TV Review: The Mentalist – The Complete Sixth Season
2 min read
After five seasons of mystery, suspense and conspiracy, The Mentalist has definitively revealed the puzzling identity of Patrick Jane’s long time nemesis, Red John.
From the very beginning, audiences have seen the heartache and anguish of Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) brought on by the brutal murder of his wife and daughter. From the iconic crimson red smiley face to the cryptic clues regarding Red John’s identity, Patrick Jane has countlessly attempted to uncover the illusive persona. Teaming up with Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) and her team, Cho (Tim Kang), Rigsby (Owain Yeoman) and Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti) from the California Bureau of Investigation, together they solve crimes and ultimately track down serial killer Red John.
The show kicks off immediately after the events of season five, as Jane and Lisbon narrow down the list of Red John suspects: Gale Bertram (Michael Gaston), Reede Smith (Drew Powell), Ray Haffner (Reed Diamond), Bob Kirkland (Kevin Corrigan), Sheriff Thomas McAllister (Xander Berkeley), Bret Stiles (Malcolm McDowell), and Brett Partridge (Jack Plotnick). What was ultimately satisfying to watch was the eventual reveal of Red John, for the audience and for the characters involved as well. But for the diehard fans of The Mentalist, it was certainly a fulfilling unveiling. Whether the end justifies the means is essentially up to the viewer.
In what is ultimately his most well-known character played to date, Simon Baker is formidable as the cool, calm and collected Patrick Jane. He is arrogant, conceited and presumptuous; surely endearing to all fans. Baker exudes confidence as Jane, a pleasant contrast with Tunney’s professional, dependable Lisbon; together they create an interesting and successful partnership.
Like many shows on television nowadays such as Castle, Bones, and recent release Forever, The Mentalist employs the “woman-cop-with-man-sidekick” trope to a success. Over the years, viewers have grown to love Jane and Lisbon’s odd though seemingly cohesive partnership, whilst hoping for the romantic nature to bloom.
In season six, viewers reach a full circle with momentous events – the Red John reveal, a wedding, a two year time jump, career and location changes, new characters, a baby and new but-was-there-all-along love. All that can be said is that this season of The Mentalist was a definite fulfilling watch.
Noteworthy episode: “Red John” (Ep. 8)
