TV-Reviewed

When I first saw that episode title, I began to expect a few Ferris Bueller references, but never would I have expected an entire episode full of John Hughes movie references. And they all worked so well here.

The episode took us to Shawn and Gus’ high school reunion. Which one? Their 13th, of course. It seems a little silly, but it had to be made convenient for TV. What started out as a normal reunion turned into something very different when someone was seen falling from the roof of the school.

I’ll be the first to admit that the idea of a crime being committed wherever Shawn and Gus happens to be brings back mixed memories of Murder, She Wrote, but there’s no history of this being a common theme on PSYCH, so I let it slide.

An old fling of Shawn’s comes back in the form of the delightful Rachael Leigh Cook. When there are famous actors who come on as guest stars, it’s never clear how well it will work out until the end. And with Rachael Leigh Cook, I thought it turned out perfectly. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing regarding her performance. But I would have changed the ending to leave a slight chance of her coming back in future episodes.

James Roday as Shawn Spencer, Rachel Leigh Cook as Abigail

I didn’t care for the perceived love triangle that was shown, with Shawn looking over Rachael Leigh Cook’s shoulder and seeing Juliet. Although James Roday (Shawn) and Maggie Lawson (Juliet) are dating in real life, they’re nowhere near that on the show. Although they will likely become an item on the show, there’s no need to push for it. Shawn may have his eyes on Juliet, there’s no certainty in them being together. Instead, the writers should have left an opening for Cook to come back.

The more I see of Shawn’s parents, the more I welcome them reuniting. I don’t think that’s entirely likely, but I don’t oppose it anymore. For a long time we were always under the impression that Henry was the one who was the reason for the split, but we recently learned that that wasn’t the case. There’s something about that makes us want to see them together.

The case was mildly interesting. There was just so much going on that you almost didn’t care why the king and queen murdered their former classmate. This was one of those episodes that you felt you were just along for the ride. Excellent movie references, hilarious lines, and Rachael Leigh Cook was perfect in her role as Shawn’s ex. This could very well be the very best episode of PSYCH.

Rating: 9.7