Drowning My Sorrows in Psych

I haven’t been doing well lately. Job hunting is mentally exhausting and having no results for months is moral crushing. Honestly, I have the same experience finding a job as I would look in the mirror and ask “why do you exist?” Existential pain. It also doesn’t help that my cousin, who is 6 years younger than me, is getting married, moving to another state, and starting a new job relatively soon in what appears to be relative ease. Not counting the anxiety and self-pressure as I look around people my own age, and grew up with, getting married, buying houses, and many of them having kids while I’m still trying answer the simple question of what he fuck am I. Mentally, I haven’t been doing well.

I am trying. Though I’m sure from the outside it looks like I’m not. I signed up at a gym for the first time in my life, and so far I’m liking the experience more than I expected. However, that can’t be said for my normal pleasures. Reading is not only a joy but a cleanser for me. I made so many exciting reading goals this year that I am pumped to complete, and yet I feel paralyzed. I’m scared to open a book, and other hobbies that I enjoy, and have found to be relaxing, held the same results. It feels as if I can’t commit to anything anymore.

Oddly enough, through my paralysis of choice, the one thing that kept regular sanity in my sleep deprived days was rewatching one of my favorite TV shows: Psych. It brought a much needed daily habit into my habit-less world. And, even though I’ve watched this show all the way through at least 5 times, there was something serene about watching episodes I knew by heart.

Psych is a detective procedural from USA Network. A super observant guy, Shawn, trying to get out of police suspicion claims to be a psychic, not realizing that by trying to get out of suspicion from a crime he didn’t commit he committed a crime, and now he works as a psychic detective with his straight laced best bud Gus. Along the way we are introduced to the long term love interest, Juliet, and the hard-ass but lovable heart, Detective Lassiter.

One of my favorite aspects of the show is that everyone involved clearly loves film. It’s not as open with its influences early on, but one of the staples of Psych are episodes revolving around cinematic themes (Vampires, werewolves, the hangover, musicals, etc.) and include multiple references that today I am still trying to understand. It’s a feel-good goofy time.

Trying to rank the best episodes feels daunting. There’s so much this show offers in a variety of ways. So, off the top of my head, here are 10 episodes I would highly recommend.

Office Space (S7 E11)

Taking inspiration from the movie with the same name, this episode takes a look at Gus’ office job. Easily, this episode has the funniest openings of the show. The physical comedy coming out of Gus is astounding and watching the problem snowball into something much worse with every scene will have you cackling on the floor. The episode doesn’t keep up that insane energy, but it’s well worth the ride.

American Duos (S2 E1)

Riffing off the abundant singing competition shows, Shawn and Gus must pitch their wobbly voices to none other than Tim Curry, who roasts everyone he comes into contact with. Tim Curry is easily the highlight, but the delusional confidence Shawn and Gus have in their voices is the cherry on top. It’s also a nice episode where Juliet gets to bond with the boys, and we get to learn a little more about her.

Lights, Camera… Homicidio (S2 E13)

The telenovela episode. You know it’s going to be a good time when Shawn has to act on a telenovela using high school Spanish to figure out who the murderer is. Add in live TV and a writer that gets inspiration from being framed, then you know this over dramatic turn will not be easy.

Shawn (and Gus) of the Dead (S2 E13)

Of the many genres Psych touches, horror seems to speak the loudest with having some of the most memorable episodes, and genuine frights. In the hallmark of Mummy tv episodes I have to include this one. The atmosphere it brings in the legend of the mummy’s curse is palpable. The night scenes and exploration of the mummy’s activity has my hair stand on end. Truly, an iconic undead tale.

Death is in the Air (S4 E13)

Well… I should preface in saying I loved this episode before a very real pandemic made this much more relatable. From a kooky viral expert to a well meaning, but not too bright, carrier, this adventure tries to prevent the spread of a very serious airborne disease in one of Psych’s more serious episodes. Of course, there are still laughs and lots of snacks along the way.

Mr. Yin Presents… (S4 E16)

The Hitchcock episode. Of all the thematic episode Mr. Yin Presents probably has the most references. Every second is crammed with nods, recreations, or title names from Hitchcock’s filmography. Not to mention that it ends on an emotional note that we’ve yet to experience on Psych at the time. This is one of my favorite episodes to go back and rewatch. A must watch for film nerds.

Dual Spires (S5 E12)

The Twin Peaks episode. For the record I haven’t watched Twin Peaks, but from what I understand it’s miraculous how seamlessly that world blends into Psych. Shawn and Gus are usually the weird ones standing out in society, but in this episode they’re treated like the normies. The Lassie. It’s delightfully weird with quirky characters and ends with an awkward dance party in a diner. Makes you crave cinnamon.

Late Night Gus (S6 E2)

Piecing together a wild night out has never been more confusing. Taking a page out of The Hangover, the boys (Shawn, Gus, Lassiter, and Woody) have to figure out what happened last night. Why does Woody have white powder around his mouth? Why is Lassiter spooning with Woody? Did Gus have game last night? The hilarious twists and turns will make this episode a delight and endear you to these characters even more as they’re thrust into the deep end without a paddle. RIP Bobo.

Heeeeeeere’s Lassie (S6 E11)

The Shining episode. Whenever Lassiter is allowed to step out of his square box is a delight. Here, Lassiter moves into the apartment of a recently deceased, and soon he starts thinking it’s haunted and reluctantly enlists the help of Shawn and Gus. While the two are on investigating, Lassiter’s mind starts to come undone a tad as he’s reciting civil war anecdotes. Throw in some old lady twins and bam, this episode is alright.

Autopsy Turvy (S6 E14)

For the mystery lovers. Are you an armchair adventurer? Do you imagine solving crimes at night while posing in darkened alleys? If yes it sounds like you and Whip Chatterly have much in common. This episode deals with Woody’s (the coroner) past as an old flame walks back into his life declaring his work inadequate. Throw in a mystery nut like Whip Chatterly this pot boiler of a mystery brings about a unique flavor.

Psych: The Musical

Converting two episodes into a TV movie musical has never felt more magical (don’t attack me Glee fans). I’m honestly impressed with how much they accomplished in two weeks(?). The musical numbers are catchy. The mystery is theatrically dramatic. There’s references to other musicals. Gus becomes a Jamaican inspector trying to hunt down Jack the Ripper. Too much to gush about, but just know that I was kicking my legs in the air like a little kid many times throughout.

So, yeah, my life may feel like it’s in an abyss right now, but Psych was a warm helpful hand to hold me out for the briefest of time each day.