And They Lived Happily Ever After: a Review of The Mentalist Finale

I have said goodbye to many shows over the years, process of aging and also hard numbers for shows to achieve.  Usually be the time the show takes their final bow you aren't as invested in it.  It is no longer up to the caliber it once was.  Like with every facet of it The Mentalist is different.  It is leaving the airwaves still engaging, intelligent, and as good as it was the first time Jane made tea in the pilot.  The Mentalist is saying goodbye as still one of the best television shows on network tv.  I know I am bias but if you are half drunk, weepy and reading this review so are you.

So thus I bring you my final review ever of the show that made me think, made me believe in love again, and moved me.  Spoilers ahead.

Plot: Jane matches wits with a serial killer as he makes his once nightmare end up becoming a dream come true.

Thank You God, and Bruno Heller:
I honestly have never seen a finale that ended so happy and was so well written in that happiness.  Not only did the wonderful, divine, Bruno Heller create this amazing show he also gave us the ending we hoped for.  We got to see Owain Yeoman and Amanda Righetti return as the Rigsbys, which I was so happy about.  Usually when cast are gone off a show you never see them again but luckily they help conclude the series run.  The wedding was gorgeous and we also got the proposal, the party, the choosing of the dress.  It was unbelievable and I will never begin to express my gratefulness.  Like Lisbon and Jane and audience was rewarded for its faith in the show.

Full Circle:
The show begin with a serial killer and now ends with one.  This time though Jane doesn't make the same mistakes- he has someone in his life so now he can think better to outwit him.  "The truth is mine" he said in the pilot but when in last year's finale he said "The truth is I love you" it changed everything.  By being honest with Lisbon they were able to stop a madman before either of them got hurt. Honesty is always the best policy.  It is the Red John do over except this rewrite ending is a dream.  (Luckily it really happened.)  The twist of the FBI taking down Lazzie was great.  This time it wasn't Jane chocking the life out of someone.  Jane's love for Lisbon has changed him the once dark soul is now infused with her light.

How beautiful that a show that began with the main character sleeping under the sign of a death ends with him in full joy smiling.  A character who was a widow with a dead child now has a wife and a baby on the way.   He now has that three- he, Lisbon and the baby that will mend the darkness that was once in him.  The storm is over, the rainbow is out.  Jane started the series in utter distress, loneliness, and sadness.  Now he ends the series with euphoria, hope and  a huge smile. Hold on, I am weeping on my keyboard.

Lisbon also got the happy ending she didn't know she wanted.  She started the series angry, all about the job, walls between her and others.  She ends it now full of life, love, happiness, finally having a real family again.  Patrick Jane saved her from a different life, a fake, untruthful life.  She in turn saved Jane from a non life hiding the truth.  It was the most beautiful love story- two lost souls who through their friendship and eventually love learned to live again.

What Happens Next?:
We don't know.  Does Lisbon stay at the FBI?  Seemed like she was going to.  Will Jane remodel the cabin and then take care of the baby?  Maybe diaper duty will be as thrilling as the chase?  The show leaves it up to the audience to determine what they think might happen next.  But whatever it is you know it will be happy.   


Other Things:
-Cho in typical Cho fashion helping Lisbon dress shop.  Hilarious.

-The kissing was sooo passionate here- full of romance, love and fun. There was sooo much kissing here, too!

-The return of Tork.  Who thought a one time guest star like this would ever return?  But alas that is the uniqueness of TM.  Tork was given a second chance.  Everyone deserves a second chance.

-The proposal was so sweet and all truthful.  Lisbon is his past, his present and his future tied into one.  ..:makes a Patrick Jane out of clay for myself:

-I am an emotional basket-case in so many ways right now.  Where is Dr. Miller when you need her?

-This was the best series finale I have seen for it stayed true to the show while giving the fans a wonderful thank you for the years of support.




Last Thanks:
First of the thanks go to Bruno Heller who created the show, supervised it till the end and wanted it to be unique.  He also let his actors shape the characters which made these pop off the screen- real four dimension characterization. 
Major thanks to Warner Brothers and CBS for putting this show on the air and hammering out a deal for season 7.
Were would we be without Chris Long's vision, Nina, Karl, Jimmy and the other editors, the hardworking crew, Blake, and of course our generous writers?  We had the best in production here.
Patrick Jane would have fallen sort without the talent of Simon Baker behind the character.  Robin Tunney made Teresa Lisbon into an icon (a great model) for young women.  Tim Kang, Rockmond Dunbar, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, Emily Swallow, Joe Adler and Josie Loren proved that a "supporting" cast makes a huge impact on the quality of the show.
We were blessed with great guest stars and recurring characters and sets and pieces we loved.

To all those who made The Mentalist the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow- thank you.  You were our "light" that prevailed through the "dark" of the world.

The Awakening of the Jane: a Review of Byzantium

This posts continues spoilers for the ep that just aired and may give hints to what will happen in next week's finale.  Read at your cost.

Plot: A supposed physic has sniffed out a serial killer meanwhile Jane finally breaks away from the demons inside.

Walk Into the Light:
So old Jane died at the beginning of this ep and towards the middle of it he was the real Lazarus, cursed with an infection, dead from it but given new life to rise and walk.   After Vega's death brought Jane back to the his family's murder, he was in a bad place.  He ran again because that is what Jane always does.  He and Angela ran from the carni.  He ran from the CBI and Lisbon numerous times telling himself that he didn't need them.  Lisbon is a runner too- from her Greg days to pretending for years that she was "fine".   Jane has just visited the Grand Canyon (I'll get to that in a minute) when he gets arrested for "failure to appear".  Aww, Lisbon decided to use some power to get him back.  Now the Grand Canyon is huge and known for its natural beauty but it is also a symbol for the state of being divided.  There was a movie by the same name ages ago.  The vast differences between people but if they can come together it will be beautiful.   Sounds a bit like jisbon doesn't it. 

Jane, lies to himself back at the FBI headquarters telling Abbott that he is only there temporarily.  Jane wants to run again because this level of feeling is too much.  He is too scared.  That is Jane's fear- feeling and having pain because of it.  Jane can take the physical pain of say a cattle prod but emotional pain...he can't deal with that.  So he avoids it all costs.  Trying not to forge new bonds, or date, or become attached to anything that is an unfeeling object (like his couch).  But he fell in love with Lisbon, such a powerful love that he scares him...yup and he runs. 

Jane hardly ever gets drunk but he wants to numb the pain he is feeling because he is destroying what he has with Lisbon.  The first A name he comes up with is Angela.  He said the name which he only did what twice, three times.  This time it flows off his tongue easily.  He has let her go without even realizing it.  In the morning he awakes in a field and stands up into the light.   Hmm.  Didn't Kristina Frye tell him to walk into the light towards the end of season 2?  (Which Jane did and got hit in the head but...)  This time he walks into the light...to Lisbon.


Jane and the dog:
First thing Jane sees is a dog.  A three legged dog.  He sees himself.  Dalmatians save lives.  So does Jane.  They are highly intelligent.  Check, Jane is too.  They are beautiful and unique.  That's our Jane.  They can be hard to deal with and prone to making stupid errors.  Ah, yes, Jane.  This dog also happens to have an infliction.  He isn't perfect, but he still can move on.  Jane sees the symbolization of himself in that dog- he might be crippled but he can get up and still run to someone not away.

Jane has also had epiphanies.   For all the careful planning he does for a con his major life choices come all of the sudden.  Look at Blue Bird where the guy talking about wasting time with his love makes Jane suddenly decide to stop a plane.  Jane has another moment like this.  The moment he sees the for sale land he finds his new home, his new life, his new future.  Suddenly everything makes sense.  Vega's death triggered him to go through the stages of grieving that he never did with his families. He is in denial, bargaining (come with me, but I am leaving), then by that part of the ep he accepts that they are gone and he moves on.  There are 7 steps like this seventh season.

Now yes, Lisbon seems to accept Jane back quickly but she knows her lover best of all and she can see the change.  "Someone that sees the worst side of me but still loves me." Old Jane is dead, finally.  New Jane is here the one ready to build a life of hope, faith and love with her. 

Meta my Meta:
So Byzantium isn't just a Greek city.  It could also refer to the Empire that ruled Europe for ages.  It went through many struggles, unwilling to adapt and join forces it continued to get taken over until the Empire was disbanded.  Because we all need to adapt and change.  Maybe that was the reason for the title or...maybe not.

Gabriel- the name alone is meta.  Gabriel the angel is God's messenger who tells people what God wants them to know.  Hmmm.  Jane learned some things that sparked his turn around and recovery. 

Now about Gabriel.  Was he a real physic? Or something outworldly?  We are left to ponder this.  Even Jane who doesn't have a faith system isn't sure what he is or how he knew.  He could have been another Jane or another Tom McAllister using his brains to play people. We don't know.

Gabriel was a "fake" physic who went on tv and spoke about the killer.  The killer killed his loved one and him- making a bloody statement.  If this isn't coming full circle I don't know what is.  This is Jane's do over button.  Except this time his wife survived (Lisbon) but the daughter did die (Vega).  This time Jane isn't going to go it alone.  Lisbon is in front of him, but he is still with her- watching her back.  This time he is going to face a serial killer and get him instead of playing cat and mouse for years.  This time he will have his happy ending. 

Vega Who Art in Heaven:
Vega's presence was still impacting everyone.  Cho was overly cautious with Wylie and lost it with the poacher.   Abbott didn't realize it but Cho has someone to talk- Abbott.  Abbott revealed he is going to a therapist and it is helping.  Lisbon is soldering on, as Jane terms it, because she is just a fricking amazing, strong character who 'locks it all down inside".  Jane is running away.  Wylie is trying to jump into life even if he doesn't like it because he already wasted time wanting to ask her out.  He is trying to live (and not see her empty desk at the office).

Other Things:
-Lazarus made his appearance in this ep.  He is our killer.  Start with a serial killer, end with one with happier results.

-Cho + leather hubba hubba

-The beginning was so creepy and terrifying.  Nice job J, M and N! 

Next Week:
- A double episode finds us saying goodbye to a great cast, crew and show.  Bring tissues.
 

One Funeral and Lots of Crying: A Review of Nothing Gold Lasts Forever

There are major spoilers ahead so read at your own risk.

Plot: Robbers take lives and one life lost in particular sends our favorite team all to the edge.

Having a Character with a Vowel at the End Isn't Good:
First there was Bosco who's death propelled Jane off his tether.  Jane, during season 1, had more pressed suits, was holding on to the world more.  But after he watched Bosco die he was back to Jane who just lost his family.  The Jane that ended up with Dr. Miller (when she had a head).  He began lying to the team to Lisbon, taking wild chances, killing who he thought was Red John, giving up six months of his life all after Bosco died.  Jane just began living after killing the actual smile face killer and admitting his love for Lisbon. He was finally free of his past (or so he thought); he was finally happy.  He had everything again: a place he enjoyed living, a lover, a family at work, fun at work.  Once again that was all stripped away.  This time it was Vega who caught the bullet.  Vega, who was just a bit older than Charlotte would have been.  Vega who was brunette, short and all about the rules...just like Lisbon.  Vega was a version of his daughter and Lisbon wrapped in one.  Now as quickly as her life was just beginning it was gone.  Vega's death will propel Jane into a new place.  At first it may seem dark as it was after Bosco but alas his love for Lisbon will bring light to that darkness and he will find his way out.

After finding his family sliced up, we know Jane lost it.  Tried to commit suicide in the psych ward, was in a transfixed state for a while, he needed help.  He got the help he needed but he must suffer from PTSD.  Vega's death brings this up to the forefront.  Mental issues are not something that one can just get over and traumatic events will bring them back up.  Jane has never had so much to lose now that he loves Lisbon.  Hurting, in pain and wishing he could be numb again, Jane is running away.  He doesn't want to feel any more because it is too much.  It hurts too much.  Would he live if Lisbon had died? Probably not.  As he said he can't go through it again (which means he loves Lisbon like he did his wife).  Of course he isn't thinking straight because it is illogical.  No matter if he is in Utah or a desert he will still worry about Lisbon.  Running away will not take the pain away.  What he must do is learn to accept that he might lose her, enjoy the time they have together and let go of fear.  Jane brought down Red John using his fear against him.  Jane could ruin his life if he lets fear overtake him now.  He really needs someone to talk to.


Enjoy the Ice Cream:
The theme of the end was started in last week's ep and goes back to Jordan Harper's line from The Redshirt:  "When you're dead, you're dead. Until then there is ice cream."  Simply put enjoy life because no one knows what will happen next.  Vega and Wylie were headed for a date.  Abbott and Cho were having a peaceful transition to switching roles.  Jane and Lisbon were planning a romantic weekend.  Life was perfect.  It took only one person to squash all that perfection.  Sadly, that is usually how life works.  Things are going great and then suddenly the other shoe drops.  Thus we must all remember to enjoy the ice cream.

Jane is spending all his time worried about losing Lisbon that he actually IS losing her (by planning to leave).  Wylie could have been in a ship with Vega already if he had made a move sooner.  Sure, it would have been even more painful when he lost her but he also lost the chance of loving her even for a brief time.  Nothing gold lasts forever so enjoy each day, each moment.  Jane said it once before as Bosco was dying: Pain makes you know you are alive.  So the question for the characters and thus the viewers is: will you choose to live (oh season 1 flashbacks) or will you choose to not live and instead have fear rule your life?


Death Never Was So Good:
The writing was top notch by Alex Berger and afforded surprises.  I knew Vega was going to die but I didn't know how and after seeing so many tv character deaths I found it new, refreshing and beautiful.  The directing, the music...gah they drove right through your heart.  It was wonderful to see Tim Kang get a chance to do something else.   To see the Iceman lift his mask (which he does out of fear of feeling too much since the gang days) was memorizing.  Josie Loren did a brilliant job of doing an underrated death scene (no scene chewing here which is a biiiig compliment).  Joe Adler, Rockmond Dunbar, Robin Tunney and Simon Baker wore their hearts on their sleeves in touching performances.  The episode was by far one of the best character death eps that tv has had.

Other Things:
-Jane has been trying to concede to Lisbon lately.  He puts the suit back on.  When he talks about leaving the FBI before he lets her kill the plans.  The lack of openness and then the openness (the dance last ep) of the relationship is up to Lisbon.  In this ep he even gives in and books the getaway she desires.  All he wants is to make her happy and he is willing to concede to do that.  Patrick Jane is unselfish with Lisbon...until he fears losing her.  Jane has to learn not to concede but also to not let fear win.  Their relationship must give them both equal power to last.

-Guilt. Cho wearing the blood on his hands.  Abbott regretted not saying good morning to Vega.  Jane unable to save someone else. 

-Jane cares more about losing Lisbon to death than he does about dying himself.  It makes sense after you have experienced a trauma like he has.

-Lisbon hugging Wylie...always the mother to all her "kids".

Next Week:
-A supposed physic is playing games with Jane
 

Catterific: A Review of Copper Bullet

This contains spoilers so beware!

Plot: When Peterson garners the evidence to put Abbott away and kill Lena's career, Jane calls on some help from his friends to make the ultimate con.

The Cat's in the Cradle:
After promo pics of the cat appeared this past Tuesday I wondered what in the world the show was going to do.  But alas it all made sense in the end.  The cat is Peterson's and by taking pics with the money and guns they had their proof that Peterson was stealing money from the drug raids.  Just like when Red John it was fear that did Peterson in.  He feared that Abbott had gotten into his mighty fortress and was exposing his deep, dark secrets.  He spilled all in the Nina Corrado Courtroom which was hilarious (Corrado is a producer, director of the show).

Now of course poor unnamed kitty does not have an owner anymore.  We know Taco Cat is being fed but what becomes of him?  Cho, if you can't get a woman, maybe you need a cat. 


The Past, Present and Future:
Jane got to use his past friends to help out his current one.  It was great fun to see Pete and Sam back and Jane was once again overjoyed at seeing them.  They are a happy memory of some good times he had as a carnie and a nice reminder of Angela.  Yes, I believe he got Sam and Pete into his scam because he wanted a memory of Angela there, too.  Jane is trying to move on, trying not to hold too fast to Lisbon and lose her.  He revealed to Pete that he was in a relationship, a fact he didn't have to say.  Why do it?  Because Jane wanted Pete's approval.  In a way it was gaining Angela's approval although he isn't quite ready to lose the ring and make a new commitment.   He brushes off Pete's ring question with the usual Jane meh when something is actually bothering him.  How does one truly let go and move on?  Isn't easy.  Sam and Pete don't seem to mind that Jane is with a lady cop either.  Lisbon has been accepted into his past life, his present now and will thus be his future.

Until Then There Is Ice Cream:
It seemed very fitting that Jane and Lisbon were on an ice cream date when the episode was foreshadowing a character death and Jane's fear of losing Lisbon.  In The Redshirt Jane tells Lisbon that when you are dead, you are dead but until then there is ice cream.  Simply you can't worry about things, you just have to enjoy each day and live.  Lisbon echoes this statement back to Jane at the end of the ep- they could each die tomorrow but they can enjoy the present.   Until now Jane was never free of his past to enjoy his present.  So he is still learning to and trying to except his own words of wisdom. 

Yup, it looks like Vega may be biting the bullet next week.  Wylie and Vega shared their first flirt, they danced and seemed headed toward romance.  Not a good sign when the promo says someone dies.  Vega had a lot to do this episode and did a great job with it.  But if she does die her death will further changed the characters and set them on a new path.  But for right now just enjoy the ice cream.

Hoedown FBI Style:
The ending was probably the happiest, lightest team scene we have ever had on the show.  It was also impactful setting up the finale.   Abbott and Lena are so grateful to Jane that it seems likely Abbott will do something so that Jane can be released from his FBI contract.  Abbott is moving to DC and thus Cho got promoted to boss.  While I was happy for Cho I still feel bad Lisbon lost her authority.  Women have a hard enough time breaking the glass ceiling in real life.  Wylie and Vegas seemed headed for romance (poor kids).   Then there was Jane and Lisbon being honest once again with each other.  Lisbon easily tells him she loves him and explains that you got to enjoy the life they have right now- the future will always be uncertain.  Jane explains where he is coming from and his willingness to try to see her view.  Lisbon asking Jane to dance was a nice role reverse call back to Rose Colored Glasses.  If these two are trying to keep the romance quiet though they are doing a horrible job.  Lisbon seemed willing to let people know and Jane seemed pleased by this.  New steps between the two of them.

Other Things:
-Rockmond was hilarious with those cats pictures!

-Wylie breaking the sounds barrier by driving and then Vega brought that up.

-Jane back to Jane, eating instead of helping, trying to be the smartest in the room, and lying down for guidance.  No matter how much changes some things always remain the same.

Next Week:
-death, tears, sadness- bring tissues




Seeing last week my brain wasn't working some things from that:

-Living on a Prayer was an important 80's song.  Not only did it begin the ascent of those Jersey boys but it was also anthem for everyone.  It was about not giving up in the face of adversity.   Realizing that if you have love and faith you will make it.  Being positive for what lines ahead.  These were beautiful thoughts to have an ep that features the first jisbon couple fight.  For even though they will have their problems with their love and faith in each other they will make it...I swear.

- Back in season 2's Blood Money, Jane told Lisbon he was always going to save her no matter if she likes it or not.  This was a promise he could keep.  He couldn't keep his promise to keep Angela and Charlotte safe, loved and wise.  But he could stop the worst from happening...losing the only other woman he loved.  In the scene in the airstream Jane can't slept but it isn't just because he worries his plan will fail and someone will get shot.  He is also worried because he knows once he takes Lisbon out of the equation she is going to be pissed.  He could lose her.  But Jane needs to risk that in order to keep her safe.  In his mind he almost has a chance to rewrite history, to stop something awful from happening.  He finally has some power.  It shows how powerful is love for Lisbon is.  This isn't just romantic love he is experiencing this is I want to be with you, marry you, forever soul mate love.  To keep someone you love that much safe, yes, you would risk them never sleeping with you again.

Living on a Prayer: a Review of The White of His Eyes

I do not own the show only my opinions which are about the worth of a bag of potato chips.  Spoilers ahead, beware!

Plot: There is a hit man on the loose and they are living on a prayer of beating him at his own game.

Usually I write a long, rambling view but my brain is mush tonight. Maybe that isn't true.  Maybe I can only write about angst but not when it involves taking any kind of side between Jane and Lisbon.  Or perhaps I don't know what to say in regards to cute, romantic scenes.  I can write about the Sunset scene and what lies beneath without too much of an issue but purely couple fun isn't happening.  This isn't a problem of the writers- it is a me problem.  I am very grateful for those cute scenes but I guess I can't find a tether to it for me to reflect on.  My old professor once told me write what you know and alas tonight this concept might be coming back to bite me big time.

Instead I will say the episode was intense and quickly moved on.  The hour actually flew by.  The actors did a wonderful job and the writing, editing and direction were top notch.

The ep was all about partnership.  Cho and Abbott out in the field walking the line of legal and illegal.  Wylie and Vega fostering a new friendship (hopeful romance?) based on a common love. Then there was Jane and Lisbon having fun, loving each other and trying to deal with both their past (Jane's family's murder haunting his present day actions, Lisbon being strong and on her own).

Really wonderful episode.  If you are looking for a much better review please check out Spoiler TV, Americ, Grace, Maria, TV Fanatic and places like Tumblr.  Thank you for putting up with me for so long, it has always been appreciated.

The Brothers Lisbon: a Review of Little Yellow House

I do not own the show. Sadly.  This review has spoilers for the episode that just aired- Little Yellow House.  So you have been warned.

Plot: Lisbon and Jane venture back to her past to help out her brothers who are up to their hot eyes in problems.

Teresa/Lisbon:
This episode did a wonderful job of fully fleshing out so much of Lisbon's past.  See there once was this little girl named Teresa who was as happy as could be.  She drew pictures of light and sunshine and little yellow houses before her life changed.  Happy little Teresa  had to become tough, strong...sad Lisbon after her mother's death.  She now had a myriad of  responsibility.  Eventually she left behind that old life to begin a new one with college and eventually being an Inspector then a lead CBI agent.  But still she remained Lisbon.  The once bright, happy, positive girl was forever, it seemed, dispatched to a  strong, tough woman.  This woman didn't see always the positive.  She held her new kids, her new family, at arm's length.  Not giving hugs ("If there is a group hug, I'm outta here"- Bloodstream).  Keeping her walls up ("I don't want walls around my people" Cho told her in Bloodstream when he was given her position.).  That was until Jane kept softening her up.  As she fell in love with him, she began to live again, letting out the lost Teresa.

Now she is Teresa again who happens to just go by Lisbon.  She is happy, positive, and dreaming of little yellow houses and the new family she has with Jane.  Being in love with Jane has "saved" her and freed her just as her love as done the same for him.  By the end of the episode there is heavy foreshadowing that Lisbon is dreaming of a house, a dog, a child and a hubby named Jane.  In the brilliant last scene she tells Jane she loves him.  Now it is major for her because even if she told other guys that this time it is different.  This isn't saying "I love you" to your bowl of ice cream.  What she is saying is "I love you, I give my heart to you, I trust you, I know you won't leave now, I want a future with you." 

Jane's help throughout the ep gives Lisbon back that first family she lost- her brothers, as he begins to offer her a new family with him.

The Many Loves of Lisbon:
Greg was the guy that took her away from the responsibility she faced.  Bosco was the father like figure for the father that didn't love her.  Jeff was the guy she could easily let go.  Mashburn was the wild side of Jane she so desperately wanted a taste of.  Pike was the guy to take her away with the lie before she let herself admit the truth of her feelings for Jane.  Pike came at the right time when she was letting fear beat her.  Now he relationship with Jane is so different.  He isn't taking her away from anything.  He isn't even wild like he use to be.  He isn't her dad.  Jane lets her make her own choices (like inviting him to Chicago) with real no pressure.  He wants to protect her, love her, help her.  The romance is such a grander more blissful state than anything Lisbon ever had before.

Jane/Lisbon da same:
Not only are they both saving each other, fixing the broken pieces and giving themselves a reason to live but they are share a lot of the past.  Lisbon was once happy so was Jane.  Then tragedy struck both of them.   Lisbon had guilt for leaving her brothers, Jane had it for his family's death.   Lisbon was a mess inside.  Jane was as well even when he was smiling.  They both kept others at arm's length, rolled eyes at authorities that weren't as smart as them, looked for lust in all the wrong places, tried to live a life lie, didn't believe they deserved happiness, etc.  Now living the truth together they are at the happiest they have been in years.  All because they are together.

Other Things:
- Jane was using his special teacup Lisbon had fixed for him.  Awww.

-Wylie and Vega continued their flirtation dance as Jane played mentor to Vega.  The two of them are quite adorable (either W and V or J and V actually ;))

-Big round of applause for Robert Belushi and Derek Phillips who made Jimmy and Stan Lisbon so lovable.  Jimmy was really like Lisbon- trying to play savior to his brother.

-A nice nod back to Lisbon's gambling in season 5.

-T to two brothers, known as Reese to Tommy.  Little interesting Lisbon facts.

-Wonderful job by Simon and utterly amazing by Robin as Lisbon confronted her past, made peace with it and is now ready for a happy future.

Next Week:
Jane is going to worry when Lisbon is in a sniper's telescope.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go- A Review of Green Light

As always this is just my opinion.  I am not Bruno Heller, I don't work for the WB and there are spoilers ahead for the episode Green Light.

Plot: 
Abbott has two problems on his hands- his past hurting his present and future and a killer agent.  Meanwhile Jane experiences a real birthday again after so very long. 



Abbott and Jane: Bros in Justified Homicide:
This season the show has especially been showing parallels with Abbott and Jane.  Abbott's wife getting the job in Washington, D.C. (Lisbon almost got chained...I mean married there).  Abbott willing to sacrifice in order to make his wife happy ( hello, that is Jane).  Now we have the new link that Abbott and Jane both are killers with the past blotting Abbott's present.  Abbott finds himself in Blue Heaven Jane hell.  The past is haunting him.  Abbott and Fischer helped Jane get out of that hell by making him realize it was worth it to risk it all to see Lisbon again.  Abbott isn't upset about jail or the lost of his career, he cares more for what happens to his wife, Lena.  Both Abbott and Jane are men that put the women they love ahead of themselves.

Rockmond Dunbar was terrific in all his scenes as Abbott tried to remain calm but could feel the utter wth do I do now of the situation.  It was great to see how deepened Abbott and Jane's friendship has become.  Jane quickly defended him and Abbott willingly shared his deepest, darkest secret.  Some bro love going on there.  Jane's happiness with Lisbon now allows him the chance to have deeper relationships with others.  It doesn't hurt that Red John is no longer looming either.


The Wiley and Vega of it All:
Joe Adler and Josie Loren did a wonderful job with their cute, romantic scenes.  In lesser hands the scenes could have been eye rolling but they instead made them believable and honest.  Wiley, unlike Jane and Lisbon or Rigsby and Van Pelt, is attempting to go for it.  He isn't wasting precious time when he can be happy.  Of course Vega is too work focused or not in a romantic mode to realize this.  Or does she?  She admits to him that she wants to concentrate on her job but then asks him if he'll still be there, throwing him a smile, and tapping him with the folder.  Vega may be telling him that she isn't ready now but one day perhaps.

And I Will Fix You:
Lisbon is the only one that could ever surprise Jane.  From her saying she would handle the ticket (Red Alert) to taking the hammer out of her desk (Panama Red).  She is still the mystery he has yet to fully solve.  Maybe she is all he needs to keep his mind working- trying to figure her out.  It was neat that Jane admitted that he had no clue what she was going to get him.  Jane is now honest, truthful and admits he doesn't know all. Golly being in love does him well.

What a wonderful thing that Jane finally gets to celebrate a birthday!  He finally has someone to celebrate with and reasons to be happy he is alive.  Lisbon honored his wishes of keeping it low key in the FBI but was hoping she would actually celebrate somehow with him.  Jane has entered life and like the McDonald's jingle says is loving it.  Lisbon could have got him several gifts, spent money but her simple gift is worth more than anything else she could have ever given him.  In a way she gives him herself.  She was broken but he glued her pieces together. 

The teacup that we all mourned its lost has returned.  To think that Lisbon picked up all the pieces, spent time to glue it together and carried it with her for over two years...the teacup was Jane to her.  She always had him with her.  She fixed him. In essence the gift is two fold because they have each become the others' savior.  (Or Lobster cough) They are each the broken now healed tea cup.  Like an engagement ring it is a major symbol of their love and commitment to each other.    

Simon Baker's performance when Jane took the teacup out of the box of hearts (box of letters from Jane were his love...box of hearts are Lisbon's love) was amazing.  Jane went from astonishment, to tears of joy, to realization of the meaning of it all to utter love and thanks. 

Not only fans did get treated to a morning after scene but two kisses.  The kisses were so emotionally impacted.  All about love, faith, a thank you for the fixing.  A really beautiful thing.

Other Things:
-The case wasn't as strong as previous episodes but the end con was Jane at his finest.

-Dylan Baker plays a bad guy just so well.

-Jane learned with Red John that fear is every person's undoing, even the most evil.  That is how he will get Bill for Abbott- use that fear.

-Wiley trying to go for the gold with Vega was a nice reminder to the audience to not waste your time.  Think of the more years of happiness Jane could have had with Lisbon if they had stopped living their lie of not being in love.

Next week:
-Lisbon backstory as her other brothers show up, one in big trouble. 

The Ten Best Episodes of 2014

There is no new episode of The Mentalist tomorrow night.  TM will now be airing on Wednesdays at 8:00 EST on CBS.   The year has ended but I felt like writing something up.  Now this is just my opinion and I welcome you to create your own list of the top ten best episodes of The Mentalist for 2014.  Just leave a comment with your selections.  No one is wrong, no one is right.  I just added pretty pictures.

The Ten Best Episodes of 2014- The Mentalist

10. The Golden Hammer
Jane is working cracking a code which is fun.  We have the hilarity of Lisbon's outfit in the part with the sunglasses and hat.  Then there is Ardillas who thinks he is being tracked which is correct.  The episode ends with a shock- Ardillas dead in a chair.  The last scene crystallizes what always made The Mentalist special- the mixture of the dark and light.

9. Forest Green
Jane and Lisbon's magic act show how far they have come as friends and now something more.  They have chemistry.  Meanwhile Lisbon learns Pike wants her to go with him to Washington.  The case was good too with some twists in it.

8. The Silver Wings of Time
The clock keeps clicking through out this ep as it serves not only the case of an innocent death row inmate but also a metaphor for Jane and Lisbon's relationship.  Jane's con is also great in this as well as Baker's mounting display of sadness as Lisbon moves on with Pike.

7. Nothing But Blue Skies
The season premiere treats the audience to an in-love Jane and Lisbon.  It is wonderful to see a happy Jane for once...and a romantic one as well.  Maybe Red John didn't win after all. The case is excellently written as it parallels former Jane.

6. White as the Driven Snow
Normally characters that are departing a series are not given such a wonderful, heroic send off...with a happy ending.  Jane finally gets the chance to rewrite history by helping Rigsby save his wife's life.  Rigsby really goes all hero and Van Pelt gets to practice her Jane skills (a nice call back).  In the end the couple chose a calm, happy existence for themselves and their family.

5. Orange Blossom Ice Cream
Erika is back but this time she gets her just desserts and it isn't ice cream.  An ep that featured a real heart to heart, two dates, Lisbon arresting Erika Flynn and Jane all wet.  A feast for us all.

4. Violets 
Although pancakes were evident in the episode, it was nice to see what a Jane and Lisbon coupling could look like.   The ladies' dresses were yowsa for sure.  The plot also connected to Jane and Lisbon's growing attraction- the Violets in question where a painting that an artist did because he couldn't have the woman he loved. 

3. The Greybar Hotel
Lisbon goes undercover in prison which allows Tunney to spread her acting wings even more.  The episode allowed Jane to finally save her.  It also gave us great insight into how Lisbon felt about the events of Blue Bird and beyond.

2. The Silver Briefcase
The Simon Baker directed episode is a feast for the eyes.  The script by Jordan Harper is excellent.  Then there are all the tender jisbon moments.  One of the best eps ever of The Mentalist.

1. Blue Bird
Yes, this had to be number 1.  The ep harkened back to so many previous eps and then capped it off with huge great moments.  We had the water in the face, the door confession as Lisbon put up her walls again, SOZ, the truth is confession on the plane and of course the kiss at the end.  A major character moment as Jane, the liar, finally told the truth, allowed himself to feel again and in the end got the girl.  Just beautiful.