Patrick Jane was arrested for the public murder of the man he believes is the notorious serial killer Red John, who murdered his wife and daughter. Unless, of course, the man Patrick shot is someone else. With an upstart new boss, puzzling new cases, and Red John never far from his mind, the unconventional Patrick will need all his razor-sharp skills of observation, manipulative theatrics and smooth charm to sidestep the system that stands in the way of the truth.
Social
Community reviews for The Mentalist, shown here with its season details.
This show takes four or five episodes to establish itself but once all the characters find their place and Simon Baker gets comfortable playing Jane you get utterly absorbed in this world. The mind games Jane plays are intriguing, the continuing Red John theme keeps you guessing and the uncertainty of trust in Jane's motives adds perfect tension. Unfortunately, the expansion and revelation of Red John in the last seasons dilute the quality of the show somewhat.
**Parlor tricks for the Federals** Originally conceived for traditional network TV before the streaming boom, "The Mentalist" was dreamed up by Bruno Heller as a show with a premise that could easily be written off as absurd. In practice, however, it shrewdly follows the footsteps of Patrick Jane, a former carnival con man with a borderline supernatural knack for perception who now makes a living collaborating with the California Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Jane carries a tragic backstory: years ago, he made the mistake of mocking the serial killer Red John, who retaliated by murdering his wife and daughter. Consumed by guilt and a thirst for revenge, our protagonist decides to use his extraordinary gift for observation, psychological deduction, and illusionism to help Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) and her unit crack the most complex crimes. His ultimate goal is crystal clear: hunt down the elusive psychopath who destroyed his life, using unorthodox methods that completely blow up any police protocol. The show stands out mainly due to its magnetic writing and Simon Baker's brilliant performance (though, let’s be honest, bingeing 7 seasons of over 20 episodes each can be a bit of an uphill battle). The tone masterfully balances the protagonist's profound tragedy with moments of light humor and narrative elegance. In fact, the chemistry between Lisbon's pragmatism and Jane's sheer cheekiness becomes the beating heart of the series, making even the standalone, case-of-the-week episodes highly entertaining. Mind you, the plot's development treats us to a rather curious narrative paradox: it’s wild to see how elite federal agencies, armed with cutting-edge technology and rigorously trained agents, suddenly throw their methodologies out the window just to accept that everything gets solved with a few parlor tricks, body language readings, or the psychological traps of a civilian consultant. This constant dynamic reduces law enforcement to mere spectators of Jane's vain, one-man show, throwing institutional realism right out the window and bordering on the ridiculous in the more complex cases. But what the hell, maybe it’s exactly that eccentricity that gives the show its unique charm, cementing it as a television classic.
The show opens with a man insulting a serial killer on live television. That same night his wife and daughter are murdered, and a smiley face is left on the wall in their blood. Patrick Jane is a former celebrity psychic who admits he was always a fraud. He actually relies on close observation of small details like shoes, pulses, and lies told moments earlier. He now consults for the California Bureau of Investigation, though his real focus stays on one particular case. Jane’s daily routine is consistent. He starts with tea and a nap on the office couch, dresses in a three-piece suit without a tie and the same scuffed brown shoes, and drives an old Citroen. Once on a case he politely insults people until someone confesses. The team around him handles the practical side of the work while managing his behavior. Lisbon keeps things on track officially and unofficially, Cho stays steady and expressionless, Rigsby handles arson investigations and snacks, and Van Pelt begins as the newest member still expecting a normal job. Each week brings a fresh murder solved through Jane’s unconventional approach. Comedy sits on the surface while the deeper thread of personal loss runs underneath. The series drew millions of weekly viewers from its first season. Bruno Heller had pictured Cary Grant in the lead role, but Simon Baker brought the part to life with the kind of understated presence that fits a man who solves problems yet rarely receives full credit. Every episode title after the pilot includes the word red or a shade of it. That choice shapes how the story feels week to week. The combination of procedural cases and the central pursuit keeps the tone balanced between light and serious without fully tipping either way.
Episode 1
In prison for killing his nemesis, Patrick Jane must prove that the man he shot really was Red John. Meanwhile, Lisbon urges Van Pelt to seek counseling in the aftermath of the death of her fiancé.
Episode 2
With Lisbon suspended and the rest of the team reassigned, Jane is reinstated as a CBI consultant and forced to work with a new team. During the investigation, Jane conspires to bring his former team back together.
Episode 3
When the son of a former client from Jane's days as a psychic is kidnapped, Jane and the CBI team are asked to help find him. Meanwhile, Jane butts heads with his former client's new "spiritual advisor."
Episode 4
Jane notices a suspicious-looking man carrying a gun at a political rally and sets out to prove he's a psychopath on the brink of committing murder. Meanwhile, Lisbon investigates the death of a photographer at the same rally.
Episode 5
The CBI team investigates the murder of a woman whose corpse washed up on an island off the coast of California. Rigsby worries that his relationship with a public defender will create awkwardness between him and Van Pelt.
Episode 6
When the CBI team travels to a resort town to find out who murdered a police chief, Lisbon crosses paths with her brother Tommy, now a bounty hunter, who's tracking a bail jumper.
Episode 7
The search for a serial killer hits close to home for Jane when he encounters a blogger who has devoted his life to finding the killer.
Episode 8
In order to find the killer of an undercover narcotics cop, Jane and the CBI team retrace her investigation.
Episode 9
Jane and the CBI investigate when a retired NFL star quarterback is presumed dead after his car blows up. Meanwhile, while preparing for a court case, Rigsby and Harrigan take their relationship to the next level.
Episode 10
During the search for a firefighter's killer, Jane is attacked and nearly drowned, resulting in a temporary loss of his memory and a return to his pre-CBI con man persona.
Episode 11
Jane and the CBI team narrow down the long list of suspects after a high-end divorce attorney, with many enemies, is killed on his speed boat. Meanwhile, Jane is questioned by Agent Darcy about whether Red John was responsible for Panzer's murder.
Episode 12
With very little evidence, Jane and the CBI investigate the death of a mob boss’ son. Meanwhile, while taking an eyewitness in for questioning, Van Pelt is haunted by the memories of O’Laughlin’s shooting.
Episode 13
Jane and the CBI narrow down the list of suspects after a disgraced clothing designer on the verge of a comeback becomes a fashion victim. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Darcy continues her investigation into finding Red John.
Episode 14
While a jury deliberates the guilt or innocence of a defendant on trial for murder, Jane tries to prove she has been wrongfully accused before time runs out. Meanwhile, Summer may have gone too far when she helps Cho make a case against a suspect.
Episode 15
When a charity worker is killed, Jane has Erica Flynn, a murderer he helped imprison, furloughed in exchange for information she claims to have about the case. Meanwhile, Rigsby and Sarah try to adjust to impending parenthood.
Episode 16
Jane is reunited with his former nemesis, cult leader Bret Stiles, when the head of an anti-cult activist organization is murdered.
Episode 17
Jane suspects that Agent Susan Darcy has ulterior motives when she asks for his help with a homicide investigation. Meanwhile, the CBI team handles the murder of a young woman who was killed after meeting someone in an online chat room.
Episode 18
Jane and the CBI try to narrow down the list of suspects when a terminally ill man, is found murdered. Meanwhile, Cho is forced to face his demons.
Episode 19
While investigating the murder of a casino employee, Jane runs into a stage magician he used to tour with during his time as a mentalist and discovers he is hiding a shocking secret.
Episode 20
Jane and the CBI try to determine who would have reason to kill a popular English teacher, and Rigsby nervously awaits a special delivery.
Episode 21
Jane and the CBI try to find the killer of a man found outside a cabaret featuring female impersonators. During the investigation they discover a list of suspects, all of whom bullied the victim. Meanwhile, Cho and Summer hide their relationship from Lisbon.
Episode 22
While investigating the murder of a surfer, Lisbon reconnects with her former fiancé, Kenny Johnson, who she hasn't seen in over a decade. Also, Cho questions his decision to be in a relationship with Summer.
Episode 23
On the ninth anniversary of his wife and daughter's death, Jane receives a message from Red John, causing Jane to lose focus on his current case and put the investigation and his career at the CBI in jeopardy
Episode 24
After another failed attempt to defeat Red John, Patrick Jane hits rock bottom, finds a lover and shoots one of his own.