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!
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