Psych 2: Lassie Come Home Review: Second Verse, Even Better Than the First

While most beloved series end their runs with only fond memories for fans to hold, Psych has now given us two great feature-length presentations. Psych 2: Lassie Come Home builds on already high standards for a stellar 90 minutes.

Following Timothy Omundsund’s stroke, Carlton Lassiter’s presence was limited to a brief video call in the first movie. Now, while in long-term care and largely bedridden from his own medical trauma, he steps in to the central role he so deserves.

The love these characters have for each other has always been the heart of the show, and the fervor with which everyone comes to Lassiter’s side brings that back tenfold. We feel it both in them and the actors who play them.

With a case focused on strange goings-on in his care home, the case itself most resembles the events of The Shining-themed “Heeeeere’s Lassie!,” complete with Hitchcockian visions that the plague both a bedraggled Carlton and, later, Shawn and Gus.

At one point—specifically the one where Mary reappears as a baby who in no way resembles an infant—the “weird level” gets pushed a little far even for a show that does weird so well. And it’s a shame, because: Mary!

Otherwise, everything shines. Shawn and Juliet remain happily married even as they each attempt to mislead the other on their own attempts to help their friend. Gus and his girlfriend Selene get stronger than ever even as she spends most of our time suspicious that he’s cheating.

These relationships have never been conventional, and it’s fun to see everyone thrive in situations that could be problematic elsewhere. They’re so happy for each other that it almost gets too cheesy, but in the end, we’re just as happy, too.

Henry, meanwhile, has taken over the old psychic detective office, which serves as a cat café for the duration of the film. That bit is mostly about the laughs, but there’s something much more poignant to be brought in.

This father/son relationship has long been fraught, and there’s a moment where it gets as serious as it’s ever been, just as Shawn thinks he’s about to be a father himself. While that proves untrue (at least for him — wait for it!,) there’s still plenty of purpose.

After their encounter, Henry comes to Shawn for a talk about fatherhood that proves the love that exists under every argument between these two, silly and serious alike. Henry’s a good if flawed dad, and Shawn might just be one someday, too, even if he doubts it now.

That day is coming a lot sooner for Gus, who ends the movie both engaged and learning that Selene is the one who’s pregnant. This is further evidence for what cast and crew promise: as long as more movies can be made, they will be made, to the benefit of all.

It’s the very end that really brings the biggest emotional wallop as Carlton finally gets to reunite with a distraught Marlowe, who he hasn’t seen since first being sent for care. She’s such a bright spirit that her mix of pain and open relief bring home every aspect of this struggle.

Lest it seem like Psych is veering into straight drama (and the episode is equally likely to bring both laughter and tears,) know that the humor is grade-A throughout, complete with references to the series itself and the new roles the actors have taken on.

Psych is the rare series where, while it may never win any major awards, it also almost never slips up. Every joke lands, every serious moments fits in with the comedy, and every guest star, new and known, is as welcome as an old friend.

While we can’t be 100% assured there will be more movies, the odds are as high as they get. With Gus’s kid, happy marriages, all new mysteries and more on the horizon, I’m already excited. This is one case where we absolutely can get our hopes up for what’s to come.

 

What did you think of Psych 2: Lassie Come Home? Did it meet your expectations? What else would you like to have seen? Sound off in the comments!

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