Posted by Dizzy Miss Lizzy
When a compulsive liar is taken into custody for murder, only Shawn believes his innocence. Lyin’ Ryan, played by Jonathan Silverman, is actually telling the truth this time. Perhaps Shawn is drawn to a kindred spirit of sorts, or maybe he just wants to show up the Santa Barbara Police Department. Either way, he drains the Psych savings to bail out Ryan and investigate the case. I’d explain more of the plot, but it’s very convoluted. For a show that takes liberties with plot on a regular basis, this episode is even less coherent than usual.
I will say that there is a pretty fun car chase. Imagine the French Connection in a little blue Echo. And every time Ryan or Shawn mentions the assassins, I really want them to say arsassins! Thanks a lot, James Roday, for getting that word stuck in my head.
But this episode. Going to be honest – not my favorite. It’s just so-so. The plot is handled loosely and the characters are weak. Jonathan Silverman gets more face time than most other guest stars. But while he lit up the screen in Caddyshack 2, here… not so much. The zaniness is for Shawn, and Shawn alone. No side character should out-eccentric the fake psychic. Every season has to have a dud. This season, it’s Truer Lies. (Luckily, even mediocre Psych episodes make me laugh.)
Favorite Pop Culture References:
– the recurring address
– the Grimace debate (“that brother was funny!”)
– yet another Keanu Reeves film reference, this time the iconic ’90s film Speed
Gus-ism of the Day: Hollaback Atchya
Spot the Pineapple: There are a bunch of pineapples in the dumpsters that Shawn and Gus hide behind after being chased into the alley. Lyin’ Ryan picks one up over his head, as if to throw at the bad guys.