A Rose By Any Other Name- Desert Rose Review

If you haven't seen the season premiere of The Mentalist...what is wrong with you?!  But seriously this continues spoilers for the aired ep so precede at your own caution. 

The Story: Jane's plan backfires involving a case of a dead baseball player's wife.  Thus Bertram sends Jane and Lisbon to a murder at the Salton Sea when a bunch of bones is discovered.  Jane manages to solve that case but after fighting with Lisbon might lose her- Red John has lured her into a trap.

Jane and Lisbon Parallels:

This episode featured great parallels between Jane and Lisbon.  In the last few seasons Lisbon has adopted more and more of Jane's characteristics while she has rubbed off on him a bit.  The ep opens with a role reversal.  Jane is lost, RJ has seemingly beaten him by knowing the names on the suspect list.  Lisbon, though, is calm and strong, reminding him they have to go about their jobs to not let people on to what is happening.  I love when the show does this because it shows character like a real person has- we change when we have to and sometimes change back.  Lisbon becomes more like Jane as the ep progresses.  She is worried because he doesn't have a plan and can't sleep.  Now in Red Moon, an RJ ep, we see that even though the killer is loose Lisbon can sleep. Lisbon goes behind Jane's back and gets Van Pelt's help.  Hmm, how many times has Jane done the same thing to Lisbon?  Lisbon is being secretive and controlling which Jane often is.  Jane, meanwhile, is channeling Lisbon.  He feels bad after the fight and tries to mend fences.  He kindly touches Van Pelt's shoulder and forgives the team.  He calls Lisbon multiple times (like she did in Crimson Hat).  He actually apologizes at the first crime scene and tries to protect Lisbon from Bertram's anger as Lisbon would do for the team. 

Because Lisbon is in Jane mode she ends up making a near fatal mistake like he did in the season 2 finale- they both had ventured to a place without backup where they were captured.  Jane is saved by Red John himself.  Red John doesn't kill Lisbon but sends Jane a message. I know some people have complained about Lisbon going into the house but Jane is super smart and he has done this before.  When you have Red John in your sights, playing with your mind, your common sense leaves.  Plus Lisbon has a duty to enter when she hears a noise.  For once it is Jane that is worried sick about Lisbon- a position Lisbon has been in before.

The Clue in the Blood:

One of my students feels strongly that the red smile painted on Lisbon is meant as a clue to Jane that Red John was once a carnie, a clown to be exact.  He's 10 but it isn't a bad theory!  I owe him a set of pens if he is right.   So that would mean that the smile face is a clown crying blood.  I don't know about that but I do feel bad for Robin that she had to lay down with that on her although it did look like they put a pillow under her.

So why doesn't Red John kill Lisbon?  I think RJ feels that if he does Jane might not be as worthy as a foe to go against.  Losing any member of his new family could send back to the mental hospital.  The mouse would be away and who would the cat play with?  RJ wants Jane off his game so marking Lisbon is a perfect way to do that.  It is letting him know that he, RJ, has all the power.  He can make Jane hurt again at any moment.  This though will probably awaken Jane from his I- don't -know- what- to- do stupor.  Red John isn't just going to kill anyone he is going to gun for the CBI team.

I'm sorry to see Brett Partridge go- that loveable ghoul!  But I do believe that Brett was no innocent.  I will say that he is a minion (he did know the Tyger, Tyger).  He may have been the one that got RJ into the CBI computers etc.  Plus he would know how to clean up any crime scene or get rid of any evidence John accidentally left behind.

I will say that I think Lisbon's actions pushed Red John into going on the offense with one of his own which will become his ultimate mistake.  For now Jane has more clues and connections to piece together the puzzle.  So Lisbon's error actually made it so Jane could get closer to the truth.  Lisbon- always a true martyr.   

I liked this cliffhanger too because usually when shows but a main character in danger you just know nothing will happen.  I'm not too sure here.  Of course Lisbon won't die but could she suffer the serious condition of PTSD?  Or did RJ screw up her brain like he did Kristina with a K?  I'm not sure- this is Heller here, anything is possible.  Though I'll guess that she'll be upset but fine.


Jane's Growth:

He apologizes several times.  He defends Lisbon.  He is honest with her.  He runs after her when they fight.  Jane calls to make up.  He touches Van Pelt's shoulder in a sign of forgiveness.  He doesn't really yell at the rest of the team.  He isn't silly, just funny.  He's not too mean either.

The first mini case  Jane solves at the beginning of the ep is very similar to the first case ever in the Mentalist pilot.  Except this time Jane uses the food he eats to protect anyone from getting killed (or so he thought).   He is apologetic when it all goes to hell.  Jane has matured or changed...he's a better person, a better investigator in some respects.  The influence of the CBI and Lisbon on him, perhaps.  I like it though- shows some simple areas of growth.


Some Great Moments:

- Yes, those eggs are delicious.  My Aunt Teresa (ironically) use to make eggs with water like that.  It is nice to see domestic Jane.

-The scene with Cho, Rigsby, Madison and Gavin was hilarious.  Great timing by everyone involved and further showed why this show is so great- even in great despair there can be laughter. 

-Great job by Robin for continuing to hold her gun in her left hand.  Continuity!  Yes, the cast may be gone but Lisbon's wrist isn't perfect yet.

-Jane says he doesn't believe in God but he must have known that Bible verse to lead Sonya down that path.  Hmm.  Maybe he was religious once before his life went to hell.

-Who's sane scene.  Hilarious and creepy at once with Bertram appearing RJ like.  That means he isn't, right?  Or is it another case of O'Laughlin where the right answer is easy to see.

Preview of Next Week:

-Action scenes!

-Something in the oven.

-Could the Doctor be in?

-How does Jane get all the suspects in one room?

It looks awesome!

 

Quick Fix Review: The Desert Rose

A quick fix means that it is not a full, in depth review.  That will come later in the week with some true analysis.  This is more a OMG- that so rocked- did you see that jaw on floor- review. With quick little bullet lines.

The Mentalist trended on Twitter in the afternoon and a few more times before trending during the ep.  Well deserved for the hard working show.

Spoilers galore so don't read if you haven't yet seen- trust me you want to see it first.  Photo below is property of CBS/WB.

The Desert Rose

-Bertram- creepy Michael Gaston really rose to the occasion as making himself higher up on the suspect list

-Partridge- Oh Brett!  He seemed so upset in his first scene that Jane was looking at him funny.  But with the Tyger, Tyger at the end it would seem he was a friend of RJ's.  So RJ kills a partner to get Jane's partner.  A chess match ladies and gents.  Great job by Jack Plotnick.

-Emotional blowout between Jane and Lisbon- I didn't expect Lisbon telling Jane off would result with Jane running after her and apologizing!  Especially when he had every right to be angry.  What a shift in their dynamic and relationship already.

-Hitchcokian ending- That was by far the scariest scene ever on The Mentalist.  Big Kudos to Jack and Robin for acting the hell out of it.  Chris Long's superb direction made it even more thrilling and Blake Neeley's music was...killer.

-Jane lost at sea- Lisbon is scared by Jane being lost as what to do.  A freaky moment for us all seeing we rely on Jane to figure it all out but RJ has knocked Jane a bit off his game (though he was able to solve two cases).

-Bruno is King- Truly the best season premiere of TM (and further more many shows) ever.  Clock full of suspense, action, drama and intrigue plus he showed what makes Jane such a joy to watch even when he isn't after the red smile face killer.

In depth analysis later this week.  Till then....must rewatch...100 times.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Five years ago, Monday, The Mentalist premiered at 9 on CBS.  It wasn't suppose to become a big hit.  Modest at best after NCIS would have worked on that Tuesday.  But The Mentalist drew a large audience.  The audience came back to see the pilot when it was repeated that weekend.  After the premiere of any show the ratings most always drop.  Sometimes a bit, sometimes by a lot.  It is expected by the shows and the networks.  Not often do they hold steady and hardly ever do the ratings increase in the second ep.  But The Mentalist did that.  It had higher ratings for its second episode and by Flame Red in December it had not only its largest numbers to date but it beat it's 8o'clock team neighbor.  It started out unique in the numbers game.  Moving to Thursdays shaved off some viewers (this was to be expected).  Some other viewership was lost as happens to most shows as they age.  Still though two years ago it was in the top ten of shows with great ratings.  Then, yes, it was moved to Sunday.  I can still remember hearing my local radio talk about the TM new home instead of the new previewed shows.  The numbers did decrease from Thursday (they would for anyone) but it still did well.  Yes, The Mentalist has always been unique in it's viewership.

It can counter any foe.  Does it need promotion?  Pffft of course not.  People still turn in, it's TM.   What about if the show before it's numbers aren't good.  Oh please!  TM we are talking about here- it can still get better numbers.  Um, it's against all these new hip, cable shows that can swear, show nudity and have more creative control.  Never fear, Patrick Jane, is here.   But it is sometimes delayed an hour!  Ha, Cho says, it can still get more viewers and a better demo than your average show in a great time slot. 

What does The Mentalist have?  (Other than wonderful acting, writing, directing, crew etc)  It has loyal, worldwide fans.  In honor of the season premiere airing Sunday at (hopefully 10- there is a Jets game on at 4) let's get TM to trend.

I have figured out a good time for everyone.  I think.  I hope.  So for a half a hour starting at the time listed below (even if the tweet is about washing your hair) tweet  #TheMentalist  on everything you write and let's see if we can get more magic happening.

EST: 4 PM
CST: 3 PM
MST: 2 PM
PST: 1 PM

Countries (to name a just a  few):
Ireland: 9 PM
Norway: 10 PM
Athens: 11 PM
Rio De Janeiro: 5 PM
Hong Kong: 4 AM
Italy: 10 PM
France: 10 PM
Poland: 10 PM
Australia: 6 AM
Austria: 10 PM
England: 9 PM
Portugal: 9 PM
India 1:30 AM

Okay who is with me on this?  Let's try at least to give the people of The Mentalist who have been so kind to us something back- let's get them to trend before the premiere.  France- we are really counting on you!  Merci Beaucomp!

Red John's Rules

The 5th season finale of The Mentalist was excellent, of course.  When is it ever not?!  This ep was  especially rich as it was in the hands of the show's creator, Bruno Heller.  Red John's Rules accomplished many things but there are three parts I want to actually talk about.  Let's call them 1.) Lorelei and the message, 2.) Jane's past, 3.) Jane and Lisbon breaking all the rules

Lorelei and the Message

I said this right after the finale aired- the way Lorelei is positioned in the chair reminds me of how Kristina Frye was found.  There is a woman, sitting in a wooden chair, giving Jane a message from Red John.  For Kristina it was a - "RJ loves you, you aren't allowed to date."  Lorelei also gave a "Hey, look I, Red John, am better than you."  Red John doing what he does best- playing games.  When Kristina is found in The Blood on His Hands the room before features lights, a chair and a paintbrush.  It makes me wonder if RJ wasn't planning some video tape message for Jane from Kristina but he was caught off guard.  Perhaps Stiles turned against him and RJ found out.  Now you ask- "Um, then why isn't Stiles sliced and diced?"  Because RJ needs Stiles around as Stiles needs him.  We, the audience, don't know said reason- yet.

So how did Red John know the seven names?  He could have edited the footage- Lorelei could have read a list of 20 names.  But Jane broke the disc so they won't ever know.  RJ has already been established as being good with computers even breaking into the CBI instant messenger service in Red John's Friends.  He could have the ability to do that.  He could have bugged Jane's room or snuck in...all possibilities to find the list.  He could have used Kirkland's info to piece together who Jane has narrowed the list down to.

Red John hasn't been killing for years.  Why did he stop?  Was what Carter was asserting at the mall, true?  Did RJ want to retire with Jane in jail for his "murder"?  Weirdly enough Carter makes illusions to getting a new face...which last year seemed a possibility with Kirkland.

RJ is planning for Jane's death but prepared for his own -"I won't stop until I catch you or you catch me." Chilling to say the least.

Jane's Past

 We had bits or pieces of Jane's past in previous eps.  Red Handed in season 1 was the first ep that said that Jane was form Carnie folk.  The second season ep, Throwing Fire,  showed how Jane's father used his learned ability to read a situation to make money to live and gamble.  Jane had emotional abuse for years.  He gave his father money and learned better that everyone is just a mark.  Use them, move on.  That was until Angela saved him.  They left the carnie life but Jane became the showman.  What did RJ become?  A showman of murder.  If you can't out fake physic the guy, then get press another more red way.   Jane's growing up and Red John's assentation into evil seem like two boys on a parallel path.  RJ is somehow connected to Jane's past.  Some possible theories have included: RJ is Jane's half bro who lived with the mother, RJ is Kevin Barlow with surgery, and RJ was once on the carnie circuit with Jane.  These could all be true...but I haven't gotten on the band wagon for any of them yet.

The only thing for certain is that either long ago or when Jane appeared on the talk show, Red John find his perfect mouse and everything he has done is leading Jane to what will happen in season 6.

Jane and Lisbon Breaking All the Rules

This episode was the biggest ep for Jane and Lisbon's relationship.  It moved them into a new arena- trust.  Lisbon asked for Jane's trust and he gave it.  Not an easy thing for Jane to do especially when (although I love Lisbon) the woman is horrible at lying.  But still he gave it and Lisbon seemed to really appreciate his faith in her.  She in turn kept the conversations, traveling, information out of the loop of the CBI.  She respected Jane's desire to talk to Pete without her and easily went along with the con plan.  She also gave Roddy his baby without going through other channels.  This was growth for both of them and a gain of getting closer.  

Last year Jane and Lisbon became more like true partners and with season 5 that bond was established even more.  Lisbon and the CBI are family now- Jane knows there is nothing he can do about it.  Lisbon forgave Jane leaving for Vegas and breaking Lorelei  out of jail.  That was huge.  In turn Jane put aside Red John to help Lisbon bring Volker to justice. 

Like I said before I am not a shipper.  Not because I am against it but because after getting my heart broken on other couples I try not to invest anymore.  But it seems obvious, even to a non shipper , that we are suppose to see that Lisbon has feelings for Jane and Jane has feelings for her.  Of course the scene with Sean Barlow saying that Lisbon "lies awake at night in bed thinking of Patrick"...yeah no one thinks of a platonic friend while in bed.  It is written to make your mind go there.  Then Barlow says "but he is so secretive and controlling."  Which is the reason, Heller seems to imply, that Lisbon won't ever make a move to be with Jane.  So what does Jane do?  He doesn't sweep it under the rug like in season 4 when he pretends not to remember saying "love you".  No, this time he confronts the subject head on admitting that Barlow is right and then deciding to tell her the 7 names even though he knows this might be a bad idea.  Actually it could lose him Red John.  But in that moment he chooses Lisbon over Red John which is a "lovely" moment.  It isn't necessary romantic like Lisbon's moment with the Barlow quote though.  While Lisbon has a reason to not get with Jane, Jane doesn't even allow himself to go there, to think about it.  He has to get Red John.  Fun, love, a true life- all that can wait if he lives after confronting the man. 

I don't know of course but Jane showing Lisbon the DVD- I wonder if Red John thought that would happen.  What an improvement in their relationship from season 2 where it ended with Jane outright lying to Lisbon and keeping the Tyger,Tyger quote to himself.  My, how far the two of them have come.  And now where do they go next?

Two weeks until he premiere!

The Blood on His Hands, the Questions in my Mind

As you all should know this year we are going to learn who Red John is.  Of course that means I have been going back and watching again old episodes of the show that have the red smile face killer.  I haven't had any sudden revelations (expect for today when something DualAlly said made me think).  Yes, that burning smell was not your house on fire just my brain actually working.  But one episode that I watched tonight left me with questions.  I don't know the answers... maybe you do.  Especially if you are a friend of Red John's.

The episode I had the pleasure of viewing probably for the 30th time was The Blood on His Hands written with such fun, depth, and suspense by the wonderful Tom Szentgyorgyi and directed by (one of my favorites) David Barrett.  So now a little in depth discussion.

The story: A body washes up that belongs to a member of Visualize.  As Jane and CBI investigate they discover that the dead lady was dating the Visualize lawyer, Julius, while being prearranged to marry a cook named David.  Van Pelt meets Craig O'Laughlin when he is following her and Rigsby.  Jane finds Kristina Frye thanks to Bret Stiles but Kristina has now been brain washed to think she is dead.

The Title: The blood on whose hands?  Red John seeing he took Kristina Frye is one possibility.  Julius, for he murdered Celicia, another theory. Could it be David who kills Julius?  Or Bret Stiles because the life of Visualize impacted Celicia's life and lead to her death (not to mention it is eluded that Stiles set David in motion to off Julius)?  One other person who could have blood on his hands is Jane.  Jane went on a date with Kristina.  Stiles says that Red John sort of "loves" him.  That he would be jealous.  That RJ wants to take away anything that makes Jane happy.  Whom do you think the title refers to?

What Does Stiles Know? Stiles says he knows more than Red John or Jane know.  But the question is how much more and how has he used this knowledge to further cement his standing with Visualize.  Why does Stiles tell Jane where Kristina is?  Is it to show how much more powerful than Jane and Red John he is?  Did RJ ask him to to add torment to Jane?  Was he doing this "friendly" gesture so he could use Jane later on?

O'Laughlin and the Car: I was always curious if Craig purposely hit Van Pelt and Rigsby to either harm or kill them or maybe to get introduced.  We now know that Craig knew exactly who Van Pelt's dad was so no question bringing up Amos was to get VP interested in him.  Red John likes to choose agents to bed the CBI team that he knows they would like.  Jane had Lorelei who resembled Lisbon and Vane Pelt had former football player O'Laughlin.  RJ must consider himself a professional match maker. 

Kristina's House of Horrors: Really what was up with the lights, paint brush and chair in the second place Kristina Frye was kept?  Weird remolding or something much more sinister?  At the time I thought Red John was planning to film something but now I wonder if he was planning to paint Kristina's blood on the wall and leave her sitting limp in the chair like the doll in the first house. I hope you weren't eating. 

If you haven't seen The Blood on His Hands recently I highly recommend watching it again.  Now that we are heading to the climax of the Red John story it is your last time to piece together the mystery before it is solved for us.

The Great Moments of Amanda Righetti and Owain Yeoman

If it weren't for Amanda Righetti it probably would have taken me longer to become a rapid fan of The Mentalist.  If it weren't for Owain Yeoman I may never have signed up on Twitter and met all these wonderful people.  So this blog post is a little thank you to them and the characters they have created.  Now I'm sure you have read or heard the rumors but I am not going to comment on that.   Until anything is official it isn't a done deal in my book.  (Or I just don't want to deal with it.)

I began watching The Mentalist with the pilot.  Being a fan of Simon's from his Guardian and Smith days and overdosing on Robin's movie career (I had already seen Cherish probably 20 times)- I was excited to see both of them together on the small screen.  I wasn't too familiar with Tim- just from seeing his commercials.  Amanda I knew from Reunion, a short lived series, where her Jenna was one of the best things the show had going for it.  Owain I had adored already from his time on The Nine.  Although it didn't last long Owain was unforgettable as good/bad guy Lucas.   So once I saw the previews for TM I knew I would watch this show.  The premise sounded good and it featured actors that I was a fan of already.

The opening sequence of The Mentalist pilot was beyond excellent.  This Bruno Heller kid (along with Simon's acting) made the audience know right away who Jane was and what he was about.  So yes I was hooked.  But it wasn't until the restaurant scene that I knew this was my new favorite show- thanks to Righetti.  See the scene below:

What I loved about this

was that Righetti became the audience.  Grace was already charmed by Jane (as we were) but also questioning how good of a guy this was (as we should have been).  Grace is calm but still puts Jane into his place- one of the few times anyone has ever done this.  Baker was excellent, Yeoman was hilarious and Righetti sold it (and thus the show to me).

Owian Yeoman began a Twitter account two years ago.  When I discovered this I decided to join up just so I could follow him.  (I wasn't disappointed- he was as nice as he seemed and funny).  Because of that I ended up meeting other Mentalist fans which has honestly enriched my life.  So thank you, Owain for that.  Usually Owain is known for bringing the funny.  He has wonderful chemistry with both Tim Kang and Amanda always making their scenes together sparkle.  He allows Rigsby to be nearly fully lighthearted in contrast to Jane's dark and sometimes light sides.  Rigsby is our bright light in the dark tunnel because even when things are bad he tries to find something good or a way out of the dark.   If you haven't watched Blood Feud which was Rigsby's Red Badge do so.  Yeoman gives the kind of performance that if it were on cable he would have been awarded an Emmy nod.  We get to see all these new layers and sides of Rigsby as Rigsby and thus Yeoman takes us on a rollarcoaster of emotions.  It is a brilliant piece of acting from a great script by Jordan Harper and direction from Anton Cooper.   Here is one scene to highlight:

Amanda Righetti's top 5 episodes:
1. My Bloody Valentine -Year 4 was so good to Righetti as Van Pelt went through a metamorphosis after killing her Red John friend fiance.  This ep in particular finds Righetti stretching all sort of acting muscles as she deals with the image of that dead fiance.

2. Blood and Sand- Righetti shows Van Pelt's anger and uneveness as she works the case. 

3. His Thoughts Were Red Thoughts- Here she goes ttoe to toe with the great Malcolm McDowell and shows just how good she is.

4. Bloodshot- The comedy is great and then in the last final scenes Van Pelt goes through anger, fear and UST.  All displayed effortlessly by Righetti.

5. Russet Potatoes- One scene in particular is amazing.  Yeah the kiss is hot, her worriedness about Wayne is great but it is when she calls out the Dr.  and tells him that he's going to have to up his game that makes me want to applaud.

Owain Yeoman's top 5 episodes:
1. Blood Feud- See above- it is one hell of a gripping ep with perfect acting.

2. Like a Red Headed Stepchild- Rigsby confronts his old man and has a grown up telling off (but with a kiss) to Van Pelt.  Yeoman at his finest.

3. Rose Colored Glasses- Hilarious as Rigsby tries to have a memory palace and fool the rest of his fake classmates.  I always crack up with the "Willa, imma gonna need just a minute".  Yeoman has always been the master of the reaction shot, too. 

4. Russet Potatoes- Owain does a great job here going back and forth between comedy and gulping matters (Rigsby asking Jane to stop hurting him). 

5. Red in Tooth and Claw- Hilariousness again and great scenes between him and Kang's Cho. 

They both deserve a wow for Red Velvet Cupcakes.  The car scene, in the radio studio where their actual feelings are explored and the last scene are perfect examples of their chemistry and abilities.

No matter what is to happen I thank both Amanda Righetti and Owain Yeoman for bringing such pleasure to The Mentalist.  Agents Grace Van Pelt and Wayne Rigsby have been beloved for 5 years because their protrayers made them such well rounded, interesting characters.   They are both great at the comedy and the drama making them valuable actors for any project they take part in.  I know wherever life takes Righetti and Yeoman I will be watching to see their next great moment.

Location, Location

Just two weeks ago (boy time does fly though) I was in Los Angeles 3,000 miles away from my town.  I attended a fan gathering, a convention called Mentalist Con.  While there I met up with four Twitter friends who were awesome.  They did a real search for Mentalist filming locations.  They posted some pics which you can check out by seeing their Twitter accounts  (@DualAlly, @everinn, @SteeleSimz and @klcarr892).

I did a bit of scouting locations and looking up Mentalist related LA things.  This was my fourth time in Hollywood and it is my favorite place to visit.  If you have never gone before seriously consider it.  If you are a fan of television (and how can you not be if you are reading this blog) there is always a chance you will see actual filming going on.  I happened upon CSI:NY filming two years ago.  If you like beaches, LA has those.  Not to mention the land is full of great shopping, wonderful dining, museums to explore and quite of lot of OMG- wow sites like the Hollywood sign or Capital Records building.  I was not paid by the Los Angeles tourism committee for that endorsement by the way.

Now on to some actual things for you to see.  This is just a sampling.  If you are a Mentalist fan then you are familiar with this building which acts as CBI Headquarters.

 The building is actually the back of the Pico House which is a historical landmark- it was the first hotel of Los Angeles.  The Pico House is located across the street from Union Station right after the always delightful Olvera Street.


If you venture into Beverly Hills you will find the Paley Center for Television which has an exhibit until 2015 called "Television Out of the Box" presented by Warner Brothers.  The exhibit features costumes etc of hit WB shows like Friends, The West Wing, Fringe and of course The Mentalist.

Want to see where they filmed Jordan Harper's great Red in Tooth and Claw?  Then ride the Expo Metro train to the USC stop.  There you can walk through the Rose Garden (a must if you are a fan of the series Bones).  This building is the Natural History Museum where that last season episode was shot.

The museum on it's own is a must see detailing the history of California, looking at dinosaur bones, seeing gems and meteorites.  Below is where one of the opening scenes of the Mentalist ep was shot.

You must attend the Warner Brothers Tour.  If you're lucky and they aren't filming on set you might be able to see the sound stage for The Mentalist!  It is cool anyways to learn more about the art of television and see such set pieces as this courthouse which has been used in The Mentalist often.

Another great place to see is the LA Zoo.  The zoo is huge but there are so many wonderful animals to gaze upon.  There is an elephant demonstration and also a petting farm for children (or the young at heart).   The zoo was used for the confrontation between Lisbon, Jane and Volker in Little Red Corvette.   The first picture is where Jane and Lisbon ran from.  The second is where Volker found Marvin.

Here is Union Station which has been used in countless shows.  Well every time you see a train station on television it is most likely Union Station.  I actually saw Chuck filming here once. This was used for The Mentalist episodes: Bloodstream, Miss Red and So Long, Goodbye, and Thanks for All the Red Snapper.  It provides easy transportation to places all over LA and actually California.  It is also neat to just look at.

So if you ever get a chance to go to Los Angeles see if you can find out places where your favorite shows filmed (they are most likely hot spots of tourist activity) and make your own scenic location route.  There is nothing like the feeling that you walked onto a set (one where you can actually take a picture) of something you love like a television show.

Patrick Jane, Captain Ahab and Moby Dick

     If my screen name doesn't make you ponder that I am a Herman Melville fan., well, maybe you should go back to sleep.  The first time I read a Melville novel was in the 8th grade- it was a very shorten version of his classic Moby Dick complete with illustrations in color!  The basic storyline was the same but the prose was gone.  So after highly enjoying that mini Moby I decided to read the real, full novel in high school.  I loved it.  It quickly became my favorite book ever and still holds that title to this day.  I even took a Melville appreciation course in college and had to (poor me ;)) read the book once again.  As a side note if you are ever in Massachusetts check out Arrowhead, Melville's former home, and see the white capped hill that inspired that white whale.
     Patrick Jane's journey has been compared to that of the classic novel.  The great, the all powerful creator Bruno Heller has said this on many occasions and in his last interview as well.  Is it completely like the story?  No, there is no tell it like is man named Cho, no mysteries to solve, and no red smile faces.  But the central premise of the story is a story of revenge.  How one man (Captain Ahab) becomes obsessed with killing the whale that took his leg and his narrow-mindedness costs him dearly. It is a story of revenge.  So let's go over some key themes in both The Mentalist and Moby Dick.  Maybe it will at least help you with a future book report. ;)

Feeling Like a Lamb

     Melville had originally intended a very different book.  But after a consultation with fellow writer Nathaniel Hawthrone, Melville was encouraged to take some risks and change dramatically what the book was about. (For non Hawthrone fans- what is wrong with you- NH liked to show how the sins of the past will come back to haunt you and whatever your past is made from will directly effect your future if not dealt with.)  Thus Moby Dick was born.  Melville wrote to Hawthrone "I have written a wicked book, and I feel spotless as a lamb."  I always thought that was such a cool quote.  But as a parallel to The Mentalist - God made the tyger and the lamb, you can't live without dark and light (William Blake, who Red John's follower's must read).  I wonder if Heller feels like Melville. ;)   It is interesting how we think of the lamb as pure, innocent.  The tyger (or tiger) is cunning, deadly.  Tiger- Jane/Red John.  Lamb- Lisbon  Also in Strawberries and Cream Gupta calls himself a baby, a lamb even though he has Lisbon tied to a bomb.  So we are what we perceive ourselves to be.  Thus maybe Jane is more lamb than tiger inside.

The Unbeatable Opponent

     For Captain Ahab he is pitted against a being he doesn't understand.   A white whale made of mythological proportions among the other seamen.   Everyone fears him.  The whale is a symbol.  A symbol of an opponent that logically Ahab knows he shouldn't pursue but he can't stop himself.  Ahab's intelligence is run over by the obsession to beat the unbeatable.   Okay now replace Ahab with Jane.  Jane is fighting someone who seems to have all the power and control.  Red John seems unbeatable. He is a symbol literally with that Red Smile and also spiritually of the power of evil in the world.  Jane is so smart against anyone else but here his obsession for revenge hinders him.

The Importance of Color

      In Moby Dick white is the repeating color.  Not only is it the whale's color but it appears consistently in prose (white waves, white face, cream) and many animals are white in color.  Ahab can't forget what he is pursuing because that symbol of white is forever around him (even his peg leg).  As is the case with Jane and the red color of John's smile face, the red of the blood shed, the red names and red-heads that serve as reminders.

What He/It Looks Like

     In the novel Ishmael says it is hard to describe the whale because of how he can look differently within the water.  It does not keep its shape.  And it is impossible to get too close without being in terrible danger.  Hmm.  Red John is described by Roslind as being under 6 feet tall...but if RJ is like MD maybe it is too hard to get an accurate description.  If someone gets close to RJ (Bosco in pursuit, Lorelei to kill) they wind up not only in danger but dead. 

The Morals of it All

     The classic novel is a study in morals.  Who is right and wrong.  Where you'll end up when you die.  What you owe other people.  TM also is all about morals.  Jane is sometimes fast and loose with his when pursuing a case and Lisbon, the ultimate symbol of Christianity (with her cross, going to church, prayer), is the moral fiber pulling him back from the edge.  BTW symbols of Christianity and thus the white color where important in the novel...in case you are ever asked in class.   Ahab never gains back his moral center.  He lost it and his sanity when the whale took his leg.   What happens to Jane when he is truly faced with the moral choice of killing Red John?  He made that choice once but will things be different this time?  What role will Lisbon play and how will this effect their friendship in the future?

    As the 6th season of The Mentalist approaches I can't wait to see what Heller does with his unique version of revenge.   A critic once wrote that no story after MD has ever compared as an interesting revenge tale.  I wonder if he has ever watched The Mentalist.  While Moby Dick ended with... (I shouldn't spoil you), we will be getting a what happens next here on TM and I can't wait to see that unfold.   Mentalist- A classic television show written as if it were a classic novel.

(On a footnote: The wonderful Ashley Gable written first season episode Flame Red deals directly with Moby Dick the book, the theme of revenge and morals, what the killer can appear like and what Jane plans to do to his elusive white whale.  A must see.)

Guess Who's Guesting on Your Favorite Show

I will first off state that there are spoilers here so never fear spoiler free people you wouldn't learn something that you don't want to.  (For example that I can't stand tube socks- whoops, sorry.)

The Mentalist has a wonderful leading cast.  The writers and producers are top notch.  Bruno Heller is brilliant.  The hard working crew makes every episode a sight to behold.   There is one other component that has led The Mentalist into being something special- the guest stars.  There are so many guest stars that have impacted the scene and have come back several times because they easily were fan favorites.  Tonight I bring you the top ten guest stars in no particular order.  Now this is just my opinion.  Everyone has an opinion.  Yes, I did critical views in college but that does not make me any more of an expert than you.  I just have a blog.  See, you need one.

-Malcolm McDowell (Bret Stiles)
     The man is a master for anyone to behold.  From this highly iconic movie work to his gems on the small screen (Heroes, Franklin and Bash) Mr. McDowell commends every scene he is in.  Watching him go head to head with Simon Baker on The Mentalist has been quite a thrill.  He created a fully functioning character that is still quite mysterious.  Mysterious enough that he could be Red John.

-Michael Gaston (Gale Bertram)
     Another Red John suspect in the hands of a wonderful actor.  Gaston changes Bertram up in every scene.  He goes from nice to condescending to almost scary and then back to lovable.  How does he do this?!  All it takes a simple shift in his eyes or month and he is a new variation of Bertram.  I never know whether to fear the man or fist pump him- which is perfect for a RJ candidate.

-Emmanuelle Chriqui (Lorelei Martins)
     In the hands of a lesser actress Lorelei could have been just ugh to behold.  But Chriqui does the impossible and has you rooting for a Red John Discipline- someone who asked for Lisbon's dead body and wanted to cut off Jane's fingers!  Wisely Chriqui displayed form her first scene a woman with something brewing underneath, an inner good.  Chriqui showed both Lorelei's dark side and her once good nature that she had before she went through hell and was changed.

-Samaire Armstrong (Summer Edgecombe)
     We have all seen hookers with a heart of gold...there was even a blockbuster about one staring Julia Roberts.  Armstrong though makes her Summer a real delight.  She is funny and full of it but with a hardness and a love for danger.  She is not perfect and not completely heart of gold in Armstrong's skilled hands.  This makes Summer more real.  Her chemistry with Tim Kang's Cho was also a highlight- chemistry that erupted with their first scene together.  To quote Lisbon about Summer- "I like her."  Thanks to Armstrong.

-Dove Cameron (Charlotte Jane)
     It is a tall order- you have to be like Simon Baker's Jane but still be your very own character.  You have to make the audience laugh and want to rewatch this ep even while you bring them to tears.  You have to form quickly a bond with your tv father that shows on screen.  A tall order for a Harvard Drama grad in their 60's never mind a young adult but Cameron not only did all of those things listed she mastered them.  She was as good as Baker which is the highest compliment I can give.

-Pruitt Taylor Vince (J.J. LaRoche)
     At first I wanted to dislike LaRoche but even when he was demoting Lisbon and going after Rigsby, Cho and Van Pelt I couldn't help but like him.  Vince is just that good.  In recurring appearances he has showed a tough side to LaRoche and a soft one as well without breaking characterization.  This past year his work in Red and Itchy should have earned him a guest star Emmy nod.  It was brilliant.

-Gregory Itzin  (Virgil Minelli)
     I still miss Minelli.  Itzen has been a fantastic actor in all his endeavors from guest shots on CSI and his work in 24.  He commends a scene making you laugh or wipe away a tear.  If you want to see great acting watch him read a reporter the riot act in His Right Red Hand.  Each and every time I see it, it moves me.  This past year when he turned up in the 100 ep it was as if no time had passed.  Another mark of a great actor.

-Currie Graham (Walter Mashburn)
     Graham has never had a role that he hasn't made memorable but his turn on The Mentalist took the cake.  He made it easy to see why Lisbon would be attracted to Mashy while still showing a hint of danger and his nice, soft side.  He made every scene believable.  Plus the way he reads funny lines- man I still laugh after many rewatches.

-Shauna Bloom (Rebecca Anderson)
     To take what appeared to be a background character and then make that the role of a lifetime with such utter scariness...I have no words.  I was unfamiliar with Bloom's work so it totally caught me by surprise when the reveal came.   Bloom was memorizing in her scene with Baker where Rebecca details how he and Red John are so alike and that Jane is wrong about her likes.  It can make your skin crawl.

-Bradley Whitford (Timothy Carter)
     The season 3 finale of The Mentalist that featured Jane coming face to face with a ...fake Red John is still devastating to this day.   Baker is beyond brilliant as you watch his heart break and Whitford, known as a nice guy Josh from The West Wing made one hell of a RJ.  The words, the facial expressions, the way he says things and how his body moves along with the speaking...just ugh.  Whitford makes it hard to see a better RJ confrontation scene than this one.

Okay those were my top ten guest stars of The Mentalist.  What are yours?

Red John- The Man, The Myth

The Red John sage of course began with the first episode.  We saw the copycat smile face in the Palm Springs home and learned that this serial killer had taken Jane's life away.  The first few episodes eluded back to the killer by Jane discussing his family (or lack there of).   In Flame Red we learned Jane's intentions and Lisbon's desire to not let Jane take RJ's life.  Then came Red John's Friends which pulled back the curtain a bit on the man behind the myth.  Red John was real.  Someone who had "friends", an organization.  He wasn't just some killer in the night anymore.  He manipulated Jane to get Jared Renfrew out of jail so that RJ could kill the man. The real chess match began.  Now it wasn't about just killing, it was about winning against his favorite plaything, the only person at his intelligence level, the only one who could go along the gray areas of life to keep the game up- it was about beating Jane.

So many times I read compliments from people that state in season 3 of The Mentalist Red John went from serial killer to all powerful being.  Honestly by ep eleven of season 1, Red John was already there.  Though I disagree with "all powerful".  As Lorelei said he is just a man.  A man who has resources and is also good at Mentalism.  Bruno Heller did a superb job of weaving this into the tapestry of his narrative.  Red John evolved by the middle of season 1.  He did so because Jane finally got an advantage.  Jane thus first went off the rails once the chase began.  I love how this all makes sense to why there wasn't more development on the RJ case front after Jane joined the CBI.  Although in the pilot Jane was calling RJ his, RJ himself hadn't joined on to that.  It was only after RJF episode that everything intensified.

If you are trying to guess who Red John could be it is interesting to point out that Sheriff McAllister and Partirdge (both members of the possible elite seven team) meet Jane in person in the first two eps and are made to look foolish by Jane.  (Which RJ hates.)  Of course off screen at this time Bret Stiles, Ray Haffner, Bob Kirkland, Reede Smith and Gale Bertram could have all been following Jane's activities.

By the end of season 1 Red John has upped the game.  In Red John's Footsteps RJ has built a basement of horrors for Jane that resembles the one in The Red Barn.  He has an elaborate plan to lure Jane there.  The game that just begun is now going to end and RJ will win.  Then the impossible happens- Jane pulls off his best con ever and convinces RJ that he is the fool lured to his death.  Instead Jane conned RJ and his disciple, saved a life and let Lisbon in on the plan.  Jane actually won a battle with the smile faced maker.

Red John couldn't take that so in the next season RJ brings up the reinforcements (Rebecca), invades CBI- Jane's new family home, spills blood and wants to own Jane again.  Now the real game is afoot.  Red John gets smarter, Jane starts excluding himself from the team (and thus gives up a few battles to the red one).   RJ learned Jane's greatest weakness- his narrowness with obsession and since then has used it against him.

What I love so much about the show is how now as get prepared to enter the sixth season we can look back at the first season and see the deck of cards the amazing Bruno Heller laid out for us.  The clues are all there, the issues all threaded through. The question is are we smart enough to put them all together.  It is quite cool that at the beginning of each episode in that first season a title card was shown describing who a mentalist is and what he does. Someone who uses mental acuity, hypnosis and/or suggestion. A master manipulator of thoughts and behavior.  This describes Jane and it also describes Red John, a horrible man that due to his mentalist abilities became a myth like being.  A myth like being that is facing the end of the war and this time Jane has his own reinforcements- Lisbon and Lorelei.  Lorelei gave him the big clue and now Lisbon, who he is being more honest with, is his partner to bring down (or in) Red John.  This is one epic ending battle I can't wait to see.

The Magnificant Seven

From the countless people Patrick Jane shook hands with we have come down to seven suspects.   Which could be Red John?  Really I have no clue.  They are all viable suspects.  I have listed here the pros of how the character could be the man who likes bloody smile face and  the cons (nope, couldn't be).  I am intrigued by who it will actually be and  love all the candidates in question because I honestly enjoy the actors' work.  

Gale Bertram

I have enjoyed Michael Gaston and his Bertram since he premiered on the season premiere in season 3.   As an audience member you are never quite sure if you should like Bertram or find him...different.  Gaston is a great actor who can inhabit any role.  From nice cop on Unforgettable to mesmerizing and terrifying  in the movie Runaway.  If you have never seen the movie I highly recommend it.   Gaston as RJ?  Whoa.  He would rock it.

Pro: He did shake hands with Jane.  He is intelligent and can be cunning.  He likes power and control.  Bertram has something secretive going on with Kirkland. 

Con: He wasn't winning at poker until Jane helped him with his tell. 


Bret Styles

Malcolm McDowell is Malcolm McDowell.  He is considered a highly respected and talented actor.   Can he be creepy?  For sure!  He would easily make a great Red John who viewers would somehow like.  He has accomplished that already with Styles. 

Pro: Styles could be a murderer (see how his former partner died).  We saw him almost convert Van Pelt to his thinking using the color red.  Visualize, his religious organization, has great influence, a lot of members and is connected to the gloved, painting one.  He knows things about RJ.  He helped Jane find Kristina.

Con: Age may play a factor. 


Brett Partridge

It would be kind of cool if an actor would appeared in the pilot was actually Red John.  Jack Potnick, who is excellent, could pull off the reveal.  The scientist versus the mentalist- ready to rumble.

Pro: Partridge is a ghoul, Jane never liked him, he knows how to cover his tracks given his job, he could break into the CBI computers, he fits the size requirement and detests Jane.

Con: Jane continues to school him on Red John cases.


Sheriff Tom McAllister

Xander Berkeley is one hell of an actor and he would give an interesting performance as RJ.  This choice seemed out of the blue but he was in a Bruno Heller written episode, the second of the series.  So he could be a real possibility. 

Pro: What was he trying to do with Van Pelt?  Help or....something else.  Neither Jane, Lisbon or Cho cared for him.  He fits the height and age requirement.  We didn't learn much about the character so the mystery could be the truth.

Con: Jane beat him at rock-paper-scissors.

Reede Smith

On first look Smith seemed to be an out from no where pick but maybe he is suppose to be.  Drew Powell played a killer on Hawaii 5-0 and boy can the man go from nice guy to menacing in an instant!  He could definitely give a Red John performance of a lifetime

Pro: We don't know much about the character, Reede does mean red, Smith is one fo the most common surnames as it may imply "I can be anyone" and the CBI team didn't care for him.

Con: Size per the second season finale.



Bob Kirkland

Everything about Bob screams- "I'm Red John!"  Which might be the reason he isn't.  Kevin Corrigan has been a master at playing all different roles his career.  He would totally own Red John if he is him.

Pro: The hair, hair color, the Bloody Mary, the voice, making his own Jane board, tracking Jane since the hospital, in bed with the FBI, "grew up in America", gives Jane and Lisbon the creeps.

Con: He seems like he is the man.



Ray Haffner

Reed Diamond always leads me to believe he is a nice guy and then twists the knife and becomes the killer effortlessly in all the guest star roles I have seen him in.  His RJ- nice guy...whoops no a serial killer living behind a mask.

Pro: Ray is a member of Visualize, he shook Jane's hands, Jane etc has had connect with him after being on his team, he tried to lure Lisbon away from Jane, he didn't answer Lisbon's question if he was ever on the farm, and he was a CBI member who loves surveillance.

Con: Was easily confused by Jane and Lisbon caught him in a lie.

So who is Red John?  How will they catch him?  Why did RJ start murdering?  Such exciting questions and situations up ahead for season 6 of The Mentalist.

The Truth Behind the Award

Who doesn't like to win an award?  We all desire to be liked, to be appreciated, to be number 1.  But first you have to get nominated.  As in life it isn't always the most deserved that win.  There are all different factors that come into play.

The former soap opera, As the World Turns, won a Daytime Emmy for best soap in the late 90's.  A member of the Blue Ribbon panel that voted on the award revealed that he only saw two episodes of the show- the two that were sent to him on the screener.

Here's the truth-people vote for:

1.) names that they are familiar with

2.) names that have already won

3.) names associated with shows that have a buzz
4.) names from shows that they have seen at least one ep


These 4 factors are mainly made of shows that air on cable.  There are big, famous names, awards have already been received, there is a lot of buzz ( and awesome gifts along with the screeners) and the voters have seen an ep.

Does this make it fair for other shows especially network dramas?  But life isn't fair and he doesn't really exist Virginia.  Cable shows also have the luxury of producing 13-15 eps with on average 9 months to do it.  Compare that with a network drama that only has ten months to make 22-24 eps.  Cable can also be more daring filled with violence, swearing, nudity, shock value that network standards don't allow.  Cable has more leeway and showrunners have more creative control.  Comparing a cable show and it's actors to network television is apples and oranges.

So Simon Baker's nom the first season was what Emmy dreams are made of.  He did the impossible.  Do I think he should have been nominated again?  Yes, his nuanced performances in every scene in each ep are a vast display of his talent.  Talent that will hopefully beat the odds and one day get the Emmy or perhaps the Oscar.  Don't rule out Robin Tunney either-she is lucky in poker, one day maybe her talent will be rewarded (again).
4.)

Death, Tokens and Patrick Jane

Today I went to a wake.  The husband of one of my co workers passed away after being sick for many years.  It was still sad.  Death is always sad even if it is a salamander you shouldn't have taken from a lake at age 7.  I hate wakes (I think everyone does if there is something who does well...I probably don't have you as a Twitter friend).  I always feel like a chump saying "I'm so sorry for your loss."  Like that solves anything.  It is like putting a band aid on an open heart surgery patient.  Of course it is better the woman in front of me in line who remarked: "Boy, he looks great!"  Eye roll to the heavens forever, lady.

What does this have to do with Patrick Jane?  I'm getting there, I promise, before the next shark falls on Santa Monica.  My grandmother lost the man she loved since she was a teenager.  She never took off her ring.  She would constantly look at it and think of "her Joe" and having that ring on her finger made her feel closer to him.  My mom's friend, on the other hand, removed her wedding ring after her husband was actually killed.  She couldn't look at it- it was a token of the lost she had endured because of a crazy ex.  She instead buried it with her spouse.

Jane still wears his wedding ring.  Yes, see I did spin this around to that handsome blonde. The question is does he wear it to remember his wife or to make himself remember what he did that caused her death?  I could see Jane keeping the ring on to give himself some pain...to make him feel that loss.  The shoes he wears seem to be old and maybe a token of that old life.  Maybe it makes him happy to wear shoes his wife picked out.  I, of course, am not Bruno Heller (I would be really cool if I was and a masterful writer).   So I can only offer conjecture and make a theory about what having the ring means to Jane.

When The Mentalist does end I will be the odd fan wondering if in that last Patrick Jane scene if he'll have his shoes, the suit and that ring.  And then of course I shall spend the next twenty years debating (maybe with myself if you guys learn to move on) what it all means.  I already know that my DVDs and Mentalist grab bag of items I will keep and look at fondly remembering the show, the people I met because of it, the people who made it and yes, I will smile.  It just won't be dripping with blood (I hope).

I guess I should start off with why I am doing this...or maybe I should warn you that grammar is not my specialty.  The art of pencil twirling now that is my specialty.  But here I was tonight wanting to dabble on with incessant tweets about an old ep of The Mentalist.  I was left with a state of confusion (I know the zip code well).  Should I just start using my 140 characters or should I actually write it somewhere?  See then you could decide if you really wanted to read the ramblings of someone who should have went to bed an hour ago.  (Or read her run on sentences) Or you could just fix yourself a margarita. While you are fixing one for yourself fix one for me, too, thanks.

Tonight's old Mentalist reviewing was Red Brick and Ivy from the 1st season.  Dr. Sophie Miller calls for Jane's help and he readily gives it as a thank you for her 'saving him".  Upon looking it over after seeing Red Dawn a few weeks ago I was struck by a few things.

-Jane comes out of the mental hospital wearing the suit he wore the night he found his wife and daughter lying by that in-cursive red smile face.  It has the same color and sheen to it that rich fake physic Jane wore. The suit not the smile face.

-Sophie tells Jane that he can choose to die or live.  Which will later echo Lisbon's "I think you choose life" in Red John's Footsteps. 

-Sophie says that she is over controlling men who are damaged.  Thus hinting that there was something more going on between the good doc and the handsome blonde man.  Also interesting because Sean Barlow says in this year's finale that Lisbon is wary of Jane because of his secretiveness and controlling nature.  Lisbon herself is referred to as controlling by Jane at the very end of the ep.  If we step off the deep end a bit- is there suppose to be a parallel between Jane and Lisbon- the control freaks?  Jane chooses whatever path he can while Lisbon chooses the more "right" or "good" path. OR maybe it is late and I am looking for connections.

-Lisbon brings up that Jane's antics are hell for the state's attorney but that he still manages convictions.  A little nod to what will become more of an issue as the series goes on. 

-Jane makes the smile face.  Creepy especially how dead his own face looks.  At this point Red John has won and beaten Jane but Sophie gives him an out, a will to fight.  And then Jane meets Lisbon and finds a new home with this CBI posse. 

-Lisbon remarks that the suspect made the unforgivable sin- getting Jane to believe her lie thus tricking him.  This continues to be played at all through the series.  Like Red John, Jane doesn't like to be made a fool of.

Very interesting ep.

If you actually read this you deserve a cookie.  Sadly teleportation doesn't exist so...yeah you're screwed.  Sorry about that.