Synopsis: While recovering a Darth Vader collectible toy from a client, Shawn discovers a dead body in an ambassador’s house and, after leading police to the scene, risks having them discover he’s not really a psychic.
What I liked about this episode: For the past couple seasons, the Santa Barbara Police Department has pretty much accepted the fact Shawn is psychic; eliminating one of the most important parts of the plot (him having to keep the fact he’s faking it a secret). It was good to see an episode that once again puts him on the defensive; both because of a photo of him inside the building and him being hooked up to a lie detector.
I especially loved the lie detector scene; mostly because we aren’t told how he beat it until the very end of the episode (through a flashback from when he was a kid).
At first, I wasn’t sure what to think about Lassiter finding out about Shawn and Jules being a couple. But, in the end, I kind of liked the direction the show took. At first, I thought he had a thing for his partner and was jealous; until he gave that speech toward the end that made him sound almost brother-like toward her. It shows his character has a lot more depth than is sometimes revealed.
Oh, and good to see the episode had Woody the Coroner again. I still think his character should get more air time and maybe his own spin-off.
What I didn’t like about this episode: For all the fuss made over keeping Jules’ relationship with Shawn a secret from Chief Vick, there really wasn’t much backlash when it was revealed. I’m hoping there’s a bit more effort to justify the secrecy in later episodes.
Final Opinion: This was actually a pretty decent season premiere from the show and I hope it means the season will bring back some of the magic that got me hooked on it in the first place.