Basic Psych begins like a typical psychological thriller: It’s Halloween night in a family friendly suburban neighborhood. A masked killer appears inside the home of reputable Dr. Mallo and shoots him dead. Just before his death, he asserts that he recognizes his assailant and identifies him by his first name—Dan.

We need to find out who Dan is and why he killed his shrink. Simple, right?  

Just like a Friday night film on Lifetime, we meet the perky Prince family. Upstanding psychiatrist Stu, his glass-blowing artist wife, Sisi, lovely pre-teen daughter, Reagan and of course a small cuddly dog (name unknown). This close, caring clan resides in a wealthy community where life appears flawless and joyful. Until Dr. Prince is introduced to a new patient, Dan, an elementary school principal whose crumbling marriage has affected his relationship with his daughter, Carly. He exhibits signs of unease and paranoia, claiming to have never had therapy prior to this visit. Dr. Prince's concern regarding his behavior intensifies following his request to arrange confidential weekly appointments at the close of the business day, thereby maintaining privacy and minimizing visibility to others. He even asks the therapist to destroy the limited notes taken during his session, thereby ensuring that no record remains.

Prince agrees to conduct an assessment over two sessions to determine whether he can effectively support this patient, who may present predatory tendencies. Instinct is telling Stu Prince to run, but the need for healing becomes more persuasive and they begin to work through Dan’s troubles.  

The doctor’s anxiety starts to increase after encountering Dan’s odd conduct, such as unexpected meetings outside work—one awkward example being a soccer game with both their daughters. As a result, Stu's family starts to unravel pretty quickly, affected by the strain placed on their household leader. We even witness Dan getting involved in a physical altercation at a pizzeria where Carly frighteningly watches her father take down several thugs who beat on the business owner.

Could he be the Oakland Park killer? Could there be a different rationale underlying this unseen skill set that aligns with Jean Claude Van Dam's abilities?

Once Prince confirms the doctor-patient confidentiality with the apprehensive Dan, the confessions from the past begin to unload and fear sets in. When Stu discovers that he is dealing with a real murderer, he becomes gripped by panic, determined to protect his family from the dangers posed by this individual.  

This psychological thriller moves at a snail’s pace through several of Dan’s alias’: he purposely sets up a situation to befriend and ultimately date his psychiatrist’s receptionist Hillary, introducing himself as an insurance salesman named Kevin; he becomes Joel Kennedy, psych care worker for the VA when he intentionally enters Sisi’s studio to interrogate her; and local reporter Tracy knows him as Jake. Just plain Jake? Or is there more to THAT persona?  

Whatever the truth may be, Stu plans to end his relationship (and possibly Dan, himself!) by hiring a hitman, escalating the already complicated situation. As if having a conceivably psychotic patient stalking you and your family isn’t enough, why not bring another unhinged madman into the mix, right? Even with decent performances and an unpredictable ending, the believability throughout the movie just never sat quite right. Perhaps it’s because I have one identity, and no motive to kills others? We all have a little insanity within. I choose to hide mine better than Kevin. I mean Jake…or is it Dan? Too many, too much.