Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) was once a celebrity psychic whose life changed when his wife and child were brutally murdered by an elusive serial killer, Red John.  Now, Patrick uses his unique and astonishing skills of observation and his abilities as a master manipulator of people’s thoughts and behavior to help the police bring other killers to justice.  As a consultant to the California Bureau of Investigation, he also hopes to eventually catch Red John, who, from time to time, continues to taunt him.

CRITIQUE

According to everything I’ve read, The Mentalist was the most popular new series of the 2008-2009 season.

That’s certainly understandable.  The show has a very likable leading man, a more than competent cast of supporting players and fine production values.

So, why am I not that impressed?

Why, when I watch the show, do I keep thinking, “Been there.  Done that.”

Maybe because the series appears to be a patchwork of elements from several other successful police procedurals shows that are currently on the air.

Patrick Jane of The Mentalist was a phony psychic who now uses his keen observation skills to aid the police. 

Sounds quite a bit like Psych, doesn’t it?

Jane’s family was murdered by a killer who is still at large.

Could he be the same guy who killed Adrian Monk’s wife?

No, my bad.  That’s a different show altogether.

I have nothing against the actors.  They are all good performers, but their characters seem virtually interchangeable with the “elite team of investigators” that you see every week on The Closer, Criminal Minds and other like series.

Where is the originality in this show?

The other problem that The Mentalist has is that the individual episodes or cases are not that interesting.

Yes, it’s fun to watch Jane do his cute little shtick in solving the weekly mystery, but there is seldom any true sense of tension and often the solutions and the killer’s motives seem weak or don’t make sense.  The “stakes” have to be higher.

Finally, in almost every episode, I was able to spot the killer within the first 5-10 minutes.  I could do this because there was no other reason for that particular character to be in the show if he wasn’t the killer.

Perhaps that’s something the show’s writers should think about?

All in all, The Mentalist is not a bad show.  It’s just not that special.

This first season contains 23 1-hour episodes on 6 discs.

THE VIDEO

The widescreen picture is broadcast sharp.  There are no noticeable flaws.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 Sound is excellent.

THE EXTRAS

Evidence of a Hit Series features interviews with the cast and the series’ creators.

Cracking the Crystal Ball discusses the question of Superior Mental Acuity vs. Keen Observation.

Deleted Scenes on three key episodes.

Gag Reel showing flubbed lines and on-set joking around.

FINAL THOUGHT

The Mentalist is a pleasant way to pass the time, if you have nothing better to watch.