I'm kind of binge-watching this show and every flashback scene Henry is criticizing or putting Shawn down. He is also always ripping on Shawn's occupation. I get he's disappointed Shawn didn't become a cop, but his utter lack of faith and support of his son is noticeable on multiple viewings.
Don't get me wrong - love the character and the dichotomy between father and son. It's just something that has stuck with me.
Gotta agree with you. I also like the character, but he was often very assy to his son.
shareI agree Henry was overly critical sometimes.But lets be fair here.Shawn Hasn't exactly been the best son.He's an extreme flake who bounced from one job to another his whole life.Even his current job is that of a con man who tricks people into believing he's psychic.And he goes out of his way to make a mockery of and shun any sense of responsibility and maturity his father has tried to teach him.He's not exactly giving his dad a whole lot to support.
share Henry was tough on Shawn. But face it, Shawn was NOT "the best son". True!
Many boys try to get away with whatever they can and Shawn was no different. He WAS very intelligent and clever. Sometimes he was a little too clever and crafty for his own good. I really think Henry was trying to channel Shawn's talents into a positive direction.
But you can't force someone to change. As Shawn says to the waitress in the first flashback in the first episode, "Ma'am, I'm never growing up!"
Not something a responsible parent wants to hear! Over the years Henry just kept riding him. But we learn in the first episode that Henry had returned from Florida and hadn't even told his son he was back. He'd reached a point where he was fed up and wasn't even going to try to help his son anymore. It was Shawn who restarted their relationship, much to Henry's chagrin.