(S02E09) So, we come to the end of the first half of the nine episode, second season of Psych, which has five letters. Other than the first episode, which I personally felt took place in an alternate universe, I thought the season overall was quite strong and actually delved a bit more into the characters. We also got to see Shawn Spencer's special abilities put to the test several times by others who questioned his powers. And, in this episode, we had a pretty significant plot point that will hopefully be carried into the next half of the season, which starts in January.

So, without more wordage, let's us push on!

This week's episode felt a bit off to me. Not in a bad way, just different. The first thing that was off was the introduction of adult Gus and Shawn after the opening scene flashback. There was a full two or three minutes of Juliet and Lassiter before those two wacky kids entered the fray. I don't believe I've ever seen that on the show before. That just goes to show you that the producers are feeling confident enough to let O'Hara and Carlton have some more screen time without Shawn and Gus.

The other thing different was the pacing of the show. Besides the first episode of the series I don't remember Psych being so action oriented. Sure, we've seen the boys running away from something in a middle of a field, but not jumping off of boats (in slow-motion, mind you) and speeding away from an enraged bounty hunter. Usually, the show is a bit more, um, talky. Again, it's not bad, it's just something I haven't seen in awhile.

Then there was the end scene, which is the one that may begin a new subplot when the show returns. Shawn has always had a thing for Juliet, but O'Hara really never acknowledged the attraction. This week, though, there was definitely something there. They two didn't kiss, per se. Rather, they had a very, very, intimate conversation. I know that flirtations that turn into romance can sometimes kill a show, but I feel that this one would work out because Shawn and Juliet would make a good couple.

Kevin Sorbo guest-starred in this week's episode as a bounty hunter who was searching for an escaped convict (the same convict Lassiter asked Gus and Shawn to find). I didn't find anything special about this role. He had a few good lines, but he was mostly shown shouting and running around with a shotgun in his hand. I think out of all the big-name guest-stars Psych had during the first half of the season Sorbo had the weakest role. The one that had the strongest was, of course, Lou Diamond Phillips. Here's hoping that he returns for another episode.

This week's murderer was one I didn't expect. At first I believed Sorbo's bounty hunter character was the killer, especially when he pulled the gun on Gus and Shawn. Then, when Shawn revealed the killer to be the woman's husband, I had to think back to how that could be. Turns out, the ginger blossom aroma Gus and Shawn smelled at the beginning of the episode was from the husband and not the bounty hunter. Nice sleight-of-hand there by the writers.

All right, boys and girls. For the last time until January I present to you this week's retro reference list. It was movie night on Psych this week with references to Tango and Cash, Midnight Run, Roadhouse, Open Water, and War Games (great 80's movie). There were also references to Sean Cassidy, Judge Reinhold, Billy Zane, and by Gus, Han Solo Action Figure Pants. This was in reference to the pants Sorbo's bounty hunter wore and it was one of the funnier lines of the night.

Thanks for letting me bend your eyes these last few weeks. I hope to see you back here in January.