Plot: Jane and Lisbon have a few tricks up their sleeves as they look for a killer at a forest dwelling men's club where women are only hookers or waitstaff. Meanwhile Lisbon is shocked by Pike's offer to move with him to D.C.
Mentalist Easter Eggs:
There was so many nods to the fans in this episode and then there were all these subtle foreshadowing hints. The "no twitter" was a hey to all the Mentalists who tweet. The scene with the helicopter seemed to be shot as a direct ode to season 2 episode Code Red. That is the ep where Jane makes everyone think they are dying and tells Lisbon, "If I were dying, I would call you." Later on one of the cabins appears to look like the one in Blood Brothers. Yes, this happens when filming on a studio set but it invokes some nostalgia while also reminding the audience how far Jane and Lisbon have changed. The sparks have been really igniting whenever they are together in season 6. Then we have the scene with Abbott and the "camper" in trouble. It is shot to completely resemble the lake in Fugue in Red. Again, yes, this happens on a studio set but I think there is a deeper message from how obvious it was when it didn't need to be. In Fugue Lisbon literary saves Jane from that same lake. He thinks they are sleeping together. He wants her to let him go when he can't remember the past. She can't let him go and has him remember what happened at the house in Malibu. Jane also dates a woman that looks like Lisbon. See how this is all playing out and in the future?
Boy Wonder and Get Lost Fluffy:
That magic scene was pure joy to watch. Not only did the actors appear to be having fun but it was warm. The scene also was so very deep. Got to love a show that can make something fun also something so meaningful. Jane was called Boy Wonder in his past carnie life. He would do readings with his father (Throwing Fire) just like the trick with Lisbon. In that old episode there was no joy for Jane with what he did, it was what he had to do. Even when his brother in law, Danny, calls him Boy Wonder (Cackle- Bladder Blood) he is not amused. This time with Lisbon though, Jane is having pure fun even though is heart is still breaking. The power of Lisbon. She can take the pain away with a smile. She can...heal him. The last time Jane was on stage preforming a trick was with Erika but even that had less joy. Jane calls her "irreplaceable" as he calls her on stage. I don't think it is manipulation, to make her dump Pike. I think Jane is just starting to let himself realize some things. Such as that she is irreplaceable in his life and beautiful as he has told her now twice. Jane is finally allowing himself to see Lisbon as a woman that he wants not just his trusty assistant.
A Cautionary Tale for Women:
This episode really was trying to make some points as well as being arc moving and fun. The messages were all for the women viewers of the show. The men's club doesn't allow women unless they are hookers or the waitstaff implying that they who founded the club only think that women are beneath them. Lisbon is totally unamused and glad to be where she doesn't belong kicking some butt. The murder victim allowed herself to be a victim by being an escort for these men. An ode to not let yourself be treated like a second class citizen. Then we have Lisbon and Pike. Lisbon is a strong, independent woman, tough as they come. But because of her other issues (see my quick review) she is letting herself be manipulated. Pike is very needy but she doesn't ask for her space. After a short time dating he told her about his great job offer. He said he wasn't going to take it but when ate the bait and told him to go but she didn't want him to leave he suddenly wanted said job. No worries though- he was going to fix everything by asking Lisbon to come with him to D.C. Now is there a job offer for her, too, that he forget to mention? Is she suppose to pick up and leave her job and apartment/house for a guy she hardly knows? He wants her to. Much easier for Pike to control her if she is far away from the likes of Jane. Even Pike's romantic gesture of making her breakfast was not romantic at all. Here is your granola bar! Wow, has he never heard of toast and eggs?
So here's what all women should remember- we only got the right to vote in 1920. We are still fighting for equal pay. There are still clubs out there like that and men like Pike who appear great but just want to control. The Mentalist- a PSA for their viewers also thrown in. The theme of this ep is "Be True to You". The dead girl was gay but sleeping as an escort with men. See the connection. Lisbon is with Pike when she wants to be with Jane. Love how the show has such themes.
Other Things:
-Abbott and Jane are a chemistry filled bunch of buddies. Abbott has really grown to love Jane which is great because Jane finally has someone as the big boss that understands him.
-Guest writer Jeffrey Hatcher is a playwright but boy did he write a brilliant television script. I wouldn't mind him writing again for season 7.
-This episode was a nice meshing of the team again. They really seem like a team now.
-Lisbon likes Pike but she doesn't love him yet. It reminds me of the movie While You Were Sleeping where Sandra Bullock's character of Lucy is going to marry Peter even though she loves Jack. (Whoa L, P, J initials.) But she is tired of being lonely and he asked. Jack, she says, had the chance and doesn't want her. In the end of course they get together. Lisbon is lonely, trying to finally fix a broken man (she was the only one who would take Hannigan, remember) who is going for the one who wants her because the one she wants isn't saying anything. For someone sad that he is leaving through she certainly pauses and is shocked by his "offer" for her to move to D.C. (Check spoilers if you want to know how truly unsure she is of this, when it only took her one day to say yes to moving to Austin.)
-I give huge kudos to the writers of The Mentalist for writing one of the most unique "triangles" on television. It really delves into the characters' past as they endure their present to find their future with each other. Jane and Lisbon are in the deep woods right now searching for a way out but when they do there will be light, a beautiful meadow and possibly a sunrise.
Next week:
-Another arc emerges in a human trafficking case
-Lisbon mulls over whether or not to move
-The couch will probably be Jane's only comfort
Nice review. The only thing I disagree with is "Lisbon's PSA", not because of the message (I agree wholeheartedly with that) but the person who says it: a member of the FBI. It irks me the way that a government official would be so judgmental of someone's lifestyle, be they agree with it or not. After all, in front of the law, people should be seen on equal footing, regardless. This is especially true for law enforcement, with the more pertinent example of such negative behavior being "racial profiling". Just my two sense on this serious oversight which left a sour taste in my mouth throughout the episode.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, thanks for the weekly reviews, and lets see what happens during the last few episodes!
Seriously, were you on crack when you wrote this? This is the biggest pile of drivel I've ever read about a Mentalist episode. Honey, it's not that deep. Stop trying to find hidden meanings. I doubt the show writers put as much thought into it as you do. While I appreciate speculation, yours is way off the mark. Perhaps you should blog about something else, like clothes or shoes or children's TV shows. Honestly, where do you get this stuff from?
ReplyDeleteFantastic review. I understand the Show like you. I love what you write
ReplyDeleteI do think some of the things mentioned above are coincidences, but the majority of the things you have here, especially the Pike stuff, is really interesting and perceptive, so well done!
ReplyDeleteTo the person above being rude, there is absolutely no need for it; if you don't like what she's saying, move on.
Looking forward to reading more of your reviews!
Actually, Lisbon refused to go to Austin for three months just for Jane, and didn't accept the FBI job until working the case in Green Thumb and being stimulated by that. I count on there being a job offer for her in DC. Maybe a simple transfer aided by Abbott who could vouch for her skills, and that's what could be happening in that 6.21 promo shot of Pike and Lisbon in Abbott's office.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and can foresee all the happy hours I am going to spend reading the old entries!
ReplyDeleteLove this review. I really like how Jane is telling Lisbon she is beautiful!
One nagging worry I have at the back of my brain- do you think Heller and co are going in the Jisbon direction only because the fans wanted it? I mean would Jane have chosen Lisbon when he seems to be attracted to women like Erika, Krystal and even Lorelei (I do think he had some affection for her.)