Rating: 
After last week’s big Red John episode, ‘Black Cherry’ took The Mentalist back to its traditional case-of-the-week format on Sunday – with a little bit of Jane’s (Simon Baker) nemesis thrown in for good measure.
The case was fairly standard. The idea of a man trying to escape his past is not a new one by any means, but certainly one that I enjoy. It doesn’t hurt that it shares thematic elements with our favourite CBI consultant, either. Also, as is seemingly the case a lot these days, I didn’t guess the killer correctly. Well, I did, but I didn’t guess that there were THREE killers. As soon as a corporate retreat was mentioned along with a local paper from the same area, I knew the murder would have something to do with ‘what happened’ there.
The best part of this case was the two family members of the victim, Juliana and Noah McVie (Kyla Pratt and Bryce Clyde Jenkins). Each of them brought out different sides to Jane and Lisbon (Robin Tunney) as the pair tried to help out their situation. Lisbon, no stranger to losing people and raising brothers by herself, showed her maternal instincts as she tried to support Juliana and, eventually, got her off the hook for weapons charges. Meanwhile, Jane, loss and subsequent grief extraordinaire, went out of his way to help Noah throughout the episode.
Watching Jane interact with children has always been a joy to watch – the way he talks to them, not down to them. How much he cares for them. One thing’s for sure, had Charlotte Jane lived and gone through life’s many challenges, she’d have had the best father around to help her through it. Damn you Red John. The way these sides to Jane and Lisbon, each brought on by their past, were depicted side-by-side during the scene in the victims house was incredibly well done. Despite all of this, the episode was mostly a fun one. Jane was on top form, especially when in the model houses. He even did a little tap dance in one of them. At least I think that’s what it was…
The main subplot to this episode was Cho (Tim Kang) and his joining of the new CBI Rapid Response Team, headed by Agent Tamsin Wade (Monique Gabriela Curnen). It was clear from the moment Cho got his hands on that gun that he’d be joining the team – just look at that smile on his face. Love at first sight, you could say. Cho hasn’t smiled that much since Summer (Samaire Armstrong) was around. Someone needs to write a scene where Cho uses the gun around a corner. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
This gave Cho the opportunity to be badass and, well, actually do stuff. It allowed him to be Cho. There can be no downside to this, so I’m looking forward to seeing where this plot goes. As for Agent Wade, in an attempt to resist the ‘MUST GET TOGETHER’ attitude TV seems to have with male/female co-workers, I didn’t see her as a ‘potential new love interest’ for Cho as some are saying. It seems Wade is actually being set-up as a replacement presence on the show whilst Amanda Righetti (Van Pelt) is on maternity leave. However, one can never truly know where the show is going unless ‘one’ is Bruno Heller, so who knows? Maybe we should come up with the ship name sooner rather than later. Chade anyone?
The aspect of this episode that pleased me the most was that it actually carried on from last weeks serialized stuff rather than completely ignoring it, which the show has been guilty of in the past after airing a big episode. OK, so it was only two very short scenes, but they were scenes nonetheless and bookended the hour perfectly.
We opened with Jane working on his list. That’s right, a list of everyone Jane has ever met and shaken hands with. Phew, that’ll be quite a tome when done. Unsurprisingly, Lisbon’s words give the impression that Jane has been doing this obsessively since the events of ‘Red Sails in the Sunset.’ Jane has trouble remembering the name of the redheaded CDC agent from 2.16 ‘Code Red’. HARKEN, I shouted, before realising I need to stop re-watching so many episodes.
Jane and Lisbon have a very interesting exchange about her possible inclusion on his SUPER LIST OF SUSPICION. Jane, quite rightly, points out that Lorelei’s (Emmanuelle Chriqui) words suggested him and Red John hadn’t exactly become friends after their handshake, and that he considers what they have ‘a friendship’. Me too, Jane, me too.
Part of me wanted Jane to completely subvert Lisbon’s sentimental expectations here and instead respond with ‘nonsense, why would you be on the list? Red John is a man!’ Never mind, Jane reaffirming his trust in Lisbon was nice to see.
Now for the scene that has generated the most discussion amongst fans: a full on viewing of a page from Jane’s book, listing ten names of varying familiarity. It’s worth nothing of course that, at this point, Jane is simply naming every single person he’s met and shook hands with, so this is just one page of many in his little book. However, given that we’ve so clearly been given this page, one has to ask, why this page? Why these names? Could Red John be one of these ten people? Or is it one big bluff and none of them are Red John? Either way, it was thrilling to be given a look into Jane’s scrawling’s.
One thing I love about this show is how it never forgets even the most minor of characters. Here we have some of the most beloved recurring characters (Virgil Minelli, Walter Mashburn, Osvaldo Ardiles) to the more obscure (Vint Molinari, Dean Harken, Jason Cooper) and the downright odd (Dr Towlen Morning). Just seeing these names written down and knowing they exist in the mind of our protagonist goes some way to making the world of The Mentalist feel fully realised, not to mention the exciting possibility that we may see a few of them again – hopefully soon.
It was no surprise at all seeing Minelli (Gregory Itzin) and Mashburn (Currie Graham), two of my top suspects, on the list. The same goes for the long-time theorised about Brett Partridge (Jack Plotnick), whose inclusion proves that this ‘handshake’ didn’t necessarily happen on screen. Ellis Mars (John Billingsley) is another who, despite only appearing in one episode, has been bandied about as a possible Red John since his episode. The most odd inclusion is Dr Towlen Morning, family doctor of Janet and Carter Peak (Red John’s 3rd and 4th victims) whom we found dead at the start of 2.08 ‘His Red Right Hand’. Well, the inclusion itself wasn’t surprising, it’s what Jane wrote underneath: ‘Deceased?’
QUESTION MARK???? Jane, you saw the body. We all did. Don’t start messing with my head like this. I’m sure it’s nothing, really. If anything it just shows how thorough Jane is being with this list – he’s even naming the dead and the incarcerated (Dr Linus Wagner, played by Zeljko Ivanek).
So, is this just a list of cool shout outs or something more? Either way, I can’t wait to find out. For anyone who doesn’t mind SPOILERS keep reading this sentence: one of these names returns in next week’s episode ‘Panama Red’. If you haven’t already read the press release, try and guess which in the comments below along with your theories regarding ‘The Red List’. Also, if you’re reading this review and feeling unsure in regards to which episode(s) any of the listed characters appeared in, just ask.
OTHER THOUGHTS:
- It was genuinely nice to see Jane going back to his ‘show some respect’ attitude towards those who are jerky at crime scenes.
- I’m very glad Jane pushed Lisbon to do the right thing with Juliana and that she did in fact make the right decision.
- Great to see Sarah (Jillian Bach) back. Hopefully she’ll make a few more appearances before the season is out.
- I’m no hunter (far from it, actually) but is it normal to start shooting at the sight of any movement? I’m genuinely intrigued.
- Hey, did you guys hear what Lisbon said in her sleep? Yeah, me neither, because she didn’t say anything. She mumbled some gibberish. Just clearing that up.
Overall, The Mentalist slipped back into a sort of comfort zone this week, which is no problem, as it is oh so comfortable. A fun, occasionally poignant episode started and finished with a welcome dose of Red John made for a rounded four-star experience.
Please hit the comments with your thoughts on the episode and my review.
There’s no new episode this Sunday, so check back the week after for my review of the midseason finale ‘Panama Red’. Check out the press release and promotional photos HERE and HERE.
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12 Comments
It seems very accurate review. I really like your opinions. In my opinion the best of the episode: to see the list of Jane and look at our favorite suspects. Otherwise, the episode had a very routine way. As I watched the episode I bored a bit, especially after the previous episode.
It is among the best episodes: The characters, the murder of the week, interrogation of Cho, the overall tone of the episode, etc. All this was a bit mediocre.
It had some things I liked: Jane pushing Lisbon to do the right thing. The conversation between Jane and Lisbon explaining why she is not on the list was very tender. Some of the replicas Jane / Lisbon were at the top of the episode. THE BEST: the list of Jane.
The eight previous episodes seemed exceptionally good and this represents a drop big, but I guess that prepares us to great things.
I know what you mean, this was this seasons weakest episode so far for me, so maybe a 3.5 would’ve been more accurate. But I wouldn’t call it boring at all, it was solid and the decent score is a testament to how good this season has been – which I’m glad you agree with by the way.
Thanks again, Mar.
You missed something, first scene that Rigsby is in shows Brett Partridge as the forensics guy.
That’s not Brett Partridge. Would love to see him again, though.
Well done as usual, Connor.
Cho + Assault Rifle = OTP
~~Maybe we should come up with the ship name sooner rather than later. Chade anyone?~~
No. No more couple name portmanteaux. It’s not 2002 anymore. Please, please make it stop.
~~I’m very glad Jane pushed Lisbon to do the right thing with Juliana and that she did in fact make the right decision.~~
Yeah, I’m glad Lisbon did what was right for the little boy too, but I would’ve liked to have seen her give the girl a serious talking to. Want to keep your brother out of foster care? Then walk the walk don’t just talk the talk.
~~Great to see Sarah (Jillian Bach) back. Hopefully she’ll make a few more appearances before the season is out.~~
I was very glad to see her too and relieved the show doesn’t seem to be going the character assassination route. The team could use a friend in the DA’s office so I’m curious to see where this goes, if it goes anywhere.
~~Hey, did you guys hear what Lisbon said in her sleep? Yeah, me neither, because she didn’t say anything. She mumbled some gibberish. Just clearing that up.~~
Thank you. She said nothing intelligible and I’ve seen all this stuff this week trying to derive what she said and it’s been driving me nuts.
Hey, Cece.
Don’t worry, I’m sick of ship names too (I’m looking at one in particular >_>), that ‘Chade’ comment was written with tongue firmly in cheek.
You make a good point about the CBI needing a friend in the DA’s office, especially since Ardiles isn’t exactly friendly with them. Ardiles who is on the list…hmmm…. :)
Yes, I felt the need to clear up the Lisbon thing. Quite why it needs clearing up I don’t know, but people will dream.
Thanks again!
I live in Colorado and when I tuned in last night the episode that was shown was “Fugue in Red” from season four not “Black Cherry.” What’s up with that?
I live in Colorado and when I tuned in last night episode 4.10 “Fugue in Red” from season four was shown, not “Black Cherry.” What’s up with that?
Also, do you have reviews for: 5.1, 5.2, 5.6 and 5.7?
If you will indulge me, another post. I think Bret Stiles is Red John. In 3.3 Jane and Bret have this exchange in Bret’s office. Stiles, “Kristina Frye. Red John has her doesn’t he? It’s a terrible thing, first your wife and child and now Miss Frye. It sounds like he wants to take away everything and every one you care about. It’s a form of love, you know. Jane, “What do you know about Kristina Frye and Red John?” Stiles, “I like you Patrick. I like your vim. Red John seems to be a perfectly unpleasant sort of fellow. If I knew how to get you even half a step closer to him I would cross desert wastes to tell you, but I don’t know.” Then Jane gets a text which reads, “Need to talk, Stiles.” Patrick meets Bret on a park bench. Jane, “Thanks for coming. I understand Herrin confessed. He didn’t mention your name.” Stiles, “Why would he mention me?” Jane, “You didn’t go and tell him to kill a man but you clarified his options, which is as good as killing him as far as I’m concerned.” Stiles, “Is that the official view?” Jane, “Is this why you wanted to see me ’cause a phone call would have been fine. The FBI’s given up.” Stiles, “Well, that’s a shame. I rather enjoyed Brother Wench and his clumsy machinations. Jane, “Well, there it is, you’re safe, bravo.” Stiles, “Always nice to know but that’s not why I’m here. It seems that your friend John is planning a surprise party for you.” Jane, “How do you know what Red John is planning?” Stiles, “It doesn’t matter.” Jane, “It certainly matters to me. How do you know what Red John is planning?” Stiles, “My dear chap, I know so much more than you or Red John could ever imagine. Accept this as a gift from a friend, or not.” He hands a card card to Jane. It reads, “147 Moilor Ave. Jane and the team race to the address where they find Kristina in a catatonic state. How did Bret know that? Either he’s one of Red John’s disciples or he IS Red John.
On another note, do you have a synopsis of 5.1, 5.2, 5.6 and 5.7 available? I discovered “The Mentalist” through TNT who were showing re-runs and I have just started to watch it in real time.
Thanks for continuing to review “The Mentalist,” Connor.
The familiar plot elements, along with Jane’s manipulation of Lisbon, are why I didn’t particularly like this episode. P, in the Reviewbrain review of this episode, mentioned the similarity to the “Red Tide” case. I thought about the Max Winter case (“Red Carpet”) in which he shot his wife’s killer shortly after someone else killed the dirtbag victim–so neither was brought to justice because the killer couldn’t be proven (& Jane was the one who pressed Gale Bertram to let Winter & the other suspect off). We’ve also done sinister corporate retreat (“Carnelian, Inc.”) before. Then there is similarity to “Blood for Blood,” in which the daughter killed her dirtbag father & Jane talked Lisbon out of turning the girl in.
Reviewbrain has convinced me that Jane’s pressuring Lisbon to let people go without facing the consequences of their actions is part of his long-term plan to get Lisbon to compromise herself fr him in a future Red John scenario. The sister, in this case, was evidently supposed to be similar to both Jane (quest for vengeance) & Lisbon (taking care of a brother). The sister chose to go after the gang guy who turned out not to be the murderer (just as Jane went after Timothy Carter who wasn’t the real Red John). I am not fond of Jane manipulating Lisbon to circumvent the law, & it was just as bad that Lisbon manipulated Sarah. If Lisbon had decided to let the sister go, that would have been alright. What I question is Jane–who shouldn’t be in charge of anyone’s morals!–is the one coercing Lisbon. I also hold Lisbon responsible for letting herself be influenced too much by Jane. One really would prefer to see, instead, Lisbon being more of an influence on Jane, who I consider to be largely amoral.
For safety, all of the hunters should have been wearing orange. I don’t think that any of them were (shooters or victim), but I didn’t like this episode well enough to view it again to verify that.
Lisbon didn’t appear to be drooling while she was sleeping. Maybe she was still talking about the hot guy in the mailroom (from when Jane hypnotized her in “Red Badge”) & drooling about him–& that’s why Jane didn’t look too happy?
I don’t really understand what’s with Ardiles. Maybe we’ll gain some insight in his next appearance. When first introduced, he seemed friendly to Lisbon. Because of his position, it’s likely that he & Lisbon have had to work together before, possibly often. Is it just Jane or mostly Jane that’s caused Osvaldo’s problem with Lisbon’s team? He could be a Red John disciple, but I think that he’s too short to be RJ.
I always get a kick out of seeing Lisbon & Cho outrun & take down suspects who are invariably larger than themselves–loved Cho’s tackling the gangster, which also led to finding Lem’s car, so we got a two-fer. Then we have Cho’s new love interest, the assault rifle: ship names–Kendault, Chifle?
That’ll teach me to read Mentalist Wiki. Guess I had the concept of “Ken Doll” on my mind & was remembering that Cho’s first name was originally supposed to have been “Kendall” instead of “Kimball” (http://thementalist.wikia.com/wiki/Kimball_Cho). I’m reluctant to speculate about portmanteau (or is it portmanteaux, French scholars?) involving “ball.”
interesting to see all these “mentalist” rip off shows flooding the airways now….Cult; The following, etc and none have the staying power that The Mentalist has.I suspect it’s because Jane and team have infused some off the cuff humor in with the serious storylines and heart too. I like ALL the characters in “Team Jane”, finding them all likeable,flaws and all. They display such human qualities,proving they are good human beings but are capable of violence too, as I suspect many people are.Unlike these other new shows, I care about what happens to them.Keep up the great writing on this show please…I am someone who DETESTS reality shows and it just seems there are so many of them these days and so few really great dramas.