“How can you tell that someone’s a compulsive liar? I mean, assuming that their pants aren’t on fire.” - Shawn Spencer
Psych is a mystery comedy that aired from 2006 to 2014. Shawn Spencer is an amateur sleuth with heightened observation skills. With his reluctant best friend, they help the Santa Barbara Police Department solve murders. Oh, and the cops think Shawn is psychic... psych, he isn’t.
Shawn (about Gus): I´ve left him and then I lost him. This is all my fault, I brought him as my plus one. This should´ve been you, Jules.
Jules: Shawn!
Today I’m breaking down 100 Clues (season 7 episode 5). Shawn and Gus are invited to a party at a creepy mansion in the middle of a rainstorm by an unknown person. Who wouldn’t drop what they are doing to attend? When they arrive, they notice some of the guests are familiar… they were persons of interest in a past case. But viewers will recognize that three of the actors starred in the 1985 movie Clue. Lesley Ann Warren – Miss Scarlet. Christopher Lloyd – Professor Plum. Martin Mull – Colonel Mustard.
There is a lot to love about the 100th episode of Psych. Sure it’s a bit over the top but after 99 episodes, we’re accustomed to Shawn and Gus’ silliness – the weird dancing, bickering, breaking out in song, and eating gummy bears every time the lights go off. But that’s what makes them a beloved best friend duo.
As a fan of both the Clue movie and boardgame, my favorite aspect of this episode is the tribute to the movie. It is filled with hilarious references and subtle nods that you maybe didn’t notice on a first watch. Here are some of the best easter eggs:
· Title sequence with Clue cards
· Shawn does a Tim Curry impression before revealing the killer
· Singing telegram
· Peacock prop
· Shawn parodies the "1+2+1+1" Tim Curry bit
· Falling chandelier
Bonus reference: Christopher Llyod’s character exclaims “Great Scott” and is named Marty; both are nods to Back to the Future.
As much as I enjoyed this episode, I have a few minor complaints. Maybe you’ll agree or maybe you’ll think I’m nitpicking. But there are a few things that prevent this episode from being perfect. I’m glad Juliette and Lassie joined the party but I missed Henry. Even though I’ve seen this episode before, I kept waiting for him to show up at the end with some ridiculous explanation. I think they missed an opportunity here!
My second complaint is the pacing of the episode. With a bold idea like this, the 100th should have been two hours to truly fill out the story. Instead, the episode starts rather slow with twenty minutes of background before the murder. After which it moves at a crazy fast pace. I liked the quick interviews and running from room to room with theories (another tribute to the movie) but the ending was rushed and then it was over.
Despite these minor issues, 100 Clues is a fan favorite for a reason. It balances the quick, pop-culture dialog Psych is famous for, with a fun murder mystery and just enough twists to keep you on your toes.
Colonel Mustard: Wadsworth, am I right in thinking there's nobody else in this house?
Wadsworth: Um... no.
Colonel Mustard: Then there is someone else in this house?
Wadsworth: Sorry, I said "no" meaning "yes".
Colonel Mustard: "No" meaning "yes"? Look, I want a straight answer, is there someone else, or isn't there, yes, or no?
Wadsworth: No.
Colonel Mustard: No there is, or no there isn't?
Wadsworth: Yes.