After its debut in the summer of 2006, USA Network's hit series "Psych" will conclude its eighth and final season on Wednesday, March 26 at 9 p.m. The crime-dramedy focuses on self-centered "psychic" Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and his childhood pal Burton "Gus" Guster (Dule Hill). The duo regularly works as psychic consultants for the Santa Barbara Police Department, despite the best efforts of head detective (now Chief) Carlton Lassiter and his partner (not anymore) Juliet O'Hara. After eight seasons of murderers, psychopaths and serial killers plaguing Santa Barbara, the series must find closure with its final episode. In the finale, Psych fans, or Psych-Os, will seek their own kind of closure as they say goodbye to the obscure 80's movie references and silly nicknames that have been the series' staple for years. Fans will try to "spot the pineapple" one last time before hearing, "I Know You Know" play over the closing credits one last time. Expect a few fist bumps, overreactions, high-pitched shrieks, irrational flailing and of course, one final case. The final season started off with a bang, after a two-hour musical episode in December served as a transition from season seven to eight. The season premiere traveled overseas to London for a case involving the beloved art thief, Pierre Despereaux (Cary Elwes). Creator and writer Steve Franks displayed his creativity earlier in the season by recreating an episode from season one. The episode, titled "Cloudy with a Chance of ... Improvement," brought back numerous actors from throughout the seasons and used them in completely different roles, creating a fresh and comprehensive episode. There are still many unanswered questions, primarily surrounding the forced departure of Juliet, who followed long-time Chief Karen Vick to another department to be her head detective. Fans remain puzzled as to how this affects her and Shawn's romantic relationship, especially after she took off before even saying good- bye to Shawn. The title of the finale, "The Breakup", foreshadows an emotional roller coaster for Psych-Os, but the "Psych" writers have surprised fans before. The title insinuates a breakup between Shawn and Jules, but an even deeper relationship exists between Shawn and Gus. What will happen to Shawn and Gus remains unknown as the season reaches its end. Will Gus go back to being a full-time pharmaceutical salesman if Shawn no longer requires the services of Magic Head? Has Shawn finally matured, or will he fall back into his old habits of week-by-week odd jobs? Will Woody the coroner ever give up on his creepy and borderline perverted approach to finding love? One thing that is for certain is that Franks will send his creation out the right way as he has a history of putting together compelling season finales. And although rumors of a potential spin-off or movie have been tossed around, no re-creation will capture the comedy and likability of Psych. C'mon son. Mike Romano can be reached at michael.romano1@student.shu.edu.
