vincent_comeau

(2013-06-16 08:08:40)

A show to be taken lightly, dramatic with an edge of humour.

I've watched a lot of TV-series, The Mentalist being among them. Iwould not say that this show is incredibly innovative, i would not daresay it is the best show out there, since there are so many. I wouldonly say that it is a very nicely written, greatly acted show, withsome very interesting characters, Patrick Jane being at its core. Heis, by far, one of the most interesting and lovable character I've everseen. Think of him as a ''Dr.House meets Mulder from xfiles''.And bythis i mean that he is somewhat of a cocky an arrogant genius (House)that is driven to find the truth, that is calm and gentle andpatient(Mulder).There is so much depth to his personality, and withevery season it gets more interesting. The relationship between Patrickand his colleague Lisbon is strictly friendly and thankfully so.It isvery refreshing to see a relationship between two character (male andfemale) form so very slowly and strongly as the bond is growing deeperso that the audience can really feel and grow with them. those two inmy eyes are the best point of this show. Although there are many ''flaws'' to the show, some answers that areleft abruptly unanswered, some things that do not seem to holdtogether. As a whole i think this show is to be taken lightly, i thinkit is mostly about a very smart and interesting character who makes usfeel good and gives us hope that intelligence, patience and a goodheart can put to shame any villain; and it does it incredibly well.As a final word i thinks this is a feel good show centered around itscharacters , not the story.

cheersfan213

(2013-06-15 20:34:46)

A Taut Drama That Is More Than Meets the Eye

This past May, I watched with bated breath to see if Patrick Jane wouldever emerge from his descent into lunacy in the season finale of "TheMentalist." Of course, however, this was simply another of Jane'sclever ruses to catch his longtime enemy, Red John, the serial killerwho claimed his wife and daughter's lives almost 10 years ago. "TheMentalist," like its protagonist, is shrewd and clever, a crime dramathat is also a mystery show. Its characters, unlike many other copshows, are painstakingly drawn out and full of personality andcomplexity. Showrunner Bruno Heller is a master of suspense, andcreates characters that are so believable through a mix of light comedyand their individual personalities, that you almost think that they arereal people. Watching the relationships of the main characters unfoldand progress is exciting, revealing and many times, shocking. Themythology of the show is unlike any other cop drama on TV, one thatinvolves and grips the viewer. In a barren wasteland of mind-numbingshows, "The Mentalist" is a refreshingly weekly dose of qualitytelevision.

(2013-06-15 11:06:31)

I think is a great series.

Think is a different series, because isn't the ordinary history. Existsa guy who think more than a normal guy, i mean, he think in littlestuffs in order to get a mostly clear image of what happens in caseof...In few words, I've learned a little to view the things with a littlebit of care, mostly than the normal way. I like so much in general thisseries.The writer and the director are doing a great job. Hope this serieshave a lot of seasons more. By the way, I vote with a 10.Congratulations!!!

donptrebor

(2013-06-14 12:16:40)

Dull

The acting is as sub-par as a high school rendition of Hamlet. The setsare mediocre and the score is absent throughout and when it is there itseems flat. I do not understand how this show gets good ratings. Thepremise of the show is so recycled I'm surprised that it is stillexistent. I do not know why CBS seems to think Americans want 25 CSIclones. The acting as I preciously stated is far below that of CSI asit is full of people who don't know what they are doing, and so clearlyare acting. their tears when they are supposed to be crying seem forcedand the main actors seem stiff and mediocre. I will always scratch myhead wondering how this show gets such high ratings. it frankly makesno sense to me.

LostKaleb

(2013-06-13 20:06:41)

Definitely not a Copycat

I honestly say that the first I heard of this show I thought thepremise was too simple and too recurrent. However I seem to find myselfwaiting impatiently for each week's episode and what is Patrick goingto pull this time!Also, I'm sick and tired of all the comparisons with Psych and Houseand whatever you may come up with! This show is NOT House, it's NOTPsych, it has a clear identity and is surely not a copycat. Sure it hassimilar elements: the House-like vibe of the background music and typesof situations, or the Psych-like fact that the main character can spotdetails with one look; but what show these days doesn't? I mean, allCSI variants are the same! Come on...So I tell you: this is a very good show, it can still pick up some pace(at least I can see that they're taking advantage of the Anime-stylefillers) but every episode is fun to watch and grips you to the lastminute.The main character was what surprised me the most though. Despite thefact that being Portuguese I enjoy that the lead detective is calledLisbon, Mr Patrick Jane seemed just another pretty face on TV. HoweverI can now see that I was terribly wrong: it is a great character and isportrayed by a very good actor; the changes between whimsical smilesand disturbing stares are... well disturbingly good!So watch it, it's worth it and you might learn a thing or two!

pinkled5

(2013-06-13 06:01:23)

The Patrick Jane Show

I really like the character of Patrick Jane. He has depth, feeling,charisma, and overall likability. That being said, this show could begreatly improved by making the supporting characters more interestingand adding some consistency to the quality of the writing. The othercharacters seem to be cardboard cutouts put in place so we can have ashow every week. And the quality of writing on the show varies greatly.Sometimes its crisp and refreshing, other times it's dull andfar-fetched. There seems to be more potential than success but it'sstill a lot better than most of the drivel that passes for televisionnowadays.

archive_lena

(2013-06-13 14:28:33)

It's because he is very convincing as a mentalist!!

Patrick Jane is by far one of the best, most intriguing, well played,well written characters for these kind ofcrime/investigation/murder-solving shows. Every time he investigates asuspect and embarrasses Lisbon by saying they should let that person goI feel a sort of relief. Wouldn't be amazing if police work was basedon the judgment of people like Patrick? Extremely smart, insightful,someone who can see right through you and have the confidence to trustnot a hunch but clear indicatives of body language, genuine emotions,someone who can detect (as a detective is supposed to do) hidden fears,anger, affairs, lies etc.I adore this show because although the protagonists are most of thetime portrayed as flawless, unique or extraordinary in some way, thisis the first time I actually believe it, while at the same time I knowthis could not get more fictional... Maybe it is the acting, but I lovethis character. I believe in his abilities, since I am given the chanceto rationalize them.I actually got interested in hypnotism after watching this show, as Ithink many people did.Rarely I can follow through two or three seasons of a show that doesn'thave a main plot. In this one however, The Red John case is more of abonus... I just love watching Patrick Jane do his thing!!

John Smith

(2013-06-12 16:29:25)

Usual genre done unusually

Patrick Jane is a consultant in a rumpled suit engaged by the"California Bureau of Investigation" to help solve crimes. The seriessuffers a little from PerryMasonIsm in that if you watch more than halfa dozen episodes, you can begin to tell who's going to get done in andhow and what was clever in one episode gets a bit predictable inothers.But surprisingly, the show remains interesting in spite of it. Thebiggest attention grabber is the character of Patrick Jane, whosequirky traits are kept constantly fresh by a remarkably versatile SimonBaker. But there's also a very good supporting cast of characters whomanage to keep plot chestnuts, like the romantic subplot, bubbling. Thesinister Red John subplot adds another unusual dash of spice to themix, and each episode also often ends with a nice twist. Not quite a star on the level of Law & Order for me but certainly ansurprising and very bracing departure from the usual tedium of cops androbbers shows.

FilmLabRat

(2013-06-11 01:44:22)

fun show

This is not a particularly deep show, but like Columbo before it,detective work can be really fun when it involves ratting out theculprit using a subtle but brilliant reading of people and clues.Patrick Jain can be arrogant and annoying yet witty and clever - afascinating and strangely lovable (not to mention hot) protagonist. Thesupporting characters are likewise amusing. Show also has great dialog.I'm curious to see where Jain's feelings for the psychic lead... thisis a new development in his character, and he's a little hard to read.Anyway, it's one of only two shows I try to watch every week -excellent writing, acting, casting directing.

carol-greer

(2013-06-10 21:38:52)

It's Definitely Not Psych!

I love "Psych", and when I saw the premise for "The Mentalist" I hadconcerns that it'd be quite similar. I was pleasantly surprised to finda huge difference. Where Psych is more lighthearted and fun withmoments of drama, The Mentalist is much more of a drama with enoughhumor to allow viewers a small break from the tension at times. It'sobvious the show's writers don't take themselves too seriously and arehaving fun while spinning tales that are unique enough to keep myattention.To me, Patrick Jane is like Shawn Spencer and Jarod from "ThePretender" wrapped into one package. He's got a wicked sense of humor,is brilliant, and has a slight sadistic streak when it comes to badguys. Over all, the show is a nice break from "CSI:Insert City Here" and "Lawand Order: Important Sounding Initials (or ISI for short)" whileremaining in the crime drama genre.The only real concern I have is if the show is going to get hung up onthe Red John thing and drag it out entirely too long as many shows inthe past have done. While I wouldn't want it rushed, I DO want to seeit resolved so Jane can get on with his life.

hr-27

(2013-06-02 22:01:12)

Horrible

By now everyone knows this show is poor man's rip of Psych. I spent theweekend watching all of season 1. This show is horrible for thefollowing reasons: 1. The actors have no chemistry. 2. None of theActors behave like police. It is a police procedural you would expectthat they would try and follow basic police rules but they don't theydo whatever they want, which makes the show unbelievable. They aresuppose to be Agents but the women wear blue jeans and the men wearties? They never bother, in the first season, to explain what the CBIis and its structure. They to just show up and take over. 3. The Agentsdon't seemed to know anything. Every case Jane knows everythingimmediately. It doesn't make sense that the Agents who have been doingthe job for years and have been trained would not have at least basicforensic knowledge. 4. The smirk. Jane always has a stupid smirk on hisface as if he is bored or everyone is stupid. I am not sure if theymeant for the character to only have one emotion. 5. The cases don'tseem to build as the hour goes alone. In the middle of the story line,a character will give some long dialog to pivot the story along. It asif the writers want to give the audience a dramatic ending but don'tknow how to get there. In the 23 episodes I noticed that 12 of themwere copies of Silence of the Lamb, Law and Order and Law and Order CI.In summary. Season 1 is not very good.

xox_rachy_xo

(2013-06-02 02:12:05)

Amazing

I am a massive fan of 'The Mentalist.' This is a witty, clever andentertaining show. Based around Patrick Jane, a man whose past careeras a fake psychic caused his wife and child to be murdered, who nowworks for the California Bureau of Investigation. The pilot had one ofthe most entertaining openings to an episode I've ever seen, let alonea programme, and hooked me immediately.It combines a lot of successful elements. It has the relationshipbetween Jane and Lisbon- Lisbon quite closely following procedure andJane often disregarding it in order to catch the criminal. There isalso Cho's steely exterior which is often food for comedy, especiallywhen he goes undercover. Van Pelt and Rigsby's complicated relationshipis also a sweet sidebar.Generally the show doesn't take itself too seriously, with the crimesoften being solved by the use of humorous tricks and what not. But thenit brings in the more serious elements when it comes to Janesrelationship with Red John, the serial killer who murdered his family.It is gripping television and a very welcome contribution to ourscreens.

GonzoBarbossa

(2013-05-27 23:54:31)

A show that is so much more than it seems.

For anyone who thinks this is close to Psych...you're dead wrong. Whileboth shows take a similar premise, they're so different in many ways.This show does have a man with the ability to spot minute details, buthe does so much more, he plays mind games with people, reads theiremotions and sets elaborate traps to catch them. Many compare him toShawn Spencer of Psych, but I would rather compare him to SherlockHolmes, except more tortured. The pilot obviously takes on a moreserious approach than Psych and the dynamics of the show go from cuteand funny to deeply disturbing in seconds.It takes your one crime per episode procedural drama with a gifteddetective and takes it one step further. Patrick Jane is more selfeffacing, gets into trouble and is a known fraud. But he isn't mean orintentionally rubs people the wrong way like House(also based onHolmes) or Spencer. He is very soothing, warm, instills trust and seemsto get along with people pretty well, from the guy who did it to histeam. At the same time, he does like to flex his intellect and powerover people and loves to play games to get answers (and yet, socharming when he does so). So it's kind of disarming when you begin tosee there are some serious issues with this character, he doesn'tsleep, doesn't believe in life after death (and is happy that way), andis actually anti-social with the group. There are further reasons as tohis psychosis that won't be discussed. Behind those warm baby blues,warm smile and calming presence, there is a man being crushed to deathby very weighty issues.Patrick Jane is a fantastic character, he's obviously brilliant, but alittle distant and isn't fond of working with others. As a former fauxpsychic he seems pretty ready to disable believers. And of course,Simon Baker is a brilliant actor and is the reason I tuned in (I admitI too feared this was a Psych ripoff) and he brings so much depth tothis character. When he plays his mind games he always brings a senseof "I know more than you and there is nothing you can do about it."type of amusement and when Red John or death apparates in conversationyou see a distant look in his eyes that conveys more than what heactually saying (the psychiatry appointment in the pilot wasincredible). He really plays off the layers of Patrick Jane well,pulling some back and when we get a true glimpse, the layers fall backin place. And credit goes to the set-up of Red John as his "nemesis"through a copy cat. He and Jane have a very tense meet up awaitingthem, but I can wait for that just to experience the chase and theunraveling history between these two.Another credit would go to the incredible Robin Tunney (of The Craftand Empire Records) who was reason number two for watching the pilot.She has had very little to work with in the first two episodes (but herrole grew from 1 to 2 so I have faith), but she plays the hard noseddetective with a little more prudishness and distance than I would haveexpected. How much she knows about Jane and how far they go back is amystery to me and their dynamic is interesting. She doesn't fall intostereotype and has retained a beguiling sense of mystery. I alsoappreciate the lack of clichГѓВ©d moments "fraught with sexual tension"between Lisbon and Jane.And I'd also like to credit Tim Kang- a lovely surprise and I enjoyedhis character who really doesn't give a crap about hurting people'sfeelings or stepping on toes, he just wants to solve the case. Love itand kudos.My only complaint would be explained in the two above paragraphsbriefly. I love Cho and Lisbon and hope to get see more of the team(Van Pelt and Rigsby are really cute as well), but I understand this iscalled "The Mentalist" and there is still time to slowly introduceJane's history with the team and more in depth coverage of thesecharacters. I've only seen two episodes and I think what I anticipatewill come into fruition. Overall, this show is well written, well acted, and beautifully shot. Ifor one have set up a season recording on my DVR and cannot wait forthe next episode, yes you can consider me a fan and I hope you headover to CBS.com and give this show a chance. I wish I had more stars togive.

gregrcr3

(2013-05-27 04:57:24)

newest episode

am watching the newest episode right now and really am worried what thewriters are doing... reminds me of the last season of the soprano's..writers went really nuts,, the ghost stuff with grace really has to goaway and not come back,, this is my favorite series that is runningthis year.. really enjoy it.., it has a lot of humour and sarcasm thati really enjoy. we look forward to thursday night every week to wathcthis show and have recommended it to others that are now addicted also. the fredom of the writers is good but i hope that you get othercomplaints about tonights show that maybe you could drop the sillyghost stuff and just concentrate on janes sarcasm and the humour... isan excellent cast and other than tonights show, is really good,,hope i can keep looking forward to watching weekly..please don't make it stupid..

yoana_03

(2013-05-27 11:27:22)

Great option

I would compare Jane with Hercule Poirot; he plays the same games ofmind. His way to take it all reveals us a man relaxed, whom methods arealways about to gain. I really could never get bored of Simon Baker'scharacter. His smile like "I know what I'm doing and I'm doing well" isoutstanding, like his smile. Lisbon would be a great lover for him. Imean, it can be seen that they have a connection and they do not wantto hide that aspect. Great written, perfect cast and very interestedaudience! Keep going! Every story from every episode keeps you in themiddle of the story every minute. I think that there could be momentswhere Patrick Jane could be more romantic, to leave away the logicalmoments once in a while, it would be a great melange between mister,crime, psychology and love, like a little moment of chilling with thecharacter. On the other hand, Rigsby and Cho are the perfect choice.The character fit amazing with all they have to give to the people.

reshadul

(2013-05-26 14:21:40)

Good show, great acting by Simon Baker

Just started watching the show on DVD. So far, its been relaxing andfun. The mysteries are not complex but how the team untangle them hasbeen fun. The chemistry between the main character and the CBI has beendeveloping at a good pace. Have not finished the first season yet but Ihave high hopes. Highly recommended for anyone who likes good mysteriesespecially the fans of Agatha Christie. Patrick Jane is like the modernday Hercule Poirot with a dark past. He brings a lot of baggage unlikePoirot and the insight he has into daily lives of women are like MissMarple. Additionally, the psychological torture he faces are similar toSherlock Homes even though not self-inflicted. I always loved mysteriesthat puts less emphasis on physical evidence and deals with humanemotions and the complexity of the criminal mind. The Mentalistcertainly does not disappoint on those categories.

telex1-1

(2013-05-26 09:15:54)

The Mentalist is a flashback to Sleuth Shows of old

The Mentalist uses all the skills of some of the best Sleuths inhistory. He uses all the tools of Sherlock like deduction. Or HerculePoirot's observation. and a dash of Ellery Queen's charm andinquisitive nature. What's original is the choice of an former conartist for the role. Changed into a crusader of justice by the death ofhis wife and daughter by a serial killer. Patrick Jane is such a breathof fresh air. The way he speaks his mind to the rich and powerful.Calling them jerks for the way they act. His bunt nature is similar toDr. House with out that venom he spews. Its a great show without all ofthe gory murders of CSI or NCIS.

beckeye_58

(2013-05-25 13:51:38)

Mentalist is clever, engaging

The Mentalist, starring Simon Baker, is a clever twist on the standardprocedural. Baker plays Patrick Jane, a former "psychic", who left hislucrative career of conning people after his baiting of a serial killerleft his wife and child dead.Jane now works with the CBI (sort of like the FBI only for the state ofCalifornia) as a "consultant", which allows him to tag around with ateam of agents and use his powers of observation and manipulation tosolve crimes. His motives are twofold: to use his "powers" for good andto be there when the CBI finally cracks the case of "Red John", theserial killer who murdered his family.Each week, he rides to the rescue of the CBI team. If there is a faulton the show, it's that Patrick is always the one who comes through andthe CBI couldn't solve a single case without him. Kind of makes youwonder how they managed before he came along. There are the obligatoryskeptics and annoyed bosses who wish he'd just go away, but they can'targue with his success.Baker is the heart of the show. His engaging attitude and cleverrepartee are very pleasing to watch, and I'm sure it helps the ratingsthat he has an adorable head of tousled curly hair and a killer smile.The other characters play well against one another and are a departureon the common "types"...the rookie, the enforcer, the tough gal leader,the poker face. Each is tweaked in a way that makes you stay interestedin learning more about what lurks beneath the surface.A hint of romance between Patrick Jane and Lisbon, the head of theteam, adds to the intrigue...will they or won't they? All in all, anenjoyable hour worth Tivo.

manowar4576

(2013-05-22 01:02:33)

Psyche Rip Off Definitely.

If imitation is the best form of flattery, then Psyche should should bevery flattered today. There are small (very small) differences made tokeep the producers from getting sued but the idea is a rip off and theexecution is poor. The premise of a guy with a good memory for detail?Fine so he's an ex-cop (isn't there one in Psyche too?) and the guy onPsytche isn't. Also this guy shows a prejudice streak about people thatcan only be found in the real world at the Republican NationalConvention. That's about all the most original part of the whole show.The casting of Simon Baker shows only an airhead looking actor can playthis part. The smirk he wears the whole time is directed at theaudience for believing this is a new original idea. Instead of watchingthis trash, rent the first season of Psyche on DVD or read a good book.And don't let Simon Baker know the name of the book or he'll find anoverblown stereotype that you'll fit in.

chartresspires

(2013-05-21 04:56:48)

Similar premise to Psych. Psych = Comedy; Mentalist = Drama

"The Mentalist" is very similar to "Psych" in that the lead characteris trained to spot minute details, and through these observations hesolves crimes. Where Shawn Spencer of "Psych" pretends to be a psychicprivate investigator while assisting the Santa Barbara police, PatrickJane is a person who used to pretend to be a psychic (to achieve fameand wealth), but is now using his abilities as a private investigatorto help the police. His motivation for assisting the police is madeapparent in the pilot episode.It is from here that the two premises diverge. "Psych" uses its premiseto present a brilliant comedy where the interactions between thecharacters place the overall mystery and its solving in a secondaryrole (clues are highlighted on the screen to assist the viewer, forexample). "The Mentalist" goes in the direction of the CSI-type crimedrama. The story is serious and the clues are intentionally obscure forthe viewer. Perhaps the most humorous element of the pilot is theveiled reference to USA's Adrian Monk of "Monk." A crime sceneinvestigator with obvious anti-social behaviors wanders about the roommaking hand gestures while describing the minutia of the crime scene (ala Adrian Monk).Is "The Mentalist" a good series and worth watching? If you like crimedramas, then certainly. If you would like a dramatic interpretation of"Psych," then the show is for you. If you are angered by a showborrowing themes and premises from your favorite show, then probablynot. After all, Shawn Spencer is simply another character in a longlist of characters with exceptional observational abilities (SherlockHolmes and Columbo are but two which come to mind).