by Mandy Stussman ’14

The television series “Psych” first appeared over five years ago, introducing the world to a light-hearted show centered around comedy just as much as mystery.  Differentiating itself from other classic police-based television through its humorous improv, the show provided a perfect balance of intriguing mystery and frolicsome fun.

However, in the start of the newest season, “Psych” has departed significantly from its comic roots which have always been the heart of the show. Surrendering to the cliché seriousness found in other crime fighting shows, loving fans of “Psych”’s earlier seasons may find themselves dismayed at the show’s newfound lack of humor. The first episode in the new season, which had hardcore fans foaming at the mouth in anticipation, was simply a disappointment.

The first episode of the new season six, Shawn Battles Darth Vader, was bland and almost repetitive of previous episodes. Shawn, (James Roday) attains his usual cavalier attitude. Though formerly endearing, Shawn’s laid back atmosphere has become almost pathetic and annoying, especially how he never truly knows the killer until after a few incorrect guesses. In the season six premiere, Shawn uses his classic guessing style to find the location of a body. Though this tactic was once cute, it has become stale and boring as the audience awaits Shawn’s predictable correct conclusion.

The long awaited explosion of love between Shawn and his long time romantic interest Juliet that ended season five, found itself awkwardly planted into the newest season. The absence of the sexual tension that fueled the show for so long leaves viewers yearning for the excitement of previous seasons. The couple doesn’t even seem to be a couple, and the lack of interactions between Shawn and Juliet was strange and uncomfortable.

The show’s humor seems to have been lost to a focus on romance and character relations. Where Shawn once represented a man who never grew up, his newfound maturity has viewers missing the young, daring and impractical person Shawn used to be. His more middle-aged attitude towards life is almost depressing. Though comedy used to fuel the show, it has subsided beneath cheesy drama.

“Psych” has always been an excellent combination of humor and crime solving, however there doesn’t seem to be room for the new drama which is being forced into the show’s plot. The newest season is a disappointing addition to a formally great show.