Psych will kick off its second series debut tonight with a playful jab at
American Idol. Mocking Idol is not exactly a new sport in television comedy, but the writers and stars of
Psych hope their offering, “American Duos,” will set the bar when it comes to parodying the monolithic talent show.
The episode is centered around a decidedly
Simon Cowell-esque judge played by veteran actor Tim Curry. The predictably acrid British judge is shaken up by several attempts to snuff his endless supply of snide remarks, permanently, and hires Shawn (
James Roday) to protect him and of course track down the bad guy.
Roday joined forces with
Psych creator Steve Franks to co-write the debut that will see his character teaming up with buddy Burton Guster (
Dule Hill) to pose as contestants on the show in order to sniff out the killer.
To keep things authentic, the boys turn to Detective Juliet O'Hara (
Maggie Lawson) for some unlikely dance instruction. But it turns out the usually frigid O'Hara can cut a mean rug when she wants to. The hilarity comes into play when Shawn and Gus try to emulate her virtuosity.
The cast and crew were star struck when legendary film director John Landis (“
Animal House”) stepped in to direct the second season premiere. "It's the most production value our show has ever had," Roday says. "They coughed up a few extra bucks. It's big. The scope of it is big; the comedy is big."
Psych has enjoyed a stable success on USA Networks eclectic lineup that includes
The Dead Zone,
The 4400, and
Monk. In a way, with
Monk, it provides a counter balance to the otherwise dark and supernaturally edge material the network has become known for.
Psych will begin airing its second season tonight at 10pm est, following the return of
Monk at 9pm est on USA Network.
- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
source: Zap2it
(Image Courtesy of USA Network)