The Mentalist: Has Jane Found Peace After Red John?
[Warning: This article contains major spoilers from Sunday's episode of The Mentalist. Read at your own risk!]
Just when Jane thought he was out...
Fans of The Mentalist were introduced to the show's post-Red John era Sunday, with Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) getting some much-needed R&R in Mexico two years after finally killing his nemesis, Sheriff Thomas McAllister (Xander Berkeley). Back in the States, Lisbon's (Robin Tunney) new professional duties include lecturing school students about what it's like to be a cop.
But their new routines are about to get a jolt. The first episode of the series' reboot, "My Blue Heaven," opens with Lisbon getting a visit from FBI Agent/CBI dismantler Dennis Abbott (Rockmond Dunbar), who's still trying to track down the MIA Jane. Jane's been writing letters to Lisbon, but she lies through her teeth and tells Abbott she hasn't heard from her former partner and has no idea where he is.
Simon Baker breaks down the end of Red John and The Mentalist's future
Despite his less-than-perfect Spanish, Jane's still managed to charm the local ladies (and dogs) down in Mexico — but in Sunday's episode, it's a fellow expat who catches his eye. Enter Kim (new series regular Emily Swallow), who bonds with Jane over a murder mystery (heh) and a walk on the beach. They have a nice heart-to-heart, but Jane's still wearing his wedding ring — as well as some sort of towel/skirt combination — and isn't ready to revisit the subject of Red John beyond saying "I did some things." Fair enough.
Abbott shows up in Mexico looking for Jane and tries to recruit him to bring his clairvoyant "gift" to the FBI, in exchange for immunity for killing McAllister. But Jane's more focused on dinner and dancing with Kim later that night. Back north of the border, Lisbon is having a nice evening of wine and conversation with Rigsby (Owain Yeoman), Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti), and Van Pelt's new bangs (what does everyone think?). We learn that the no-longer newlyweds have started their own private security firm, and also have a baby! Exciting! I wonder if we will ever get to meet little Maggie? We also see that Lisbon has saved all of Jane's letters for occasional fireside reading. Aw.
Simon Baker on ending the Red John arc: "There's a level of disappointment"
Jane, meanwhile, ends the evening in Kim's bed — but only because he got beaten up by a violent drug dealer (who later killed Jane's canine pal! Not okay!) on their walk home. She nurses him back to health with a mean cup of tea the next morning, but tells him she's leaving to return to her job. He does get her number, though.
Perhaps inspired by a new crush on Kim, Jane tells Abbott he's willing to return to the States, but only on his terms — and that includes working with Lisbon. We also see that he's still got justice on the brain, and manages to set up the dog-killing drug dealer and his business partners for Abbott to arrest before he heads home.
With Abbott having signed off (six times) on Jane's demands, Jane enters FBI headquarters thinking he's home free. He gets a less-than-warm welcome from Cho (Tim Kang), who works there now, and a friendlier hello from Lisbon, whose "Nice beard" comment made me chuckle.
The Mentalist: Red John speaks!
Apparently the agreement Jane had Abbott sign won't hold up in court, and a stern-looking Abbott outlines the charges he faces, including homicide, assault, grand theft auto, all of which carry a sentence of 20 to life. Abbott offers to erase them if Jane will work as a consultant for the FBI, on federal parole under Abbott's supervision, for five years. Jane refuses, but Abbott lays down the law — and pulls out his trump card. Turns out "Kim" is actually FBI Agent Kim Fischer, who will be escorting Jane to a detention center.
The episode ends with Jane telling a stunned (and slightly jealous, maybe?) Lisbon, "Don't worry. It's all under control." But is it really?
What do you think of the rebooted Mentalist? Do you like the character of Kim Fischer? And how long will Jane be in detention? Sound off in the comments!
The Mentalist airs Sundays at 10/9c on CBS.
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