Ep 7. Season 5, Episode 2: "Feet, Don't Kill Me Now"

Psych: James and Dule's Top 20 is a rewatch concept where the main actors in the series, James Roday and Dulé Hill, allow fans of "Psych" to revisit the series with a curated selection of episodes. The actors share personal insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and reasons why these episodes stand out amongst the many memorable moments in the show's eight-season run. In this particular retrospective episode, James and Dulé discuss Season 5, Episode 2, "Feet, Don't Kill Me Now."

In this episode of "Psych," the dynamic and often hilariously mismatched detective duo, Shawn Spencer (played by James Roday) and Burton "Gus" Guster (played by Dulé Hill) take on a case that involves dancing, a whiff of murder, and their unorthodox investigative techniques. The episode begins with a typically comedic situation where the Psych team is called in to assist the Santa Barbara Police Department with a new homicide case.

Shawn, the faux psychic detective with an almost superhuman sense of observation and deducement, and his best friend Gus, with his encyclopedic pharmaceutical knowledge and bottomless well of skepticism, find themselves in a situation that requires them to literally and figuratively step out of their comfort zone. They are faced with an investigation surrounding a victim who was deeply involved in the world of tap dancing, which serves as both a thematic backdrop to the episode and a wellspring for humor.

As Shawn and Gus delve into the victim's past to identify potential suspects and motives for the murder, they encounter a colorful assortment of characters from the tap dancing community. This brings about a perfect setup for Shawn's usual antics and Gus's more restrained, but equally comedic, reactions. Injected with a dose of personal challenge, Gus’s previously hidden talent for tap dancing comes into play, providing a surprisingly delightful development that adds to the camaraderie and light-hearted competition between the two detectives.

Throughout the investigation, viewers are treated to the clever back-and-forth banter and quick-witted repartee that has become a staple of the series. Additionally, the characteristics that help define their partnership—Shawn's improvisational skills which often lead him to important clues, contrasted with Gus's methodical approach to problems—shine through, offering a glimpse into why their unique friendship and business relationship work so splendidly against all odds.

The Santa Barbara Police Department's own detective duo, Carlton "Lassie" Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) and Juliet O'Hara (Maggie Lawson), are also involved in the case, contributing their distinctive skills and approaches to the ongoing investigation. The episode teases out the begrudging respect Lassiter holds towards Shawn's contributions, while Juliet’s more open-minded and friendly relationship with the Psych team adds a warm, supportive dynamic to the competitive sleuthing.

Further complicating matters and infusing the episode with both suspense and humor, a series of missteps and mistaken conclusions keep the audience guessing as Shawn and Gus maneuver their way through the clues and distractions that abound. The episode doesn't shy away from its staple mock psychic moments, as Shawn delivers his "visions" with dramatic flair, albeit with the usual skepticism from the police.

"Feet, Don't Kill Me Now" manages to combine a whodunit mystery with elements of slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments, and the show's characteristic wit. It explores themes like passion, competition, and the lengths to which one might go for the sake of art. The episode also dabbles in the exploration of hobbies and hidden talents, which become subplots that complement the main storyline.

Beyond the immediate humor and ongoing investigation, this episode also showcases the common thread that underlies "Psych": the importance of relationships. Whether showcased through Gus's unexpected discoveries about himself, Shawn's persistent attempts to outshine his best friend, or the secondary characters' various interactions, the show never loses sight of its emotional core.

James and Dulé's commentary on this episode from their curated Top 20 list provides additional layers of enjoyment for fans. They share anecdotes from the episode's production, dive into the development of the storyline, and perhaps discuss the dance sequences that brought humor and a different rhythm to the case-solving antics of Psych.

In "Feet, Don't Kill Me Now," fans of "Psych" receive a well-balanced mix of comedy, mystery, and character development that exemplifies the series at its best. This retrospective reflection stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Shawn and Gus's adventures and their chemistry that has made "Psych" such a fan-favorite over the years.