Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark

This will be brief. I am a devoted Psych0 and I love this show come hell or highwater. However, in my humble opinion, the show took a big turn with this episode... growing from just 80s pop culture references and riffing between best buds to a noirish action/mystery that pulled together each part of the core cast.

spoiler alert

Episode finds Shawn, usually the center of the action, out of commission holed up a victim of kidnapping. Gus has to team up with Juliet and work together. Similar with Henry and Lassie all working together to pick up breadcrumbs Shawn has left for the gang to come to his rescue.

The plot is a bit more serious and darker than we're accustomed to for the series, but it worked. Shawn used lessons he learned from his father to survive the ordeal and we learn Shawn is a crackshot with a pistol. We also see further development in Juliet's interest in Shawn, despite his relationship with Abigail.

Hands down one of the better executed episodes and a must watch/classic. There have not been many like this (outside of the Yin/Yang killer mythology) which stinks because the writing crew did a bang up job.

While investigating a crime involving an ice cream truck, Shawn is shot and kidnapped. Gus, Juliet, Lassiter, and Henry team-up to find Shawn, bring him home safely, and take down the baddies.

As I make my way through Psych for the third or fourth time, I'm putting together a Top Ten list. As is evident by my rating, Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark will not doubt make that list - and most likely will be #1. It's an unusual episode. Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark doesn't feature nearly as many laughs or banter or the nonsense you'll find in most episodes. Instead, this one is a tension-filled, action-packed ride. The final chase scene is as good and thrilling as anything you'll find in Psych. As a plus, this episode gives each of the main characters more to do than the normal episode. It's not all about Shawn. Gus, Juliet, and the rest get a real chance to shine and show their strengths.

Don't misunderstand, while the comedy often takes a backseat to the drama in Shawn Takes a Short in the Dark, there are still some wonderfully funny moments. Gus wearing pajamas, Shawn's apartment and browser history, and the initial meeting with Garth (played by the wonderful MIchael Rooker) - some really top-notch stuff.

Overall, one of Psych's best. While it's probably not a good jumping-on point for someone not familiar with the series, for long-time fans, it's a winner.

10/10

This episode showed more dialogue and conflict that each character had to struggle with.The actors have done a better job of showing each character fear,emotions, struggles and so on. Their was more suspense in in each scene then normal. Overall this episode was better and more serious.