Why You Should Be Watching Psych
Is there anything more tired than bashing on reality TV? Every time that I see someone spout the tired cliché that nothing is less “real” than reality TV, I want to engage them in a epistemological discussion of the meaning of the word “real.” Either that or kick them in the face. Truth be told, reality TV is almost always inferior to truly interesting and creative television programming. It is, on the other hand, vastly superior to tired and formulaic programming. So it’s interesting to see what new, creative, and exciting shows are flourishing among the reality weeds. On the major networks, shows like Lost and Heroes have reminded viewers that a good story will always beat out a group of pathetic slackers vying for their 15 minutes of fame. But there are a few other gems to be found on basic cable and beyond.
And if you haven’t seen Psych on USA Network, you’re missing out.
The premise of the show is sweet and simple. Shawn Spencer (James Roday) is a fake psychic detective solving crimes (mostly for the police) in Santa Barbara. The fake supernatural powers are actually a cover for incredible powers of observation. With his best friend/partner Gus (Dulé Hill), the effect is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes—with Shawn providing the uncanny observation and deductions and Gus providing the esoteric knowledge. There are some broad themes, like the development of Shawn’s relationship with his policeman-father (Corbin Bernsen), who has been training him to use his powers of observation and deduction from a very young age. But the real pleasure of the show is in the characters and dialogue.
In format, Psych reminds me a lot of the classic TV mystery formula: crime, investigation, false lead, moment of clarity, big reveal. But the presence of a core structure and basic story elements doesn’t make something cliché. That requires a Fox executive. It’s how you put it all together that makes a difference. In the case of Psych, the banter between Gus and Shawn (and others), the deft handling of pop culture references (they’re fun and give the impression of bubbling out of the story rather than having been inserted in a orchestrated desire to appear hip), and the entertaining puzzle-like way that the mysteries are solved are what
give the show such life. Well that and the fact that this is one of the shows that make you feel like the actors are truly enjoying themselves. What’s more, Psych does make an effort to fill out the character development of the secondary characters rather than leaving them as two-dimensional placeholders (grudgingly respectful nemesis, love interest, etc.). Children of the ‘80s will probably get an extra kick out of the frequent references to things like Airwolf, CHiPs, and Short Circuit. The scene where Shawn and Gus do a combined Tears for Fears/Michael Jackson performance is classic.
Look, it’s not going to change your life or anything, but it’s a return to good ol’ fun TV. When so many shows use cynicism and snark as their comic crutch, when was the last time that you got to watch something that was exuberant and entertaining?