"Psych"-ed for the return of this ridiculous comedy-mystery show

While some of my fellow bloggers were eagerly counting down the days until "Lost" or "24," I've been awaiting the return of a slightly less... er... serious show for months now. That wait is finally over. Tonight "Psych" returns with its first new episodes since a hiatus in October, and, well, pardon the pun, but I'm psyched!

I've previously extolled the virtues of funny crime shows that are popular with viewers, but this USA Network show has a special spot on my list of favorites because of its utter ridiculousness. Sure, fake psychic detective Shawn (James Roday) and reluctant sidekick Gus (Dule Hill) solve mysteries, but they do it with style -- and lots of 80s references and a rapid-fire dialogue between the two that rivals "Gilmore Girls."

In no way should this be mistaken for a crime or cop show, although the mysteries are often interesting in their own quirky, bizarre way (but usually predictable). It's first and foremost a comedy. Shawn and Gus are a great team in an era of television that has sadly lost the "buddy mystery solving duo" archetype, and their love-hate-love relationship and brightly-colored shirts are reason enough to watch. Plus, they drive a tiny blue car, and everyone knows tiny cars = hilarity!

"Psych" is testing out new waters on Wednesday nights. It premieres at 9 p.m. on USA tonight (after the State of the Union, you'll need a little levity). Don't believe me? Check out Entertainment Weekly's list of 10 reasons to love the show.

--Malavika Jagannathan, mjaganna@greenbaypressgazette.com