by Dizzy Miss Lizzy
In Psych‘s season finale, Santa Barbara’s most notorious serial killer is back. The Yin Yang Killer only resurfaces when there is a “worthy opponent” to play his cat-and-mouse game of clues and taunts. This time he targets Shawn.
Like National Treasure or the quest for One-Eyed Willie’s treasure, each clue sends the investigators on a chase to the next clue. Ultimately, if Shawn is able to solve all the clues in time, he will be able to save an innocent girl from becoming the killer’s next victim.
There are a lot of guest stars. Plus we see the return of Abigail Lytar (played by Rachael Leigh Cook), the one who got away. We were introduced to Abigail at Shawn’s high school reunion earlier in Season 3, episode “Murder?… Anyone?… Anyone?… Bueller?. Their chemistry was fantastic – even better, I would argue, than the chemistry between Shawn and Juliet. You know, if Shawn and Juliet never actually get together, it will be too soon. Seriously people, am I the only one who isn’t a fan of a Shawn/Juliet relationship?
Okay, I need to take my mind off of that for a while. So, here are a few thoughts on guest-stars:
Cybill Shepherd, please retire.
Ally Sheedy. Nice. She is a goddess of ’80s cinema, a living shrine to fans of obscure John Hughes references. I think the Psych folks deliberately asked Ally to reprise her Breakfast Club basket-case alter ego. Unless, of course, that is just how she always sounds, which is entirely possible.
Jimmi Simpson. Jimmi, who plays the profiler Mary Lightly, played a small role in the film Zodiac. I think it was a fun way to underscore the inspiration for this episode. But really, that dude is just a funnier looking, less appealing James Spader. I was hoping he was the killer.
Ah that’s better. Now I can focus. This episode was a lot of things. I liked it. I laughed a lot and really enjoyed the chase. But I was disappointed by the plot resolution and absolutely cringed at the ending’s forced romantic twist. You can disagree, but you’d be wrong.
Favorite Pop Culture References:
Shawn: Sorry guys, my dad was dropping off my Zodiac DVD.
Several Good Will Hunting references – “How do you like them apples” and “Go see about a girl” (Good Will Hunting was actually airing on Bravo at the same time on Friday night!)
Psych self-references – Bruton Gaster, Mira Gaffney, Adam Hornstock…
Gus-isms of the Day: Trapezius Milkington, Sterling Cooper
Spot the Pineapple: Elusive pineapple spotted on Abigail’s desk.
