Posted by Dizzy Miss Lizzy
The thing that makes this show so enjoyable is that it never takes itself too seriously. Friday’s new episode was no exception. Rather, the silly plot seemed determined to draw even more attention to that fact.
Gus, in his infinite geekiness, grieves the death of a beloved local celebrity – Shabby, the Sea Lion – and tricks Shawn into attending the funeral. A fair amount of mocking later, they approach the casket to say goodbye. Of course, Shawn sees something not-quite-right about the body. He acknowledges the complete absurdity of it all with a sigh “Oh no,” a sidelong glance at Gus, and an unsurprised admission “I think the sea lion was murdered.” If James Roday (Shawn) had winked into the camera for the briefest of moments, the effect would have been the same.
As it turns out, a pretty aquarium employee also had suspicions about Shabby’s death and offers to help them solve the case. Gus and Shawn battle over who ‘called her first’ and, frankly, are pretty hilarious in their competitive attempts to impress.
The investigation begins and the usual antics ensue. An aquarium break-in, diamond smugglers, a stolen boat, dolphin rides, fake names, a little of this and a whole lot of that… Eventually, Shawn gets to the bottom of poor Shabby’s murder and neatly wraps everything up. No surprises or variations, just sharp writing, great timing, and a whole lot of fun. This episode may be par for the course, but Psych‘s par is a pretty damn good score.
Look for a fun guest appearance from Ted McGinley. (Where’s he been since Married With Children?!) His eulogy for Shabby the Sea Lion is classic.
My Favorite Pop Culture Moments
Shawn: Did Jack Costo die?
Gus: Jacques Cousteau died in 1995! (Fact Check: Jacques Cousteau actually died in 1997)
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Chief Vick: If I miss “Against All Odds“, somebody is getting fired.
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Shawn: Dude, this is like Out of Sight, but super gay.
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Shawn: I’ve been doing something I like to call stalling. And Rutger Hauer calls shtalling.
Bad Guy: Why?
Gus: Because he’s Dutch
For more fun Psych-isms and Psych-outs, check out http://www.usanetwork.com/series/psych/
