I can’t get enough of Slow Horses and very happy they have Series 5 already shot. Check out the Teaser from the end of Series 4. We are still waiting to get the release dating. Based on release of previous seasons, we are looking at 8-10 months. So possibly June-August of 2025.
Apple TV+ is staying with the spies of Slough House for a sixth season.
Hit Gary Oldman starrer Slow Horseshas been re-upped again upon the conclusion of Season 4 on the streaming platform. A fifth season was ordered back in January.
No word yet on Series 7 but I’d say it’s likely to happen given the slow but recent hype for the Slough House gang.
The entire month of October has somehow become Halloween, and I am not complaining. I love me some Horror movies! I’m actually currently watching The Wicker Man (1977) as I write this.
If you have cable TV with the Freeform channel, you’ll know they do a month long scary movie marathon for the Spooky Season. Tonight they played The Haunted Mansion and Beetlejuice.
And what’s a more fitting collab for Freeform 31 Nights of Halloween promo, the start of Fall and cooling temperatures? You guessed it, that classic Fall Treat: Ice Cream.
Check out these Halloween Promotional Options:
Treat or Treat™ – Boo Batter™ Ice Cream, mixed with KIT KAT®, Halloween OREO® Cookies, and M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies.
31 Nights of Monster Mash – Classic Cookie Dough Ice Cream is mixed with M&M’S® MINIS Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, Oats, and Chocolate Chips.
Promotional Halloween Cupcake: Scaredy Cakes – Rich Chocolate Cups filled with a layer of Devil’s Food Cake, Fudge & Boo Batter™ Ice Cream topped with fluffy White Frosting & Spooky Sprinkles
As part of the celebration, Cold Stone Creamery is offering fans a chance to make their Halloween even sweeter. Throughout the month of October, 20 lucky entrants will be chosen at random to win a Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Movie Night! Winners will receive a special package that includes everything needed for a cozy, ice cream-filled movie night at home – the perfect way to enjoy 31 Nights of Halloween on Freeform.
I actually heard the first business of the person who started Panera was a little soup shack in Portland, ME and was inspired by watching reruns of Seinfeld on the local NBC Affiliate at 4-5pm local time, M-F.
The George Costanza, played by Jason Alexander, “shifting into soup mode” memes have stared and are about 4-6 weeks from their peak, depending on part of the country you are in, and so Panera is getting ahead of the game with two new Fall Flavors, and one returning favorite for their soups.
Hearty Fireside Chili – This hearty chili is packed with a rich and savory blend beef, kidney beans, fire roasted tomatoes and green chili peppers, simmered in a broth flavored with a blend of chilis, and cilantro.
Rustic Baked Potato Soup – Creamy, cheesy and satisfying, this soup features the classic flavors of a baked potato. Homestyle cuts of potatoes with bacon, chives and seasoning are simmered in a creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce and topped with melty asiago cheese.
Autumn Squash Soup (Returning) – A seasonal favorite, this soup features a rich blend of butternut squash and pumpkin simmered in vegetable broth with honey, apple juice, cinnamon, and a hint of curry—finished with sweet cream and topped with roasted, salted pumpkin seeds.
Plus their classics: Broccoli Cheddar, Creamy Tomato, Homestyle Chicken Noodle, Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice and Bistro French Onion.
How many streaming services are you paying for? How much a month do they add up to?
And that likely doesn’t even include what you are paying for high-speed internet! And commercials now too! Boo! They have fully Cable-ized streaming services.
It sucks and you likely are paying for some you aren’t even using, or if you are, maybe just few times a year when a new season of a good show comes out every 1 to 2 years.
Here’s my trick to minimize the money you are giving to these ghouls.
Quick note before we get into the step by step guide: Some of these platforms/services have yearly options, and these can have discounts compared to paying by month. If you know it’s a platform you use frequently, it may be better option to go the yearly route.
Step 1: Unsubscribe from every service with a monthly fee.
Spotify. Washington Post. Netflix. HBO Max. Uber Gold. Tinder. ESPN+. Disney+. Every Patreon. Everything.
You want to start with a clean slate. Go through all of your cards/accounts/etc. and make a list of the monthly payments that are coming through for these different services. Then spend the 20 to 60 to 120 minutes going through, logging in, and unsubscribing/cancelling future payments.
Step 2: Take Notes On All The Services
From the list you made above make notes of their monthly cost (or discounts for yearly), and realistically how much you enjoy/need them. Is it a “must have”? Did you forget you even had been paying for it? Do others use your login info? etc.
Step 3: Think of how you can substitute some of these services.
Can you share logins with others? Have you been looking for motivation to start reading again? Maybe do a daily walk? Start-up that COVID hobby again that fell off?
Do you have a local library you can easily use? You can borrow not only books, but DVDs/Blu-Rays! Some will even have free streaming services you can get access to, such as Hoopla or Kanopy.
Step 4: As you need, start resubscribing to the services when you need them
Absolutely can’t make it without your nightly, 17th time through rewatch of F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Go for it girl.
Commute and need your pocasts ad-free, or just want to support them because they make 45 minutes each morning bearable? Right on. Slap that Join button on Patreon.
You’ll notice you will not immediately resubscribe to everything. But you’ll slowly build at least some of your previous subscriptions.
Step 5: As soon as you resubscribe to a service, UNSUBSCRIBE
This is a crucial step. Your subscription will last for the month, and then next month you repeat Step 4. There could be some services you subscribe to immediately, some you wait a month or two, or some you never subscribe to again!
Using this method I’ve successfully cut back my monthly subscriptions by ~75%, and I’m doing just fine (arguable, mike). Give it a try. Save some money. Touch some grass. Read some books.
Find this helpful? Consider sharing it with friends, or posting it on social media!
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Ever since the Jackson Lord Of The Rings films came out at the turn of the century, Tolkien’s world has been in the zeigiest non-stop. And with with the Rings Of Power show on Amazon coming out in 2023, the internet is buzzing with Hobbit talk, and the like. Elvish even. Check out these subreddits on reddit related to Lord of the Rings, Rings of Power, and The Hobbit.
It turns out a show with comedians on it, doing funny things, is very enjoyable.
Let me be clear, none of these series are bad. I would happily watch any of them again. And I will. However some have more contestant chemistry, or better themes, or tasks that just hit harder. Oddly even the “bad” tasks provide the laughs. I’ve probably lol’ed (legit lol) in ever episode of Taskmaster I’ve watched, including all rewatches.
Live tasks were often low points for me so I do not include any in the top tasks. One caveat for that, the Knappett Fall in Series 7 is maybe one of the funniest things I’ve see on TV.
The starred ** contestants were my favorites, but again, there is not one I “hated”.
Best Task: Work out the circumference of the caravan in baked beans. Episode 1.
Best Gag: Phil Wang bartering for each prize task. James calling him a pussy while trying to open the box. James not saying “hi” to Alex ever. The Knappett Fall.
2. Series 16
Great tasks, contestants, and contestant chemistry.
Contestants: *Julian Clary*, Lucy Beaumont, *Sam Campbell*, Sue Perkins and Susan Wokoma
Best Episode: Episode 7: I’m off to find a robin.
Best Task: Present a piece called “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. Episode 6.
Best Gag: Sue getting mad at Alex. Sam being a weird guy. The team of three is funny. Sam wearing all gray/grey outfits in every studio show.
3. Series 1
It’s only six episodes. It’s honestly surprising how good this series is, and how little the show actually changes over time. It’s a little clunky at points, but it holds up super well even 10 years later compared to the newer seasons.
Contestants: Frank Skinner, Josh Widdicombe, Roisin Conaty, Romesh Ranganathan and *Tim Key*
Best Episode: Episode 1: Melon buffet.
Best Task: In the lab, there is a watermelon. Eat as much watermelon as possible. Episode 1.
Best Gag: Tim Key getting caught cheating. Romesh getting mad at the prize tasks. Josh having to do counting tasks.
4. Series 14
Good tasks!
Contestants: Dara Ó Briain, *Fern Brady*, *John Kearns*, Munya Chawawa and Sarah Millican
Best Episode: Episode 5: Chip Biffington.
Best Task: Place one luggage trolley a certain distance away from the line. Then, starting behind the line, strike that trolley with another luggage trolley. Episode 5.
Best Gag: John having bad Prize Tasks.
5. Series 3
Only five episodes. Great tasks. It was really hard for me to choose top episode or task.
Contestants: *Al Murray*, Dave Gorman, *Paul Chowdhry*, Rob Beckett and Sara Pascoe
Best Episode: Episode 2: The dong and the gong.
Best Task: Get to the microwave in as few steps as possible and open the door before the microwave dings. Episode 1.
Best Gag: Paul’s deadpan humor and how Greg responds to it.
6. Series 4
A great season, with solid contestants. The first of the new standard of ten episodes.
Contestants: *Hugh Dennis*, Joe Lycett, Lolly Adefope, *Mel Giedroyc* and Noel Fielding
Best Episode: Episode 3: Hollowing out a baguette.
Best Task: Make a trailer for Taskmaster The Movie. Team task. Episode 3.
Best Gag: Hugh Dennis coming in last for the Prize task 6 out of the 8 episodes.
7. Series 8
This one grew on me more as I watched a second time while listening to the official podcast.
Contestants: Iain Stirling, Joe Thomas, *Lou Sanders*, Paul Sinha and Sian Gibson
Best Episode: Episode 3: Stuck in a mammal groove.
Best Task: Alex is on that bridge in the distance with lights on his head. Get as close as you can to Alex without him noticing you. Episode 1.
Best Gag: Alex asking Paul Sinha questions about history. Ian and Lou being confrontational on team tasks.
8. Series 11
Also a Covid Pandemic Series, and I think it hurts the tasks in this one, which is understandable.
Contestants: Charlotte Ritchie, Jamali Maddix, Lee Mack, *Mike Wozniak* and *Sarah Kendall*.
Best Episode: Episode 5: Slap and tong.
Best Task: Build a tower, then topple your tower so that yogurt lands in a numbered square. Episode 9.
Best Gag: Jamali getting irritated with Alex (and others) a lot.
9. Series 2
Only five episodes.
Contestants: Doc Brown, *Joe Wilkinson*, Jon Richardson, *Katherine Ryan* and Richard Osman
Best Episode: Episode 5: There’s strength in arches.
Best Task: Get this potato into the golf hole. You may not touch the red green. Episode 1.
Best Gag: Jon Richardson being embarrassed constantly.
10. Series 17
This is the first one I watched without bingeing, and I think that honestly hurt my viewing experience some. Great contestants and I had fun watching.
Contestants: Joanne McNally, John Robins, *Nick Mohammed*, *Sophie Willan*, and Steve Pemberton
Best Episode: Episode 8: The umbrella wink.
Best Task: Hoopla Gary before he crosses the finish line. Episode 1.
Best Gag: It was kind of annoying at first but Nick being dressed like Dracula.
11. Series 12
Another (and the last) Covid Pandemic series. Good tasks! They figured out the Covid Tasks.
Contestants: Alan Davies, Desiree Burch, *Guz Khan*, *Morgana Robinson* and Victoria Coren Mitchell
Best Episode: Episode 3: The end of the franchise.
Best Task: Write and perform a 30-second jingle. Episode 7.
Best Gag: Victoria being teased for being a nerd.
12. Series 9
It starts off a little slow, but increasingly gets better as the series goes on. The contestants have better chemistry at the end.
Contestants: David Baddiel, Ed Gamble, Jo Brand, *Katy Wix* and *Rose Matafeo*
Best Episode: Episode 6: Bready bready bready.
Best Task: Serenade yourself. Episode 6.
Best Gag:
13. Series 5
Contestants: *Aisling Bea*, Bob Mortimer, Mark Watson, *Nish Kumar* and Sally Phillips
Best Episode: Episode 5: A wind-dried puffin.
Best Task: Generate a watercooler moment involving this watercooler. Episode 5.
Best Gag: Mark Watson sending texts to Greg everyday for 5 months.
14. Series 15
Contestants: Frankie Boyle, Ivo Graham, Jenny Eclair, *Kiell Smith-Bynoe* and Mae Martin
Best Episode: Episode 6: It’s my milk now.
Best Task: Invent an imaginary companion, then complete a domestic task with your imaginary companion. Episode 6.
Best Gag: Kiell and Alex going at it. lol
15. Series 10
First Covid Pandemic series. I think it starts mid-filming tasks. Doesn’t affect it too much.
Contestants: *Daisy May Cooper*, Johnny Vegas, Katherine Parkinson, Mawaan Rizwan and Richard Herring
Best Episode: Episode 1: God’s haemorrhoid.
Best Task: Silently, make the tastiest and prettiest cocktail with the coolest name. Episode 6.
Best Gag: Katherine Parkinson saying “we” all the time and Alex correcting her.
16. Series 13
Good tasks and first post-Covid Pandemic series.
Contestants: *Ardal O’Hanlon*, Bridget Christie, Chris Ramsey, *Judi Love* and Sophie Duker
Best Episode: Episode 3: I think I’ve got this.
Best Task: Display the shoe Alex is thinking of. All the other shoes must be out of sight at the end of the attempt. Episode 4.
Best Gag: Judi getting Alex to do a bunch of stuff for him. Sophie being annoyed by Alex, and talking about death all the time. Judi never winning.
17. Series 6
Some good moments but overall one of the weaker series :(. Sorry :(.
Contestants: Alice Levine, Asim Chaudhry, Liza Tarbuck, Russell Howard and Tim Vine
Best Episode: Episode 10: He was a different man.
Best Task: Do something manly with this cardboard box. Episode 4.
I recently made a list of things I want and at the top of the list was “to visit London”. The last few years I have, like much of America, have been steeped in British Media. The Great British Bake Off is probably the most popular, but there is Peep Show, Taskmaster, the growing hate of the Monarch, and so on.
This year has been British heavy for me, even compared to other years. Here is what I have been watching and listening to.
Taskmaster [TV Show/Podcast]
Between November and February of last year I watched all (at the time) episodes of Taskmaster. I almost immediately started a rewatch, this time doing a ranking of the season (coming soon!). It’s truly a silly and pointless show, but it is legit one of the funniest things I’ve watched in the last decade. And you know what’s great, you can watch it all for free on Youtube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster
Oh! And they have an official Taskmaster Podcast, hosted by one of the former contestants, Ed Gamble. I’ve only recently just started listening, but I have a feeling I’ll be listening to it frequently in the near future. https://www.taskmaster.tv/podcast
Trying [TV Show]
I have no longing for having kids, but I do think an accidental pregnancy would fix me. Trying is about a couple desperate to have a child, and struggling to do so. It starts off with fucking on a bus, but the last episode I watched, I think the couple was in like 3 scenes together. It’s a fun enough show, and I like all the shoots that take place in actual London, but I’m finding series 4 a slog. I think couples would have a fun time watching this though.
Slow Horses [TV Show]
Slow Horses is an Action/Drama about British spies (MI5) mostly spying on themselves. The cast is great, and works so well together. Topped off with Gary Oldman as the alcoholic, cynical, old man yelling at clouds. He’s great.
It’s a quick 18 episodes over 3 seasons.
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster [Podcast]
Sometimes you just need to hear two to three British people talking for an hour or so. They have a good mix of British guests (Paul Hollywood, Jamie Oliver) and American guests (Jason Mantzoukas and Paul Rudd). It’s fun to hear the slight and sometimes significant differences in the two cultures as well. Why isn’t curry a bigger part of my life?? (Oh because America didn’t colonize India probably, huh?)
I want Kevin McCloud to follow me around my day to day life and critique every decision I make. I would be 100x the person I am now if he did. It’s not quite Taskmaster Easy to watch, but it’s pretty easy. Some seasons are at times available on Netflix and Amazon Prime. You can watch a 24/7 channel of Grand Designs on Amazon’s Freevee. AND you can also find on Youtube a lot through non-sanctioned channels. Try this: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=grand+designs
If you love houses, you’ll love this show.
Would I Lie To You [TV Show]
The British are really onto something here: another show where all, or at least a good chunk, are available for free on Youtube. I think all TV Shows should do this.
Would I Lie To You is a short and sweet celebrity panel show that’s low stakes and fun. Look at those three blokes, what’s not to love. Give it a watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@WILTY_TV
What am I missing? Please tell me the good British shows to watch. I can’t get enough.
I loved British TV ever since I was able to start watching it due to streaming around 2010. Luther, Skins, Top Gear, and Peep Show were some of my early favorites. The amount of shows available, although across a significant number of streaming services, has only grown in the last decade plus. Check out these shows from the Live Channels on Freevee. At this very moment of me writing this, and probably you reading it, I am watching Grand Designs. Can’t get enough of Kevin and his house takes.
About: In the last 3 months no human on earth has watched more Grand Designs than I. My Guinness World Record award is currently pending. I can’t get enough of this show: the genius and the hubris of these people that decide to “build their own homes”. I loathe some of them, but often I find the perseverance of them inspiring. Also there is Kevin, who holds back no punches on their lack of qualifications and often times insanity. I original got hooked on this show during first few months of Covid Pandemic, but that love has never gone away, and now you can watch 24/7 on Freevee.
About: Do I hate cars? Yes. Do I find one of the hosts of this show on par with Piers Morgan for British Unlikability? Yes. Do I love to see the stupid cars go vroom vroom? Also Yes. Duality of man. I contain multitudes. Etc. Some of the episodes are pretty meh, but often they are pretty fun.
About: The whole BBC gang showed up. We got Home and Garden. We got Scifi. We got Comedy. We got Travel. We got Earth. Imagine if the United States’ Public Broadcasting Service was as well funded as the BBC. These could all be PBS channels. A Ken Burns PBS Channel??? The dream.
About: If you thought American Antiques Road Show was pretentious, you ain’t seen nothing yet sister. I actually didn’t know the American Antiques Road Show (PBS!) was based on a British version! Well anyways, the British version is fun because 1) the accents, obviously and 2) the UK is just so much older than the US, and I think old things are just neat.
I love me some British TV. I’ve recently been on a Taskmaster and Grand Designs binge. But also enjoy some of their Crime/Drama/Thriller shows. Tubi has quite a few of the best. Check out the list of Best British Shows To Stream On Tubi below! Want to jump directly to the British Crime TV listings? https://tubitv.com/category/british_crime_tv
About: Arrest me, Scully, I’ve been a bad, murdering boy. (Come on, Mike. get it together.). The Fall is a great serial killer thriller. Series 3 is a bit of a snooze but first two are nail-biters.
About: A detective that fully engulfs himself into his work because he’s flawed and ultimately unhappy with his life and himself? You got it. When I first got Netflix steaming in around 2009, I recall this being one of my first introductions to British TV.
About: Two detectives that fully engulf themselves into their work because….you get it. This shows has some truly upsetting plot lines but it’s the best I’ve ever seen David Tennant, and Olivia Colman has been doing the work (well) for decades. Probably my favorite from this list.
About: For how much I hate cars, it’s puzzling why I enjoy this show so much. Not to mention how much I loathe Jeremy Clarkson. But before they went full non-sense and military propaganda, there was some great TV in there.
I started watching Taskmaster (UK) around Thanksgiving last year and now, about 5 months later, I essentially haven’t stopped. I’m on rewatch two. I love it so much I’m working on a ranking of the series for this site, as I do my rewatch.
Each episode starts with the prize task. Some of them are stolen pants, or subscriptions to cloud picture emails, or it turns out, some things you can actually buy online. Below is a list of the Taskmaster Prize Tasks that you can actually buy. Some of them quite cheap!
(these links are affiliate links where I will make pennies if you purchase something from amazon.com)
The Spinning Nose Elephant On A Bike – Bob Mortimer – S5E6
One of the silliest (and surprisingly cheap) little prize task prizes, is this little elephant on a bike where the top spins as the wheels turn. Bob Mortimer uses this prize twice, once with broccoli on it, and another where it’s a lil’ sausage. Both very funny (and cute!). Oddly this was a “best thing you’ve made yourself” task, which this is clearly not. ha. You can actually buy this for fairly cheap! $16 at the time of writing this: https://amzn.to/3vaHi1m
This is one of those clips that you truly hope is sincere, and it feels like it actually is. A fucking laminator lol. The reactions are great. I guess the category of “most magnificent stationary” makes it make some sense. Buy a similar lamintor here: https://amzn.to/490JDtw
50 Ways To See Through People [Book] – Lou Sanders – S8E6
Okay this one is actually less buy-able. It’s only used and *very* expensive. Still a pretty fun/stupid prize for the task of “The best see-thru thing”. See the options to buy used: https://amzn.to/43hdDAe
Cute Cat Toy With Eyes That Pop – Hugh Dennis – S4E5
In this series Hug Dennis’s prize tasks were hilariously bad and 6 out of 8 times came in last place. Good gag. In this episode for “the Cutest Thing” thing he brought in this cat with eyes that bulge out. I think Greg was a little harsh on him, but still funny. Buy a version here! https://amzn.to/3v5ZWaJ
You should really watch this clip below. The story of Phil haggling for the prize (a gag he did in every episode which was very funny), and then James Acaster’s outburst with Greg taking him aside. All very funny. The category was “the most confusing thing”. Buy similar boxes here: https://amzn.to/3ICDk4B
This is also from the “bring in the cutest thing” category that was also above. I think this is actually legitimately cute, but Greg was a little rascal about it. It’s Three Peas In A Pod! https://amzn.to/3PozJLf
Gotta watch your stories. I get it. I’m watching one of my stories right now. Need help with your LG Magic Remote that came when you purchased your LG TV? See below!
Battery
Installing The Batteries
*Please read this manual carefully.
*Press the top of the battery cover, slide it back, and lift the cover as shown below.
*To replace batteries, open the battery cover, replace alkaline batteries (1.5 V, AA) matching and ends to the label inside the compartment, and close the battery cover. Be sure to point the remote control at the remote control sensor on the TV.
*To remove the batteries, perform the installation actions in reverse. Don’t mix old or used batteries with new ones. Close the cover securely.
*Open the battery cover to find the label.
Battery Precautions
*After replacement of the batteries, pair the remote control and use it in accordance with user manual.
*If the unit does not operate after replacement of batteries, reattempt pairing in accordance with the user manual.
*If the remote controller is not being used for prolonged period of time, remove the batteries from the unit.
*Do not dismantle or expose the batteries to heat.
*Do not drop or exert extreme impact on the batteries. This may cause the case to be damaged.
*Do not immerse the batteries in water.
*There is danger of explosion if batteries are inserted incorrectly.
*Properly dispose of used batteries.
*Failure to match the correct polarities of the battery may cause the battery to burst or leak, resulting in fire, personal injury, or ambient pollution.
How To Use
How to register (pair) or deregister (unpair)
To use the Magic Remote, first pair it with your TV.
*Put batteries into the Magic Remote and turn the TV on.
*Point the Magic Remote at your TV and press the Wheel (OK) on the remote control. *If the TV fails to register the Magic Remote, try again after turning the TV off and back on.
How to deregister (unpair) the Magic Remote
1. Press and hold the (HOME) and BACK buttons at the same time for five seconds, to unpair the Magic Remote with your TV.
2. Pressing and holding the GUIDE button will let you cancel and re-register Magic Remote at once.
*Shake the Magic Remote slightly to the right and left or press (HOME), (INPUT), or (Q. Settings) buttons to make the pointer appear on the screen. (In some TV models, the pointer will appear when you turn the Wheel (OK) button.)
*If the pointer has not been used for a certain period of time or Magic Remote is placed on a flat surface, then the pointer will disappear.
*If the pointer is not responding smoothly, you can reset the pointer by moving it to the edge of the screen.
*The Magic Remote depletes batteries faster than a normal remote due to the additional features.
As I admitted in my recent post about my most rewatched TV Shows, I said that Psych is my second most watched TV Show. I love that silly trash.
About a dozen years ago or so I had started a site called thenamesofburtonguster.com and cataloged all of the nicknames that Burton Guster is called in the show. I still have the domain, but didn’t keep up with managing the site. I was able to recover most of it from the Internet Archive, and you can see that in these links! See a few of my favorites below.
“Oh, you might not want to do that. Doctor Guster just inseminated an Appaloosa. All the way up to the elbow.” – Shawn, 3:00
Fingers
“You’re 36 months into a subscription for Modern Safe Cracker Magazine, what’s the point?” – Shawn, “I’m an amateur, Shawn.” – Gus, “Well, It’s time to go pro, Fingers.” -Shawn, “Fingers?” – Gus, “Twist it up.” – Shawn, 29:45
S03E03, “Daredevils!”:
Die-Harder
“Actually, I’m Die-Hard. He’s Die-Harder. We have two other guys in our crew, but they aren’t nearly as good as us.” – Shawn, 9:10
“Yo, El Diablo! What’s up, man? [I’m] Shawn Spencer, this is my partner, Squirts Macintosh. Just have a couple sort of serious questions for you.” – Shawn, 15:10
S04E09, “Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark”:
Donut Holestein
“My name is Shawn Spencer, this is my associate Donut Holestein.” – Shawn, 11:00
Twenty Twenty-Three (2023). What a year. We made it, gang.
I’m bad at “Best” lists. Too dumb. But I do get “obsessed” with things and will spend a night watching a Youtuber’s backlog, or binging a TV show until 3am, or actually read a twice a week newsletter, or finish a 1,000 piece puzzle in 4 hours.
Here are those obsessions. Join me in enjoying these.
About: Currently one of my main resources for better understanding the politics and media of today. They do live shows that last 2-3 hours Monday through Friday, and then also share shorter clips from the show on Youtube. Watch them roast Tim Pool, walk through a recent Google Antitrust case, and laugh at the ever laughable: Ron DeSantis.
About: Kendra’s videos are a very recent find, and I’ve nearly watched all of her videos already. Soothing voice, good jokes, and I love to learn about the built environments we live in (towns and homes). Check out her video on the 151 Architectural Digest videos she watched.
About: I love the weather. Ryan’s videos got me into the world of Amateur Meteorologists on Youtube. (See my list here!: 6 Amateur Meteorologists To Follow On Youtube). Weekly weather updates, live streams during severe weather, and more!
About: Want to laugh while you are crying and in a state of existential dread while thinking about earth’s climate? Climate Town is the place for you. Parking. Dress Like Sexy Idiots. Food Waste.
About: City Nerd visits cities and reviews how you move through them. And also does lists of cities based on how livable, walkable, affordable, etc. they are. Check them out!
About: I love seeing little tiny homes, “hippies” building sustainable homes, and the like. More people should live these ways.
Podcasts
[Tech] Tech Won’t Save Us
About: Want a look into the Tech industry from people with actual souls? Start listening to Tech Won’t Save Us today! https://www.techwontsave.us
[Horror Movies] With Gourley and Rust
About: I can listen to Matt Gourley and Paul Rust talk about anything for 60 to 180 minutes, but I’m glad they decided on Thriller/Horror movies that are typically “cozy”. It has helped me get into these movies more, which has been fun to listen along when I have easy access to one of the films via streaming. https://shows.acast.com/with-gourley-and-rust
[Climate] Climate Denier’s Handbook
About: What lies do Climate Deniers use to push their bullshit, and how can we counteract those points? Climate Denier’s Handbook is here to help. Listen on Youtube or find links to your podcast player of choice: https://www.youtube.com/@DeniersPlaybook
About: Oliver’s photo based art is some of the most interesting and accessible art I’ve come across the last few years. He does sales every month or two (or three?) through his own website, doing 1 of 1 prints, starting as low as $200. I was lucky enough to get one a couple of years ago, and check out his new work each time he emails the new link/password. Follow him on Bluesky to get on the list. https://bsky.app/profile/bakoon.bsky.social
[Painting] Kelly Einbinder (@keinbinder)
About: Kelly is an Instagram friend whose art I am in awe of every time she shares anything new. It has it all: animals, chaos, violence, dreams, and color. Follow them on Instagram and consider supporting their work. https://www.instagram.com/keinbinder
[Painting] Andrew Pope (@andrewppope)
About: Another long-time Twitter/Instagram friend who looks to have been spending quite a bit of time in the studio this year. I can’t wear my T-shirt based on one of his paintings out of the house without getting a compliment on it. Give him a follow on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/andrewppope
[Knitting] Kendall Ross (@id.knit.that)
About: As I get more and more into textile based art, I’m finding new gems constantly. Kendall Ross’s knitted sweaters with poems (for lack of better term) on them, are colorful and fun. Also parrot some of my own insecurities about my own art. Follow on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/id.knit.that
As a newish (15 months) resident of Chicago, I decided I should start becoming part of the city and part of that is more than just taking shots of Malort. Block Club Chicago has been vital for staying up to date with things such as elections, migrants being bussed in from Texas, and openings and closings of resturants/cafes in my neighborhood. https://blockclubchicago.org/
[Social Media] Bluesky
Bluesky has been a good replacement for Twitter, although I had a good 4 months between quitting Twitter for good, and getting in to Bluesky, and using neither was a much better existence. Why then am I on Bluesky? Leave me alone. https://bsky.app/profile/mikeeschmee.com
[Sports] ESPN Chicago Cubs Page
I decided to get into the Cubs a third of the way through last season, and when I couldn’t catch an illegal stream, or get myself over to the stadium for a cheap ticket, I’d watch the play by play stream on the ESPN website. https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubs
Movies and Films
[Disaster Porn] The Day After Tomorrow
Anyone else that works from home put on movies they have seen fifty (50) times on while they work? This is one for me. Maybe my most rewatched Disaster Porn movie.
[Political/Newsroom/Lawyer Thrillers] All The President’s Men/Three Days of The Condor/The Firm
Making copies. Making phone calls. Figuring out why people also in the CIA want to kill you. Movies! I couldn’t get enough of these three films this year. Probably watched each at least 3x each. With leads like Dustin Hoffman, Paul Newman, and Tom Cruise, it was hard not to, hubba hubba.
Bonus: The Ring, Arrival
Television (My Stories)
[Star Wars] Andor
The best Star Wars TV Show, based on a character from the best Star Wars Movie. Andor follows Cassian Andor as he is thrust into the early Rebellion. It includes a group of rag-tag weirdos, all very well cast. They infiltrate and sabotage against the forming/growing Empire. If only there was a modern day need/allegory for what happens in the show. The prison episode is especially good. Watch on Disney+.
[Irreverent] How To With John Wilson
Inexplicably the show that confronts what it means to be a human (especially in the Unite States/New York City) better than maybe any show ever. Please watch it on HBO Max/MAX.
[British] TaskMaster
The Brits: is there anything they can’t say that you have to rewind and turn up the volume to understand what the fuck they are saying? Taskmaster is a very fun comedian/game show, with 15+ series at this point, a lot of them free on Youtube (access to them in Plex with no commercials and the swears, is more ideal however). https://www.youtube.com/taskmaster
[Dad Show] Bosch
The ultimate Copaganda. Cop who kills a lot of people: good. The “real bad cops” are caught by the good cop who is still killing a lot of people. Etc. You get it. You gotta love the “L.A. is a character in the show” aspect though. My one complaint: Bosch doesn’t fuck enough. On Amazon Prime.
Bonus: Joe Pera, Mad Men,
Puzzles/Games
[Crossword] Daily Mini, The New York Times
What’s better than a crossword when you are dumb? A small crossword that is easy. A fun way to spend a minute on the toilet each morning as I try to beat my 17 second record. https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini
I have done this puzzle about 6 times this year. I can do in roughly 4 hours (while watching TV shows and drinking). It’s a rare puzzle where I do not do the edge first because at this point I know where almost any piece I see (other than some of those white/tan ones) more or less exactly they go.
This has become the game of choice for my family when it’s game time. With it’s few and simple rules, it makes it easy for my ADHD/bad memory/aging family.
“Can I help you boys” – Gun Range Man, “Well, I certainly hope so. My name is Shawnaise. This is my partner, Gurn Blandsten.” – Shawn, “Strol.” – Gern, “We are entrepreneurs from Seattle. We opened the firt blow-dart party pound-up in Tukwila, so clearly we know what we’re doing. We’d like to open one of these, up there.” -Shawn, “A gun range?” – Gun Range Man, “That’s right, but for kids. We’d like the same deal; offensive stereotype logo, whole shebang. May we speak with the owner, Jerry?” – Shawn, 10:00
Satchel Gizmo
“What the hell voice is that?” -Shawn, “That’s my delivery man, Satchel…Satchel Gizmo. He’s likeable, so everyone let’s him into places.” – S. Gizmo, “He’s indecipherable and constipated.” – Half Bearded Shawn, “That’s a part of his charm.” – S. Gizmo, “His charm is that he’s all stopped up?” – Shawn, “He’s been married nine times.” – S. Gizmo, “How much backstory did you come up with for this guy?” – Shawn, 16:00
S07E02, “Juliet Takes a Luvah”:
Immaculate Conception
“Who are these guys?” – Ken, “Shawn Spencer, psychic detective. This is my partner, Immaculate Conception. We are both not married. Although he has a new girlfriend and my girlfriend is currently seeing other people, but strictly for professional reasons. She’s a pro. ” – Shawn, 30:00
S07E03, “Lassie Jerky” (Pic):
Pootie Tang
Nutella
Gopher
S07E04, “No Country for Two Old Men”:
None?
S07E05, “100 Clues” (Pic):
Domo Arigato
S07E06, “Cirque du Soul”:
None?
S07E07, “Deeez Nups”:
None?
S07E08, “Right Turn or Left for Dead”:
Johannes Gustafsson
S07E09, “Juliet Wears the Pantsuit”:
None?
S07E010, “The Santabarbarian Candidate”:
Bill Of-Rights
S07E11, “Office Space”:
None?
S07E11, “Dead Air” (Pic):
Vijay Armitraj
A Player Named Gus
Django Unchained
Burton Goutster
S07E13, “Nip and Suck It”:
Mr. Nessbaum(?)
Darrell
S07E13, “No Trout About It”:
S07E15/16, “Psych: The Musical” :
Lil’ Wayne
“Hello my name is Shawn Spencer, this is my partner Lil’ Wayne.” – Shawn, 15:00
S06E04, “The Amazing Psych-Man & Tap Man, Issue #2”:
Tap Man
Watson Williams
Benedict Arnold Jackson
S06E05, “Dead Man’s Curve Ball”:
Seabird
S06E06, “Shawn, Interrupted”:
SUGGS
S06E07, “In for a Penny…”:
Bob Jones
Engle Woods
S06E08, “The Tao of Gus”:
S06E09, “Neil Simon’s Lover’s Retreat”:
S06E10, “Indiana Shawn and the Temple of the Kinda Crappy, Rusty Old Dagger”:
Brutal Hustler
Brute
Barton
Braxton
Lao Che
S06E11, “Heeeeere’s Lassie”:
Fellatio del Toro
Eddie Adams from Torrance
S06E12, “Shawn and the Real Girl”:
Larenz Tate
Burton Gooster
Huxtable
Bud
The Jackal
S06E13, “Let’s Doo-Wop It Again”:
S06E14, “Autopsy Turvy”:
S06E15, “True Grits”:
Hammerin’ Gus
“You just loogied on my shoe.” – Shawn, “I’m creating a character. Hammerin’ Gus.” – Gus, “He’s disgusting.” – Shawn “He’s misunderstood.” – Gus, “What does that mean?” – Shawn, “He’s been through a lot, Shawn. ” Gus, 21:30
S06E16, “Santabarbaratown”:
Sh’Dynasty
“Excuse me, who are you?” – Lawyer, “Shawn Spencer. That is my partner, Sh’Dynasty. It is spelled S-H–comma to the top–Dynasty.” – Shawn, “Comma to the top?” – Jordon Beaumont, “That’s gods comma.” – Gus, “And I am a badass psychic detective, Jack Fon Swoo.” – Shawn, 8:30
Candyman
“Excuse me, do you mind if I have some of this candy?” – Gus, “Of course, dear.” – Bea, “Thank you.” – Gus, “You have a problem, Candyman.” – Shawn, “I make the world taste good.” – Gus, 15:00
“Mr. Chiang, I’m the resident psychic here. My name is Shawn Spencer, this is my partner Johnathan Jacob Jingly Smith” – Shawn, “You’re saying his name is John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt?” – Mr. Chiang, “That’s correct, sir. We used to share the name. I changed mine because of all the people shouting, when I went out.” – Shawn, 4:45
“Well, last night I witnessed aliens abduct a fellow coworker…And I can prove it, thanks to the fine investigative work being down by psychic detectives Shawn Spencer and… Gurton Buster” – Shawn, 16:30
S05E04, “Chivalry Is Not Dead… But Someone Is”:
Chaz Bono
“Ah, there must be some sort of mistake, we’re not students. I’m psychic detective Shawn Spencer, this is my partner, Chaz Bono.” – Shawn, 7:45
“I’m Shawn, this is my associate M.C. Clap Yo Handz.” – Shawn, 10:40
Road Rash
“Look, these dudes are a tribe, alright? They’re very close-kit, which is why Road Rash and I will be hanging out with them tonight.” -Shawn, 23:30
Mellow Rush
“Mellow Rush” – Burton Guster, 23:30
Crankshaft
“That sounds like a crappy energy drink that gives you tongue hives. How about Crankshaft?” – Shawn, 24:30
Ms. Whiddleberry
“Okay, fine. Ms. Whiddleberry it is.” – Shawn, 24:00
“No, it’s just the opposite Whiddleberry.” – Tommy Nix, 25:50
“And Mrs. Whiddleberry, nothing personal.” – Tommy Nix, 40:45
G-Force
“Done. You ready to go, G-Force?” – Shawn, 24:10
Sher Black Lock
“All right, Sher Black Lock, if it wasn’t Gina, who was it?” – Shawn, 32:50
S05E06, “Viagra Falls”:
Slick Fingers
“You just proved my point, Slick Fingers.” – Boone, 7:30
Imhotep
He Cometh In Peace
“Hello, ma’am. My name is Shawn Spencer, this is my partner, Imhotep, or He Cometh In Peace. Go ahead, show her your ‘Cometh In Peace’ face.” – Shawn, 10:00
Lawanda Page
“Well, the palm reader and that guy who looks like a young Lawanda Page decided to join us.” – Peters, “Lawanda Page, from Sanford and Son?” – Gus, “You’re damn right. You let that hair grow out and you’d look just like her.” – Boone, “You do have a little Lawanda in the eyes, Gus.” – Shawn, 11:15
“Only 45 minutes until the search, Floyd.” – Shawn (mocking old man Peters), “Good thing, Don. Early bird special just around the corner at Coco’s.” – Gus (mocking old man Boone), 13:00
“The good news is I got plenty of time to change into my club clothes, Floyd.” – Shawn (mocking old man Peters), “You don’t have club clothes, Don.” – Gus (mocking old man Boone), “Exactly.” – Shawn (still mocking old man Peters), 22:00
Control-Alt-Delete
“Hello there, my name is Shawn Spencer. I’m a psychic detective. This is my partner Control-Alt-Delete. The gentlemen on the flank are us in 30 years.” Shawn, 32:50
Gootsy
“See, I was talking to Peters and Boone. You guys should just stayed fired.” – Chief Vick, “Nah, Sis, without Rick and Gootsy here, Floyd and I’d still be in the park playing checkers.” – Peters, “Yeah, they were the kick in the pants we needed.” – Boone, 39:00
S05E07, “Ferry Tale”:
The Guster
“Heeeey, The Guster” – Dan Carter, 1:50
Black Al Gore
“Before you go Black Al Gore on me, you should know that your sea sickness patch fell off” – Shawn, 2:30
“Why would you consult Lassie?” – Gus “Because unlike you and Jules, he’s not smitten with this guy.” -Shawn, “I’m not smitten.” – Gus, “You’re Jimmy Smitten” – Shawn, 26:30
S05E09, “One, Maybe Two, Ways Out”:
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
“No, Gus, this is our chance to Bourne it up. I’m Matt Damon, you’re Adewale Akinnuoy-Ag..Bjnan.” – Shawn, 30:00
“Something is off with this place, Shawn. People keep looking at me like I’m the first black man they’ve seen.” – Gus, “Come on, Gus. Don’t be absurd.” – Shawn, “Hey mister, are you Frederick Douglass?” – Little girl on bike, “Shawn, we need to get out of here.” – Gus, 2:00
Lodge Blackman
“Mr. and Mrs. Barker, I have a confession to make. I’m not just a cinnamon enthusiast. I’m also a Psychic Detective and this is my partner, Lodge Blackman.” – Shawn, 5:30
“We took a walk in the forest, and she told me she wanted to leave Dual Spires. And I said that was a mistake. And then, Jet Blackness.” – Jack Smith, “What does that mean?” – Gus, “It would be a great porn name for you.” – Shawn
S05E13, “We’d Like to Thank the Academy”:
(The) Black Goose
“Why can’t I be the Goose…Stop hypothetically typecasting me, Shawn…I want to be the Black Goose.” – Burton Guster, 16:20
Sundown
“Sundown, we’re in.” – Shawn, “The Goose, Shawn, the Black Goose.” – Burton Guster, 18:15
Mission Figs
“I’m Officer Shawn Spencer, this is my partner Mission Figs. We’re here to ask the tough questions.” – Shawn, 27:15
S05E14, “The Polarizing Express”:
Brown Snowman Gus
“Who am I talking to? Oh, Brown Snowman Gus, I think I’ll miss you most of all.” – Shawn, 22:30
Keith Sweat
“Pfft, Gus, don’t be Keith Sweat now. I’m sharp as a tack.” -Shawn, 30:00
“Hello, I’m Shawn Spencer, this is my partner Radio Star. I’m afraid your video will kill him.” – Shawn, 3:40
Gusjay Gupta
“I have an expert witness…I present Gusjay Gupta, ” – Shawn, 25:20
Original G-String
Crowd Pleazah
“Well, the goal is to get buzzed in, right? So I’ve been known to use the pizza delivery routine. Gus has had much more success with the stripper-grams. His stage name is Original G-String, aka Crowd Pleazah. You’re up, String. Do your thing.” – Shawn, 30:45
Stoney Jackson
“Now, Lauren, please remember, if anyone ever makes a movie out of your documentary, I would like to be played by Cillian Murphy because it’s unexpected. It’s odd. People will talk. Obviously, Stoney Jackson will play Gus. Fyvush Finkel will play my father. Now he’s probably gonna want to do a lisp, but…that actually feels right to me.” – Shawn, 34:45
“Dude, I know you’ve seen Entrapment at least 26 times. You have to do this. You’re twice as limber as C. Zeta-Jones.” -Shawn Spencer, “Uh-uh, Shawn. Not happening.” – Gus, “Gus, we don’t have a lot of options here. It’s not like we can turn back. Look it’s three lasers. Plus, they’re Canadian lasers. I’m gonna guide you through this….Usain Bolt.” – Shawn, 32:30
S04E02, “He Dead”:
Jazz Hands
“My name is Shawn Spencer. This is my associate Jazz Hands.” – Shawn, 26:20
S04E03, “High Noon-ish”:
Winston Zeddemore
“We’ve been looking for over an hour, Shawn. I need a break.” -Gus, “There’s got to be a logical explanation for where that horse and rider disappeared to.” – Shawn, “I’ve got one for you. The next dimension.” – Gus, “Really, Winston Zeddmore? That’s what you believe, huh?” – Shawn, “I haven’t slept in two days, Shawn. I don’t know what I believe.” -Gus
S04E04, “The Devil’s in the Details… and the Upstairs Bedroom”:
Shawn
“Hello, Mrs. Ryan. My name is Shawn, This is Shawn–no relation–we’re grief counselors from the school.” – Shawn, 16:50
S04E05, “Shawn Gets the Yips”:
S04E06, “Bollywood Homicide”:
Greg
“That’s uh…Shawn and…um…Greg, and they helped me out with a problem earlier and I owe them.” – Raj, 17:00
S04E07, “High Top Fade-Out”:
B
“Whoa, Whoa, Gus. You’re listed as a recipient here. Do you remember getting this email?” -Shawn, “Yeah, I got it, and I immediately proceeded to place it in the trash bin.” – Gus, “Pssh, that’s cold, B.” – Tony (played by Jaleel White), 9:00
Detective Miles
“Well, I’m Shawn Spencer, this dead body here is Detective Miles.” – Shawn, 14:15
Gus Brown
“Let me take the lead on this one, Shawn. You’re way out of your element here.” – Gus, “Make it quick, gentlemen.” – Lenard’s Boss, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, sir. My name is Gus…Brown, and this is my associate Shawn White.” – Gus, “Wow” (whispered) – Shawn, 20:00
John Slade
“Excuse us, we were never formally introduced. I’m world-renowned Psychic/Lothario Shawn Spencer. This is my associate…” – Shawn, “Gus, but you can call me John Slade.” – Burton Guster, “I’m Chelsea.” – Chelsea (Lenard’s co-worker), 22:30
“Hello. Yes this is John Slade. Oh, hey, Chelsea. How you doing?” – Gus, “Who the hell is John Slade?” – Henry Spencer, “Hell no, B. I know your not using Diddle’s death to try to get some play with that shorty.” – Joon (played by Kenan Thompson), 24:00
“Chelsea Patterson, you’re under arrest.” – Det. Moses Johnson, “What is this….John Slade?” -Chelsea, “It’s the end of the road, Chelsea.” – Gus, 39:30
S04E08, “Let’s Get Hairy”:
Ron Davis
Bob Adams
Rich Fingerland
“Hey there, my name is Shawn Spencer, my associate Ron Davis, aka Bob Adams, known to his coven simply as Rich Fingerland.” – Shawn, 9:20
Black Magic
“No, but Halle Berry calls me ‘Black Magic’.” – Burton Guster, 9:25
Cheswhicke
“Hello there , Myrtle, my name is R.P. McMurphy. This is my partner, Cheswhicke. We both have some faulty wiring up in our noggins, and I’m afraid we’re gonna have to talk to the Doc” – Shawn, 14:30
S04E09, “Shawn Takes a Shot in the Dark”:
Donut Holestein
“My name is Shawn Spencer, this is my associate Donut Holestein.” – Shawn, 11:00
S04E10, “You Can’t Handle This Episode”:
Ghee Buttersnaps
The Heater
“I got you, Lassie. Gomer, Shawn Spencer, Paraguayan Ambassador. This is my attache, Ghee Buttersnaps, aka ‘The Heater’. We are here to deliver a large ornamental fruit basket filled with native delicacies to whoever runs this joint.” – Shawn, 8:45
“Oh, This is his partner Ghee Buttersnaps… That’s not your real name.” – Ewan O’Hara (Juliet’s brother), 11:50
“Listen up! At ease. At this moment, against my better judgement, I’m gonna overlook the blatant disregard for the rules and regulations of the United States Army, and say thank you to Shawn Spencer and his partner… Ghee Buttersnaps for their efforts to uncover Lieutenant Wallch’s criminal misconduct.” – Major General, 34:10
S04E11, “Thrill Seekers and Hell-Raisers”:
S04E12, “A Very Juliet Episode”:
The Vault of Secrets
“I will handle this in perfect stealth mode. You might not know this, but I’m known as The Vault of Secrets.” – Gus, 7:00
S04E13, “Death Is in the Air”:
Puffy
“Good news, Puffy.” – Dr. Reidman , “Yeah, I heard. They got the cure.” – Gus, “I hadn’t heard that. But it doesn’t matter anyway, Detective O’Hara doesn’t have Thornburg.” Dr. Reidman, 36:30
S04E14, “Think Tank”:
Ghee Buttersnaps
Lavender Gooms
Clementine Wooliesocks
“Burton Guster, or should I say Ghee Buttersnaps or Lavender Gooms or Clementine Wooliesocks, perhaps?” – Walter Snowden, 3:45
S04E15, “The Head, the Tail, the Whole Damn Episode”:
Guts
Old Ironside
Old Iron Stomach
“You know what? That’s it. We’ve been doing this for four years, I don’t need you to look out for me. I have a new name now. For now on, I want you to call me ‘Guts’…Never mind, call me Old Ironside… Old Iron Stomach. That’s me.” – Burton Guster, 3:00
Tin Tummy
“The victim was chewed off just below the waist…” – Woody, “Tin Tummy.” – Shawn, “Iron Stomach” – Gus , 34:15
S04E16, “Mr. Yin Presents…”:
Gustavson
“I mean, we’re clearly dealing in themes and motifs. Him knowing we were here last night, our clues are gonna be found in Hitchcock films.” – Gus, “That’s very good, Gustavson” – Mary Lightly, 11:30
“Yo, El Diablo! What’s up, man? [I’m] Shawn Spencer, this is my partner, Squirts Macintosh. Just have a couple sort of serious questions for you.” – Shawn, 15:10
S03E04, “The Greatest Adventure in the History of Basic Cable”:
Ernesto Agapito Garces con y a de Abelar
“I am Abner Espinoza and these are my compatriots, Ernesto Agapito Garces con y a de Abelar and Juan Priestly.” – Uncle Jack, 12:00
Sammy
“As long as I can be Dean and Gus can be Sammy.” – Shawn, 16:00
Joey Bishop
“Fine, he’s Sammy. That makes you Joey Bishop. Is that what you really want? You want to be Joey Bishop?” – Shawn, 16:00
“So that’s why I called Andres, Che, to see if he’d react, which he did, because in Argentina, ‘Che’ is slang for buddy or pal, sort of like I call you Blackstar or Home Skillet or Big Baby Burton.” -Shawn, 38:15
S03E05, “Disco Didn’t Die. It was Murdered!”:
Methuselah Honeysuckle
“Yeah, yeah, that’s his Partner, Methuselah Honeysuckle, which makes me Old Scratch Johnson.” – Henry Spencer, 7:50
S03E06, “There Might Be Blood”:
Chesterfield McMillan & Wife
“The truth, Billy Joe, is that we have not been completely honest with you. We’re working for the Coast Guard. My name is Shawn Spencer, this is my partner, Chesterfield McMillan & Wife.” – Shawn, 11:20
“ManiacManiac19, President Pro-tem, Maniac Fan Club. This is my Vice President Longbranch Pennywhistle.” – Shawn, 13:00
S03E08, “Gus Walks Into a Bank”:
Mr. Tibbs
“But look at you, man. Surviving a bank hostage crisis and still looking all Poitier on a hot day. Go ahead, slap me in the face, tell me they call you Mr. Tibbs” – Shawn, 39:00
S03E09, “Christmas Joy”:
Scrooge Jones
“I’m Mr. Shawn and this is Scrooge Jones. We’re psychic detectives. Who might you be?” – Shawn, 2:00
S03E10, “Six Feet Under the Sea”:
Hummingbird Saltalamaccia
“Ahoy there! uh, yes, right! Uh, my name is Shawn Spencer, this is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamaccia.” – Shawn, 23:30
S03E11, “Lassie Did a Bad, Bad Thing”:
S03E12, “Earth, Wind and… Wait for It”:
William Zabka
“Gus, don’t be William Zabka from ‘Back to School’. We need to get in with the firemen who put out the fire. Shotgun on fire pole.” – Shawn, 9:30
“Shawn Spencer, hunting an arsonist. Step Anthony Wally Ali. Cat stuck in a tree.” – Shawn, 10:10
S03E13, “Any Given Friday Night at 10pm, 9pm Central”:
Taye Diggs
“Benji, the locker room attendant let us in. Big fan of Rent. [I] told him Gus was Taye Diggs so he also gave us these old jerseys. How do I look, Jules?” – Shawn, 11:00
“No, it’s because I was observing. My name is Shawn Spencer. I’m a psychic that works for the SBPD. This is my partner, DeQuan ‘Smallpox’ Randolph. You can call him Gus.” – Shawn, 12:30
S03E14, “Truer Lies”:
Hollaback Atcha
“My name is Shawn Spencer, I’m with the Big Uncles of America Program. This is my underprivileged mentee, Hollaback Atcha. He’s selling magazine subscriptions as a way to learn business skills otherwise he’d be forced to join a gang, if he was still on the streets.” – Shawn, 14:20
S03E15, “Tuesday the 17th”:
Lumpkin
Slicks
“Uh, my name is Shawn Spencer. I’m a psychic. This is my partner, Lumpkin…”- Shawn, “My name is Gus, but you can call me Slicks.” – Burton Guster, 10:30
Fearless Guster
“It’ll be okay Sissy, I’m sure there’s a perfectly logical explanation for all of this…Don’t worry, they call me Fearless Guster.” – Shawn, 15:45
S03E16, “An Evening with Mr. Yang”:
Trapeezius Milkington
“As a matter of fact, you can. My partner, Trapeezius Milkington, would like to see something in a Belgian Waffle.” – Shawn, 0:00
Sterling Cooper
“Yeah, well I’ve Googled myself too, and there is a lot of stuff missing. This is my partner, Sterling Cooper.” – Shawn, 5:15
“[I’m] Shawn. This is Burton ‘Oil Can’ Guster.” – Shawn, 9:50
Dr. Pratt
“Thank you, Dr. Pratt. See if we can get another look at that body.” – Shawn, 13:15
The G
“Face it Shawn, I am, and always will be, that good. That’s why my friends in school used to call me The G” – Burton Guster, 40:50
Big Head Burton
“Huh, that’s funny, I thought they called you Big Head Burton.” – Shawn, 41:00
Black Burton
“Who’s gonna call you Black Burton?” – Shawn, 41:20
Burton The Billowy Bear
“How about Burton The Billowy Bear?” – Shawn, 41:35
S02E06, “Meat is Murder, But Murder Is Also Murder”:
Magic Head
“Gus, might I offer my help…Magic Head.” – Shawn , 37:00
S02E07, “If You’re So Smart, Then Why Are You Dead”:
S02E08, “Rob-a-Bye Baby”:
Shmuel Coen
This is Shmuel Coen, he’s my best friend and Godfather to my little Millicent.” – Shawn, 33:30
S02E09, “Bounty Hunters!”:
Galielo Humpkins
“What is everybody’s deal? Like, what is going on here? Is it because I’m not wearing the vest? Is that what it is? You know what, the truth is I’m a psychic detective, this is my partner, Galielo Humpkins.” – Shawn, 11:50
S02E10, “Gus’s Dad May Have Killed an Old Guy”:
Skooney “U-turn” Singleton
“My name’s Shawn, this is my partner, Skooney ‘U-turn’ Singleton. We’re from Dirty Boy Landscaping.” – Shawn, 21:30
S02E11, “There’s Something About Mira”:
S02E12, “The Old and the Restless”:
Knik-Knac
“Hello, I am Dr. Hauser. I’m filling in today. This is my personal candy striper, Knic-Knac. He’s from Guam.” – Shawn, 20:40
“Knic-Knac, get ahold of yourself, or I’ll put you on the first raft back to Talofofo. Oh! God, that looks like roadkill.” Shawn, 21:00
S02E13, “Lights, Camera… Homicidio”:
Lavender Gooms
“Spencer. Shawn Spencer. This is my partner, Lavender Gooms. We’re here with the police investigating the Nunez case.” – Shawn, 7:40
S02E14, “Dis-Lodged”:
Doctor Guster
“Oh, you might not want to do that. Doctor Guster just inseminated an Appaloosa. All the way up to the elbow.” – Shawn, 3:00
Fingers
“You’re 36 months into a subscription for Modern Safe Cracker Magazine, what’s the point?” – Shawn, “I’m an amateur, Shawn.” – Gus, “Well, It’s time to go pro, Fingers.” -Shawn, “Fingers?” – Gus, “Twist it up.” – Shawn, 29:45
S02E15, “Black and Tan: A Crime of Fashion”:
Tan
“No first names. One of us is Black, and one of us is Tan. We’re a modeling team, perhaps you’ve heard of us.” – Shawn, 1:45
Tangus
“You’re not a model?” – Model woman, “I’m only a detective part time and my full name is Tangus” – Burton Guster, 37:00
S02E16, “Shawn (and Gus) of the Dead”:
Bruton Gaster
That says “Photo by Bruton Gaster.” – Burton Guster, 11:30
Paddy Simcox
“My name is Shawn Spencer, I’m working with Sophie and the museum. This is my partner, Paddy Simcox.” – Shawn, 28:50
You’re probably watching The Great British Bake Off on Netflix right now! You’re probably watching Andor on Disney+ right now! You’re probably watching some forgettable, cheaply made show in Amazon Prime right now!
Sometimes it feels better to give money to companies that don’t have market caps of $1 TRILLION DOLLARS.
About: A worker-owned streaming service with documentaries, daily news shows, shorts, and more. Probably the only non-capitalist streaming service on this list, or that exists at all.
About: Have a library card? Or a University login? Watch for free! It has a some surprisingly great stuff: Moonlight, PBS Docs, Lady Bird, Chinatown, Donnie Darko, Sesame Street, etc.
