TVSquad

After you watch the fifth season premiere of Monk this Friday on USA, don't go to the Sci-Fi Channel to watch Battlestar Galactica. Why? Well, Galactica isn't on until the Fall, and you will be missing a new show following Monk that is actually pretty good.

The show is called Psych and, like Monk, it is a light mystery show. However, that's pretty much where the similarities end (other than the fact that it also takes place in California). This is a much faster paced show with a crime solver that is totally opposite of Monk in personality and ability. It stars fairly unknown actor James Roday as Shawn Spencer, a son of a cop who has remarkable observational abilities. Instead of following in his father's footsteps, he works at a series of jobs before his abilities land him in trouble with the police. I won't go into too much of how he gets out of trouble and where it leads him; I'll save that for the full review on Friday.

Starring with Roday are two established television actors. Corbin Bernsen plays Shawn's Dad (the man who honed Shawn's skills). If you enjoyed him as Arnie Becker on L.A. Law, your feelings may change with his portrayal of Shawn's Dad, as it is a total opposite from the suave, handsome attorney Bernsen played back in the 80's and 90's. Also appearing, straight from his role as Charlie Young on The West Wing, is Dule Hill, who plays Shawn's childhood friend Gus. Now a pharmaceutical representative, Gus reluctantly goes along with Shawn on his crazy adventures. Once again, if you are looking to see Dule exude his Charlie persona on this new show you may be a bit surprised.

So, if you want your curiosity quenched, tune into the series premiere of Psych this Friday, July 7th, at 10 PM, right after the season premiere of Monk.