No matter how many times I watch this episode, THIS. MOMENT. just gets me every time. Regardless of how I feel about Henry and his "parenting" skills, this is such a good moment between these two.
Because Shawn has just been through a horrifically traumatic day. In which, among other horrors, he found out that yet another psychopathic serial killer is obsessed with him, meaning everyone he loves is once again in danger. And he has to face his childhood stalker again for the first time since she tried to murder his mother in front of him. And almost lost two people who are very important to him, knowing he'll blame himself for whatever happens to them since they were only targeted to get to him. But, in typical Shawn fashion, he's going to play it all off as no big deal. In another minute, he'll be back to cracking jokes and snarking at Lassie and pretending that he isn't going to have nightmares for the foreseeable future because of this. He's just fine(TM). Like always.
But for this one moment — when everyone is busy elsewhere and he's still reeling from the relief of everyone being okay — the mask slips and he's absolutely not fine. Cue Henry, who's been struggling this whole time between his desire to protect Shawn, and the fact that he can't offer much actual comfort because their dynamic doesn't work that way (mostly through his own fault but anyway). But here's his son, sitting alone on the dock, soaking wet, shivering, and looking absolutely wrecked. Their guards go down and Henry pulls him into a fiercely protective hug. And Shawn, who so badly needs someone to reassure him that everything is going to be okay (even though it's not, since Yin is still out there and will definitely be back for more and they both know it), just melts into that hug. He clings to his dad's reassuring presence and Henry holds onto his son like he'll disappear if he lets go. And you can see how desperately they hold onto each other for just that one brief, heartbreaking moment.
I have some issues with this episode (even though it's overall a work of art and so so beautifully made) for reasons I won't get into, but this scene gets to me every time. This scene is beautiful. Also, extra kudos to Corbin and James for absolutely nailing the emotions, and without using any dialogue to do it.
