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