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.

 

The Jane, The Lisbon, The Colonel and the Briefcase: A Review of the Silver Briefcase

This is a review of The Mentalist episode The Silver Briefcase. It contains spoilers so beware if you haven't seen the ep yet.

Plot: Jane has a chance to foil what seems to be a perfect crime involving the murder of a Colonel's wife.

The Baker/Harper combo:
There are great episodes of television that provide laughs, something that makes you think, etc.  Then there are special episodes which are perfection.  The Silver Briefcase falls into that category.  Not only is it great tv but it also has a movie feel.  Not just any movie either.  This is an award winning movie that would be considered one of the greatest of its time.  Yeah, it is that good. 

Jordan Harper is one of my favorite writers.  If you haven't checked out his hard core short story writing check out Amazon btw.  He has never scribed a bad episode.  He always brings something new to the show, changing up the usual plot beats.  He also is a fantastic character writer- showing new shades for the actors to play. 

Simon Baker is such a gifted actor that has made Patrick Jane so real...I doubt any other actor could have portrayed the character as well.  Along with the acting talent, Baker is a brilliant director.  His tv episodes are always mini movies that seem to have had more time, or a higher budget or...he is just that good.  He lets scenes breathe and the actors have a chance to act.  Things are slower.  The shots aren't all quick cuts and the camera angles are always unique. 

So to have a Baker/Harper combo was mesmerizing to say the least.  Blake Neeley's music and Jimmy Gadd's editing further add to make this episode one of the best eps of The Mentalist ever.  Yes, top 10 people. 

To Plan or Not to Plan, That is the Question:
Jane tells Raymond, the Colonel, that his men's problem  (in the training exercise) is that they were going by a plan and not instinct.  The whole ep was about Raymond's seemingly perfect murder plan going array because of Jane.  Plan's can be thwarted.  Jane is a planner.  Always has been...until last season.  How many times over the years has someone said "Oh, Jane's got a plan," "Jane, what is the plan?", "I've got a plan!". Jane had several plans to catch Red John (Red John's Friends, Red John's Footsteps, Strawberries and Cream, The Crimson Hat, Fire and Brimstone) that all got messed up along the way.  He was use to the plan, the con, the trying to mentalize and make happen the ending he wanted.  At the end of season 6 he had the grand plan to seduce Lisbon over Miami and steal her away from Pike with beautiful dresses and a made up letter.  She ended up throwing water in his face, agreeing to marry the Pikester, and getting on a plane.  Yup, that plan went wrong.  But then Jane made the choice not to have a real plan to just go by instinct.  His instinct told him to hop the plane and declare his love.  Golly, it worked.

Pike was all about his plans for Teresa.  Now that Jane and Lisbon are together Jane admits he really doesn't have a plan.  He doesn't know what the future will hold but he is willing to follow that instinct that won him the girl and let them see the possibilities.

Don't Worry and Be Happy Now:
Jane telling Lisbon that is happier than he has been since she knows when was such a heart clutching moment.   The man was depressed, angry, crazed for a good 12 years after his family's death.  Finally he is free from his past (his wish in Every Rose Has a Thorn), able to live (he chooses life- Red John's Footsteps) and is happy.  Lisbon makes him happy.  Sure the mental mind games he finds stimulating still but he doesn't need them in the structure of the FBI all he needs is Lisbon.  She is what brings the smile to his lips and fake house hunting so fun. So whatever Lisbon decides to do with life, as long as Jane is with her, he seems willing to go with it.

Baker does a wonderful job directing the "jisbon" scenes that Harper wrote.  The love has grown since the first episode of the season where they were in the honeymoon stage.  They are now completely comfortable and reassured in their love for one another.  Their bantering was back from Jane's 'did you have a fling" question to his teasing her that they could be beekeepers.  He doesn't fear she'll leave him.  Lisbon seems more rest assured in their relationship as well as she brings up the future without hesitation (and tells him unlike with Pike that she wants the job in the FBI still).  The characters are so joyful together holding hands briefly or Lisbon touching his back...it is wonderful to see two lost souls find an anchor in each other. 

It was interesting to see this secret couple being soooo open with their relationship. They have nothing to hide, Baker seems to be showing.  Just like Wiley's crush needs not be hidden- nothing wrong with it.  But the murderous affair between Raymond and Denise is something to hide for it is wrong.  They don't echo the love that Jane and Lisbon have...they even end up turning on one another.  Jane and Lisbon have always risked losing everything to protect each other. 

Jane and Lisbon's current relationship is an engagement.  No one has got on a knee or anything- you didn't miss an episode.  But they are a "we", they are headed to a future together, they are in a secure ship with each other- they are heading towards a marriage conventional or otherwise.

Other Things:
-The lol of Wiley and Vega from the car change to the end opening the briefcase.

-A nice hark back to CBI feels with Cho and Lisbon doing the training together. They relied on instinct because they have great trust in each other.  Raymond and his girl did not thus his perfect plan went away.  When Jane put his faith in his CBI team he was finally able to kill Red John. Instinct/faith/trust are an important parts of any puzzle.

-It is wonderful to see a happy Jane and for Baker he got to film the character happy without a cloud of heaviness.  My Blue Heaven had the light at the end when Lisbon appears but the others Blinking Red Light, Red Sails in the Sunset, Red Moon are all very dark.  It was great to have Baker show off his talent with more light.

-Lisbon having good instinct was a nice nod to BRL where Jane encouraged her to go by instinct for the suspects.  Hailbach she didn't care for...he eventually would grow to a serial killer.  The scene in the coffee place reminded me of Blood Money, too.  Being with Jane has made Lisbon more like him in mentalist abilities.

-So who knifed the wife?  It doesn't matter, says Jane and it truly doesn't because they are both guilty of her murder.  From the opening shot though it appears Denise was waiting by the car and Raymond was doing the gutting. Did Raymond purposely come up to famous Jane and Lisbon?  A killer who committed the perfect crime may want someone of Jane's stature to know this...can you guess what I did but you can't figure any proof out.  Gives them more power and control. In the end though, just like any other monster, he was only human and he let fear of the unknown (what was hidden in the case) make him confess. Just like Red John had a fear of pigeons, everyone has a fear of something and it can be their undoing.

Next Week:
On January 7, a Wednesday at 8 there is Green Light which finds Jane and Lisbon celebrating and Abbott hoping the past doesn't catch up with him.

Sniffle in the Air- a Review of Black Market

This review is full of spoilers for the episode Black Market so avoid this if you haven't watched yet.  I do not own the show, merely my opinions.

Plot: A sick Jane orchestras from his beloved couch as his partner in crime and life, Lisbon, plays his usual role of fake medium. Meanwhile Abbott faces problems with marriage and employment as Cho and Vega learn to work together.

The Parallels and Pitfalls of Romance:
Abbott and his wife have a problem- she is up for a big DC job but his past is coming back to haunt him.  Out of great love for his wife he feels she is better off without him and urges her to pursue her work dreams in the new city.  Hmmm who does this sound like?  Jane's past haunted Lisbon...enough that she had to take a small town Sheriff position and fell for him when he hadn't completed his goal of killing Red John yet.  Out of love and waiting to protect her, Jane use to keep her in the dark about his schemes and intentions.  He pushed her away to keep her safe.  Then Pike showed up and Jane told her he wanted her to be happy even though that meant he was going to be dying inside. He pushed her to go fulfill her dreams.

Abbott's story also reminds viewers that love isn't easy it is about making hard choices sometimes.  This is echoed in the final scene with Jane and Lisbon.  Jane clearly tells Lisbon he wants to leave the FBI and take off with her.  Now he is under contract to tell those BA member names and he has to stay working for the FBI for five more years.  So if he leaves before the five years could this mean jail time for McAllister's death?  Jane doesn't want to work for the FBI- he was only there to be with Lisbon.  He joined the CBI because 1.) it would help him track RJ, 2.) he needed something to hold on to, and 3.) he eventually fell for Lisbon.  Now he has Lisbon he doesn't need to be crime fighting anymore.  Lisbon, on the other hand, has always been about the job.  Through chasing RJ with Jane though, she has been demoted.  So even though she says the job is her life still maybe that will change.  They both have hard decisions to make as they venture through this relationship so that they can both be happy.

Lisbon Says Roger Says Hi:
There were some weak areas in the episode but this part sold the whole thing.  Robin Tunney was amazingly hilarious as Lisbon pretended to be a medium as Jane coached her.  Lisbon doesn't like being on display so being in front of the audience, all the eyes on her, was hard enough.  Lisbon never cared for Jane playing fake physic so that added to her uncomfortably level.  Then on top of it, Lisbon, has always been known as a terrible liar.  She actually has been doing quite well with it lately especially in the opening scene.

Mere words cannot express how hilarious this was.  Nice little Easter eggs to fans, too.  For example Roger, the name of the dead dog, was a connection to My Blue Heaven and the character of Roger that showed Jane what his life would be if he didn't run to Lisbon.  The little dog beloved by the owner- a hat tip to LaRoche and his little dog.  How about the Red Badge feels when Jane says he will be inside her head...but his time Lisbon is glad for it?  Then there was the "Psychics don't exist" which Jane has said from the pilot.  Speaking of the pilot Lisbon was doing a Jane flashback reenactment from that ep.  Nice little treats from the show to the fans.

The Only Problem with Gifts:
The show is really trying to make this the year for the fans.  It means great things for us but also, as shown with this ep, can erect some problems.  The opening sequence is one of them.  Now I fully admit I liked the idea years ago that Lisbon and Cho may have had a one night stand before he joined CBI.  Given their personalities they could have remained friends and then back coworkers (boss/agent) without issue.  So the thought of Cho and Lisbon pretending to be a couple didn't bother me.  But if I were a long time shipper I would have been rightly pissed.  No kisses between the actual couple on the show but one between two other long time characters (and actors that are friends).  I now realize that the lack of showing actual physical romance of any kind is not because of the character's life perspective, the actors' friendship, etc.  It is because the show is trying to give all of us fans something -thus the Chisbon and the lack of kissing etc. The show is trying to make shippers happy by having jisbon happy but not showing the physicality to keep non shippers happy too. In turn this makes something lacking.  Either Jane and Lisbon are together and stand strong on that or don't put them together.

The other issue with this ep was with the Cho/Vega storyline.  The show knows fans want Cho to have a good arc so he has Vega who their might be sparks with  (and maybe tragedy, too).   It also knew some vocal fans didn't like Fischer so Kim is gone, Vega in.  Vega was made to be liked if not adored by the audience.  The only problem is in this ep Vega's strength was taken away from her and her capable performer.  Vega was pleading with Cho to forgive her and the story repeated this over and over again instead of showing something new to shed more light on the characters.  How about let Vega be strong and Cho admire that. 

Other Things:
-For people pretending they aren't in a ship, Lisbon said kinda loudly for Jane to go back to her place.  I didn't find that an error I just found it funny.


-Get Lost Fluffy was back when Lisbon said "the engagement is off" while flashing her badge.

-Joe Adler was so great in this ep- trying to lift Vega's spirits while hilariously wiping his phone after sick Jane used it.

-Jane sick was adorable.  It was nice for him he got to wallow in his sickness. He had someone he could ask to bring him soup and lay down with him while he rested.  Remember in Paint it Red when Van Pelt says Jane called in sick and Lisbon says Jane is never sick?  He wasn't then because he had a mission to catch Red John and couldn't rest and get ill.  Too much running on adrenaline.  But now with Lisbon he is at peace, calm, relaxed and can get sick.  I won't say all the sex is making him ill but maybe a bit more tired though.

Next week:
Hold on people it is the Simon Baker directed ep with a mysterious suitcase.  Simon eps are always something special and the man is a brilliant director so fun to be had! 

Mr. Jane's Very Wet Day- Review of Orange Blossom Ice Cream

The following is a review for Orange Blossom Ice Cream as such there are spoilers ahead.  I don't own, work for or even have the bathrobe used in the show.  I don't own the show either.

Plot: Erika Flynn is back with a scheme up her sleeveless dress as Jane plays courier for her water/numbers loving boyfriend, Jan.

Exing out the Exes:
Lisbon asks Jane about him and Erika.  He ends up telling her the truth (a writer revised truth though- he kissed Erika twice, once in the hotel and once before she escaped).  He even apologizes and like the plane scene is as honest as he can be.  It was neat to see "liar" Jane who so easily fubs choking back knowing that when she asked about Lorelei he was going to be forced to tell all.  Luckily he found an out by bringing up Mashburn and Lisbon didn't want to discus her one night stand with the billionaire.  Good thing; Jane didn't want to say "Well, I kissed her numerous times and slept with her to get Red John." Lisbon knew about the one kiss and believed he had slept with her given their conversation in The Crimson Ticket.  Better to let it go, it is the past and now they have the present and the future together.

Jane and the Rub a Dub Tub:
Jane was dunked for what seemed like a very long time as he was told words that he had to memorize.  Not sure why the dunking had to take place or if it was merely a gift to female fans.  Or perhaps if you felt like slapping Jane about Erika from her last ep...this was your way of achieving it.   Kudos to Simon Baker for enduring the torture.  Had to love how Jane was very concerned about drying his hair more than his clothes.

Rigsby Never Lied to Him:
Cho must have been having pangs for Rigsby when Vega went and screwed up and he found out she lied.  Partners need to depend on each other and he could always do that with Rigs.  Part of Cho's anger though was also that he cares already for the rookie.  Cho is a man of few emotions but did you see him when he thought she got shot?  Fear was scribed in his voice.   Cho can't help it.  As he once said, the heart wants what it wants.  It makes me wonder if part of the reason he told Vega off was out of fear for his feelings...if he is having them.

Your Love is Better Than Ice Cream:
At the end of the ep Jane sets up a romantic ice cream meeting on the top of the building for Lisbon.  It echos of the ice cream scene in The Red Shirt.  They once again eat from the same bowl but this time they are huggy and the love is more evident.  Jane has clearly put it together to reestablish that he loves Lisbon and wants only her.  It is obvious that she didn't need much encouragement to know that. By the end they are teasing each other- Lisbon saying the ice cream isn't too special and Jane laughing about her blue color roots.  They don't have to live in fear...their love is secure.

There comfortably with each other is easy to see in the robe/bed scene.  Jane doesn't get all "OMG, wow" as Lisbon comes out of the bathroom because we can assume he has seen her like this a multitude of times since their first kiss.  The love is right on display though it is odd even in private times we only get small gestures and not more.  Really, shouldn't Jane be in a robe on the bed to signify he left the shower just to make the phone call?  Or perhaps was going to join but she left because she is a bit pissed off?

 

The Truth is...:
The theme of this ep was truth from Cho's anger about Vega's lie to Jane telling Lisbon about Erika.   The truth is that I loved the first Erika Flynn episode but did not like the second one.  Luckily this one I was back to loving the character and the plot.  Morena is a wonderful actress.  Erika thought she had fooled Jane but nope he brought her to justice and Lisbon got the fun of being the one to bring the vixen to her knees.  In the end her appearance further solidified the relationship of jisbon.  They were tested and passed the test.

Other Things:
-Abbott was surely playing cupid when he sent Lisbon and Jane to an one hotel room on the government's budget.Even his "stay in the hotel" was him pushing for more lenny things.  If you don't know what that means...context clues people.

-The taxi ride scene where Jane grabs Lisbon hand was so nicely done- a thank you, an acknowledgment of his fear.  Since Jane has been given a reason to live he hasn't wanted to die and now finds himself fearful when put in these bad situations.  Before he would joke and probably felt he deserved whatever death was coming to him.  

-Jane loves telling others that Teresa is his.  From the "She's my girlfriend" to flatly telling Erika he loves Teresa.  That admission caused him some pain but he didn't seem to mind.  The viewer can tell he loves his freedom to admit his heart now.  Once one sets the truth free...he can fly.

Next week:
- A sick Jane forces Lisbon to become the mentalist.  I am already laughing.

Visitng time at the Greybar Hotel

This post contains spoilers for The Greybar Hotel.  I do not own the show nor make any profit from writing my thoughts down.

Plot: In order to stop a car ring Lisbon must gain the trust of a recent inmate by becoming one herself. 


Liar, Liar Orange Pants on Fire:
In Blue Bird Lisbon tells Jane that he doesn't tell the truth anymore that he is so lost in all his lies that he doesn't know to be a regular person.  In Graybar Hotel Lisbon tells the inmate that she was living a lie pretending not to be in love with Jane.  Was Lisbon projecting her own problems on to Jane?  Was she telling him off or herself?  She admits now that she was in love with Jane for a long time but wouldn't say it out loud.

So in love are we two:
The love was clearly on display between their flirty phone call to the looks they gave each other when they both thought they were going to die.  The phone covered also mentioned Jane lowering his guard.  He told the truth on the plane and he was rewarded with Lisbon stopping the lie- and getting off the plane.  She lowered thus her guard too and let him in.  That was of course scary for them both and still is as Lisbon admits.  She even still worries that he might leave.  Miami seems Lisbon's little fantasy paradise where her greatest moment happened- she mentions that Patrick is in Florida.

How to Save a Life:
Back in season two (for another Jordan Harper) episode, Jane tells Lisbon that he will always save her whether she likes it or not.  She says she doesn't need saving. Figuratively they saved each other in that plane moment and the pickle scene afterwards.  There has been many of an occasion that Lisbon has to save damsel in distress Jane but this time he had to save her.  It was a new Jane to the rescue as we have never quite seen him this scared before.  He couldn't even do his usual smirky glances at guys with guns that he usually tries.  The stakes were greater this time because he was in love again.  He lost the first woman he loved but now he was able to reverse that and save Lisbon.  The past is no longer haunting Jane.  He has even broken the cycle.

Other Things:
-Wiley/Vega/Cho

-Abbott's wife has a DC job offer.  Parallels to Lisbon and Jane perhaps? 

-Jane we have seen in prison twice so it was neat to see Lisbon instead in there.

-This ep was soooo much better than my review is saying.  I apologize, don't feel that good so brain is numb.

Next week:
The Return of Erika Flynn
 

Nothing But Blue Skies for Everyone But the Victim- a Review

Finally after months of waiting The Mentalist returned tonight to American television.  It is a bittersweet premiere- fans of Jisbon finally have their ship canon, general fans are happy about seeing their show again but it is the last season.  So many times series go on for too long so that by the time their finale airs it seems like respite relief.  Not such for The Mentalist which has continued to have high quality while taking serious chances for the last six years.  Fans could effectively have it go on for much longer but alas it would begin to lose something as well.  So the show begins its last run still fresh, still wonderful and still enjoyable for cast and crew as well as fans.  The Mentalist was always unique with it's deep storytelling and it ends unique as well.  The majority of shows are never told ahead it is their final season and don't get a chance to write the ending they desire.  The Mentalist...the people that make this show from best boy grip to Mr. Heller, gets to end it on its own terms.  I, as a devoted fan, could not ask for anything more.

Ahead you will see spoilers galore for the first episode, Nothing But Blue Skies.  I am only a fan of the show speaking my own thoughts and I sadly do not own anything involved with it.

Plot: Jane and Lisbon come back to detecting reality as they solve not one but two mysteries connected with an undercover FBI agent's murder.


Jeremy and Jane: the Old Parallels
One of the things I have always loved about The Mentalist was how the main case always could be related to Jane somehow.  Even with a happy Jane it still does.  Jeremy, the undercover FBI agent, suffered a horrible childhood trauma.  He heard his best friend get kidnapped and the act still pains him to his present.  He sleeps on the floor with a night light right beside him.  Jane saw his wife and child's dead bodies and until he killed the man responsible for it slept on the floor with the smile face above him.  Both men ended up helping others to thwart out their pain and probably their guilt.  Jeremy meets up with his devil who like Red John isn't some horned monster but a regular, older man.  The devil gets Jeremy which luckily didn't happen to Jane.  Jeremy never had the chance to reach his peace, find his heart again, let go of the past.  Jane though has been able to thanks to the death of the monster and letting himself be free to love again.

The Title Says It All
Normally the title's refer to the case at hand but this time it is all about the real major part of the episode- the love now allowed to be shown between Jane and Lisbon.  The new couple is in the midst of the everything is wonderful and happy stage of a new relationship.  Yes, they are almost sickening sweet.  No one is yelling about socks on the floor or breaking the garbage disposal.  They are both on their best behavior as well, unsure, trying to scope out the newness and how to relate to each other as more than friends.  Blue skies don't stay forever so we know as viewers this will change.  But it is fun now to watch them both have a chance to be happy.

We have seen Lisbon be sort of happy but never like this- she looks like she is her own Hallmark Valentine card.  Jane we have never seen be truly happy and his happiness is just beaming as bright as Rudolph's nose on Christmas.  The weight lifted off his shoulders has given him a new spring to his step.  What a wondrous thing- a man that died spiritually with his family has now been brought to life enjoying the beauty of a regular day because he is finally free and so is his heart. In Every Rose Has a Thorn Jane stated that he wanted to be free from his past and now he has finally achieved that.

The ambiguity of the first Jisbon scene is classic Mentalist.  Jane has his shirt untucked and Lisbon is planning on giving him a key- sounds like they are sleeping together.   But he knocks on the door and she answers "Hey" like she wasn't expecting him.  If he was doing a after sex coffee/tea run then wouldn't the comment be "That was quick" or something similar. But that is the greatness of the show- instead of telling us everything the show lets us come to our own conclusions.  By the time you are done watching the episode you realize that it doesn't matter whether or not they were just doing the horizontal tango.  The love the two share is evident and beautiful to reveal in.

We do know that Jane has been helping Lisbon move back into her house.  Lisbon who took years to fully move into her apartment during the CBI reign is quicker at establishing roots now.  Jane, who never likes to do manual work (see Blood Brothers among other eps)  is eager to help here because this is a new Jane.

Yes, I would still like to see another kiss even if it is a peck on the cheek.  We  have seen enough kissing moments for Jane (Erika, Lorelei, the girl in Fugue in Red) and Lisbon (Mashburn, guy in Rose Colored Glasses, Pike) that it couldn't hurt to have one scene or two.  These two are in love and people in love do kiss.

Getting Piked
Towards the end of the ep Marcus Pike shows up and asks Jane what he has to offer Lisbon.  Poor Jane looks lost for a moment not sure what he can.  Gee, the guy just started a relationship after 12 years give him a break.  Of course Pike still doesn't get it- he thinks that Lisbon should be happy that he offered to marry her and give her a home.  It is all about him.  He is going to "save her".  Didn't Lisbon tell Jane once she didn't need saving?  She didn't.  All she needs is to be loved by a man that says "we" and includes her in the decision making.  This is what she gets with Patrick Jane.  Jane is notoriously a liar and about what he wants.  Well, not anymore for when Jane loves a woman he tells the truth always and makes decisions with her.  Yes, Jane must have been a great husband no wonder he couldn't move on from losing his first true love.

Other Things:
- Baker and Tunney really did an amazing job because they had to play their characters that are like a second skin a whole new way.   They made their love show even without physical contact.  Talking can be hot with these two. 

-Cho smiled twice.

-The swan is a nice nod to the Save the Mentalist campaign and a harking back to the pilot.  Cho made the frog Jane gave Lisbon but now that frog got kissed and turned into a prince and she is like a swan renewed in beauty.  Swans also mate for life.

-New addiction Vega easily fit in and Josie Loren plays her with a perfect amount of composure and hesitation.  

- Lisbon's house has a white picket fence...like the old expression of what a perfect life should be.  

-The vintage car ride- a perfect ending to the episode although if they are trying to hide the romance it doesn't quite work.

- Kim's letter to Lisbon was sweet and if the character had to leave a nice way to make her goodbye impactful.  

Next Week:
-Lisbon gets to wear orange and the cuffs for once.

A Thank You

Just wanted to send a thank you out to all those who participated on August 14 in trending We Love Emily.  As you probably know 20 minutes into the hour the trend went World Wide and stayed there till end of the hour.  Emily Swallow did see it and knows.  She, as usual, was grateful and humbled.  Such a nice way for all of us to come together once again and say thank you to her for all her help and kindness.

This would not have been possible without all of you!  Special thanks to the Swallz Army who are still on Twitter and looking forward to doing more projects.

Courtesy of Amy a snapshot of the trend and the number of tweets.

Reminder trending for Emily

In less than half an hour at 2PM EST we are going to try to trend We Love Emily without a hash tag. Please retweet the SwallzArmy post.  Let us thank the great Emily Swallow for being so wonderful to us, her fans.