Tuesday, April 8, 2014

G: Gus and saying Goodbye


James Roday Psych (Photo: free images)
Psych lasted eight seasons and made me laugh and cry and want to become a psychic detective. Saying goodbye to Shawn and Gus was heart wrenching for me. Psyche boasted some great secondary characters: Gus, Jules, Lassie, Woody, Henry etc. Gus played one of the best t.v. sidekicks ever and taught us many things about a truly successful secondary character.

1. Nicknames
Wow! I can't even begin to list all the names and nicknames Shawn bestowed upon his bff.Gus took most of them in stride.

2. Phobias
Gus has fears and phobias. Fear of messing up his company car, the Blueberry. Fear of never finding true love and never having a meaningful career. Fear of dead bodies. But that never stopped him from having the adventure of a lifetime.

3. Quirks and Idiosyncrasies
Gus "thumbs" his nose every time he thinks he's cool or sees a cute girl.

4. Great Dialogue
James Roday (Photo: free images)
Don't you just appreciate the writers of Psych? The awesome banter back and forth between these two bff's never skipped a beat for eight years. They finished each others sentences. They finished each others food. They borrowed each others vehicles. Except Gus never really did return the favor because Shawn owned a motorcycle. Gus had a big heart.

5. Faithful Friend
No matter what happened over the years, Gus remained a loyal friend and sidekick, even though he wanted to kill Shawn a few (dozen) times.

What's your favorite episode of Psych? Besides any episodes with Curt Smith, my favorite is Season 7 Episode 11, "Office Space." I cry uncontrollable during the first ten minutes. How much fun are you having with secondary characters in your writing? Are they threatening to take over the main lead? What fun quirks did you give them?

#atozchallenge #amwriting #Pscyh




14 comments:

  1. I never saw this show, but I felt a similar pang when House ended. That character had a best bud named Wilson, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the end. At least the pair rode off on motorcycles in the finale.

    In my current novel, the husband of the main character is definitely stealing the show in terms of good lines and charisma.

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  2. If you like funny shows, Psych is one to try:) Those secondary characters do tend to steal the show, but that's what makes your writing memorable!

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  3. I've never actually watched Psych, but I'm betting I'd love it. It's all about the characters for me. Of course, I have to find some time to watch first. Do you have any time you can loan me? *batting eyes*

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    1. Oh, you would become a fan instantly! Time? Sigh. Kids. Writing. Ugh. Sorry, I'm fresh out!

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  4. Eight seasons???? I've never even heard of this show. Of course with all the different shows on cable now it's difficult to keep track of them all especially when you're like me and don't keep up with television shows. Must have had good writing to have lasted so long.

    I'm now following your blog.

    Lee
    Wrote By Rote
    An A to Z Co-host blog

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    1. Yes, great writers at Psych:) Thanks for the follow!

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  5. I so LOVE Psych. And I love Gus. He was the perfect side-kick. So sorry to see this show end - with all the dark, disturbing, way-too-serious shows on TV nowadays (not that this is always a bad thing, but...), I'll miss the ones that make me laugh out loud. I really loved the Dual Spires episode - it made me watch Twin Peaks for the first time on Netflix and then I appreciated that episode even more. But, hard to pick only one favorite. Secondary characters are so important and so much fun in a novel. Currently reading the Mortal Instruments and I love, love, love Simon. :)

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    1. Nice to meet you, fellow "Psych-O"! I think I've watched every episode 3-4x. Chelsea (blond girl that ambushed Henry & elderly men) was an occasional reappearing secondary character that made me lol:)

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  6. I heard the writers intentionally left holes and extra time in the script to allow James Roday time to improv most of his silliness. LOVE that show. Shame to see it end.

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    1. I did not know this fun fact! Thanks for sharing. I could totally see him just make stuff up. If I had to play opposite him, I'd never be able to keep a straight face.

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  7. I could not get into Psych. I tried. For two seasons. Finally I gave it up. (I heard it got better after I gave it up. I guess I should go back and rewatch...)

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    1. Yes, try again! I think Psych resonates with me so well because I have two boys. Psych had an amazing list of guest stars like Ralph Macchio, Ally Sheedy, Curt Smith, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald etc. Fun to see the stars from the 80's & 90's.

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  8. This is one of the shows I've really wanted to see, but I have so little time to watch TV. One day, one day! Good luck with the Challenge.

    Visiting on behalf of Untethered Realms for the A to Z Challenge. :)

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