Psych-O for Psych – What I Will Miss Most…

If not apparent from my back-to-back-to-back blogs about Psych this week, I love this show and consider myself a Psycho-O—a die-hard Psych fan.

Not only do the writers and creators outdo themselves with each and every episode, ensuring craftily designed mysteries and packing the show full of pop culture puns and tributes, they never forget to make the audience laugh. Heck, even the commercials and promos kill me every time I see them, even when I’ve seen the same one over and over again. Unlike the Hollywood movie trailers that include all of the funniest moments in the sneak peeks, one can always expect to laugh from start to finish when Shawn, Gus, Lassie, Jules, and Henry take to the screen.

So today, I’ve decided to share what I will miss most after Psych airs its series finale tonight…

1. The special intros & theme songs dedicated to particular episodes.

First of all, the Psych theme song makes me happy. Period. If I’m not bobbing my head along to the music, I might be dancing. Just sayin’.

Every once in a while, Psych adjusts the opening theme song to appropriately fit the night’s episode. As mentioned in my Top 15 Psych episodes posts, “Dual Spires” was one of those episodes – and the show’s creators invited Julee Cruise to sing the opening (that’s right! She also sang the Twin Peaks’ opening).

Another good one? From the “High Top Fade Out” episode in season four.

2. All the popular ’80s and ’90s guest stars and pop culture references.

There are just too many to list here…

3. Looking for the pineapple in every episode.

I’ve even learned to look for the pineapple in everyday life. Just like this one time at dinner when it arrived by surprise on my dessert plate.

4. Shawn’s made-up names for Gus

Perhaps one of my favorite elements of Psych and its comedy and pop culture references comes when Shawn introduces himself and Gus during an investigation. Shawn almost always introduces himself accurately (although not always), but Gus isn’t so lucky. Take the “Let’s Get Hairy” episode. When introducing themselves to a psychiatrist, Shawn introduces himself as “Randle P. McMurphy” and Gus as “Cheswick,” two patients from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Shawn provides aliases for both of them in this example, but it’s usually just Gus with names like “Art Vandelay” from Seinfeld, “Black Magic,” and “Fellatio Del Toro.” It’s always something in every single episode…

5. The special USA Psych promos and commercials. Particularly “Private Eyes.”

6. Shawn telling Gus to “not be” something.

There are also the numerous times Shawn tells Gus to “not be” something: “Gus, don’t be Nick Cage’s accent from Con Air” (episode “Death is in the Air” – Season 4) or “Gus, don’t be Pete Rose’s haircut” (episode “Dead Man’s Curveball” – Season 6). These lines of dialog aren’t always pop culture related, sometimes they are just funny when used in context of the episode, but we can always count on some “Gus, don’t be” comment… and a laugh.

7. Gus’ screams. And Gus’ and Shawn’s screams.

8. All the times Shawn and Gus say, “Suck It.”

9. All the times Shawn and Gus say, “C’mon Son!”

10. All the times Shawn and Gus “tisk” something the other has said or a situation.

“Suck It,” “C’mon, Son,” and the tisks have all made their way into this household’s everyday conversations…

Call me crazy because I know I am, but I’m tearing up now just typing this post. So, ten things I will miss most about Psych are all you get.

The rumors have been swirling all week that USA might back a Psych movie. PLEASE DO!! I still don’t understand why the network is ending a show that is still, as of this year, winning awards and has the crazy fan base this particular show does.

Psych, you will be missed.

Love always,
Your Psych-Os

Do you watch Psych? What will you miss most? I’d love to hear from you!

*****

Tiffany A. White is the author of the YA mystery Football Sweetheart series available on Kindle and Nook.  She is available for contact via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or via email at tiffany {at} tiffanyawhite {dot} com.

 

 

Ten Memorable TV Theme Songs – Part Two

I started this post a few weeks ago, and no sooner had I hit publish, more TV Theme Songs immediately came to mind.  So, I’ve decided to continue the post…

Writing and creativity are two very important aspects of a successful television show.  As is the cast.  But storylines and characters are not the only facets that excite someone like me.

A TV series’ theme song is a lot like hype music.  Simply hearing the opening tunes of certain television shows sends shivers down my spine, in a good way, whether I am remembering an older series that I enjoyed as a child, or getting ready to watch programs I follow nowadays.  And sometimes, theme songs are just catchy.

So today, I’m sharing ten theme songs that bring back fond memories or intensify my excitement to watch a new episode.  Heck, some of these are listed because I just can’t help myself from singing along or dancing every time I hear them.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I don’t know about anyone else, but Buffy’s opening always made me wish I had her mad slayer skills… or at least jump around.

Charmed

Not only did “How Soon is Now?” play during the opening credits of my favorite TV show about three (and eventually four) sisters/witches, but also during a few ‘90s movies I have seen numerous times—The Craft and The Crow.  I love when I hear the tune on the radio… it takes me back.

Psych

Every once in a while, Psych likes to change the opening credits to honor whichever movie, TV show, or pop culture reference they are paying homage to in the current week’s episode.  I always like to watch the opening theme song just to see how the creative writers have tweaked the song.  The changes may be subtle, but they are always appreciated (just a little fun-Psych-”I Know You Know”-fact).

Magnum P.I.

The music, the show, and the man himself are all just awesome.  Plain and simple.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

I didn’t know Will Smith prior to The Fresh Prince, but because of this TV show and the theme song, I quickly learned.  He hasn’t stopped making music, but this song still remains as one of my favorites of his.

X-Files

I don’t want to call the X-Files instrumental creepy, but let’s be honest… it kind of is.  Is it just me, or does it make anyone else think aliens are coming?

Dukes of Hazard

Good Ol’, Waylon… enough said.  Be honest, has anyone ever slid into their car via the window?  I have.  LOL.

Facts of Life

“You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have The Facts of Life, the Facts of Life.”  Truer words have never been spoken…

Happy Days

Who can listen to the Happy Days theme song and not want to Jitterbug?  Or wear a Poodle Skirt and/or leather jacket?  C’mon… we all do.  Right?

Charlie’s Angels

Personally, I was glad to see the Charlie’s Angels movie use the TV series opening theme.  It just wouldn’t have been the same otherwise.

Your turn.  What are some of your favorite TV theme songs?  I’d love to hear from you!