There are a lot of reasons I’m hooked on CBS’ jaunty hit procedural The Mentalist. Simon Baker’s Patrick Jane sports the most dapper duds (and most magical hair) in primetime. Robin Tunney’s hard-boiled Teresa Lisbon is a sour delight, crabbily in charge of her team without ever devolving into shrewish bossy-lady caricature. Supporting players Tim Kang and Owain Yeoman have a breezy chemistry that makes me kind of wish I worked for the California Bureau of Investigations. Heck, I even like the way murder victims’ families actually weep for their lost loved ones, as opposed to most procedurals where they’re either totally composed or blithely uncooperative.
And now I have two more reasons to dig the show. First, was last night’s scene where Lisbon and Jane (along with their suspect, played by William Allen Young) recoiled in olfactory disgust upon discovering a dead and decomposing body in a freezer. Call me peculiar for being delighted by this detail, but after years of watching the Horatio Caines of the world react to fetid corpses with barely a crinkle of the nose, it was nice to see a stronger reaction than what I displayed after finding a bag of liquefied cilantro in the crisper drawer last week.
Second, did I mention the presence of guest star Lance Barber, who should’ve been Emmy nominated for his portrayal of Paulie G. on HBO’s regrettably short-lived The Comeback, and who really ought to be cast in everything ever. After the jump, a screengrab of Mr. Barber’s character (as seen through Mr. Jane’s poker chip), plus a clip of the aforementioned gag-reflex scene. Anyone else find themselves tickled by any of the above? Or is this one of those PopWatch posts that make you think, "Slezak, you get paid for this?"
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I love Jane. He’s so pretty, so well-dressed, plus I melt whenever he grins.
Ditto Sara. I have the ep on my DVR to enjoy over the weekend. ANYthing with Simon Baker, his gorgeous smile and his beautiful hair is great in my opinion.
I don’t know if I can dedicate an hour of TV time to a Psych knockoff with “magical hair”.
I haven’t watched last night’s episode yet but the Mentalist is my favorite new show. It even bumped Fringe off my season pass list. The show has a light tone and the characters are interesting and not like the usual procedural types. And Simon Baker is great. he’s one of those actors who’s always flown under my radar. I like him when I come across him but have never sought anything out he’s done. But he’s just so damn likeable. Great show, maybe you can do a TV Watch? Tho I’d still rather you do a full Brothers & Sisters one first….
Slezak, you really get paid for this?!?!? But seriously, I’m hooked on the Mentalist too. Fringe has been moved to the DVR list while I go for the one-two punch of NCIS & the Mentalist. Simon Baker’s character is a lot of fun and I too appreciated when they all reacted to the fetid decomposing body odor.
You’re post as convinced me to dump Fringe and switch to The Mentalist. I’ve given Fringe a fair chance, I believe, but I’m so disappointed in the lame story and am turned off by Anna Torv’s wooden acting. Plus, Simon Baker wins the hair battle. Torv’s Marsha Brady do never stood a chance.
I was thrilled to see “Miss Parker” on one of my shows.
Slezak, I’m happy the EW pays you for anything written about The Mentalist. I thought last night’s show was the best and funniest yet! The whole cast is developing this great, weird dynamic that’s hilarious to watch. However, I thoroughly disapprove of Jane’s flannel pajama ensemble. Who actually wears those?!
Chris – If you’re time is so precious, why are you spending it commenting on posts about a show you don’t like?
I totally love this show too! Also, mad props for Simon Baker’s great American accent, which is just as good as Hugh Laurie’s in my opinion.
I’m a fan of Psych (although I’ll admit the show is very spotty), but I decided to give The Mentalist a try and it’s my new favorite show. I haven’t watched last night’s episode yet because my fiance and I watch it together, but it’s waiting for me on my DVR. It’s also my mother’s new favorite show, although she is a huge fan of most procedurals – NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Criminal Intent – so no surprise there.
This is definitely my favorite new show. It’s clever and Simon Baker is amazing. I haven’t had a chance to watch last nights episode yet (last night I just caught up with the previous two episodes), so hopefully I can watch it tonight! I hope this show sticks around!
oooh…a ‘psych’ knockoff, this ain’t. what a solid show, populated with people who exist in real life, like rigsby, van pelt, and tim kang’s character. and, of course, everyone’s favourite title cold-reader. i love how comfortable this show is with itself.
I hate procedurals. So obviously I love The Mentalist. The problem with these types of shows are that you know the case is going to get solved and it really doesn’t mean much. That’s why Jane is the man because he doesn’t really care much either and solves the case 10 minutes in. Gotta love it.
I agree – I love Simon Baker as Patrick Jane. He’s smart and funny… and his devilish grin is absolutely adorable! However, the best part of last night’s episode for me was when Jane doled out the goodies he bought with his gambling winnings. The interaction between Jane and the rest of the CBI team (especially the guys) was priceless.
This show is so fun to watch. The was Jane looks at everything in a different way, makes us laugh. Last night’s episode was hilarious. I can’t believe the women gave the jewelry back! I was with the men, I’m keeping mine! The final poker scene was awesome. We were wondering what he was doing with the glass, and then he showed us! This show has moved to top ten priority on my DVR!
I, too, loved the nose grabbing moment in the garage. Last night’s episode was an illustration of a series really starting to realize what it is: the ensemble is becoming more defined and the scenes are getting more relaxed. And, if it’s possible, Simon Baker’s smile is getting even sparklier!!
I already watch Psych, the Mentalist seems too similar. I watched the first episode and found myself missing Psych. Psych is like an adult Scooby-Doo and it is fun and quirky.
Oh, and I think Patrick Dempsey has the best hair in primetime.
I don’t watch this show, only because I can’t stand that dude’s sh*t eating grin
This is a great show. I love Baker as Jane. The entire cast is coming together nicely and I think this is a show that’ll be around for a while.
If you’d like to discuss the show, check out this forum. Great discussions about the episode have started.
http://thebluewhalepub.com/viewforum.php?f=245&sid=d2da75ae16fe566a1eeac645b3183bfc
I really enjoy The Mentalist too! It just seems like a really well put together show. I never have a moment where something feels like it’s off and doesn’t flow right.
Hubby and I weren’t going to watch it, because we thought it would be a Psych knockoff, but we gave it a chance and instantly a season pass. Very good chemistry between characters and actors, and I agree with another poster that Simon Baker’s American accent is basically perfect. I’m happy to see the show doing so well.
ELLY got it spot on below when she said that the show was so comfortable with itself. Which exactly describes what I felt too. Its not groundbreaking but fun to watch. Its a drama version of Psych which I love also. The humor on that show can’t be matched. And I hope they move Fringe to another night since its losing so badly. That show was definitely disappointing after its stellar beginning but there were much higher hopes for that than for the Mentalist and we do like our well executed procedurals. At least I do and expect enough attention to detail in them which the Mentalist does. And I didn’t think it was possible but Simon Baker’s hair totally kicks McDreamy’s!
I also was not going to watch this show as I saw it as Psych as a drama, but it has quickly become one of my favorite shows. Last night I loved Patrick basically bouncing up and down while he was asking Lisbon for money to go gamble. It was so cute. And I agree… his hair is magical.
I am so happy to see SBaker in a leading role again. If you pay close attention, his aussie accent appears during whispering and shouting. Learned this on “The Guardian”. Plus I love Simon Baker.
OK … First, I do love the show, mostly because of Simon Baker’s fabulous performances … BUT … being someone who lived in Vegas for years … I have a couple of bones to pick over last night. Excluding the continuity error of him getting cash, walking with chips, then changing his cash for chips … NO ONE hits a 17 against a 12 (dealer showing a 2 is assumed a 12) … but even allowing that with card counting deal … the dealer couldn’t say he won with 21 until the dealer plays out his hand. If the dealer had 21, it would have been a “push” – no money won or lost.
Also, separate of the casino flaws … at the end, when he gives back the chip to the family … um, that’s evidence in a murder trial and they wouldn’t get that back that quickly.
I can only suspend reality so far …
That said … I still love the show!
I have sat at table games in Vegas that automatically pay out on 21. Some still call it blackjack, others Spanish 21.
I’m easy – Patrick’s wardrobe and Simon’s smile are reason enough to watch this show! And the hope that Rigsby will jump Van Pelt someday because she needs to loosen up!
I hope they give the supporting cast more to do as the season goes on. I’ve been a fan of Owain’s since “Kitchen Confidential” and he can definitely do some great stuff if he gets the material.
I liked those two scenes. But I laughed out loud when the boys decided to keep their fancy watches…
I watch the CSI shows, Bones, NCIS, Criminal Minds…the whole lot of them. And you know what? Very rarely do you see recoil like you saw in last night’s ep. I absolutely loved that detail. The Mentalist is hands down my favorite new show this season. I’m just sad I missed the first three episodes before I realized it. Now I have to wait patiently for re-runs…