Spoiler Free. Advance Review: Psych: The Musical

Air Date: Sunday, December 15, 2013, 9/8c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

TV has a popular term called “jumping the shark;” it signifies the moment a television show starts to decline and the writers come up with a gimmick in a desperate attempt to keep viewers interested. It’s a description that fits my reaction to the announcement that Psych would be doing a two-hour musical episode. That term isn’t without merit given the announcement that the upcoming season will consist of a mere 10 episodes instead of the usual 16, which was followed by the revelation that Maggie Lawson will be leaving the show.

As the date of “Psych: The Musical” drew closer, I approached it kicking and screaming, thinking this is the result of the Glee-ification of television, and the only real question left is how awful will it be?

I got my answer a few weeks ago when USA Network released the two-part episode to the press. I cringed as I started watching but then a funny thing happened…I laughed. But I wasn’t laughing at the absurdity of the episode, I was laughing out of enjoyment. Two hours later, I realized I had thoroughly enjoyed “Psych: the Musical.”

Much of what has been shown in the promos takes place during the first 30 minutes; a great marketing move, if you ask me. Too often, television hypes things so much that by the time a show airs, you feel like you have already seen most of it. In this case, “Psych: The Musical” feels new and fresh.

“Psych: the Musical” is a standalone episode that never really shares where it fits in the Psych timeline. Based on some of the events in the musical, however, it is clear the episode takes place sometime between seasons five and seven. I don’t remember any reference to Shawn (James Roday) and Juliet (Maggie Lawson) having dated yet.

My initial fear was “Psych: the Musical” was going to be more like Glee than a full-blown Broadway production. But, a Broadway musical is exactly what it feels like, especially during the second half where you get the impression an orchestra is playing just out of camera view.

The writers and cast lay things on thick in the first hour but it works. The songs are catchy, and several will stick in your head for days, if not weeks, which may or may not be a good thing. Things ease up during the second half and while the music is less in your face, the story picks up giving the entire episode a balance I really appreciated and enjoyed.

Having almost the entire cast out of its element singing and dancing could have been a disaster but they hold their own, especially Roday who a lot of the musical’s success hinges on. Only one main cast member doesn’t sing but delivers my favorite line of the episode so perfectly, it’s brilliant and fits the character wonderfully.

My only complaint is the unique way the musical is introduced, which at times, helps to move the episode along. While the reasoning is explained at the end, it never really works and feels out of place. Also, If you want to stay away from spoilers, I would advise not looking at the song list; it contains a major spoiler.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed “Psych: the Musical,” especially given how negatively I approached it. Instead of jumping the shark, the musical revitalized me following what I consider a disappointing season seven. Now, I can’t wait to see what season eight of Psych brings us.

Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about Psych: The Musical.

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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.