Yang 3 in 2D
Encyclopedia
"Yang 3 in 2D" is the sixteenth and final episode of the fifth season
of Psych
, and the 79th episode in the series overall. It is the third and last in a trilogy, which began with "An Evening with Mr. Yang" (3.16) and continued with "Mr. Yin Presents..." (4.16). The episode originally aired on December 22, 2010. Its title pays homage to the increasing number of film sequels to be released in 3-D
.
The Yin/Yang trilogy comes to a close as Shawn and Gus race to save a woman kidnapped by Mr. Yin. Only this time, they are forced to use Mr. Yang's knowledge of Yin to solve the case by allowing her to accompany them on the investigation.
), comes into the Santa Barbara, California
police station claiming to have just escaped after being kidnapped and held by the notorious serial killer Mr. Yin. Shawn Spencer
and the police are wary to believe Allison, as several others come into the station making similar claims involving the Yin case. While being questioned by Shawn and Gus, Allison describes being shackled to a radiator by Yin and shows them a bruised wrist as proof. She takes out a photograph, claiming to have grabbed it before escaping. Shawn is shocked to see a picture of himself as a child standing next to Mr. Yang (Ally Sheedy
).
The police accompany Allison back to where she claimed she was held. However, they find the house occupied by an innocent family. Despite Juliet's concern, Shawn still believes Allison. As protection from Yin, Shawn allows her to stay at his father Henry
's house while the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the crime lab determines that it was Shawn and Yang in the picture but with a fake background, meaning the photo could have been taken anywhere.
While Allison is asleep in Shawn's old bedroom at Henry's house, Henry hears a noise outside and goes to investigate. When he finds nothing, he rushes upstairs to check on Allison but finds only a yin and yang
symbol painted onto the bed. With Allison missing and the clock ticking, Shawn turns to Yang for assistance on finding her partner, Yin. Yang agrees to help, but only if she is released from the psychiatric prison to visit the crime scene.
They all arrive back at Henry's, who has been trying to figure out where the picture was taken and even called his ex-wife Madeleine (Cybill Shepherd
) for help. Yang is thrilled to be in Shawn's old bedroom and tells him not to look for something Yin left behind this time, but to look for something he took. Shawn discovers The Smiths
record Meat Is Murder
and its opening track, "The Headmaster Ritual", which leads Shawn to Allison's college professor.
They all race down to the college to discover there has been a substitute in the class for days. They ask the dean for information on the missing Professor Karl Rotmensen, but everything on his CV turns out to be false. Rotmensen's home address is actually an empty field, where they find VHS tapes about Yin and Yang that Mary Lightly (Jimmi Simpson
) had made for Shawn before his death. In them, Mary warns that Yin will soon claim Yang as a victim because of his anger about Yang's apprehension and her newfound infamy. Meanwhile, Henry and Madeleine have tracked down their own copy of the photograph and Madeleine remembers it to be taken in front of the neighbor's house. When Henry tells Shawn, he rushes to the house with Burton "Gus" Guster
to save Allison. Upon arrival, they hear a recording of Madeleine's voice calling from inside, leading them to proceed before waiting for backup. However, the door shuts behind them and they are locked inside. As the police try to enter, Juliet O'Hara
enlists Yang's help as she once knew the house well. Yang agrees on the condition that she may take a new photo with Shawn. Yang leads Juliet in and promptly abandons her in the dark.
Shawn and Gus have found Allison only to discover she is Yin's new apprentice who has lured them into a trap. Yin (Peter Weller
) binds Shawn and Gus and begins filling a syringe with a lethal concoction. Yin intends to murder Gus in front of Shawn, and plans for something more "colorful" for Shawn afterwards. During this scene, Shawn and Gus bicker causing Yin to call them both "insufferable".
Suddenly, Yang enters calling Yin "Daddy". Shawn and Gus discover that Yin has actually committed each of the murders attributed to Yang, forcing her to assist him for years until she finally allowed Shawn to catch her. Yang had always longed for the perfect childhood she saw Shawn enjoying as a child, which Yin insists was far from ideal as the Spencers' marriage was collapsing and Henry ignored Shawn for work. Yin tells Yang that he was always there for her. Yang asks Yin if she can "come home" and resume helping him, to which he agrees, pulling her into a fatherly embrace. However, knowing he will never change, Yang injects the syringe into Yin's chest, killing him.
Meanwhile, Juliet finds Allison and attempts to take her to safety. However, Juliet becomes suspicious of Allison's contradicting lies and Allison attacks her. Juliet manages to defeat her and the SWAT team arrives.
Shawn points out to Yang that she is innocent of the murders for which she was convicted, but she admits guilt for allowing Yin to continue. As she is taken back into custody, a new photograph is taken of her and Shawn, fulfilling her agreement with Juliet.
Carlton Lassiter
and Buzz McNab
discuss the investigation at the police station, and Lassiter insists that he is unaffected. Meanwhile, Shawn and Juliet share a kiss in an interrogation room, finally safe from Yin. Lassiter walks by and witnesses this scene that he finds more horrific than the Yin/Yang investigation. Upon the realization of Shawn and Juliet's unprofessional relationship, Lassiter leaves in shock.
(who also wrote and directed "Mr. Yin Presents..."). Due to special guest star Cybill Shepherd's
schedule, "Yang 3 in 2D" was forced to be filmed before many of the preceding episodes. Guest stars Ally Sheedy
and Jimmi Simpson
also returned as their respective characters Yang and Mary. It was later announced that Mena Suvari
would make an appearance as Allison Cowley, a woman who had been kidnapped by Yin. Special guest star Peter Weller
appeared as Mr. Yin. Due to the replacement of Liam James
(Young Shawn) with Skyler Gisondo
, the photo of Yang with Shawn had to be re-edited to include Gisondo as Young Shawn, a situation Lassiter makes light of by commenting that the photo appears photo-shopped.
The episode was viewed by 2.90 million people (on the original airdate), which was down roughly 50 thousand viewers from the previous season finale ("Mr. Yin Presents...").
Psych (season 5)
The fifth season of Psych, consisting of 16 episodes, premiered on USA Network in the United States on July 14, 2010 and concluded on December 22, 2010. A DVD of the season was released on May 31, 2011. Production officially started in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 28, 2010...
of Psych
Psych
Psych is an American detective comedy-drama television series created by Steve Franks and broadcast on USA Network. It stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer, a young crime consultant for the Santa Barbara Police Department whose "heightened observational skills" and impressive detective instincts...
, and the 79th episode in the series overall. It is the third and last in a trilogy, which began with "An Evening with Mr. Yang" (3.16) and continued with "Mr. Yin Presents..." (4.16). The episode originally aired on December 22, 2010. Its title pays homage to the increasing number of film sequels to be released in 3-D
3-D film
A 3-D film or S3D film is a motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth perception...
.
The Yin/Yang trilogy comes to a close as Shawn and Gus race to save a woman kidnapped by Mr. Yin. Only this time, they are forced to use Mr. Yang's knowledge of Yin to solve the case by allowing her to accompany them on the investigation.
Plot
A young woman, Allison Cowley (Mena SuvariMena Suvari
Mena Alexandra Suvari is an American actress, fashion designer, and model. Shortly after beginning her career as a model, she appeared in guest roles on 1990's television shows such as Boy Meets World and High Incident...
), comes into the Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean...
police station claiming to have just escaped after being kidnapped and held by the notorious serial killer Mr. Yin. Shawn Spencer
Shawn Spencer
Shawn Spencer is a fictional character on the American television dramedy Psych played by American actor James Roday. Taking advantage of his eidetic memory, he poses as a psychic and works as a private detective who often consults with the Santa Barbara Police Department...
and the police are wary to believe Allison, as several others come into the station making similar claims involving the Yin case. While being questioned by Shawn and Gus, Allison describes being shackled to a radiator by Yin and shows them a bruised wrist as proof. She takes out a photograph, claiming to have grabbed it before escaping. Shawn is shocked to see a picture of himself as a child standing next to Mr. Yang (Ally Sheedy
Ally Sheedy
Alexandra Elizabeth "Ally" Sheedy is an American film and stage actress, as well as the author of two books. She is best known for her roles in the Brat Pack films The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire.-Early life:...
).
The police accompany Allison back to where she claimed she was held. However, they find the house occupied by an innocent family. Despite Juliet's concern, Shawn still believes Allison. As protection from Yin, Shawn allows her to stay at his father Henry
Henry Spencer
Henry Spencer is a Canadian computer programmer and space enthusiast. He wrote "regex", a widely-used software library for regular expressions, and co-wrote C News, a Usenet server program. He also authored The Ten Commandments for C Programmers. He is coauthor, with David Lawrence, of the book...
's house while the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the crime lab determines that it was Shawn and Yang in the picture but with a fake background, meaning the photo could have been taken anywhere.
While Allison is asleep in Shawn's old bedroom at Henry's house, Henry hears a noise outside and goes to investigate. When he finds nothing, he rushes upstairs to check on Allison but finds only a yin and yang
Yin and yang
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang , which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only...
symbol painted onto the bed. With Allison missing and the clock ticking, Shawn turns to Yang for assistance on finding her partner, Yin. Yang agrees to help, but only if she is released from the psychiatric prison to visit the crime scene.
They all arrive back at Henry's, who has been trying to figure out where the picture was taken and even called his ex-wife Madeleine (Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Lynne Shepherd is an American actress, singer and former model. Her best known roles include starring as Jacy in The Last Picture Show, as Betsy in Taxi Driver, as Madeleine Spencer in Psych, as Maddie Hayes on Moonlighting, as Cybill Sheridan on Cybill, and as Phyllis Kroll on The L...
) for help. Yang is thrilled to be in Shawn's old bedroom and tells him not to look for something Yin left behind this time, but to look for something he took. Shawn discovers The Smiths
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
record Meat Is Murder
Meat Is Murder
Meat Is Murder is the second studio album by the English alternative rock band The Smiths. It was released in February 1985 and became the band's sole number one album in the UK charts during the band's lifetime, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. It reached number 110 in the US...
and its opening track, "The Headmaster Ritual", which leads Shawn to Allison's college professor.
They all race down to the college to discover there has been a substitute in the class for days. They ask the dean for information on the missing Professor Karl Rotmensen, but everything on his CV turns out to be false. Rotmensen's home address is actually an empty field, where they find VHS tapes about Yin and Yang that Mary Lightly (Jimmi Simpson
Jimmi Simpson
James Raymond "Jimmi" Simpson is an American actor. He has had recurring roles on the television shows 24, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Psych, My Name Is Earl, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The Late Show with David Letterman...
) had made for Shawn before his death. In them, Mary warns that Yin will soon claim Yang as a victim because of his anger about Yang's apprehension and her newfound infamy. Meanwhile, Henry and Madeleine have tracked down their own copy of the photograph and Madeleine remembers it to be taken in front of the neighbor's house. When Henry tells Shawn, he rushes to the house with Burton "Gus" Guster
Burton Guster
Burton "Gus" Guster is a fictional character on the USA Network television comedy Psych played by American actor Dulé Hill. He functions as the straight man for Shawn Spencer's antics, and provides sobering advice, steady support, and friendship...
to save Allison. Upon arrival, they hear a recording of Madeleine's voice calling from inside, leading them to proceed before waiting for backup. However, the door shuts behind them and they are locked inside. As the police try to enter, Juliet O'Hara
Juliet O'Hara
Junior Detective Juliet "Jules" O'Hara is a character on the American comedy Psych played by Maggie Lawson.-Fictional biography:Juliet O'Hara first appears in the show's second episode, "Spellingg Bee", as a recently-transferred junior detective from Miami Beach where she attended the University of...
enlists Yang's help as she once knew the house well. Yang agrees on the condition that she may take a new photo with Shawn. Yang leads Juliet in and promptly abandons her in the dark.
Shawn and Gus have found Allison only to discover she is Yin's new apprentice who has lured them into a trap. Yin (Peter Weller
Peter Weller
Peter Frederick Weller is an American film and stage actor, director and lecturer.He is best known for his roles as the title character in the first two RoboCop films and Buckaroo Banzai in the cult classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension...
) binds Shawn and Gus and begins filling a syringe with a lethal concoction. Yin intends to murder Gus in front of Shawn, and plans for something more "colorful" for Shawn afterwards. During this scene, Shawn and Gus bicker causing Yin to call them both "insufferable".
Suddenly, Yang enters calling Yin "Daddy". Shawn and Gus discover that Yin has actually committed each of the murders attributed to Yang, forcing her to assist him for years until she finally allowed Shawn to catch her. Yang had always longed for the perfect childhood she saw Shawn enjoying as a child, which Yin insists was far from ideal as the Spencers' marriage was collapsing and Henry ignored Shawn for work. Yin tells Yang that he was always there for her. Yang asks Yin if she can "come home" and resume helping him, to which he agrees, pulling her into a fatherly embrace. However, knowing he will never change, Yang injects the syringe into Yin's chest, killing him.
Meanwhile, Juliet finds Allison and attempts to take her to safety. However, Juliet becomes suspicious of Allison's contradicting lies and Allison attacks her. Juliet manages to defeat her and the SWAT team arrives.
Shawn points out to Yang that she is innocent of the murders for which she was convicted, but she admits guilt for allowing Yin to continue. As she is taken back into custody, a new photograph is taken of her and Shawn, fulfilling her agreement with Juliet.
Carlton Lassiter
Carlton Lassiter
Head Detective Carlton Lassiter is a character in the American dramedy Psych played by Timothy Omundson.-Fictional biography:Carlton Lassiter is a ten-year veteran of the Santa Barbara Police Department, and the youngest Head Detective ever named to the force. He also has a Masters Degree in...
and Buzz McNab
Buzz McNab
Officer Buzz McNab is a fictional character in the American criminal dramedy television series Psych, portrayed by Canadian actor Sage Brocklebank.-Fictional biography:McNab is an officer of the Santa Barbara Police Department...
discuss the investigation at the police station, and Lassiter insists that he is unaffected. Meanwhile, Shawn and Juliet share a kiss in an interrogation room, finally safe from Yin. Lassiter walks by and witnesses this scene that he finds more horrific than the Yin/Yang investigation. Upon the realization of Shawn and Juliet's unprofessional relationship, Lassiter leaves in shock.
Production
The episode was originally called "Yin 3 in 2D," but was later changed to "Yang 3 in 2D." Mel Damski (who directed "An Evening with Mr. Yang" in 2009) returned to direct. The episode was co-written by Andy Berman (the writer of "An Evening with Mr. Yang" and "Mr. Yin Presents...") and star James RodayJames Roday
James Roday is an American actor and screenwriter. He currently stars on the USA Network series Psych as hyper-observant consultant detective and fake psychic Shawn Spencer.-Personal life:...
(who also wrote and directed "Mr. Yin Presents..."). Due to special guest star Cybill Shepherd's
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Lynne Shepherd is an American actress, singer and former model. Her best known roles include starring as Jacy in The Last Picture Show, as Betsy in Taxi Driver, as Madeleine Spencer in Psych, as Maddie Hayes on Moonlighting, as Cybill Sheridan on Cybill, and as Phyllis Kroll on The L...
schedule, "Yang 3 in 2D" was forced to be filmed before many of the preceding episodes. Guest stars Ally Sheedy
Ally Sheedy
Alexandra Elizabeth "Ally" Sheedy is an American film and stage actress, as well as the author of two books. She is best known for her roles in the Brat Pack films The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire.-Early life:...
and Jimmi Simpson
Jimmi Simpson
James Raymond "Jimmi" Simpson is an American actor. He has had recurring roles on the television shows 24, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Psych, My Name Is Earl, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The Late Show with David Letterman...
also returned as their respective characters Yang and Mary. It was later announced that Mena Suvari
Mena Suvari
Mena Alexandra Suvari is an American actress, fashion designer, and model. Shortly after beginning her career as a model, she appeared in guest roles on 1990's television shows such as Boy Meets World and High Incident...
would make an appearance as Allison Cowley, a woman who had been kidnapped by Yin. Special guest star Peter Weller
Peter Weller
Peter Frederick Weller is an American film and stage actor, director and lecturer.He is best known for his roles as the title character in the first two RoboCop films and Buckaroo Banzai in the cult classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension...
appeared as Mr. Yin. Due to the replacement of Liam James
Liam James
Liam James is a Canadian child actor. He is best known for his role as Noah Curtis in 2009 film 2012 and for portraying young Shawn Spencer on the USA Network TV series Psych....
(Young Shawn) with Skyler Gisondo
Skyler Gisondo
Skyler Gisondo is an American teen actor probably best known for his roles as Bryan Pearson on The Bill Engvall Show and Tommy Doyle in Rob Zombie's Halloween.-Awards:...
, the photo of Yang with Shawn had to be re-edited to include Gisondo as Young Shawn, a situation Lassiter makes light of by commenting that the photo appears photo-shopped.
Reception
As with the previous Yin/Yang installment, Jonah Krakow of IGN praised the episode. He said that, while the resolution was a bit of a let-down, it was overall a good way to end the fifth season. The episode received a rating of 8.5 out of 10 from the same website.| Like in the two previous season finales, I don't mind when PSYCH gets away from its unique brand of silliness, especially when they can convincingly deliver an hour of suspense and danger instead. While I felt the resolution to the story was a bit of a let-down, overall, the third chapter in the Yin/Yang story was certainly exciting and a strong way to end Season 5. |
The episode was viewed by 2.90 million people (on the original airdate), which was down roughly 50 thousand viewers from the previous season finale ("Mr. Yin Presents...").