I’m not really much of a fan of today’s television offerings. Most of what I surf past seems to be loaded with violence, sex and language that I wasn’t even aware that they could say on prime time television. One of my favorite t.v. sitcoms, King of Queens, came to an end last year, and although I can still watch the repeats over, and over again, there is always the desire for something new and fresh.

Well, on July 7th, 2006 I watched the pilot episode of a detective/comedy series on the USA network, called “Psych.” Rarely do I enjoy any pilot episode, but this one had something special. It was pure, honest, fresh, and VERY funny.

The series stars James Roday, as “psychic” detective Shawn Spencer. Along with co-star Dulé Hill, who plays Shawn’s more serious partner, and best friend, Burton ‘Gus’ Guster, Shawn uses his gift of picking out and remembering the tiniest of details, to solve crimes for the Santa Barbara Police Department.

The series is loaded with tons of “80’s” references, so if this was the period you grew up in, then you will enjoy the show even more. The dialog is the best that I have ever seen for any t.v. series, and it never seems to falter, it just gets better with every episode.

One of my favorite bits of dialog:

Shawn Spencer: “Good morning detectives, collecting money for the Policeman’s ball? ”
Carlton Lassiter: “We don’t have balls.”
Shawn Spencer: “I honestly have no response to that.”

The chemistry of the entire cast is absolute perfection! Other notables in the series are: Corbin Bernsen, who plays Shawn’s father Henry Spencer. Timothy Omundson, as Detective Carlton Lassiter, and Maggie Lawson as Junior Detective Juliet (Jules) O’Hara.

Currently “psych” is into their third season on the USA network, and I can not recommend this series enough to anyone. If you haven’t seen it, you have to check it out! A brand new episode airs tomorrow, 8/8, at 10pm Est/9pm Central on USA. Set your DVR if it’s too late for you, or if your just not going to be around.

Seasons one and two are currently available on DVD.