Psych “Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark” #4.9 (2009) (TV)

“Are you wearing childrens pajamas?” 28 August 2020

While investigating a crime involving an ice cream truck, Shawn is shot and kidnapped.  Gus, Juliet, Lassiter, and Henry team-up to find Shawn, bring him home safely, and take down the baddies.

As I make my way through Psych for the third or fourth time, I’m putting together a Top Ten list.  As is evident by my rating, Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark will not doubt make that list - and most likely will be #1.  It’s an unusual episode.  Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark doesn’t feature nearly as many laughs or banter or the nonsense you’ll find in most episodes.  Instead, this one is a tension-filled, action-packed ride.  The final chase scene is as good and thrilling as anything you’ll find in Psych.  As a plus, this episode gives each of the main characters more to do than the normal episode.  It’s not all about Shawn.  Gus, Juliet, and the rest get a real chance to shine and show their strengths.  

Don’t misunderstand, while the comedy often takes a backseat to the drama in Shawn Takes a Short in the Dark, there are still some wonderfully funny moments.  Gus wearing pajamas, Shawn’s apartment and browser history, and the initial meeting with Garth (played by the wonderful MIchael Rooker) - some really top-notch stuff.  

Overall, one of Psych’s best.  While it’s probably not a good jumping-on point for someone not familiar with the series, for long-time fans, it’s a winner.

10/10

Psych “Tuesday the 17th” #3.15 (2009) (TV)

 “Shawn! What are we doing here?”  27 August 2020

An old friend asks Shawn and Gus for help.  He’s reopening the old summer camp from the boys’ youth.  One of his new counselors has gone missing.  Before you can say “pineapple”, Shawn and Gus find themselves face-to-face with an axe-welding maniac.  

What an absolutely wonderful episode!  As a long time fan of Friday the 13th, Tuesday the 17th hits every mark perfectly.  From the title sequence, music cues, various set-pieces,  the camp setting, the filming style, jump scares, and the storyline, the slasher tropes are played to perfection.  Not only does it take elements from Friday the 13th, but old-school horror fans will undoubtedly notice bits from April Fool’s Day long before Shawn points it out.  And, if I’m not mistaken, there’s even a small bit from Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  It’s easily one of the creepiest, and most fun, episodes in Psych’s run.  

9/10

Psych “Scary Sherry: Bianca’s Toast” #1.15 (2007) (TV)

“Wanna split a pineapple?” 19 August 2020

Shawn and Gus agree to help Juliet investigate the apparent suicide of a young sorority sister who may have thrown herself from the window at a supposedly haunted and abandoned asylum.  The girl’s death is eerily similar to one Shawn and Gus witnessed years earlier at the same location.  Meanwhile, Lassiter is forced to work with the world’s worst rookie officer.

I’m slowly working my way through Psych for about the third or fourth time.  I can’t seem to get enough of it.  From Season 1, “Scary Sherry; Bianca’s Toast” just might be my favorite episode.  Why?  Well, first of all, the subject matter appeals to me.  A lot of the horror movie tropes I enjoy are here - a maniac with an axe, a spooky old asylum filled with lit candles, and a ghostly figure.  Add to that Shawn and Gus screaming like little girls at the first sight of something weird, Juliet getting too into her undercover persona, Shannon Woodward in a supporting role, the truth behind one of Santa Barbara’s most notorious urban legends, and the clever title, and you end up with a real winner.  The comedy here is first rate.  For instance, I think I laugh-out-loud everytime I watch the frightened Gus getting trapped all alone in the creepy asylum   Finally, there’s the bit with Lassiter and Detective Goochberg.  Mercedes Ruehl is a riot!  Overall, one of the best.

9/10