Over the Rainbow Blue Birds Fly: A Review of Blue Birds

Go watch the ep on CBS.com before reading this review because you will be spoiled and this is the ep you don't want to be spoiled for.  I do not own the show or any picture.  I am not Bruno Heller so I only have my thoughts.  He only knows the truth.

Plot: As Lisbon plans to depart for D.C. and a life full of Pike, a letter reopens a cold case sending her, Jane and co to Miami to solve it.  Of course the letter is a Jane con to try to change Lisbon's mind about leaving.

"The Truth is Mine"- Patrick Jane, Pilot

Speaking the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But:

As the above quote illustrates The Mentalist began with Jane speaking that line to the killer shrink.  The shrink noticed that Jane was a man deep in pain, and that talking about it might help him.  Jane responded that the truth was his, not for anyone else to know.  It is so fitting (and wonderfully written by Bruno Heller) that during Jane's confession he tells Lisbon that it is the truth, not once, but twice.  He finally let him see inside of him, finally dropped the mask he has been wearing for the last 12 years.  As the shrink had suggested saying the truth did indeed set Jane free.  Although it seemed he was about to lose the woman he loved he had spoken from the heart without a con or a lie.  Speaking the truth finally got him that woman in 12B. 

Parallels Like the Colors of My Mind:

This episode has the feel of a series finale not only because of the happy ending and full circle character evolvement  but also because of the parallels.  There were so many in here but I will touch on a few.  The letter supposedly written by the killer but actually by Jane (Bloodhounds).  The opening scene with the multiple young killers drowning a friend (Red Tide).  The walk on the beach (Fire and Brimstone).  Lisbon telling Jane that he is selfish and uses her (Green Thumb).  One of the most starting parallels was the lawyer telling Jane that he was so into self hatred and all that he let his love go.  (Um, many episodes). 

Lisbon's Damaged Intensity:

Lisbon had a hard growing up losing her mother at a young age, raising the three brothers and dealing with her abusive, alcoholic father.   She survived it but not without the scars.  She lived for her job, having hardly a social life.  She put up walls and did not have close friends-not even her co workers.  She was a lost soul but she didn't know it.  Then Patrick Jane who needed saving ended up at her office.  She had the perfect project as she unselfishly gave herself up to trying to fix him.  Of course you can't ever fix someone else, they have to do it themselves.  In time Jane did just that by falling for Lisbon and she loving him.  

Lisbon had almost all the qualities Jane had described in the video about his wife.  All but one we learned this year.  Until the moment on the plane Lisbon didn't truly know herself.  I thought she did but her relationship with Pike proved that she hadn't.  Making the decision to get off the plane and be with Jane was her awaking to that inner self that was lost with her mother's death.  Both Jane and Lisbon were not open to sharing their truth after tragedies they faced but together and by each others love they have now healed themselves.  

Heller, by allowing Lisbon to choose Jane by getting off the plane, showed the character growth of our Teresa.  She was strong and chose her new life, the new chapter of it instead of someone else doing it for her.  Got to give credit for Jane not pressuring her after his confession- he let her make her own choice.

Jane Chooses Life:

In the season 1 finale Lisbon told Jane that he would choose life and he told her she thought wrong.  Jane truly choose life and to live again by his confession.  The performances throughout were wonderful but the plane...hand Simon Baker an Emmy right now (and toss one in for Robin Tunney in the hotel room).   What made his romantic moment so different than anything I have ever seen in movies or on tv was because of how Baker showed the stripping of Jane's mask, those layers and the revel in the happiness of finally being "free from his past".  Jane was for once- happy, truly happy.  He was in love again.  He was willing to get hurt.  (Golly he and Baker actually did!).  Jane was going to go after Lisbon no matter what stood in his way.  Revealing his truth, opening his hear,t willing to get hurt...Patrick Jane entered the real, breathing world again.   He was no longer the shell of the man still stuck in that room with the red, bloody smile.  No, now he was human again with all the ups and downs and no con to be able to stop them.  Think of it as in Superman 2 (the 1980ish film yo) when Clark Kent became human to be with Lois Lane.  Jane saved Lisbon from repeating the cycle by ending up with Pike who like her father was not going to be good for her.  Lisbon in turn saved Jane from staying in neutral forever.  Killing Red John didn't bring him peace, kissing Lisbon did.

So Happy Together:

The last scene of the episode is a thing of beauty.  Jane is in big trouble once again but instead of the slick smile he is worried thinking he lost Lisbon.  Then to his utter relief Lisbon sits down.  She is radiating with happiness, love and self confidence.  This is a new Lisbon risen from the ashes looking at a new Jane whose heart is full of happiness.  They do their usual classic banter and then Lisbon asks the question already knowing the answer- did you mean what you said.  Jane did of course and Lisbon is pleased because she feels the same.  "Say it again" she asks and instead of saying with words he loves her he shows her with a kiss.  As Heejoo said this is"More Than Words", their song they danced to.  The kiss is tender, sweet but still full of electricity and heat.  It is love, true love that they have.  The last scene is a frozen shot of them in love.  If it had been the series finale it would have a beautiful way to say goodbye.  But thankfully it wasn't.

Other Things: 

-Jane says to Lisbon that moving to a new state with a guy means you are particularly married.  Isn't that what Lisbon did for Jane? Well they have been "sort of" married for years.

-The whole theme of the ep of hearts, love, not giving up and letting the truth speak- nice life lessons for people watching. 

-Jane in the classic car driving Lisbon around- adorable.

-Have we ever seen Jane so nervous as he was when he was waiting for Lisbon to make her entrance?

-Jane mourned Angela over those two years  thus his ring is just a symbol now.  He didn't need to look at it or feel guilty or ask Angela's permission.  He was doing the right thing and he knew it.

-Jane and Lisbon breaking all the rules (as they kiss in the TSA detention room).

-Lastly thank you to Bruno Heller, Chris Long, Simon Baker and Robin Tunney for making a classic, fantastic bit of television that gave viewers a journey of character development.  We got to see Patrick Jane go from lovable, heartbroken, lost bastard to lovable, in love, happy ...bastard.  Hey some things can't change :)

Next up...a season 7!

 

Quick Shot Review of Blue Bird

I am so thankful to CBS, Warner Brothers and the Save Crew that this was not the last episode of The Mentalist forever.  Big props to Bruno Heller and Chris Long for making what could have been the series finale such a satisfying masterpiece.  Ahead is spoilers so watch the ep first!

- Simon Baker and Robin Tunney made this whole storyline work.  They have flawlessly evolved their characters so that the audience could go on the journey with them.  The journey started back in season 1 but in the last few eps the actors had to share new layers of the characters.  They had to show how much they cared and that it wasn't just in a friendship way.  In the hands of lesser actors this transition could have been awkward.   Especially because in real life Baker and Tunney are good friends that hang out with each other's families.  But it all seems so nature, so meant to be.  The kiss scene was magical totally showing at once the chemistry, the affection, the love and the heat between them. 

-The plane scene might be one of the most beautifully written and acted moments ever.  Yes, ever in the history of tv and movies.  Baker and Tunney were so God damn good.  Even the Grinch would have been moved to tears.  Not to mention that they had to cry while also showing the love and the opening of the two characters.  Brilliant job!

-The finale was so full of heart.  Not only from the warm moments and eventual getting together.  No, this episode's theme was "opening your heart".  Jane did just that, telling Lisbon all, getting ready for the pain it could cause.  He took a giant leap to having a normal life again, to be a person that was living.  Jane woke up from the dark to see his light- Teresa.  Lisbon on the other hand had her heart closed off, not wanting to really let anyone in.  Better to be with someone you like than be head over heals in love.   Go for the safe...say yes to the Pike.  But she set herself free letting go the demons of her childhood and grasping a new future.  It was awesome that we saw Jane choose her and then have Lisbon choose him.  They both were able to shed their old skins, the scars of the past and look towards the sunrise and the new day ahead.

-Bravo to all involved in making this ep a classic!  Although I was not a shipper thanks to the writing and the performances of Baker and Tunney I found myself rooting for those two crazy kids.  I am so glad they both got their happy ending, that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I will have a longer review tomorrow...but I am sure you'll be dead so I'll send it to heaven.

Black Be Still My Heart: a Review of Black Hearts

As always there are spoilers ahead so you should watch first then read if you choose.  Have you heard we are renewed yet?  Just checking.  I do not own the show, the picture, or any ugly shirt Jane wears. 

Plot: Jane comes up with an illegal plan to save the girls in the container and put Michael Ridley in prison.  Pike, without any pressure at all (yeah, right), decides for Lisbon her life and pops the question without a ring.

Pressurized:
Love Pedro btw detest Pike more and more with each passing ep.  In this ep his manipulation was on full display.  He was upset that Lisbon didn't jump at the job offer her got her.  He said he had been patience (a few weeks- wow).  Then when she took the job, he proposed without a ring or any words of love.  Pike was so happy he had his new favorite toy just where he wanted her- under his thumb.

As Pike continues to add the pressure, the rest of the people that care about Lisbon aren't.  Abbott tells her that it is a great opportunity (the job, he doesn't mention Pike) but adds that they will all miss her.  The decision is in her court but he will be sad.  Cho also tells her that the job is good but then goes done memory lane.  He already lost Rigsby, losing Lisbon too would hurt.  But he wants her happy.  Kim hasn't brought up the job or Pike.  She hinted though that Jane and Lisbon are always working together in a way to remind Lisbon there is a lot to stay for.   But once again there is no pressure because the choice is all Lisbon's.  Jane, who loves to control all situations, told Lisbon last week that her happiness meant the world to him.  He isn't going to interfere with her plans if that's what or who she wants.  He is not putting pressure on her, he is letting her choose her own path. 

Pike parallels Ridley in a less killing way of course.  As Ridley plays God with people's lives, Pike is doing that as well.  Lisbon is going to be in a bad situation if she follows through with his plans for her. 

For the Heart:
The theme of this ep is "what we would be for the heart".  For Daniela it is not giving up on hope that they'll find her sister, Amy.  Cho is fighting hard to find her.  Ridley doesn't have a heart and is all about money and power.  Jane and Lisbon are full of fun in that surgery scene and easy chemistry which is now riddled with sexual tension in the couch scene.  Lisbon is lying to her heart that Pike is the right decision.  Dr. Lark kills himself to protect his daughter.  For Jane his blackened dead heart is about to come back alive as he realizes he can't his love for Lisbon go...that he deserves her and she him and that it is time to put the car in drive.  A profound ep.

Other Things:
-The shots in this ep especially the container  and Jane wheeling in Ridley were perfect!

-Tim Kang gave one heck of a performance- nice to see more layers to the Cho.

-Baker and Tunney can do no wrong in their scenes together and are making the transition between on screen partners to lovers look believable.

-The car that blew up- great action scene!  Well thought out and shot.

-Now we know why Kim was all surprised Lisbon was dating Pike- want to bet she heard stories.

-The Mentalist was informative with the human trafficking/organ thief story and is also showing people that you don't want to be around a person who behaves like Pike. 

Next Week:
-The SEASON finale thank the Lord, CBS, Warner Brothers and the Save crew.

-The plane, the plane...the Jane?

-Warning- Lisbon in a dress again

Quick Shot Review of Black Hearts

You have heard the news right? The Mentalist has been renewed for a seventh season on CBS.  Truly exciting!  I do not own the show, the picture below and there are spoilers below.

-Jane and thus Simon Baker is also in top form when going after a villain.  This time he had Titus Welliver to play against and boy was it good.  Especially how Michael thought he had Jane and co beat...until Jane drugged him with pure joy.  Sometimes revenge can be good for the soul.

-Tim Kang was excellent in this ep and deserved some special praise.

-The surgery scene was hilarious and showcased one reason this show works so well- the chemistry between Simon and Robin.  They are both such gifted actors and make every scene when they are together, even better.  Lisbon seemed to enjoy smearing the fake blood on Jane.  Interesting to see them actually touching like so which they normally don't do.  Contrast this scene and the couch scene to all the kisses between Pike and Lisbon.  There is more sex with Jane and Lisbon fully clothed and not in a relationship then there is with two people who are dating.

-Pike's manipulation was at its worst in this ep.  He totally got her the job to get her to go to DC, then made her feel bad she didn't take it after all he had done.  Pike is all about his needs and wants and nothing about Lisbon.  She can't see it yet.  Because she is too focused on being heart broken that Jane hasn't showcased his love.  Of course Jane is actually trying to be good for once putting someone else's needs ahead of his own.  He is showing love.  Meanwhile Lisbon hasn't even told Pike she loves him and he is popping the question.  1 minute man for sure.  But Lisbon needed a mistake so she will be able to truly value what she will have with Jane.  Because with Jane the relationship will be good for her, they will be partners and she will be much more satisfied in all aspects.  Lisbon is getting ready to experience real love starting in next week's ep as Jane readies to break free of his past.  Finally as both are free of their demons they can unite as one to start a new chapter of their lives.

Keep the Cannolis: a Full Review of Il Tavolo Bianco

This review is full of spoilers so beware if you don't want to know what happened.  I do not work for the show nor own it nor am related to Robin Tunney.  I know, it is sad. 

Plot: Abbott arranges a sting, not a con, that makes it look like Jane is up for murder charges.  Cho and Abbott make a horrifying discovery that the girls are being used as organ donors.  As Lisbon continues her charade of happiness with Pike, Jane reaches a sad conclusion.

Jane Vs. Pike:
Pike is suppose to be seen as a good guy  but as I have stated before he is a master manipulator like Jane (use to be).  Look at how he acts in his episode.  Lisbon still hasn't decided about D.C. which  means her heart really isn't in it.  If he were Mr. Nice Guy he would realize that and tell her "Look why don't we try long distance, can you get Skype on your Blackberry?" But instead he continually asks what her decision is and then claims "no pressure, you got all the time you want."  Translation: I will keep persisting until you say yes.  Pike has Lisbon looking for an apartment for him so that she sees somewhere she wants to live.  He also can't seem to eat a meal without her anymore.  (Truly, does he ever work, he's always on their floor.)   When Pike told Jane that he hoped the case worked out that he did what any husband and father would do- he wasn't being nice.  He was reminding Jane of his lost, a lost he brought on himself, a lost that still haunts him and makes him fear getting fully involved with anyone.  Pike knows how to get to Jane.  He has his own RJ/Jane mouse game going on and this time the prize is Lisbon.  Pike chooses Casablanca, a movie where the female chooses between two men taking the boring, stable one over the bigger than life one she loves.  Pike trying to subtly make Lisbon think he is the better choice.  Pike clearly knows Jane loves Lisbon and she loves Jane thus why he is pushing for the move to D.C.  He wants to control Lisbon.  Look at how he answered her door!

Meanwhile Jane is trying to give Lisbon the space she always wanted.  He isn't conning her, manipulating her or the situation like he could.  No, he is giving her respect to make her own decision.  He is supporting her choice no matter how it effects him.  For Jane it is no longer about him anymore it is all about her.  She is the center of his world.  He loves her so much he is willing to let her go so that she can achieve "real" happiness. Jane is no longer that selfish man he once was.  Since 2.0 started he has talked to victims' families, been engaged at work, been kind in his cons, been honest with the cons, followed the boss's orders and now is saving killers' lives!    Jane was also apologetic to Lisbon in this episode, realizing that by not telling the truth even though he was under orders, he hurt her.  Lisbon can't take the lies, the con and Jane is suddenly trying to stop his very nature.  Damn, if that isn't love, I don't know what is.  Jane used his soft voice too when he realized Lisbon was upset with him.  Another little point in his corner.

Jane shows up very late at night at Lisbon's door to find Pike there.  The deflated smile on his face is heartbreaking.  He had special cannolis made for he and Lisbon to enjoy.  He wasn't just going to chat- that could have waited until the morning.  He was hoping to be brave and make a real romantic move. "I wouldn't seduce you over a meal that would be sophomoric of me." (Season 1, ep 2.)  There are tears in both their eyes at the end as Jane decides to let Lisbon choose what she wants out of life and as Lisbon watches him go.  They are both in love with each other but still not close to breaking the cons they are both in- thinking they would be better off without each other.

The Sting:
Three interesting developments with the sting.  First off Lisbon, who is Miss Goody Two Shoes tells the DA to go to hell because she will not incriminate Jane.  Lisbon showing how deep her love is for the man.  She may not agree with what he has done but she was very worried that he could go to jail. The next thing was Jane so easily speaking of McAllister.  Part of it is his bravado but I believe that the other part is that he really has let those demons go.  McAllister doesn't haunt him anymore, he's dead, the revenge gotten, the plan won.  It left him feeling more hollow than happy but his two years away enabled him to move on from it.    The third interesting development is that Jane would have been indicated.  Jane had to flee Lisbon, the country in order not to be in prison.  He risked jail to communicate with her.  Then joined the FBI and came back "home" in an effort to be with her again.  Now Jane can't leave the FBI for five years (I got a feeling since the Rigs/Van Pelt finale ep Abbott knows Jane was bluffing about the names).  He can't just up and move to D.C. to be close to, or fight for Lisbon.  He can't even visit.  He is going to completely lose her this time as if she died for he can no longer see her.

Other Things:
-Abbott is quite the shipper!  He really wants Jane and Lisbon to get together as does Kim.  It is cool to see these new characters get up to speed quickly on the situation.

-Wiley was a case breaker!  He has been a great addition to the show and Joe Adler is forming a nice chemistry with both Tim and Simon.

-Cho about to cry?!  Human organ selling will do that to the iceman.  It is nice that even though there is so much going on  there is still time to further develop Cho and give Tim Kang something meaty to do.

-The restaurant scene with Jane and Lisbon....has there ever been such a hugely sexually charged moment between them?  Shippers can correct me but there was certainly a new intensity.  The eye sex was pretty mesmerizing.  Are we to assume that they tried each others food?  Seems like it.  I loved how they were both into ordering a high price bottle.  Lisbon clearly has more sexual chemistry and more fun around Jane. You can make yourself "love someone" but you can't make yourself fall in love.

-Simon Baker and Robin Tunney had to show a new whole side to Jane and Lisbon and their relationship in this episode and they did such a remarkable job.  They are such talented actors who use their faces to express so much.  With the amazing writing they elevate their scenes to a new level.

Next Week:
-the conclusion of the poor girls story

-Lisbon makes her decision

- Jane cries.  Lisbon cries.  We all cry.
 

Quick Shot Review: Il Tavolo Bianco

There are spoilers ahead so if you don't want to know what will happen in the episode then please don't read.  I do not own the show and the picture is not mine either.

- Cerone!  Yes, this was co-written by the master of the OMG so many layers episode and the great Erika Green Swafford.  The episode was a tight masterpiece at once continuing last week's horrifying case, going back to the past with Jane and looking towards Lisbon's murky future.

- Lisbon really isn't a fan of old, romantic movies.  Meanwhile Pike loves them.  Is this significant about their relationship?  Pike wants the whole big, wow romance (and let's all move to D.C. because it is Meant2B) while Lisbon doesn't actually want the cliches.  She wants possibly the challenge.  The episode again displayed how Pike and Lisbon want different things and well spelled their doom.  Not to mention that nice guy Pike clearly knows Lisbon loves Jane and vice versa.  Might this be why he is pushing the move and trying to be oh so wonderful?

-Jane grew so much in the course of the ep- agreeing with Lisbon that he should have told her the truth, saving a killer's life, being brave.  The last scene with Lisbon he clearly was going to make his move but then thinking she is happy (she doesn't tell him otherwise) he does the "kind" thing of letting her go.  Jane cries, his voice breaking as only it has when pleading for belladonna Charlotte not to leave or mentioning Angela and C's names at the time of RJ's death.  Lisbon is that important to him, he knows it now but he is stuck.  He told her he wouldn't ever con her or push her again, so he is letting the ball be in her court although his heart is breaking.  Lisbon cries because she realizes Jane was coming over for a real reason but can't go as far to grab her away from Pike.  She has to confront her feelings, too.  Easier to always run, right Lisbon (see Greg, leaving Chicago, Bosco.)

-Kim getting shot clearly showed that Lisbon is not going to just lose Jane if she leaves but also her new, good friend.  Lisbon has a new family and for once a close female friendship.  So many reasons to stay.

-Hearts being removed literately and figuratively in this ep.