Psych: Lights, Camera...Homicidio

(S02E13) "Spencer, thank God you're here! Now go home." -- Detective Lassiter to Shawn

Even though it may sound crazy, one of the things I like about Psych is that it actually has an opening credits sequence complete with a theme song -- something that is extremely rare in this era of maximum exposure. While that may sound mundane at first, it actually gives the show a bit of extra character. It can also be used to set the tone of an episode, as well.

Gallery: Psych: Lights, Camera...Homicidio

For instance, for the Christmas episode the opening credits were surrounded by holiday lights while the theme rocked to a jingle bell beat. In this week's episode, which featured Shawn and Gus' investigation into a real murder on the set of a telenovela, the theme reflected the plot, which meant that it was sung in Spanish. While some may think that it was a bit quirky, I thought it was rather nice. Then again, I'm a big quirky myself.

I really enjoyed this week's installment of Psych, even though it was a little weak on investigation. It was nice to see Shawn back in the spotlight after a couple of weeks where the show focused on some of the other characters. These are the types of episodes where James Roday, the actor who plays Shawn, really shines. Having him put into the role of soap opera star is a logical step, since he tends to be the center of attention whether or not he wants to be. Plus, it was fun to see Shawn trying to speak a language that he hadn't used since high school.

I was also glad that the Lassiter and O'Hara's storyline linked with that of our Psych detectives. There really hasn't been that much give-and-take between the four since the season resumed, and I missed that. As I've mentioned before, you can tell that Shawn respects Lassie's skills as a detective, despite the fact he is ribbing him all of the time. What I'd really like to see in the future is more interaction between Shawn and Jules. Not that I want to get them romantically involved, mind you. I just want to feel that romantic tension sparking out of the LCD flat screen like it did at the end of the first half of the season.

I think the only problem I had this week was with good ol' Lassie...one that some fans have commented on in previous weeks. By the end of the first season it seemed like Carlton was warming up to Shawn and Gus -- there's no doubt that he admires Shawn's 'psychic' skills. Yet, since the show has returned Lassiter has been a bit stand-offish with the young Spencer. Jealousy? I don't think so; Carlton is pretty sure of himself when it comes to his investigative work. I'm not too sure what it is, and I'd like to hear from you about your theories.

As I stated, this was a Shawn-based show. Yet, Gus and Henry did have some good moments. With Henry it was the discovery that he was into soap operas. Well, this was a given as plenty of manly men on television are portrayed as closet soap watchers. Henry's other fine moment was when he was scolding Shawn for stuff that his character Chad did on the soap. For Gus, it was the scene in the precinct where he rattled off the intertwining plot lines and everyone just gave him a stare of bewilderment. There was also the scene in the hospital where Shawn was trying to end on a climatic reveal of evidence and Gus just wasn't getting it.

As for this week's mystery, I had no idea that the murderer was the craft services girl. She just seemed so innocent with her cart of sandwiches featuring other Italian meats. As the investigation was proceeding I had never thought that one of the writers could have been the murderer. Then, I realized that these folks do come up with some diabolical ways to kill their actors. So, it was pretty logical. By the way, did the whole reveal on the live edition of the soap remind anyone of the ending of the movie Soapdish?

This week's pineapple reference was pretty blatant: the craft services girl comes up to Shawn and gives him the Pineapple Peking Dumplings that we asked to be specially made. As for the retro pop references this time around we had mentions of Ted Nugent, Blossom, former Mets player Keith Hernandez, former Golden Girl Bea Arthur, Charo, and The Love Boat.

Next week -- Shawn and Gus and the Secret Society.