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Goodbye. Review: Psych – “The Breakup”

Season 8, Episode 10

Air Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 9/8c on USA

“The truth is I am not…” – Shawn

Rating: ★★★★★

[warning] WARNING: Major Spoilers Ahead [/warning] You can check out my spoiler-free review here.

Could this be the end for Shawn and Gus?

After quitting his job at Central Coast Pharmaceuticals in “Cog Blocked,” Gus (Dule Hill) returns to the work force at one of its competitors, PNP. Meanwhile, Shawn (James Roday) struggles to find a way to tell Gus he is leaving Santa Barbara to be with Juliet (Maggie Lawson).

Despite considering myself a huge Psych fan, I can’t believe it took me three viewings to catch the inside joke about Gus’ boss. After years of making jokes about Gus playing Bud on The Cosby Show, Deon Richmond (who actually played Bud) makes an appearance as Gus’ boss, Mr. Richards. The scene includes an amusing nod to the bit when Mr. Richards leaves the room saying, “I got to go buddy, take it easy, Bud.” Gus looks confused as he points to his boss almost as if he’s saying, ‘Hey, wait a minute.’

I grew a little concerned during the first half of “The Breakup” because other than Shawn talking about moving on, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of closure. Don’t get me wrong, the first half of “The Breakup” is a great Psych episode. “The Breakup” also has one of the funniest car chases I have seen on TV in a long time. But, my focus was on closure and how series creator Steve Franks would end the show. Would Shawn end up with Juliet? What would happen to Gus? Would Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) find out Shawn’s secret?

Awwwww

Finally, the show shifted into closure mode, and I admit I was shocked — not to mention a little upset — when Shawn says goodbye to Gus via recorded video message. The shock shifted to feeling heartbroken when Gus shows up at the Psych office only to find Shawn’s things gone. I kept thinking to myself, could this really be the way they end things between the two?

One of the running gags throughout Psych has been Lassiter calling out for Officer Dobson, who has never been seen on camera. So, it seems fitting that Dobson also gets a goodbye DVD message from Shawn. I laughed as the camera pans up to reveal Val Kilmer. I would love to hear how that scene came to be.

I was successful in keeping my composure through the first half of “The Breakup.” Even when the Gus goodbye video plays, I stood strong. But when Lassiter’s video plays, I realized what Shawn was going to do. I found myself talking to my TV, saying “Turn it off” when all of a sudden, Lassiter turns it off. It is one of those moments where, after eight seasons, you understand a character so well, you know exactly how they will react to something. It is a beautiful way for Gus and Lassiter to say goodbye, and at that point, I admit I shed a few tears.

Nice to see Vick and Juliet one last time.

Despite being gone for only a few episodes, it is great to see Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson) and Juliet again. Their scene leaves hope for something in the future while giving a funny nod to another USA Network show, Monk. I wonder how close the people behind Psych came to getting Tony Shalhoub to guest star. Or maybe, it was always meant to be a reference.

All of the major questions have been answered in some form or other. While I have no complaints about the episode, I was left with a lingering question concerning what will become of the Psych office. We get a hint of an answer when Henry is seen with a measuring tape, sizing up the office. It had me wondering if Henry were to take over the office, what would both he and it become? Police Consultant? Private Eye? It would have been fun to have a shot at the end where we see the Psych window sign transform into whatever Henry’s new business is.

“The Breakup” is a fun, emotional roller coaster ride that will go down as one of Psych’s best—not because it’s the final episode but because of its quality. I can’t remember the last time I laughed and cried so much during an episode. What I especially enjoyed is that every character has their special moment, including Santa Barbara’s newest junior detective, Buzz McNab (Sage Brocklebank).

It is hard to believe that after eight seasons, the show appears to be over. Comments have been made, however, by the Franks and others at USA Network that “The Breakup” is not the last we will see of Shawn and Gus. Could a Psych TV or big screen movie be in the works?

Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “The Breakup.”

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All photos © 2014 USA Network, a division of NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.