The Mentalist: Season 1 [DVD] [2008] [2010]

I've been hooked on the later series of 'The Mentalist' showing recently on Channel 5 and thought I'd buy this DVD start from the beginning. Contrary to my expectations, this show hit its stride from the very start and even the pilot has the richness and depth in characters and story that I've come to love of the later series.Much has been said of the depth of the characters but it bears repeating. All are flawed, and seeing the imperfections and touches of humanity in all of them is a joy.Simon Baker as the lead role, in tandem with some excellent scripts, strikes a difficult balance: an individual with a gift for observation and a ready supply of entertaining mind games, arrogant and charasmatic, who has learned (a little) humility following the murder of his wife and child. There must have been a temptation to make Patrick Jane a kind of superhero, a flawless crime fighter with supernatural powers but his stunts sometimes backfire and though he is loathed to admit it he is occasionally suprised as events unfold. And he gets a bloody nose for his troubles at least once every other episode... I think I would have more difficulty accepting Jane's abilities if I wasn't such a fan of a certain Mr D Brown, whose sharp mind, sharp tailoring, quick wits and occasional miscalculations are brought very readily to mind while watching this series. Many of the tricks and techniques such on display in Derren's TV and live shows are also present in Jane's repetoire.The relationship between Jane and Lisbon is brought vividly to life and fairly crackles with the chemistry between the actors on screen. Though there are hints, we are fortunately spared any tiresome romantic involvement and an element of tension between them is brought deliciously into focus when Jane confides his aim if Red John is found.Rigsby and Van Pelt's 'thing' feels a little more strained and is less believable. It is not a major plot line, however, and is treated with deftness and subtlety by the writers.Disbelief must still occasionally be suspended for the sake of entertainment and at times the stories can be a little formulaic. It is rare, however, that I feel unsatisfied or disappointed and for that I am grateful. And with almost 1000 minutes of running time, there is more than enough here to keep me entertained for a few weeks.I would recommend this series to anybody, even cynical old men who usually tut and roll their eyes at tedious american dramas. I defy you not to be charmed by this wonderful peice of entertainment.

If you are a fan of CSI but are looking for something lighter then The Mentalist is the perfect TV show for you. Following the same, muder per episode, formula as CSI and other crime shows, this puts a new spin on the somewhat repetitive idea of solving crime by having the protagonist (Patrick Jane) be a Sherlock like guy who used to be a use his skills to con people. The result is a fresh, funny and gripping series that delivers both one off episodes and a continuing story arc involving a sadastic serial killer (red john) who killed the wife and daughter of Patrick Jane. The inclusion of this story arc makes this show all the more addictive as clues are scattered throughout many of the episodes and slowly build on the story between Red John and Jane. The other characters are very well developed and its easy to become invested in them. Robin Tunney is particularly good as Teresa Lisbon, the agent who, along with three others (Rigsby, Cho and Van Pelt) lead the investigations and put up with the odd, but very succesful and funny techniques used by Jane.The episodes are well written: both funny and engaging and the concept of the show is both fresh and original. If you are looking for something along similar lines to CSI but very much different then look no further. The Mentalist is a brilliant show that i hope runs for many more seasons. (Its currently on season four, with season five imminent). So please, don't hesitate and pick this show up, its a steal at this price too.There are a few special features, some deleted scenes and commentaries. The DVD set is well packaged and for those who don't like bulky boxsets it is ideal. All of the discs are stored in a regular DVD size case, though there does seem to be a problem with a couple of the discs slipping out on occasion because they squeezed them all in - don't let this deter you however.

Wife and daughter slaughtered. On the bedroom wall, a smiley face daubed in blood - serial killer Red John's calling card. Fake medium Patrick Jane promptly has a complete breakdown. Afterwards his formidable powers of observation are devoted to helping the police. Outwardly affable, a charmer, he now has a darker side - unable to sleep and motivated by revenge. Red John WILL suffer most horribly for what he did. As though to emphasize the single-minded purpose, all 23 episodes sport RED or a shade of red in their titles.A very strong story line thus underpins the series, but that is the problem. If central issues are sorted first time round, what remains for Season 2? The result here is much coasting along, emphasis on comedy - Red John himself remaining elusive. The cases certainly intrigue but, with minor alterations, could so easily feature in other police series.By far the best episodes relate to the main theme - a necessary reminder Patrick is not as shallow and self-loving as he sometimes appears. There is far more to him than that. Witness, for example, his contempt for those feigning grief, the food for thought given him by the woman who killed for revenge only to realize it brought no satisfaction.Strengths include a likeable cast. Simon Baker radiates award winning charisma and, for many, is probably the main reason to watch. How good to find a police team one can believe in! Tim Kang as unsmiling Cho especially convinces.Much entertains, but it would not hurt to have more focus and more depth.

Patrick never disappoints, excellent dvd