought up repeatedly, is disappointing.

PSYCH is a comedy, so we know right from the start that “Santabarbaratown 2” won’t verge too darkly. Yet, we also see Shawn act in a manner he never has before. His jokes have a biting bitterness behind them, not usually present. He acts shaken, and his heart isn’t in being funny. He barely pretends to be a psychic when finding a secret room in Jerry’s house. He seems to crack the one-liners out of habit, or to ground himself, rather than to try to be funny for others, as he usually does. It’s a whole different way to see the character.

For a second, at the very beginning, Shawn really gets raw. Thinking his father might die, he says some deep words. Roday handles the moment fantastically, balancing Shawn’s personality with how anyone would feel in this situation. It’s weird for the role to go in this direction, but also satisfying when we see how much Henry’s injury affects Shawn.

Which is promptly ruined by Woody (Kurt Fuller), entering prematurely with a body bag. And it’s not the last time Woody, whom I normally love, screws up a scene this week.

This continues throughout the episode. For every time Shawn lets his anger out and wrecks Jerry’s house, he also sneaks into a gun club wearing half a fake beard. I understand the desire to keep the tone of the series faithful to the rest of the installments, but shooting Henry in the manner they did breaks that rule. While Shawn shows signs of being changed a bit, no one and nothing else matches this shift. I really wish they embraced the drama in “Santabarbaratown 2,” even if for only one hour.

The worst offense along these lines is bringing back Chelsea (Arden Myrin), Henry’s stalker ex-girlfriend, who stays by his side in the hospital. Even Henry can’t be allowed to wallow and reflect upon what has happened, being dragged into unnecessary punch lines.

The best part of the episode is when Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) helps Shawn. It’s not entirely unexpected, from glimpses we’ve been given of Lassiter’s depth before, and based on the circumstances, but it does make for some very enjoyable moments and terrific dialogue between the characters.

Though, why Lassiter only goes as far as he does, instead of helping finish the job, is confusing, and a bit of a plot hole, even if it gives Shawn the opportunity to confront Jerry himself.

As a PSYCH episode, “Santabarbaratown 2” is good, and ranks as average when held up against other installments. But compared to what it could have been, a brave, new choice that would let the actors and writers try something new, it’s a bit of a disappointment.

PSYCH airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

- See more at: http://www.seat42f.com/tv/psych-review-season-7-episode-1-santabarbaratown-2#sthash.k5T5U3s4.dpuf

USA’s PSYCH picks up right where last year left off in the new season premiere, “Santabarbaratown 2.” Shawn (James Roday) vows to find Henry’s (Corbin Bernsen) shooter, even though Jules (Maggie Lawson) warns him that he’s too emotional to be part of the investigation. Emotional, he is, but he’s also still Shawn, which means he is the best chance of bringing the bad guy to justice.

Most of the time, on television, when the cops are after a perp, anyone who is too close to the case is promptly taken off the job. Sure, it’s practically a cliché at this point that the detective will still pursue whatever leads they can, and most likely catch the villain. But they are usually ordered to stay away, and they sometimes get in trouble for refusing to do so.

PSYCH breaks this streak when Karen (Kirsten Nelson) tells Shawn to go after Jerry (Max Gail), as the police don’t know where to look for him. From a storytelling perspective, this is great because it doesn’t do what everyone else does, and makes it a bit easier for Shawn to stay focused. From a realistic point of view, though, this may be campy, stretching things too far, as Karen couldn’t actually condone Shawn’s actions, even in the roundabout way that she does, and still be considered a smart boss. She has to know she’s setting up a potential disaster waiting to happen. She’s supposed to be a professional!

Henry, too, does the wrong thing, giving Shawn clues from his hospital bed. In Henry’s case, it’s a little more understandable because he has limited contact with the outside world, and Shawn may be the only person that he can pass what he knows onto. But why would Henry want to put his son in danger? Shawn may routinely work with law enforcement, but he doesn’t carry a gun, and he can’t be prepared for this.

Gus (Dule Hill) is worried about him, of course, but Gus also tries to beg out of helping Shawn with his task. Gus can be a wimp, but at a time when his friend really needs him, and this is that time, he should be able to man up. The fact that he does so only reluctantly, with the rules of an out being brought up repeatedly, is disappointing.

PSYCH is a comedy, so we know right from the start that “Santabarbaratown 2” won’t verge too darkly. Yet, we also see Shawn act in a manner he never has before. His jokes have a biting bitterness behind them, not usually present. He acts shaken, and his heart isn’t in being funny. He barely pretends to be a psychic when finding a secret room in Jerry’s house. He seems to crack the one-liners out of habit, or to ground himself, rather than to try to be funny for others, as he usually does. It’s a whole different way to see the character.

For a second, at the very beginning, Shawn really gets raw. Thinking his father might die, he says some deep words. Roday handles the moment fantastically, balancing Shawn’s personality with how anyone would feel in this situation. It’s weird for the role to go in this direction, but also satisfying when we see how much Henry’s injury affects Shawn.

Which is promptly ruined by Woody (Kurt Fuller), entering prematurely with a body bag. And it’s not the last time Woody, whom I normally love, screws up a scene this week.

This continues throughout the episode. For every time Shawn lets his anger out and wrecks Jerry’s house, he also sneaks into a gun club wearing half a fake beard. I understand the desire to keep the tone of the series faithful to the rest of the installments, but shooting Henry in the manner they did breaks that rule. While Shawn shows signs of being changed a bit, no one and nothing else matches this shift. I really wish they embraced the drama in “Santabarbaratown 2,” even if for only one hour.

The worst offense along these lines is bringing back Chelsea (Arden Myrin), Henry’s stalker ex-girlfriend, who stays by his side in the hospital. Even Henry can’t be allowed to wallow and reflect upon what has happened, being dragged into unnecessary punch lines.

The best part of the episode is when Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) helps Shawn. It’s not entirely unexpected, from glimpses we’ve been given of Lassiter’s depth before, and based on the circumstances, but it does make for some very enjoyable moments and terrific dialogue between the characters.

Though, why Lassiter only goes as far as he does, instead of helping finish the job, is confusing, and a bit of a plot hole, even if it gives Shawn the opportunity to confront Jerry himself.

As a PSYCH episode, “Santabarbaratown 2” is good, and ranks as average when held up against other installments. But compared to what it could have been, a brave, new choice that would let the actors and writers try something new, it’s a bit of a disappointment.

PSYCH airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

- See more at: http://www.seat42f.com/tv/psych-review-season-7-episode-1-santabarbaratown-2#sthash.k5T5U3s4.dpuf

'Psych' flirts with greatness in season finale

USA's Psych season finale this week is called "Santabarbaratown." Playing with the plot of the movie Chinatown, "Santabarbaratown" finds Henry (Corbin Bernsen) going back on active duty as a detective when a cold case he worked years ago reopens. What may have kept the case from being solved before is a conspiracy involving Henry's old co-workers. Through it all, Henry's son, Shawn (James Roday), struggles with the relationship between father and son. And then Henry is shot, changing everything.

Psych is a great as a comedy version of the crime procedural, that often throws in some really neat, creative stories. But "Santabarbaratown" is different. Movie parody aside, the stakes are higher here. Shawn wrestles with his self-identity, and the image he has of his father. He also faces a maturing romantic relationship. In short, it's a much-delayed coming of age episode for the central character of the series.

Is it time for Shawn to grow up? One could argue that without Shawn and Gus's (Dulé Hill) zany antics, Psych wouldn't be Psych. And that's true. There is a level of humor here not found in the many other similar shows on television, and the comedy is done very well. But verging into dramatic territory has never been a bad thing for the series, and taking itself a little more seriously could lead to some welcome growth.

Shawn's arrested development has been wearing off for a few seasons. One cannot be a full-grown man-child forever, and still be happy and successful in life. Shawn's romance with Juliet (Maggie Lawson) can be credited for much of this shift. Shawn has to really deal with emotions, and look inside himself. And it's working. He's slowly growing up. He's fun, but that's not all there is to him. At the end of "Santabarbaratown," as Shawn and Juliet agree to an arrangement that sounds like moving in together, or the first step towards it, viewers may be struck by how far Shawn has come, even if he still has a ways to go.

Even more importantly, "Santabarbaratown" forces Shawn to look at his father as a person. Shawn has long idolized Henry, as hard a time as he gives him, and his hero worship is called into question when the naughty activities of Henry's friends are exposed. Henry emerges unscathed because he really is the man that Shawn has built him up to be. But, perhaps surprisingly, Henry gives Shawn credit for what he has made of himself. As Shawn remembers how he always wanted to be a cop like his father, it's suddenly clear that Henry might see Shawn as such now, and not without good reason.

Henry being shot at the end of "Santabarbaratown" is a potential game changer. Henry will probably be fine, and Psych will resume the inane formula that makes it so good. But ponder a second path. What if Henry dies? Wouldn't that make a heck of a final season, with Shawn struggling to live up to the image of his father, and really facing mortality for the first time? Not that Bernsen wouldn't be missed greatly; he's an essential element of the show. But he could also play a vital role without being on screen much, and the commonly used flashbacks would mean so much more knowing that Henry only lives on in them now.

This would really only be effective should next season be announced as the last one for Psych. But it would raise the series to a whole new level, and make for a truly memorable arc. Too bad it's so unlikely to happen. Psych is always entertaining. Might it consider being something more than that?

Psych will return to USA next fall.

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Psych plays at Indiana Jones in mid-season premiere

USA's Psych resumes its sixth season with the episode "Indiana Shawn and the Temple of the Kinda Crappy, Rusty Old Dagger." Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dulé Hill) fail to safeguard the art they are tasked with protecting. To get it back, Shawn calls old friend and art thief Pierre Despereaux (Cary Elwes) in to help. Despereaux has a break in his trial, and so accepts. But during the case, Despereaux is blown up by the real crook (Mädchen Amick, Damages, Californication). Can Shawn and Gus finish solving the mystery by themselves? And will Shawn ever learn to deal with death? 

Psych is a comedy series, and thus, Despereaux's death is unexpected. When Shawn hangs onto the notion that Despereaux somehow fakes his demise, it's easy to believe him. Until Henry (Corbin Bernsen) presents Shawn with a positive DNA match. Of course, Despereaux really is alive, but kudos to Psych for creating such a wonderfully played fake out.

The tale of Despereaux's death is meaningful because it address how Shawn cannot deal with losing anyone. In flashback, viewers see this begins with pets in Shawn's childhood. In the present day, he has a very difficult time accepting grief. It's a character element not played up until this episode, and an interesting one. It can be extrapolated that much of Shawn's cavalier attitude springs from his resistance to real emotion, and is a coping mechanism to avoid pain. Faced with the possibility that Despereaux is actually dead, Shawn flounders.

Psych is big on referencing pop culture in its episodes, and "Indiana Shawn and the Temple of the Kinda Crappy, Rusty Old Dagger" continues that proud tradition. Obviously, the big reference here is to Indiana Jones. Some famous scenes and props are recreated, at least partially, in the episode. Also, the great John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Sliders), who plays Sallah in two of the Indiana Jones films, guest stars this week in Psych as a museum curator.

The only real complaint to be had with the latest Psych adventure is that it, once again, skirts around the larger character arcs. There is a short scene at the beginning of the episode in which Gus confronts Shawn about an engagement ring. Shawn deflects, per usual, and while Gus seems annoyed at the time, he doesn't bring it up for the rest of the hour. Fans want to know the meaning of the ring! Does Shawn intend to propose to Juliet (Maggie Lawson)? Is he discouraged because she isn't ready yet? Sure, cases of the week can be fun, but for goodness sakes, get to the meat of the character relations more than twice a season, Psych!

A more minor gripe is Lassiter's (Timothy Omundson) utter disregard for Shawn's feelings at losing his friend, Despereaux. Sure, Lassie can be callous at times. But when things get dark, he tends to be human and sympathetic. That is not evident in this episode at all, as he continues to jibe at Shawn and say cold things about Despereaux's death. It's a little too much, even for Lassie.

All in all, a decent return for Psych, though one wishes this installment took a touch that was a little less light. Watch Psych Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Please click here to get DVDs and streaming episodes of Psych. Article first published as TV Review: Psych - "Indiana Shawn and the Temple of the Kinda Crappy, Rusty Old Dagger" on Blogcritics.

Psych takes "Neil Simon's Lover's Retreat"

     In the mid-season finale of USA's Psych, Shawn (James Roday) tries to get romantic with Juliet (Maggie Lawson) on a retreat, hence the title, "Neil Simon's Lover's Retreat." But their room is robbed by a con artist couple, Clive and Barbie, (Jason Priestley, Call Me Fitz, and Jennifer Finnigan, Better With You) that they befriend, and then a dead body turns up. Meanwhile, Gus (Dulé Hill), Lassiter (Timothy Omundson), and Henry (Corbin Bernsen) grow tired of being alone, and soon end up helping to solve the case. Except, Henry is pursued by a crazy chick named Chelsea (Arden Myrin, MADtv, Suburgatory), whose digits he got in a bar.

     Cool fact: "Neil Simon's Lover's Retreat" is written by actor Carlos Jacott (Big Love), who guest starred in last week's episode. Also, Tony Hale (Arrested Development, Chuck) guest stars as the real murdered, bringing the total of significant guest stars in this episode to an astounding four. Great job!

    "Neil Simon's Lover's Retreat is a fun spin on a normal Psych episode, which plays with relationships. The pairing of Lassiter, Henry, and Gus is unexpected, yet enjoyable. Shawn is a main focus in both Henry and Gus's lives, so with him out of town, it seems natural that the two might come together somewhat. Lassiter is generally less social, but his character is softening over time, and wanting to hang out with his co-workers socially, especially when his least favorite, Shawn, is out of the picture, makes sense. Plus all three are somewhat inept with their interpersonal skills, so they make a sensible grouping.

     Even bigger is Juliet and Shawn's romantic relationship, which gets some rare time to breathe in "Neil Simon's Lover's Retreat." The two have been together for a little while now, and their relationship is progressing slowly. Usually, each episode of Psych contains only a small amount of their chemistry, with the main mystery being the central storyline. This week, that is thankfully more balanced.

     Interestingly, commit-phobic Shawn brings a ring with the intent to propose. Juliet never finds this out, and when the subject of their relationship is broached, she says she isn't ready. Is she covering because she doesn't want to pressure Shawn, the same way he babbles his agreement with her feelings? Or are they both on the same page, but aren't quite ready to speak it out loud? Hopefully, it's the latter, because a marriage between the two would really shake things up.

     Even better, the ring is discovered by Gus. Will he give it back to Shawn? It has taken Gus some time to be all right with Shawn and Juliet as a couple. He certainly feels lonely, and often like the odd man out. Is Gus ready to share his best friend in such an important way? Or might he hide the ring for awhile, hoping that will prevent Shawn from making the huge step before Gus can come to terms with it? Sadly, Psych ends without answering any of these questions, and will probably take their time (a.k.a. the rest of the reason) before settling anything for anxious viewers.

     Psych will return in late February on USA.

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     Please click here to get DVDs and streaming episodes of Psych.

"Shawn rescues Darth Vader" in Psych

     In the sixth season premiere of USA's Psych, "Shawn Rescues Darth Vader," Shawn (James Roday) rescues Darth Vader. Or, more accurately, Shawn breaks into a diplomat's house to steal back a rare Darth Vader action figure for a kid. While there, Shawn encounters a dead body, and soon he's in over his head. With Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) close to finding proof that Shawn is not a psychic, as well as digging for the truth about Shawn and Juliet (Maggie Lawson), Shawn must solve the case and maintain his cover. 

     Psych often attracts good guest stars, and "Shawn Rescues Darth Vader" continues that trend. The ambassador whose house the murder takes place in is played by Malcolm McDowell (Franklin & Bash, Entourage), and his assistant is Polly Walker (Caprica, Rome). Neither performer distracts from the main plot, nor upstage the lead characters. However, their professionalism and excellence enhances the story, keeping viewers from being taken out what is going on.

     The murder is merely one of the plots going on in this episode, and certainly not the most important. As stated, one big event is Lassiter closing the noose around Shawn. After Lassie suspects that Shawn and Juliet are dating, he gets Shawn hooked up to a lie detector. The motivation here is his feeling betrayed by his partner, but Lassiter also takes the opportunity to question the legitimacy of Shawn's psychic abilities. Thank goodness Henry (Corbin Bernsen) taught Shawn how to beat a lie detector as a child, and Shawn makes it through unscathed.

      Lassiter overreacts, of course, to the news that Jules is secretly with Shawn. Juliet has good reason for hiding this tryst from her partner, and she can still be trusted by him about everything else. Without good reason, Juliet would not lie to Lassie. On the other hand, there's a great throwback to the "Pilot" of the series, when Lassie mentions Shawn getting his previous partner, Lucinda (Anne Dudek, Covert Affairs, House), transferred. Interestingly, Lassie is / was in love with Lucinda, which draws a sort of parallel between Shawn and Juliet, and may explain why Lassiter takes trust so seriously. Hopefully, Lassie's platonic affection for Juliet will prevent him from seeking revenge on Shawn.

     This relationship could effect Juliet's job if Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson) decides to pursue it — she learns about it when Shawn admits to being in love with Juliet while hooked up to the lie detector. Vick seems to let Juliet off the hook, but we'll see if that continues next week.

     Also, it's worth noting that Shawn confesses his feelings before steeling himself to beat the machine, so he's most likely sincere. Whether Juliet may call this into question when she inevitably finds out that Shawn is lying this whole time about being a psychic remains to be seen, but it probably won't be an issue. It seems like Juliet may already know the truth about her guy, but allows him the fib as long as Shawn helps them solve their cases. After all, without the psychic gimmick, Shawn wouldn't get all of his consulting gigs with the police.

     The real problem with "Shawn Rescues Darth Vader," if there is one, is that Psych sticks with the shortened version of its theme song this week. The short cut is quite mediocre, though updating the images does excite this viewer slightly. Sometimes Psych runs a longer, extended version of the tune, which is truly amazing. Any episode without the longer cut is disappointing, and after going without a fresh episode for nearly the last 10 months, a fix of the good stuff is needed. Perhaps next week?

     Psych also stars the very funny Dulé Hill. Watch it Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

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     Please click here to get DVDs and streaming episodes of Psych.

Article first published as TV Review: Psych - "Shawn Rescues Darth Vader" on Blogcritics.

Psych - "Yang 3 in 2D"

***Note: imdb.com lists the episode title as "Yin 3 in 2D", but the Psych web site lists it as "Yang 3 in 2D".***

     USA's Psych completed it's fifth season last night with "Yang 3 in 2D", the latest chapter in Shawn's (James Roday) battle with the Yin Yang serial killer. Whenever Yin and/or Yang show up in an episode, the show takes a decidedly darker turn. Shawn's bravado is shaken, and often he appears genuinely concerned. After all, in the past, the killer has almost taken out his mother, Madeleine (Cybill Shepherd) and the woman he loves, Juliet (Maggie Lawson), among others. Last night, Yin almost got best friend Gus (Dulé Hill), although Shawn was also captured and got a front row seat for the execution. I love Psych's trademark goofiness, but it's always nice to see a change up, and Yin Yang sure provides it.

     The episode began when a girl named Allison (Mena Suvari, American Beauty, American Pie) showed up at the police station, scared, claiming she had just escaped from Yin. No one believed her, except Shawn, spurred by the fact that she had a picture of a young Shawn with Yang (Ally Sheedy), whom he did not remember meeting as a child. Although the background in the photo was fake, the two of them together was real. Shawn put Allison at his father Henry's (Corbin Bernsen) house for safe keeping, but she was quickly re-kidnapped. Shawn followed several clues to find her, including watching some video diaries made by the deceased Mary (Jimmi Simpson).

     In the end, Shawn and Gus fell right into Yin's trap, and for the first time we saw the second half of the serial killer team, this one played by Peter Weller (Dexter). Juliet got Yang out of jail, broke into Yin's fortress of a house, and figured out Allison's true nature. But it was Yang, who has had an unhealthy fascination with Shawn all her life, who saved Shawn and Gus, killing Yin. Not only that, it was revealed that Yin was her father.

     It makes me sad to think that this might be the last chapter in the Yin Yang story. I count all the Yin Yang episodes among Psych's best hours, and I feel like there was more room to play here. I was disappointed Mary was killed in the last round, and even more so that Yin was taken out this time, especially because Weller is terrific. Wouldn't it have made it a better story if Yang and Yin escaped, only to return in a year or so as a team, stronger than ever? Maybe even take out one of Shawn's closest friends or family next time? Granted, that may go too dark for this series, but I would have loved a further escalation.

     Instead, Yang is the only survivor, and she is going back to jail, already declared mostly harmless. Sure, she could always break out of prison and revert to her evil ways, spurred by the joy she might (or might now have, it wasn't clear) gotten from killing her father. She didn't actually do any of the earlier killings, but last night's episode might have given her a taste for murder. Yes, that would be a great episode, but I'm not convinced that is the path they will be taking.

     I was pleased to see the return of Madeleine Spencer. Henry called her with a simple question, not intending to involve her, but her arrival in town upped the suspense factor in the episode. Clearly, Shawn was not happy about it, having another important person in his life to worry about. Shepherd's inclusion in the series has long been a tease, originally looking like she was signing on to the cast, and then only doing a handful of episodes. My TiVo still lists her as a principal cast member for every episode of Psych that airs. I'm always pleased to see her, but she's been in far too few episodes of the series.

     Speaking of underused, why was Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson) barely in the season finale? She is constantly the least-seen character on screen, and sits out episodes frequently. As one of the original cast members, it would be nice to see her get some more story. Whatever happened with the possible Vick/Henry love plot? It went away far too quickly.
 
     Back to last night's episode, I have been pleased by the slow growth of Shawn and Juliet's relationship. I know the people behind the series may have been hesitant to finally put their two romantic leads together, having danced around the issue since Juliet's first episode, the second episode of the series. Having decided to go for it, they've backed off from making it central to most of the episodes, likely to protect and nourish it, without overdoing things, or risking jumping the shark. But it's a coming together of equals, as evidenced by their promise to protect each other in this episode. They are perfect for each other.

     The final scene of the finale, where Lassiter (the amazing Timothy Omundson, who has only gotten better with each season) witnessed the two of them together in a more-than-friends way, was wonderfully executed. I look forward to the repercussions of that, as it will surely interfere with both of their jobs.

     Also, kudos for using the extended version of the theme song in the finale, which has popped up more and more recently. It is far superior to the shortened version, and the show seems to have taken note of that. I also enjoy any alternate versions, such as the Christmas one used last week.

     Psych will return to USA next summer for its sixth season.


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Article first published as TV Review: Psych - "Yang 3 in 2D" on Blogcritics.

Psych best USA has to offer

    In a network filled with the best procedurals on television, most of the few worth watching, Psych stands out as the current best. Seven episodes (out of nine airing this summer) into it's fifth season, it's also the longest running, with the departure of Monk after eight years last fall. The reason it works so well is it's just so fun! The show stars James Roday and Dulé Hill (The West Wing) as Shawn Spencer and Burton Guster, better known as Gus, but often introduced by Shawn with a variety of odd nicknames. The two make up the Psych detective agency, which works freelance for the Santa Barbara Police Department, helping them solve crimes, frequently involving murder. Shawn pretends to be a psychic, but is just highly observant. Gus, his best friend since childhood, supposedly holds a regular job, which he hasn't been shown at in some time, and is persuaded by Shawn to help out.

     This season, things have changed slightly, now that Shawn's father, retired cop Henry Spencer (Corbin Bernsen, L.A. Law, Major League) has been brought in by the police to coordinate all consultant hires. Although Henry is in on their scheme, he is often helped them in the past, and still does, although sometimes making them work a little harder to earn their keep. Their boss is Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson), who often has little, if any, plot. The cast is rounded out by police detectives Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson, Judging Amy), who hates them, and Juliet O'Hara (Maggie Lawson), who tolerates them much better.

      This year started out with a couples of sub-par episodes, but the last couple have been back to the usual standard. In last night's offering, Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies) played a prison guard who lost some inmates, and Shawn and Gus helped him track the cons down. Recent episodes have also been bolstered by an extra long version of the theme song, arguably the best part of the series in the extended form. The shorter cut isn't very good.

     Next week, Psych will guest star Nestor Carbonell (Lost).  Psych has only two episodes left this summer, but will return in November for seven more, including the show's third Christmas special, which this year will have It's a Wonderful Life as it's theme. Considering how good special episodes of Psych usually are, I am certainly looking forward to it.

     Psych airs Wednesday nights at 10pm on USA.