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.