James Roday in "Psych"
courtesy of the USA Network
"Psych" (The USA Network)

"Psych" is a new original series airing on the USA Network. This comedy/action program stars James Roday, Dule Hill and Corbin Bernsen. It is a series about a young man who claims psychic abilities in order to make money from the cops. He actually does have some "ESP" type powers but nowhere near as much as he claims. The fun comes in seeing how he can use the little he has, and stretch it to solve a case and confound the police.

Shawn Spencer (Roday) has always known he had something a little extra. His father Henry (Bernsen) used to test him on his "powers" constantly. Now that he is an adult he and his father are no longer close but Shawn is still trying to get some use out of his "extras." When the chance comes to tip the police off to some unknown information involving a crime, Shawn does it by claiming ESP of sorts.

When the police pay off for the tip Shawn decides to start his own private investigation agency. He brings his best friend Gus (Dule) along to provide stability. These two work on a new case involving a kidnapping and eventual murder. Shawn does use some of his "powers" to help solve the case much to his and Gus' amazement.

Roday is interesting in the role of Shawn. He has not yet progressed from silliness into broad comedy. This means he is more annoying than entertaining at times. Dule has the thankless role of the "best friend." He is the one who is constantly threatening to quit, and this is somehow supposed to also be funny.

Bernsen adds some gravitas to the whole thing in the role of Henry. He is skeptical of Shawn, both in his powers and his ability to hold down a job. Their conflicts should be even more pronounced in upcoming episodes.

"Psych" is paired with "Monk" on Friday nights and that will both help and hurt this new show. "Monk" will bring viewers to the USA Network on that night and some of them will stick around for "Psych." However in comparison this show is a pale imitation of "Monk." The chemistry between the actors, and the credibility of the plots are not in the same league.

"Psych" premieres Friday, July 7 at 10PM on the USA Network.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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