What I’m Watching: Psych (Movie Special)

Psych: The Movie (B)

I had no idea this was airing and luckily happened to catch a listing that reminded me, since I haven’t thought much about this series, which ended three and a half years ago, since its series finale aired. I always liked this show but never thought it was absolutely superb, and therefore I’d probably resurrect about twenty-five shows ahead of this one if you had asked. The result here is an entertaining but decidedly imperfect one, not sure exactly what it wants to be and willing to indulge Shawn’s fake psychic powers only once over the course of the episode. I can’t help but feel that a bit of the magic is gone, and this film’s cliffhanger ending suggests that there might me much more to come. I’d be happy to watch it, but I just wish it was a bit funnier and cleverer. It’s been so long that I’ve forgotten a lot of the plot points that led us to where we are now, and it was a shame to just see Lassiter acting relatively serious on a phone screen rather than in person. I’m glad that Kurt Fuller’s Woody has somehow become part of this show’s primary cast, and he was among the most entertaining parts of this film. It was fantastic to see guest star Zachary Levi of “Chuck” fame as a blond, British bad guy, and he had a lot of fun milking the character for all it was worth. It took me a few minutes, but I recognized Mena Suvari from “American Beauty” as the ultimate villain who I hadn’t remembered also appeared in one of the show’s more formative finales from years ago (Jimmi Simpson apparently did too, and he was back in a dream sequence as Mary). Emma Tremblay, older sister of actor Jacob and currently starring on “Supergirl” as Reign’s daughter, was also on hand to play the Chief’s daughter, who got herself into a precarious situation but was fortunately rescued by the crew that used such smart techniques as The Table to defeat their very showy enemies. Gus meeting the female version of himself was interesting since she came on very strong, but at least he’s getting a bit of happiness without Shawn driving him too crazy. I would have liked to see more of Psychphrancisco, but I guess that might come with John Cena’s Ewan in the inevitable sequel.