‘The Mentalist’ Ends with Strong Affirmation of Show’s Uncommon Values

Liberty 21 Institute

. . . "Although Jane had a tragic past—his wife and teenage daughter were murdered by a serial killer whom Jane finally identified and brought to justice (execution, in fact), in the series’ penultimate season—he largely kept depression at bay and made a new life for himself by catching murderers while seeking the identity of the murderer of his wife and daughter, a serial killer known as Red John. Although Jane was far from perfectly content, that was understandable given the magnitude of his loss. It was a marvel to watch a modern TV drama continually convey the beauty of self-reliance and refusal to indulge in self-pity." . . .

. . . "That became a problem for The Mentalist as the show wore on: the unrealistic nature of the hunt, with the preternaturally brilliant and manipulative Jane continually thwarted in his pursuit of Red John. The dance went on a season or two too long, for my taste, but the other qualities of the show sustained interest.