everything's not lost.

Shawn Spencer is a psychic. but not just any psychic. he’s a fake one. being raised by a cop, Shawn had a lot training in observing his surroundings and memorizing details. with this ability Shawn tips off the police but because the information he provided was so very detailed they assumed Shawn is involved in the crime. by making a scene in front of a large audience at the police station he manages to convince most of the police staff that he is in fact a psychic.

this action leads to Shawn being hired as a freelance psychic for the police departement. along with his childhood friend Gus they open up their own psychic detective agency.

from this point forward, Shawn constantly has to present all the actual police work he does (gathering background information, checking crime scenes, talking with suspects and victims, …) as mysterious and vague hints pointing to the solution of a crime or the confession of a suspect. makes for some very funny scenes. besides the success rate, head detective Carlton Lassiter is doubting that Shawn is in fact a psychic, although while trying many times he can’t prove anything.

at times, Shawn has to seek help from his father, who he has a troubled relationship with, because Henry wanted Shawn to become a policeman himself, still, they care for each other and Henry is not telling the police that his son is not a real psychic.

there are many funny pop-culture references featured and a few great cameo appearances, for example Tim Curry, Kevin Sorbo, Gina Gershon (clearly as Paula Abdul :D) or Lou Diamond Phillips.

although the episodes are about crimes and solving them with a mix of classic police work, luck and a good observation, the show is much more a comedy than a drama series. Psych is very easy going and it’s just fun to watch James Roday play Shawn Spencer with so much lightness. you really can tell that the cast enjoys making the show. and if you can’t tell by the style of the show and the acting, at least you can tell by the psych-out moments at the end of an episode where most of the times, the main cast members gather to sing. they don’t sing that good, but they have fun.

and fun is what it’s all about!

small facts:

• there are many pineapples.
• the theme song of the series, “I Know, You Know”, is performed by The Friendly Indians, the band of series creator, Steve Franks.  (imdb.com)
• current season: #2 is on a break, returning in january 2008, season #3 is already ordered (16 episodes)
• runtime: 43 mins. (approx.)
• psych on tvrage (episode guide)
• psych on wikipedia