With filming now underway on the latest season of the hit CBS procedural ‘The Mentalist’, I have decided to take a quick look at a few of the reasons to get excited for the September premiere. I could ramble all day long on just why the show as a whole is great, so I have limited myself to just five (of many) reasons to be excited, most of which are specific or new to the coming season.
Enjoy.
1. Red John Information Is Coming
Red John Is still standing tall as The Mentalist’s central mystery after once again out smarting Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) in the Season 4 finale ‘The Crimson Hat’ (read my review here). The enigma of this serial killer and Patrick Jane’s quest to take him down has always been one of the most compelling plot lines in the shows armoury; it’s certainly the most important. This season, Bruno Heller is promising we’ll get closer to the great villain than ever, at least in terms of how much we know about him. Here’s what the show runner had to say in a recent interview:
“Jane and the CBI will be lead to some really important, concrete facts about Red John next season. There will be a cascade of information – how he operates, who’s with him and who isn’t, and what his game really is.”
These are the questions fans have been theorising over for years, so to get some answers will be brilliantly rewarding.
2. Lorelei Martins
The catalyst for this influx of information on Red John is the capture of his right hand girl Lorelei Martins (Emmanuelle Chriqui), who made her first appearance in last season’s finale and will appear in at least five episodes this time around. In just one episode Lorelei has already been established as an intriguing character, for which the audience should be very excited to see more of her.
A lot of questions remain unanswered: Just how much does she have on Red John? Will she give it up? How will Jane make her do so? Perhaps most importantly, how long will she last? Captured Red John lackeys don’t exactly have the longest life expectancy. It also remains to be seen just what sort of relationship she will have with Jane in season 5. After that wonderfully weird kiss on the forehead and the breaking of Jane’s 9-year celibacy back in May, it’s absolutely a question that needs to be asked.
3. New Characters: Federal Takeover
The Red John case went federal in Season 4, as Agent Susan Darcy (Catherine Dent) became embroiled in Jane’s web of lies after he shot the wrong man during the season 3 finale before luring out the real Red John in order to take down evil serial killer James Panzer AKA The San Joaquin Killer (David Paymer). Frankly, I’m surprised it took this long for the Feds to get involved, such is the extent of Red John’s network – though perhaps that’s exactly why they’ve stayed clear until now.
This all came to a head in the back end of last season as Darcy and the FBI intervened once again, becoming involved in a car chase and shoot out with Red John’s limo, inadvertently killing CBI Boss Luther Wainwright (Michael Rady). The curse of the CBI boss strikes again. Their involvement will continue into next season as a team of three FBI agents is set to appear in a number of episodes. They are FBI Regional Director Alexa Shultz (Polly Walker) described as a ‘ferocious alpha female’, Agent Gabe Mancini (Ivan Sergei) who is ‘tough, handsome and hot headed’ and Reede Smith (Drew Powell) Mancini’s partner who is ‘quiet and smart, but young and disheveled’.
Exactly what their role will be in the upcoming season is not yet known, but I’m almost certain it’ll play a part in the Red John arc; especially after the man himself spoke of a ‘friend in the FBI’ during last seasons finale. Will that friend be present in this new trio of agents?
4. 100th Episode
Episode six of the upcoming fifth season marks the milestone of The Mentalist’s 100th episode! Little is known so far, except that ‘something special’ is planned and that it’ll be written by long time Mentalist writer Tom Szentgyorgyi and directed by the brilliant Chris Long. Put me down as ‘extremely excited’.
5. It’s One Of The Best Shows On TV
Excuse this last point for being non specific to the season ahead and maybe even a bit preachy, but The Mentalist, from its procedural case-of-the-week to its more serialized elements, really is one of the best shows on TV. I’ll save a rundown of the reasons why for a dedicated article, but I urge those who have not yet given the show a chance (for whatever reason) to catch up ready for Season 5. Those of you who, like myself, have been here all long and are waiting for new episodes with baited breath – fear not, there’s only fifty-four days to go…
What are you most excited about for Season 5 of The Mentalist? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
‘The Mentalist’ returns for more crime solving with the Season 5 Premiere ‘The Red Glass Bead’ in its new time slot on Sunday 30th September, at 10:00PM on CBS. Look out for my review shortly after.
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26 Comments
I agree with everything you said, Connor!
Hopefully some more info on RJ will be revealed. And, like you said, I’m curious to see how long Lorelei will last!
The only other thing I would add to your list is the relationships between all members of the team. Jane and Lisbon, of course- not necessarily in a shipper point of view, though. Their relationship has progressed and evolved in all past seasons, and I’m excited to see where they stand now.
As for the others- I really want to see how, and when, they will forgive Jane for fooling them like that. Judging by their reactions in the finale, they won’t be as generous as they were in the past. Should be interesting to watch!
And I really, really, want to see Bret Stiles again! With all the new information on RJ coming in, I think it’s safe to say that he will make an appearance. (And maybe Jane will call in the favor?)
Can’t wait for September 30th! I’m sure it will be worth the long wait :)
Thanks!
Just how the relationships between the team members evolve next season is absolutely something to be excited about, and is definitely high up on my list also! I just chose to do five reasons on this list in order to keep it short and also in spirit with it being the fifth season! I made light of Jane and Lisbon’s ever growing relationship in my ‘The Crimson Hat’ review and I too cannot wait to see how that continues into next season.
The team forgiving Jane is an interesting one, and something I also noted in my finale review. I do get the feeling however that it might be glossed over, which I don’t really have too much of a problem with such is the strong friendship between the team as a family. However, if they do acknowledge that then It’ll certainly be interesting to see.
Completely with you on Stiles, he is one of the best guest characters and Malcolm McDowell is a legend. It’s clear he’s involved with Red John somehow and after his previous appearance ending with him owing Jane a favour (as you mentioned) I’m almost certain he’ll appear again this season.
Thanks again for your comments, I too cannot wait.
So excited for Season 5! Love what you’ve written and agree… best tv show out there. I’m not a television person, but I just love this series and have mad respect for all the actors and people involved!
WOHOO
From NZ
Thanks so much for your kind words, it’s great to see others just as enthused about the show as I am.
Enjoy Season 5!
Hi love the mentalist too. I watch numerous cop shows and this one turned them the cop show upside down – you never know what is going to happen during interviews as with Jane anything can.
I am excited to see what we learn about Red John and how Jane will react to a victory as he has never had one before. Must admit I would love to see a little tension between Lisbon and Jane at some point in their development – doesn’t have to last for long but I feel would be realistic given their different personalities.
Hey Julie, thanks for commenting.
Nice to see another that is so passionate about the show.
As for Jane and Lisbon, I feel as though there has already been adequate tension between the two, showcasing their differing approaches to their jobs and indeed to life. I don’t foresee that changing though so I’m sure you wont be disappointed.
Thanks again!
I’m so tired of red john. He’s been outsmarting Jane for way to long. I love the show but that part of the story is sooooo played out
I respectfully disagree.
Lisbon was really mad at him for duping her and that at some point during the season perhaps she will blow up at him and he has to deal with it with more than a sorry and a rolling of the eyes – my favourite scene- as Lisbon deserves more than that.
I can understand why some people are tired of the red john storyline but I think The Mentalist is as much about Jane’s journey which the story line gives aid too and Red John story lines really ups the tension.
I wouldn’t even say ‘just as much about’, that makes it sound secondary, The Mentalist IS about Jane’s journey…he’s THE MENTALIST and his tragedy made him in so many ways.
You are correct Connor.
Whom were you refering to when you said ‘especially after the man himself spoke of a ‘friend in the FBI’ during last seasons finale. Will that friend be present in this new trio of agents?’?
We don’t know who the ‘friend’ is that Red John was referring too. I was surprised he would let Jane have that information.
You ask: “What are you most excited about for Season 5 of The Mentalist?”
I don’t know if excited is the right word, for me. I would love to see MORE Red John episodes and FEWER “filler” eps. After 4 full seasons, this extremely brilliant mentalist crime fighter is nowhere nearer to capturing his prey, the evil Red John. You would think he would be closer to catching him than he was four (4) years ago.
And I’d like to see less manipulating of the audience. Bruno Heller just loves to string us along. My solemn oath is NOT to watch any episode of the new season(s) unless I know it has to do with Red John. All the “filler” eps are just that, filler. They are junk.
Cheers,
Dan
Everything about your comment is misguided, misinformed, nonsensical and just wrong. I’m sorry, it just is.
Thanks for commenting though.
You’re welcome, Connor.
But when you say that “everything” about my comment is “misguided, misinformed, nonsensical and just wrong,” you are in effect saying that I don’t have the right to post my honest opinion of “The Mentalist.” I guess I thought you were looking for honest answers, rather than simple endorsements of the show.
If you would search the IMDb for the views of others who watch that program, you would see that I am not alone in thinking the show runners are trying to manipulate the audience.
Cheers,
Dan
Sorry for bad English, but I wanted to leave my comment here.
Good analysis of what’s to come. I think The Mentalist is not valued enough, really I think people believe that the series is one of the bunch. But I think it has a lot of goodies, RJ’s story is one of them. The good thing about Bruno is forcing us to really get us in the series, is not a series that can be seen from time to time because it has many conversations continue season after season.
I’ve been looking on the internet and is very interesane theories that weave over RJ. Cho’s character is very good, despite having a secondary role, their way of seeing things as cynical and too nice, it makes a very interesting character. Also, all the characters have emotional flaws, another important point. I think if I’m not mistaken one of the episodes of the season will be on how Jane came to the CBI, I think the chapter 100. Moreover, the relationship between Jane and Lisbon is something more intriguing of the series, the romance aside, I think as characters make great chemistry. For the rest, waiting anxiously for the premiere!
Hey there!
I am absolutely,devastatingly,rapturously in love with this stupendous show!!!
It is truly one of the best crime fiction/suspense drama i have seen/read. the characters are meticulously delineated and look very convincing.
of course the cherry on the cake is the very very handsome Patrick Jane!! His character in its entirety is brilliantly conceived – the intelligence,the inherent decency,the usually cheerful stance and proclivity to tease/upstage others is absolutely delightful.
am eagerly waiting for season 5.
Great show and thanks.
shikha
I know this is off point, but I’m worried about the move to Sunday night at 10. I noticed that the ratings aren’t as strong as they once were and feel the fear that they’ll cancel the show after season 5. That’s been happening to me for quite a few years now, I get into a terrific, amazing show, then they cancel it. Love the character of Patrick Jane, he is so awesome! And to see Simon Baker on a regular (devastatingly gorgeous) does my old heart good! Just wonder how long they can push the Red John plot line before people get tired of it! I sure hope The Mentalist is around for a long, long time, but if it isn’t, I’ve already started working on buying the whole dvd set, so I can continue to watch over and over til I get tired of it…which will take a long time.
oh yes..Pat Jane is awesome and so is Lisbon. Waited with bated breath and here it is finally. loved the whole “whats in ur pocket ure hiding” thing in the red bead episode…and Jane is a legend really like maybe Scofield…also, Bert Stiles would make an entry sure not just coz he had a favor to return but also coz in a subtle manner they showed Van Pelt got influenced by him . So wait for some turn in the story..And they have stricken just the right balance between the elements of a procedural and a serial with snapshots of lives of all the characters’ involved..so Hail the Mentalit..!
THE MENTALIST IS AWESOME AND EVERYONE WHO DISAGREES IS A BANANA.
I don’t know if you are still reading comments but in case you are, here are some thoughts. I LOVE The Mentalist, but I fear for it’s future. In the last two episodes of season four things don’t make sense. Jane visits the grave’s of his wife and daughter. Why? Jane doesn’t brood about the murder’s but is always sad and remorseful when something or someone reminds him about them. After the little girl shows Red John’s signature to Jane and delivers Red John’s message, Jane gets uncharacteristically drunk and burns his files. The passion that drives Jane is his determination to get his revenge on Red John. I don’t think he would have been thrown off course by such a benign event. When Jane is having his pretend breakdown it takes six months. Red John is on Jane like white on rice. It wouldn’t have taken that long for Red John to send Lorelei to him. And since he’s pretending why is he drinking vodka in his motel room? This is a far cry from the charming, playful, coy and childlike character that previously made him such a delightful imp.
In the course of thing, Lorelei seduces him. What? Our Peter Pan, who is a mentalist, is sleeping with someone that he doesn’t realize is another of Red John’s disciples until the next morning? Some mentalist. This is Red John’s gift to Jane? Why would he be sleeping with anyone? Wasn’t Jane’s devotion to his dead wife one of the endearing things about Jane? To top it all off, Lorelei refers to Jane as her lover right in front of Lisbon. Now, in the fifth season she is kissing Jane passionately while Lisbon is listening. Considering how close Jane and Lisbon have been, it looked to me as a cruel betrayal of someone who has always protected you. The absence of the sexual tension and fine interplay between Jane and Lisbon is sorely lacking in season five. Jane’s unpredictable behavior and Lisbon’s never ending attempts to reign Jane in highlighted their relationship, which at times were like brother and sister, mother and son or just friends. If you’ve ever taken yourself to YouTube you’ll see that everyone is hoping that Jane and Lisbon will eventually end up together. Now it seems that Jane is not going to be a pivotal character on the team because he’ll be too busy running around after Lorelei. Since when has Red John let any of his disciples get close enough to anyone who they could give information to about him or his whereabouts? With Jane so focused on Lorelei the team is splintered, which undermines the partnership and bonding of the team. That was one of the things that made The Mentalist so unique. These aren’t your ordinary crime fighters. This team works together like a symphony orchestra. Each one is necessary to stay in tune with the others. It’s Jane’s quirky manner and unusual crime fighting skills (when was the last time he smelled a corpse) his righteous anger and the way that he and the team handle it that keeps things going. The numbers for The Mentalist this season are lower than they’ve ever been. I used to be a disc jockey and I know, right or wrong, how important those numbers are. For a series to continue running that ad money has to keep flowing in and the show has to be in a prime time slot. The time for the show has already been changed and Wikipedia has no listings beyond episode #106. I want to watch The Mentalist and particularity Simon Baker who, like a fine wine, just gets better with age, for a long time to come. I’m not sure I’ll get that opportunity.
The previous poster, Maggie Welch, brings up some flaws in Season 5 of “The Mentalist.” And she’s right. Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is now exhibiting such bizarre behavior, he no longer looks like the same lovable Jane we used to know and love.
Up till this season, we all loved Jane because we connected to his grief over the loss of his family and his determination to chase down the person responsible. But now, his character has undergone a radical change. As Maggie says, now Jane is drinking and fornicating like some unlikable freak. This is a far cry from the charming, playful, coy and childlike character that previously made him such a delightful imp.
Add to this, the fact that Bruno Heller and CBS have thumbed their metaphorical noses at the viewing public, by stretching a single arc — the Red John mystery — into FIVE SEASONS now, rather than giving us a satisfying conclusion earlier.
WHO is dictating the arc of this season? We have seen only ten (10) episodes, there has been NO new information on Red John, and the last episode CBS showed us aired on December 9. When will episode 11 air? Oh, no worries. The next ep will come to us on January 13. Think about that. From December 9 to January 13 is FIVE WEEKS! Hey, who needs a summer recess, when Bruno can just suspend his show for five weeks in the middle of the season!
Very, very shabby treatment from the show runners of “The Mentalist.” I’m glad the show is getting low ratings now.
Cheers,
Dan
Why is there only 13 episodes listed on all website guides for season 5?
13, seriously ? Why?
Pretty sure that’s because only the first 12 episodes have aired so far. So they only list the next episode after the previous episode has been on TV. A look at its page on Wikipedia here,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mentalist_(season_5) , suggests there will be 18 episodes but then its Wikipedia so could be nonsense, unless they are extending their information as the later episodes are aired too, I’m pretty sure all the earlier series had 23 / 24 episodes, so hopefully will be the same with this one :)
And I love Red John! I think they reinvigorated his story with the climax of the fourth series and that was a brilliant episode, tense and intelligent.
great show – relationships are the basis.
Maybe they feel the show cant outlast a Red John finale – I hope not.I get the feeling that they are
saving it for the end. I only recently found this show + have caught up on all episodes from seasons 1-4, but have yet to see any of season 5.
I too would hate to see this very creative & well crafted program phased out- really the only show I like.But if it does thankfully continue for years it would be hard to keep the Red John thing going on forever. Jane + Lisbon together? Of course.Despite the bewitching Erica Flynn + the sorry case of Katrina Frye.Lets not forget some way of getting Grace + Wayne back
together (Cho + Summer? a little harder to pull off.
SAVE THE MENTALIST – its the GREATEST