Written by Jennifer
November 04, 2010
Though the show can drone on a bit from time to time, at its core is a well-developed crime drama with a sunny setting and plenty of clever humor.
Chances are, you won’t be diving into Season 2 of The Mentalist without having watched Season 1. But just in case you’re in need of a recap, the show follows mentalist Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) as he serves as a consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation. Though charming and witty, the guilt and heartbreak over his wife’s murder at the hands of Red John always lies just below the surface. It fuels Jane’s interest in solving crimes and in nabbing one criminal in particular: his wife’s murderer.
As expected, the series continues in the same vein as Season 1, now with an emphasis on character development and deepening relationships: the cornerstone of the show being the relationship between Jane and his Bureau partner, Lisbon (Robin Tunney). While the acerbic Lisbon maintains a bit of her eye-rolling skepticism, it’s clear that she has come to rely on Jane’s expertise and to care about him as a person. As much as they seem like oil and water, Lisbon and Jane are well-matched intellectually and a genuine loyalty is growing between them.
Though the show can drone on a bit from time to time, at its core is a well-developed crime drama with a sunny setting and plenty of clever humor. Our protagonists are engaging even when storylines drift, and as Season 2 builds toward its cliffhanging finale Jane inches ever closer to an encounter with Red John, reminding us that the show carries its greatest weight when it is personal to the characters that drive it.
DVD NOTES
Extra features include unaired scenes and featurettes on the art of mentalism and its role in the show.
