What I'm Watching: Psych (Season Premiere)

Psych: Season 4, Episode 1 “Extradition: British Columbia” (B+)

Where its Friday night companion “Monk” starts the season off on shaky footing, the fake psychic comedy gets a nice launch thanks mostly to the charisma of its cast. Shawn’s new flame, played by Rachel Leigh Cook, is notably absent, but her new role in Shawn’s life is the catalyst for this fun expedition to Canada, and that’s good enough for the moment. Shawn’s speedy replacement of her with Gus on his romantic getaway is quite hilarious, and Gus’ reaction – kicking him out of their horse and buggy – is very funny. Even Shawn’s foray into the raccoon-infested forest worked well. “Psych” hasn’t quite excelled with its creepy storylines in the past, including the season 1 finale “Scary Sherry” and last season’s “Friday the 13th” parody, but the show has always allowed for a slightly spooky tone with some of its cases. The laidback Canadian touch of the episode was also great, and guest star Peter Oldring was a perfect liaison for Shawn and Gus, and his fascination with their antics was wholly enjoyable. Guest villain Cary Elwes proved amusing in the way he led Shawn to his crimes and still got away with them. The most entertaining part of the episode, however, was definitely Shawn falsely telling all the Canadian police that he was in charge, and that Lassiter and Juliet worked for him. And Shawn and Juliet’s unromantic moment at the end was both intriguing and frustrating. Just as they’re starting to get closer, Shawn has a girlfriend? Can they ever be an item? I’d certainly love to see that, though I was very impressed with Cook the last time she guest starred.