A Rose By Any Other Name- Desert Rose Review

If you haven't seen the season premiere of The Mentalist...what is wrong with you?!  But seriously this continues spoilers for the aired ep so precede at your own caution. 

The Story: Jane's plan backfires involving a case of a dead baseball player's wife.  Thus Bertram sends Jane and Lisbon to a murder at the Salton Sea when a bunch of bones is discovered.  Jane manages to solve that case but after fighting with Lisbon might lose her- Red John has lured her into a trap.

Jane and Lisbon Parallels:

This episode featured great parallels between Jane and Lisbon.  In the last few seasons Lisbon has adopted more and more of Jane's characteristics while she has rubbed off on him a bit.  The ep opens with a role reversal.  Jane is lost, RJ has seemingly beaten him by knowing the names on the suspect list.  Lisbon, though, is calm and strong, reminding him they have to go about their jobs to not let people on to what is happening.  I love when the show does this because it shows character like a real person has- we change when we have to and sometimes change back.  Lisbon becomes more like Jane as the ep progresses.  She is worried because he doesn't have a plan and can't sleep.  Now in Red Moon, an RJ ep, we see that even though the killer is loose Lisbon can sleep. Lisbon goes behind Jane's back and gets Van Pelt's help.  Hmm, how many times has Jane done the same thing to Lisbon?  Lisbon is being secretive and controlling which Jane often is.  Jane, meanwhile, is channeling Lisbon.  He feels bad after the fight and tries to mend fences.  He kindly touches Van Pelt's shoulder and forgives the team.  He calls Lisbon multiple times (like she did in Crimson Hat).  He actually apologizes at the first crime scene and tries to protect Lisbon from Bertram's anger as Lisbon would do for the team. 

Because Lisbon is in Jane mode she ends up making a near fatal mistake like he did in the season 2 finale- they both had ventured to a place without backup where they were captured.  Jane is saved by Red John himself.  Red John doesn't kill Lisbon but sends Jane a message. I know some people have complained about Lisbon going into the house but Jane is super smart and he has done this before.  When you have Red John in your sights, playing with your mind, your common sense leaves.  Plus Lisbon has a duty to enter when she hears a noise.  For once it is Jane that is worried sick about Lisbon- a position Lisbon has been in before.

The Clue in the Blood:

One of my students feels strongly that the red smile painted on Lisbon is meant as a clue to Jane that Red John was once a carnie, a clown to be exact.  He's 10 but it isn't a bad theory!  I owe him a set of pens if he is right.   So that would mean that the smile face is a clown crying blood.  I don't know about that but I do feel bad for Robin that she had to lay down with that on her although it did look like they put a pillow under her.

So why doesn't Red John kill Lisbon?  I think RJ feels that if he does Jane might not be as worthy as a foe to go against.  Losing any member of his new family could send back to the mental hospital.  The mouse would be away and who would the cat play with?  RJ wants Jane off his game so marking Lisbon is a perfect way to do that.  It is letting him know that he, RJ, has all the power.  He can make Jane hurt again at any moment.  This though will probably awaken Jane from his I- don't -know- what- to- do stupor.  Red John isn't just going to kill anyone he is going to gun for the CBI team.

I'm sorry to see Brett Partridge go- that loveable ghoul!  But I do believe that Brett was no innocent.  I will say that he is a minion (he did know the Tyger, Tyger).  He may have been the one that got RJ into the CBI computers etc.  Plus he would know how to clean up any crime scene or get rid of any evidence John accidentally left behind.

I will say that I think Lisbon's actions pushed Red John into going on the offense with one of his own which will become his ultimate mistake.  For now Jane has more clues and connections to piece together the puzzle.  So Lisbon's error actually made it so Jane could get closer to the truth.  Lisbon- always a true martyr.   

I liked this cliffhanger too because usually when shows but a main character in danger you just know nothing will happen.  I'm not too sure here.  Of course Lisbon won't die but could she suffer the serious condition of PTSD?  Or did RJ screw up her brain like he did Kristina with a K?  I'm not sure- this is Heller here, anything is possible.  Though I'll guess that she'll be upset but fine.


Jane's Growth:

He apologizes several times.  He defends Lisbon.  He is honest with her.  He runs after her when they fight.  Jane calls to make up.  He touches Van Pelt's shoulder in a sign of forgiveness.  He doesn't really yell at the rest of the team.  He isn't silly, just funny.  He's not too mean either.

The first mini case  Jane solves at the beginning of the ep is very similar to the first case ever in the Mentalist pilot.  Except this time Jane uses the food he eats to protect anyone from getting killed (or so he thought).   He is apologetic when it all goes to hell.  Jane has matured or changed...he's a better person, a better investigator in some respects.  The influence of the CBI and Lisbon on him, perhaps.  I like it though- shows some simple areas of growth.


Some Great Moments:

- Yes, those eggs are delicious.  My Aunt Teresa (ironically) use to make eggs with water like that.  It is nice to see domestic Jane.

-The scene with Cho, Rigsby, Madison and Gavin was hilarious.  Great timing by everyone involved and further showed why this show is so great- even in great despair there can be laughter. 

-Great job by Robin for continuing to hold her gun in her left hand.  Continuity!  Yes, the cast may be gone but Lisbon's wrist isn't perfect yet.

-Jane says he doesn't believe in God but he must have known that Bible verse to lead Sonya down that path.  Hmm.  Maybe he was religious once before his life went to hell.

-Who's sane scene.  Hilarious and creepy at once with Bertram appearing RJ like.  That means he isn't, right?  Or is it another case of O'Laughlin where the right answer is easy to see.

Preview of Next Week:

-Action scenes!

-Something in the oven.

-Could the Doctor be in?

-How does Jane get all the suspects in one room?

It looks awesome!

 

Quick Fix Review: The Desert Rose

A quick fix means that it is not a full, in depth review.  That will come later in the week with some true analysis.  This is more a OMG- that so rocked- did you see that jaw on floor- review. With quick little bullet lines.

The Mentalist trended on Twitter in the afternoon and a few more times before trending during the ep.  Well deserved for the hard working show.

Spoilers galore so don't read if you haven't yet seen- trust me you want to see it first.  Photo below is property of CBS/WB.

The Desert Rose

-Bertram- creepy Michael Gaston really rose to the occasion as making himself higher up on the suspect list

-Partridge- Oh Brett!  He seemed so upset in his first scene that Jane was looking at him funny.  But with the Tyger, Tyger at the end it would seem he was a friend of RJ's.  So RJ kills a partner to get Jane's partner.  A chess match ladies and gents.  Great job by Jack Plotnick.

-Emotional blowout between Jane and Lisbon- I didn't expect Lisbon telling Jane off would result with Jane running after her and apologizing!  Especially when he had every right to be angry.  What a shift in their dynamic and relationship already.

-Hitchcokian ending- That was by far the scariest scene ever on The Mentalist.  Big Kudos to Jack and Robin for acting the hell out of it.  Chris Long's superb direction made it even more thrilling and Blake Neeley's music was...killer.

-Jane lost at sea- Lisbon is scared by Jane being lost as what to do.  A freaky moment for us all seeing we rely on Jane to figure it all out but RJ has knocked Jane a bit off his game (though he was able to solve two cases).

-Bruno is King- Truly the best season premiere of TM (and further more many shows) ever.  Clock full of suspense, action, drama and intrigue plus he showed what makes Jane such a joy to watch even when he isn't after the red smile face killer.

In depth analysis later this week.  Till then....must rewatch...100 times.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Five years ago, Monday, The Mentalist premiered at 9 on CBS.  It wasn't suppose to become a big hit.  Modest at best after NCIS would have worked on that Tuesday.  But The Mentalist drew a large audience.  The audience came back to see the pilot when it was repeated that weekend.  After the premiere of any show the ratings most always drop.  Sometimes a bit, sometimes by a lot.  It is expected by the shows and the networks.  Not often do they hold steady and hardly ever do the ratings increase in the second ep.  But The Mentalist did that.  It had higher ratings for its second episode and by Flame Red in December it had not only its largest numbers to date but it beat it's 8o'clock team neighbor.  It started out unique in the numbers game.  Moving to Thursdays shaved off some viewers (this was to be expected).  Some other viewership was lost as happens to most shows as they age.  Still though two years ago it was in the top ten of shows with great ratings.  Then, yes, it was moved to Sunday.  I can still remember hearing my local radio talk about the TM new home instead of the new previewed shows.  The numbers did decrease from Thursday (they would for anyone) but it still did well.  Yes, The Mentalist has always been unique in it's viewership.

It can counter any foe.  Does it need promotion?  Pffft of course not.  People still turn in, it's TM.   What about if the show before it's numbers aren't good.  Oh please!  TM we are talking about here- it can still get better numbers.  Um, it's against all these new hip, cable shows that can swear, show nudity and have more creative control.  Never fear, Patrick Jane, is here.   But it is sometimes delayed an hour!  Ha, Cho says, it can still get more viewers and a better demo than your average show in a great time slot. 

What does The Mentalist have?  (Other than wonderful acting, writing, directing, crew etc)  It has loyal, worldwide fans.  In honor of the season premiere airing Sunday at (hopefully 10- there is a Jets game on at 4) let's get TM to trend.

I have figured out a good time for everyone.  I think.  I hope.  So for a half a hour starting at the time listed below (even if the tweet is about washing your hair) tweet  #TheMentalist  on everything you write and let's see if we can get more magic happening.

EST: 4 PM
CST: 3 PM
MST: 2 PM
PST: 1 PM

Countries (to name a just a  few):
Ireland: 9 PM
Norway: 10 PM
Athens: 11 PM
Rio De Janeiro: 5 PM
Hong Kong: 4 AM
Italy: 10 PM
France: 10 PM
Poland: 10 PM
Australia: 6 AM
Austria: 10 PM
England: 9 PM
Portugal: 9 PM
India 1:30 AM

Okay who is with me on this?  Let's try at least to give the people of The Mentalist who have been so kind to us something back- let's get them to trend before the premiere.  France- we are really counting on you!  Merci Beaucomp!

Red John's Rules

The 5th season finale of The Mentalist was excellent, of course.  When is it ever not?!  This ep was  especially rich as it was in the hands of the show's creator, Bruno Heller.  Red John's Rules accomplished many things but there are three parts I want to actually talk about.  Let's call them 1.) Lorelei and the message, 2.) Jane's past, 3.) Jane and Lisbon breaking all the rules

Lorelei and the Message

I said this right after the finale aired- the way Lorelei is positioned in the chair reminds me of how Kristina Frye was found.  There is a woman, sitting in a wooden chair, giving Jane a message from Red John.  For Kristina it was a - "RJ loves you, you aren't allowed to date."  Lorelei also gave a "Hey, look I, Red John, am better than you."  Red John doing what he does best- playing games.  When Kristina is found in The Blood on His Hands the room before features lights, a chair and a paintbrush.  It makes me wonder if RJ wasn't planning some video tape message for Jane from Kristina but he was caught off guard.  Perhaps Stiles turned against him and RJ found out.  Now you ask- "Um, then why isn't Stiles sliced and diced?"  Because RJ needs Stiles around as Stiles needs him.  We, the audience, don't know said reason- yet.

So how did Red John know the seven names?  He could have edited the footage- Lorelei could have read a list of 20 names.  But Jane broke the disc so they won't ever know.  RJ has already been established as being good with computers even breaking into the CBI instant messenger service in Red John's Friends.  He could have the ability to do that.  He could have bugged Jane's room or snuck in...all possibilities to find the list.  He could have used Kirkland's info to piece together who Jane has narrowed the list down to.

Red John hasn't been killing for years.  Why did he stop?  Was what Carter was asserting at the mall, true?  Did RJ want to retire with Jane in jail for his "murder"?  Weirdly enough Carter makes illusions to getting a new face...which last year seemed a possibility with Kirkland.

RJ is planning for Jane's death but prepared for his own -"I won't stop until I catch you or you catch me." Chilling to say the least.

Jane's Past

 We had bits or pieces of Jane's past in previous eps.  Red Handed in season 1 was the first ep that said that Jane was form Carnie folk.  The second season ep, Throwing Fire,  showed how Jane's father used his learned ability to read a situation to make money to live and gamble.  Jane had emotional abuse for years.  He gave his father money and learned better that everyone is just a mark.  Use them, move on.  That was until Angela saved him.  They left the carnie life but Jane became the showman.  What did RJ become?  A showman of murder.  If you can't out fake physic the guy, then get press another more red way.   Jane's growing up and Red John's assentation into evil seem like two boys on a parallel path.  RJ is somehow connected to Jane's past.  Some possible theories have included: RJ is Jane's half bro who lived with the mother, RJ is Kevin Barlow with surgery, and RJ was once on the carnie circuit with Jane.  These could all be true...but I haven't gotten on the band wagon for any of them yet.

The only thing for certain is that either long ago or when Jane appeared on the talk show, Red John find his perfect mouse and everything he has done is leading Jane to what will happen in season 6.

Jane and Lisbon Breaking All the Rules

This episode was the biggest ep for Jane and Lisbon's relationship.  It moved them into a new arena- trust.  Lisbon asked for Jane's trust and he gave it.  Not an easy thing for Jane to do especially when (although I love Lisbon) the woman is horrible at lying.  But still he gave it and Lisbon seemed to really appreciate his faith in her.  She in turn kept the conversations, traveling, information out of the loop of the CBI.  She respected Jane's desire to talk to Pete without her and easily went along with the con plan.  She also gave Roddy his baby without going through other channels.  This was growth for both of them and a gain of getting closer.  

Last year Jane and Lisbon became more like true partners and with season 5 that bond was established even more.  Lisbon and the CBI are family now- Jane knows there is nothing he can do about it.  Lisbon forgave Jane leaving for Vegas and breaking Lorelei  out of jail.  That was huge.  In turn Jane put aside Red John to help Lisbon bring Volker to justice. 

Like I said before I am not a shipper.  Not because I am against it but because after getting my heart broken on other couples I try not to invest anymore.  But it seems obvious, even to a non shipper , that we are suppose to see that Lisbon has feelings for Jane and Jane has feelings for her.  Of course the scene with Sean Barlow saying that Lisbon "lies awake at night in bed thinking of Patrick"...yeah no one thinks of a platonic friend while in bed.  It is written to make your mind go there.  Then Barlow says "but he is so secretive and controlling."  Which is the reason, Heller seems to imply, that Lisbon won't ever make a move to be with Jane.  So what does Jane do?  He doesn't sweep it under the rug like in season 4 when he pretends not to remember saying "love you".  No, this time he confronts the subject head on admitting that Barlow is right and then deciding to tell her the 7 names even though he knows this might be a bad idea.  Actually it could lose him Red John.  But in that moment he chooses Lisbon over Red John which is a "lovely" moment.  It isn't necessary romantic like Lisbon's moment with the Barlow quote though.  While Lisbon has a reason to not get with Jane, Jane doesn't even allow himself to go there, to think about it.  He has to get Red John.  Fun, love, a true life- all that can wait if he lives after confronting the man. 

I don't know of course but Jane showing Lisbon the DVD- I wonder if Red John thought that would happen.  What an improvement in their relationship from season 2 where it ended with Jane outright lying to Lisbon and keeping the Tyger,Tyger quote to himself.  My, how far the two of them have come.  And now where do they go next?

Two weeks until he premiere!

The Blood on His Hands, the Questions in my Mind

As you all should know this year we are going to learn who Red John is.  Of course that means I have been going back and watching again old episodes of the show that have the red smile face killer.  I haven't had any sudden revelations (expect for today when something DualAlly said made me think).  Yes, that burning smell was not your house on fire just my brain actually working.  But one episode that I watched tonight left me with questions.  I don't know the answers... maybe you do.  Especially if you are a friend of Red John's.

The episode I had the pleasure of viewing probably for the 30th time was The Blood on His Hands written with such fun, depth, and suspense by the wonderful Tom Szentgyorgyi and directed by (one of my favorites) David Barrett.  So now a little in depth discussion.

The story: A body washes up that belongs to a member of Visualize.  As Jane and CBI investigate they discover that the dead lady was dating the Visualize lawyer, Julius, while being prearranged to marry a cook named David.  Van Pelt meets Craig O'Laughlin when he is following her and Rigsby.  Jane finds Kristina Frye thanks to Bret Stiles but Kristina has now been brain washed to think she is dead.

The Title: The blood on whose hands?  Red John seeing he took Kristina Frye is one possibility.  Julius, for he murdered Celicia, another theory. Could it be David who kills Julius?  Or Bret Stiles because the life of Visualize impacted Celicia's life and lead to her death (not to mention it is eluded that Stiles set David in motion to off Julius)?  One other person who could have blood on his hands is Jane.  Jane went on a date with Kristina.  Stiles says that Red John sort of "loves" him.  That he would be jealous.  That RJ wants to take away anything that makes Jane happy.  Whom do you think the title refers to?

What Does Stiles Know? Stiles says he knows more than Red John or Jane know.  But the question is how much more and how has he used this knowledge to further cement his standing with Visualize.  Why does Stiles tell Jane where Kristina is?  Is it to show how much more powerful than Jane and Red John he is?  Did RJ ask him to to add torment to Jane?  Was he doing this "friendly" gesture so he could use Jane later on?

O'Laughlin and the Car: I was always curious if Craig purposely hit Van Pelt and Rigsby to either harm or kill them or maybe to get introduced.  We now know that Craig knew exactly who Van Pelt's dad was so no question bringing up Amos was to get VP interested in him.  Red John likes to choose agents to bed the CBI team that he knows they would like.  Jane had Lorelei who resembled Lisbon and Vane Pelt had former football player O'Laughlin.  RJ must consider himself a professional match maker. 

Kristina's House of Horrors: Really what was up with the lights, paint brush and chair in the second place Kristina Frye was kept?  Weird remolding or something much more sinister?  At the time I thought Red John was planning to film something but now I wonder if he was planning to paint Kristina's blood on the wall and leave her sitting limp in the chair like the doll in the first house. I hope you weren't eating. 

If you haven't seen The Blood on His Hands recently I highly recommend watching it again.  Now that we are heading to the climax of the Red John story it is your last time to piece together the mystery before it is solved for us.

The Great Moments of Amanda Righetti and Owain Yeoman

If it weren't for Amanda Righetti it probably would have taken me longer to become a rapid fan of The Mentalist.  If it weren't for Owain Yeoman I may never have signed up on Twitter and met all these wonderful people.  So this blog post is a little thank you to them and the characters they have created.  Now I'm sure you have read or heard the rumors but I am not going to comment on that.   Until anything is official it isn't a done deal in my book.  (Or I just don't want to deal with it.)

I began watching The Mentalist with the pilot.  Being a fan of Simon's from his Guardian and Smith days and overdosing on Robin's movie career (I had already seen Cherish probably 20 times)- I was excited to see both of them together on the small screen.  I wasn't too familiar with Tim- just from seeing his commercials.  Amanda I knew from Reunion, a short lived series, where her Jenna was one of the best things the show had going for it.  Owain I had adored already from his time on The Nine.  Although it didn't last long Owain was unforgettable as good/bad guy Lucas.   So once I saw the previews for TM I knew I would watch this show.  The premise sounded good and it featured actors that I was a fan of already.

The opening sequence of The Mentalist pilot was beyond excellent.  This Bruno Heller kid (along with Simon's acting) made the audience know right away who Jane was and what he was about.  So yes I was hooked.  But it wasn't until the restaurant scene that I knew this was my new favorite show- thanks to Righetti.  See the scene below:

What I loved about this

was that Righetti became the audience.  Grace was already charmed by Jane (as we were) but also questioning how good of a guy this was (as we should have been).  Grace is calm but still puts Jane into his place- one of the few times anyone has ever done this.  Baker was excellent, Yeoman was hilarious and Righetti sold it (and thus the show to me).

Owian Yeoman began a Twitter account two years ago.  When I discovered this I decided to join up just so I could follow him.  (I wasn't disappointed- he was as nice as he seemed and funny).  Because of that I ended up meeting other Mentalist fans which has honestly enriched my life.  So thank you, Owain for that.  Usually Owain is known for bringing the funny.  He has wonderful chemistry with both Tim Kang and Amanda always making their scenes together sparkle.  He allows Rigsby to be nearly fully lighthearted in contrast to Jane's dark and sometimes light sides.  Rigsby is our bright light in the dark tunnel because even when things are bad he tries to find something good or a way out of the dark.   If you haven't watched Blood Feud which was Rigsby's Red Badge do so.  Yeoman gives the kind of performance that if it were on cable he would have been awarded an Emmy nod.  We get to see all these new layers and sides of Rigsby as Rigsby and thus Yeoman takes us on a rollarcoaster of emotions.  It is a brilliant piece of acting from a great script by Jordan Harper and direction from Anton Cooper.   Here is one scene to highlight:

Amanda Righetti's top 5 episodes:
1. My Bloody Valentine -Year 4 was so good to Righetti as Van Pelt went through a metamorphosis after killing her Red John friend fiance.  This ep in particular finds Righetti stretching all sort of acting muscles as she deals with the image of that dead fiance.

2. Blood and Sand- Righetti shows Van Pelt's anger and uneveness as she works the case. 

3. His Thoughts Were Red Thoughts- Here she goes ttoe to toe with the great Malcolm McDowell and shows just how good she is.

4. Bloodshot- The comedy is great and then in the last final scenes Van Pelt goes through anger, fear and UST.  All displayed effortlessly by Righetti.

5. Russet Potatoes- One scene in particular is amazing.  Yeah the kiss is hot, her worriedness about Wayne is great but it is when she calls out the Dr.  and tells him that he's going to have to up his game that makes me want to applaud.

Owain Yeoman's top 5 episodes:
1. Blood Feud- See above- it is one hell of a gripping ep with perfect acting.

2. Like a Red Headed Stepchild- Rigsby confronts his old man and has a grown up telling off (but with a kiss) to Van Pelt.  Yeoman at his finest.

3. Rose Colored Glasses- Hilarious as Rigsby tries to have a memory palace and fool the rest of his fake classmates.  I always crack up with the "Willa, imma gonna need just a minute".  Yeoman has always been the master of the reaction shot, too. 

4. Russet Potatoes- Owain does a great job here going back and forth between comedy and gulping matters (Rigsby asking Jane to stop hurting him). 

5. Red in Tooth and Claw- Hilariousness again and great scenes between him and Kang's Cho. 

They both deserve a wow for Red Velvet Cupcakes.  The car scene, in the radio studio where their actual feelings are explored and the last scene are perfect examples of their chemistry and abilities.

No matter what is to happen I thank both Amanda Righetti and Owain Yeoman for bringing such pleasure to The Mentalist.  Agents Grace Van Pelt and Wayne Rigsby have been beloved for 5 years because their protrayers made them such well rounded, interesting characters.   They are both great at the comedy and the drama making them valuable actors for any project they take part in.  I know wherever life takes Righetti and Yeoman I will be watching to see their next great moment.