One of the biggest problems with procedural shows is the lack of a common enemy -- thankfully, USA's "Psych" has discovered a way to avoid that trap. While we're certainly not seeing the same culprit in every episode, James Roday and company did develop their version of the Joker last season with Mr. Yang, played effortlessly by Ally Sheedy (of "The Breakfast Club" fame).
To an extent, Yang returns to the "Psych" universe to play a part in the season finale, "Mr. Yin Presents..." It's a difficult episode to describe without giving any plot details away, but this is an episode that allows the show to shift to a genre more befitting an Alfred Hitchcock movie (which is appropriate, since the director's work is featured throughout the episode). Roday directed the episode himself, so you can really see his love for the suspenseful slasher flick shine through most of the scenes.
There are still the occasional funny moments, but most of the show's sight gigs / pineapple references are put on the back burner thanks to the lead story. There are plot turns left and right, a surprise you certainly won't see coming, and an ending that will leave you potentially shouting at the TV for more. I don't know if the episode completely has the emotional punch of "An Evening With Mr. Yang," but it's always difficult to measure up to the original.
Once the episode airs, I'll be more free to offer up some analysis about why the "Mr. Yang" series is so good for the murder mystery genre of TV. Just know this: if you love classic cinema alongside your "Psych," then you will find this finale to be one of the most satisfying episode's in the show history. Now, the long wait for new episodes in the summer officially begins.
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"Mr. Yin Presents..." will air this Wednesday at 10 p.m. Eastern time. Do you want to play a part in my upcoming interview with James Roday and Ally Sheedy? Drop a question in the box below, and I'll do my best to send the question their way.
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