Psych: Christmas Joy
By fred | November 29, 2008
(S03E09) Keeping up with its tradition, Psych came out of hiding for a special Christmas episode before hibernating again, only to return January 9th. While other shows are starting to go away for the holidays it was a very nice reminder to get to see Shawn and Gus one last time this year, and bring into our homes a little of that Christmas joy…
One year ago we got to meet Gus’ parents, and this time they were back – with a little change as Gus’ father was portrayed by Keith David instead of Ernie Hudson – and they brought someone else with them, someone we hadn’t met yet, unlike Shawn who had even done a little more than just that. I hear that.
Gus’ sister was coming home for the holidays, and as it turned out about 10 years ago she and Shawn had a tiny little thing. I’m not entirely sure how tiny it way, because it seemed none of the attraction that brought them together in the first place was gone : the first thing they did once finally alone was to lock lips! And it doesn’t matter how good she looks, you don’t ever mess around with your best friend’s sister, that’s the law, not to mention a clear violation of the Bro Code!
But this wasn’t the only secret going on under the Guster home, as Shawn eventually found out that Mr had lost his job a few weeks back but not told anyone, while Mrs placed a bet with a bookie and lost all her money. Of course, the worst of all remained Shawn and Joy, the sister, fooling around. But if there’s one thing this show is about, it’s all about friendship, camaraderie and, of course, family.
So Shawn didn’t even had to say anything - “Gus: What do you want? Shawn: I, I feel uh… Gus: Good enough for me! Come on in…” – and everything was fine again. I’m not sure if Joy will stick around and return later on, she seemed willing to continue whatever she and Shawn had, and apparently he was interested as well as illustrated when he spend the night, in the little cartoon-inspired scene where everyone kept going from one room to the other, but let’s face it : she’s never round, she won’t stay long, and isn’t Shawn very much interest in Jules? (Whom he kinda lied to, saying it was only all before he met her, not that he would matter, maybe it could, but no, it won’t, of course.)
The case of the week wasn’t all that fresh, the con artist on Christmas has been seen before, but it wasn’t bad and what make it work, really, was their signature : the crying. When he started to cry, which inevitably led Gus to cry as well, I myself couldn’t help but laugh out loud ! But the case wasn’t the most exciting one, though it wasn’t too predictable either I guess, one could just wish that the police had been a little more involved.
Like before this season, Lassiter and Juliet were not around much and not really involved in the case, I would have loved to see them all work together and make fun of each other like they know how so well, but at least we should be glad they weren’t stuck into unrelated boring fillers I guess. Shawn’s dad was still there, and continuing their Christmas tradition where, once again, Shawn won and got himself a brand new Psyched iPhone, while Henry got, well, nothing. I think I’d love it if next year, Henry was the one to win. Just to see the look on Shawn’s face…
All in all a pretty good episode, and while it wasn’t the strongest episode of all nor as funny as the show can be, it was a very good reminder of what the show can be like and why we’re all waiting for January 9th and the season to resume. As for the pineapple, I don’t think anyone could have missed it this week.
What did you think of this episode ? Really good, or just good enough to remember why you love the show ? Can you believe Shawn fooled around with his best friend’s sister ? Would you want Joy to stick around for a bit?
