The talents of Dench, Smith and Nighy are what got me in the cinema for this one. Had I also known it was co-produced by Imagenation (Contagion, The Help, Sea Shadow), I would have been doubly excited.
Unhappy couple Douglas (Bill Nighy) and Jean (Penelope Wilton) are biding their time until their ill-advised investment in their daughter’s company makes returns. Racist caretaker Muriel (Maggie Smith) needs to undergo hip surgery. Grieving Evelyn (Judi Dench) who lost her husband of 40 years wants a chance to start over and gain independence. Norman (Ronald Pickup) wants to get laid while young at heart grandmother Madge (Celia Imrie) is looking for a new husband. Finally, Judge Graham (Tom Wilkinson) suddenly decides to retire and return to the place where he grew up.
These are the circumstances which take a group of British senior citizens to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful…in India. What none of them expected is that their destination will turn out to be a far cry from the luxurious exotic abode they saw advertized on the internet.
Based on the novel These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach, the film’s message is quite clear: you can either make lemonade with the lemons life gives you, or become a sour fruit yourself. But more important than any morals conveyed is the wonderful spirit of the film and its characters.
I found the interaction between the characters riveting. Subtle gentleness, resigned acceptance, and bitter disappointment laced the conversations between these strangers turned friends. It was an absolute treat watching so many veteran actors play off each other. The chemistry between Dench, Nighy, and Wilkinson was as sweet as that between Imrie and Pickup was humorous. Then there is the marvelous Smith who garners her share of laughs…and tears. Finally, Nighy’s impassioned speech and Wilton’s character’s response to it made for an emotionally thrilling climax.
Viewers will undoubtedly be infused with tender emotion, that is, when they are not laughing. The script is liberally sprinkled with great one-liners perfectly delivered by the stellar cast, including Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) as Sonny. The ever optimistic, bumbling yet ambitious young hotel manager was one of the film’s best aspects. Unfortunately, through no fault of his own, he was also one of its worst. I specifically mean the romantic subplot. I was completely uninterested in how Sonny’s mother disapproves of his girlfriend Sunaina (Tena Desae). Enduring the mandatory profession of love and the predictable eventual concession, I lamented the wasted screen time hadn’t been used towards the more profound, infinitely more interesting dynamics of the elders, or even towards Sonny’s own dilemma of running a hotel on his own despite both his mother and girlfriend’s doubt of his success.
I was also a bit disappointed that we didn’t get more scenery out of India. It would have been nice to see the temples mentioned in some detail. I also felt the music was a bit too generic and familiar (same mandatory Indian flute). But these flaws are insignificant when weighed against the general experience of watching this film. Like the hotel in the title, it’s not perfect, but it is perfectly endearing. I would actually love to see a sequel.
Quotes
“The only real failure is the failure to try. The measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.”-Evelyn.
“When I want your opinion I’ll give it to you.”-Jean
“I don’t want to grow older. To be marginalized and condescended to.”-Madge
“Can there be anywhere else in the world that is such an assault on the senses?”
“Is it our friend we are grieving for or our own loss?”-Evelyn
“People here see life as a privilege not a right.”-Evelyn
“Let me through, please! My brother is a doctor.”-Sonny
“Everything will be all right in the end. So if it is not all right, it is not the end.”-Sonny
“You know who’ll be there? Indians. Loads of them.”-Muriel
*All material posted in this blog is the intellectual property of reviewbrain (unless otherwise stated). Readers are free to make use of the information provided they cite the source (this blog) either by name (reviewbrain’s blog) or by linking to it. Please extend the same courtesy to the authors of the comments as well (by mentioning their names) to ensure that credit is given where credit is due.
Once again, this review was written by my dear friend Violet. I am so glad I was unable to work on it as I doubt I would have done as wonderful as job as she has.-Reviewbrain
Synopsis
Consultant Patrick Jane (Baker) meets CBI Agent Teresa Lisbon (Tunney) at Redmund High School where one of the most popular teachers has been killed. Right away, Jane begins to discover the secrets of the high school, the students’ as well as the teachers’. He soon becomes particularly interested in the school drama club, the members of which are preparing to put on a play: a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
Concise Verdict
The mere idea of Jane roaming freely in a high school plays with an old expectation for many viewers. Season two’s ‘Rose Coloured Glasses’ took place in a high school reunion and we were told Jane never went to high school. His time in Redmund thus gives us a glimpse at what kind of student Jane would have been as a teen and that’s quite satisfying and funny. More continuity is present via many discreet winks to past episodes conveying an impression of coherence and familiarity: the ruse of the girl betraying a guilty conscience by not looking around in a crowd was used in S3 ‘The Red Mile’; Jane helping someone to stop smoking? Think ‘Blood for Blood’ in season 2. And Jane working his charm on a stage reminds of ‘Rhapsody in Red’. All in all, ‘Something’s Rotten in Redmund’ is a pleasing episode, even if not mind-blowing one. It presents a rather well done story, with its set of credible red herrings and a surprising final revelation– spectacular, but still realistic-, enhanced by some really amusing moments. The result may not become the best episode of this heart-stopping fourth season, but it surely gives us an endearing one: 8/10.
Detailed AKA Humungous Review (spoilers galore)
An important theme of this episode is how clever Jane is at working on various threads at the same time. The beginning is classic: Jane ticks off the local authority figure at the crime scene, like usual. Then there is a progression, as Jane discovers secrets from the more obvious to the more hidden ones. The investigation thus quickly falls in a pattern of mixing various types of clues, including ones from the crime scene, some hunches/deductions, or searching for some elements he’s sure of finding in Redmund because “every school has them”. All the while he’s switching focus between students and teachers. He seems to be everywhere, investigating every possibility.
VIS #1 Jane and the delinquent
After spending some time searching for the “bad kids”, Jane manages to interrogate their leader Krista. Seeing her about to lighten a cigarette: the consultant tries to convince her, or rather force her, to stop smoking by using suggestion. Jane’s willingness to help the local bad girl, in his own manipulative little way, shows how he is able to be genuinely concerned enough about youngsters’ welfare to try and do something for them. He’s once again on the side of morality, like he was in ‘Pink Champagne on Ice’.
The scene also showed us that he is talented enough to adapt his speech to his audience. Indeed, when he used the same mean to help Trina’s aunt in ‘Blood for Blood’ he called to her disgust and indignation towards businessmen making money with the unhealthy stuff; whereas here, he just tell his “patient” to look at herself in a mirror. Therefore he used young girls’ common weak point, the image they have of themselves, implying that the uneasiness and shame she’ll feel may be the trigger to decide to change. It’s a minor point, but it gives us an indication about how he works with his audience. Always interesting.
VIS #2 Jane in the bathroom – and called in the Principal’s office
– Jane sneaks in the second floor boys’ bathroom while the students are in class and paint a huge “Snyder sucks” in blue on the mirror…
-Our unruly consultant is then called with Lisbon in the principal’s office to be given an earful for his naughtiness. Jane then confirms that Snyder knew he had performed the vandalism act because of authorized security cameras hidden in the bathroom.
This funny and unexpected scene is without any doubt the best of the high school part. And it shows another perspective on how his mind works: he prepares his act, here by baiting Snyder. Then he just has to catch the fish.
In the meantime, Jane reminds very much of a mischievous teenager, playing a prank against authority and being caught red-handed. Baker’s impersonation of a grumpy kid is truly hilarious. It fits with Jane’s usual charming childish behaviour (pulling up his leg while looking into a huge waste bin, giving Lisbon a shadow puppets show and so on). Yet, the twist here makes things even more amusing, since he acts like a teen even though he’s an adult among real teenagers. The scene moreover is well structured and balanced, as all this playfulness serves to uncover that disturbing fact that cameras have been hidden in the boys’ bathroom. There is a subtle gap between this apparent carefree attitude and the serious matter behind and that contrast gives depth to his character.
Another interesting side is Lisbon’s reaction. She’s had to apologize on his behalf countless times, it’s no wonder her speech rightfully feels more than rehearsed. But, here, not only she acts as her boss, but she also assumes what comes as a parent’s role: after being called by the secretary, she asks him what he’s done and scolds him in front of Snyder.That’s pleasingly emphasised by his petulant child behaviour. She deftly slides over two meanings of being his ‘responsible adult’: from being a superior who is blamed professionally wise, to taking the attitudes of a mother in front of her disobedient child.
Jane playing with Hamlet
In a perfect counterpoint, the school theatre soon becomes a sort of microcosm in Redmund. The mood behind the stage is faintly different, as is Jane. While he mostly tries to bug the truth out of people at school, he’s far more charming with the young actors and their teacher and manages to get them under his spell… until the end, where we learn that he was trying all along to sneak into their little theatre company for investigative purposes.
VIS # 3 Jane gives a lesson on being an actor – Jane at the play
Again this is a scene in two parts:
Act one: he gets them to think he was an actor by reciting a tirade from “Hamlet” from memory. And, after earning their admiration, he’s asked to give tips and enunciation exercises. That only further establishes his status, he seems a great actor who knows the play inside and out and a reliable person.
Act two: the evening when they are performing, Jane gets rid of one of the kids to have his part. He then founds himself playing the ghost of the dead king supposed to reveal his son Hamlet that he’s been murdered. Of course, Jane-ghost’s revelations about murder are quite different and serve to accuse the drama teacher who’s having an affair with the underage lead actor.
-Same pattern than with Principal Snyder: he prepares things beforehand but we can only understand in retrospect what it meant. Many elements are in common in both schemes:
1) in both cases the trick is for Jane to perform an act and above all to be seen by his mark while performing it, whereas it is acting as a delinquent or posing as an actor.
2) There is some emphasis on the notion of watching (the camera/ the play taking place on the scene).
3) Lisbon’s role is similar to what it was in the office, as she comes to see him perform like a mother would do, sitting with the students’ parents, even if she didn’t know that he would be on stage.
4) In both occurrences, Jane is again the champion of justice and morality, since he calls Snyder creepy and a pervy, and is not afraid to qualify the corruption of a minor as “an unnatural lust between a woman and a boy”.
Now, the choice of “Hamlet” as the play they are performing is extremely revealing. References to Shakespeare have been a connecting thread during the second half of this season. In ‘Fugue in Red’, Jane told Lisbon part of his memory palace consisted in naming Shakespeare’s plays in the chronological order. In ‘Cheap Burgundy’ he was able to catch the killer, a fan of the Bard, by purposely misquoting a passage from ‘Macbeth’. Here, his precise knowledge is even more obvious since he’s able to quote lines from at least two characters, Hamlet and his father.
‘Macbeth’ and ‘Hamlet’ are certainly famous classic plays about murder. Jane also shares interesting traits with Shakespearian characters. Like many of them, he’s witty and has a knack for saying serious things with a joyous air and lightness, being able to discuss death matters with Lisbon before sharing an ice cream. This mixing of various moods also masks a tragic streak. Like Lady Macbeth, Jane is obsessed with guilt; he hides with Hamlet behind the mask of a fool, the prince feigning craziness while Jane plays a jester. In truth both men seek revenge over a dead relative’s assassination above all things, even when others may have to suffer collateral damage. Both plays end in loneliness, madness and death and that’s what Jane himself risks, between the mess of Panzer’s murder, his struggling with Red John, Darcy’s accusations and the claims that he may be a psychopath. That definitely conveys an anguished and tragic undertone to this so to say “full of sound and fury” season.
Rigsby is a Father
VIS #4 the ending: Rigsby sends a photo of his baby boy
On a brighter side, the shortest pregnancy of history has come to an end. Rigsby’s stress and the cute haste he showed in leaving the bullpen, keeping his phone between his teeth, already hint that he’ll be a loving father. This is even further illustrated when he sends a picture of his newborn son Benjamin to every member of the team: it proves how proud he feels and the team reactions are all the more endearing as they are gushing over the baby. That’s a very sweet moment.
We finally get to see a reaction to the news from Lisbon and Jane. Lisbon has obviously a soft spot for babies and in true mother bear mode defends the newly born against Jane’s teasing remarks. He then leaves and the mask begins to slip revealing a soul deep sadness, while Lisbon’s knowing look follows him. A poignant ending that probably explains why the writers didn’t touch on the matter before.
And that leads us to the big question…
What is Lisbon’s role?
Many aspect of Lisbon’s relationship with Jane appear in this episode. They skim between personal and professional.
1/ She is Jane’s partner: they are together in the most important moments of the investigation, when Jane finds their first suspect, in Snyder’s office, during the play. Their partnership opens and closes the investigation, since both at the beginning and at the end, he finds their prey and she catches her.
2/ They share again moments of deep complicity, like when they banter before Snyder enters the office. They also communicate with their eyes when Jane sticks his head in the curtain to make her understand everything is ok. And she seems to be the only one in the team who understands him enough to guess how he must feel in front of the baby picture. She’s the closest thing he has to a confident.
3/ Jane has also influence on her: he brings out the mischievousness in her. She brags about not having been a good girl at school but not to have ever been caught. That’s just a way to encourage him to be more discreet the next time. Shouldn’t she instead keep trying to tame his antics? And at the theatre, she just flashes her badge to take a seat and watch the play. Abuse of authority, anyone?
4/ She acts as his responsible adult, almost his mother. That was the case when she was watching him on stage among parents and school staff, or when she was apologizing in his behalf to the principal. This part almost seems to be an image they give in public. In the office, they were teasing each other even though she acted as if she resented he got in trouble, then Snyder entered and both easily slipped back into their part of serious Agent and disobedient consultant. Somehow, that authority she shows over him feels sometimes like a façade: when they are alone, they act more as equals.
All those elements are already part of her character. Obviously, the warmth of their friendship generously displayed here has the same goal than his cleverness in the field, that’s to say to contrast with the end of season events. Nevertheless, Jane brings on the scene another point and that’s more than a little intriguing:
5/ he draws indeed a parallel between Lisbon and the perp in love with one of her students and suggests that she’s “smitten” with him. In the past some people accused Lisbon of having a soft spot for her consultant, for instance Bosco back in season 2, or more recently Osvaldo. But no one has ever defined the nature of this inclination before. That’s the first time Jane himself addresses the complexity of the bond they share. As a fact, there are objective similarities in both situations: Jane is Lisbon’s subordinate and, as it’s heavily implied in this episode, he’s under her responsibility, thus a hypothetical relationship would leave a forbidden taste, albeit to a far lesser extent of course. Plus, Lisbon has indeed admiration for Jane, she’s lenient and willing to go to great extents for him, like Ms Austin did. But, by comparing Lisbon’s feelings for him to what Ms Austin called love and what himself designated as “lust in the woods”, he adds a new potentially romantic and sexual component to the mix. A new component to which Lisbon just replies with a loud “Shut up!” in a semi-amused voice. Is that a hint that things are slowly and consciously growing into something more, on her part at least? What do you think?
Best Scenes
The winner: the final scene. The team’s reactions to the baby were moving and Jane’s particularly was pretty deep. That was a true epilogue, giving us answers to some questions and asking others.
Update (by Reviewbrain): Lisbon’s gaze following Jane as he walks out of the bullpen is very telling. She knows Rigsby’s baby picture must have stirred melancholy emotions within him. This awareness, their friendship and closeness this season makes the following strip possible…
Image by Chizuru-chibi. Copyright Reviewbrain May, 2012. Not to be used without permission.
One can hope, anyway. Jane certainly looked like he needed a hug after that last scene…
-Reviewbrain
1st runner up: Jane in the Principal’s office. Adorable and hilarious.
2nd runner up: Jane playing the ghost. That scene was very well done. Jane is older than the young Hamlet, so he fits completely as a fatherly figure. His three-piece suit matches the old-fashioned black suit and string necktie that was chosen for the original actor. He takes delight in playing with the original lines. Every detail is just perfect. And the major aspects of his character are reunited: showmanship, creativity, sense of justice, charm and charisma.
Best Lines
“Well, I did a little stage work”- Jane, when asked if he is an actor. Yeah. Understatement of the year.
“Patrick Jane, please report to the Principal’s office immediately. I repeat: Patrick Jane, Principal’s office.”- Naughty Jane is summoned for his crimes. Made me crack a smile, especially given his delighted expression.
“Eleven years in Catholic school and I never been called in the principal’s office once.”- Lisbon reprimanding Jane.
“That’s because you were a boring goody two shoes.”- Jane, to the above. Because attack is the best form of defense.
“I never said I didn’t do something bad, just that I never got called”- Lisbon, to the above. Naughty Teresa rocks!
Honorable Mentions
At long last, we get an episode where the actual murder investigation is at the center of the story. Thanks for that!
How the heck did they come up with the idea of Jane interrogating a witness while sparring? It was particularly original and funny.
They made a rather good job at giving us the impression of a crowd and of the multitude of problems typical for a high school (drugs, teachers’ problems, awkward teens or rebellious ones). Since many thematic episodes were lacking in atmosphere (the undercover cops for example), that’s really great!
It’s also a nice change to have a victim who was truly and completely a good person: every grudge he had encountered was because he tried to protect his students. Now I don’t know if I’m biased, but I kept wondering all along if this love-worthy man who “probably felt guilty for something” and tried to right the wrongs by rescuing everyone wasn’t supposed to somehow announce the fall of another character who shares the same traits… that may refer to caring Lisbon or guilt-ridden Jane. Or I may very well be reading too much into it.
Pet Peeves
Ok, I realize that teenagers on TV are generally played by young adults -or sometimes not so young- but some scenes suffer from this here, as really, a number of their high school students seem well on their twenties… Albeit charming and full of youth, Sophie Kargman (the letter maker) and Augie Duke (our smoky-eyed smoker of a bad girl), give a distinctive grown up vibe, but the worst moment is the teenager hooker’s interrogation: Kristina Apgar seems as old as Van Pelt. That’s a bit confusing and disconcerting…
Conclusion
Jane’s talents are perfectly showcased here. He is able to set in motion different plans; as if every idea provides him with a new bit of information and gives him an occasion to show his skills and the extent of his arsenal of mind tricks. Heworks as a perfectly well-oiled machine. It somehow reminds of the bubble of efficacy, calm and tranquility that Reviewbrain defined for the beginning of the season and which was just waiting to blow up. He’s so completely a mastermind, just so in control of the situation that you know he’s about to slip up.
MILD SPOILER ALERT
—-Not to mention it was certainly intentional that this episode featuring Jane on the top of his game was aired when infamous spoilers began to be leaked: it is probably meant to contrast with the epic fail already programmed and announced.
Note: art will be posted as soon as it’s ready. Please check back later 🙂
*All material posted in this blog is the intellectual property of reviewbrain (unless otherwise stated). Readers are free to make use of the information provided they cite the source (this blog) either by name (reviewbrain’s blog) or by linking to it. Please extend the same courtesy to the authors of the comments as well (by mentioning their names) to ensure that credit is given where credit is due.
Currie Graham needs no introduction. The Canadian actor has worked on countless shows and even had his own for a while. A true veteran, Graham’s talent has brought him to work side by side with Emmy winners like Mary Louise Parker (Weeds) and Hugh Laurie (House). He’s also had recurring roles on popular drama’s like NYPD Blue, Boston Legal, 24, and the classic sitcom Suddenly Susan. The king of crime-solving procedurals CBS’s CSI even had Graham guest star twice for different characters. Writers and producers just can’t seem to get enough of him. Neither can audiences.
In 2009, The Mentalist fans were overjoyed when their beloved Senior Agent Lisbon (Robin Tunney) garnered the interest of attractive billionaire Walter Mashburn, Currie’s character in Season two’s episode “The Red Line”. Despite the fact that most viewers are avid shippers of a Jane/Lisbon romance, the charisma, elegance, and playfulness Graham brought to his role made Walter Mashburn irresistible to even the most die-hard fans. I shall forever be grateful to Mentalist writer Jordan Harper for creating this fun character.
And when Currie reprised the role in 2010, the fanfare was undeniable. Twitter virtually exploded with the news and I was prompted into writing my first ever episode preview (at a time when I wasn’t even able to write regular reviews). One has only to search #Mashburn on twitter to read all the love viewers have for the character, and for Currie.
This love is more than justified. When Graham was tweeted on whether he would be interested in doing an interview, the married father graciously agreed.
Q1. Thank you for your time. Regarding your background, you’re Canadian, but sources state that you graduated from the American Academy of Creative Arts in New York. Can you tell us a bit about the decision to move to the States? Was there a lack of film schools in Canada, or was it a strategic career decision?
I went to The American Academy in NY because my mother had been accepted there when she was a kid. I didn’t have a lot of information about acting schools, coming from a very small town in Canada, so I just went with what information I had. I knew it was a full time school, and I thought that structure would be beneficial. I was also very interested in living in NY and knew it would be a great place to educate myself. Museums, theatre, opera, film, art, it was all there and I was very excited about learning and being a part of it. I do think there are good schools in Canada but I just felt so connected to NY when I visited that I just knew I had to be there.
Q2. Your portrayals always seem so confident and effortless, even playing off icons such as Hugh Laurie and Keifer Sutherland. Any tips for young actors?
I think the most important thing for actors, young or at any age for that matter, is preparation. Being completely prepared is what gives actors the ability to feel free with the material. Working with Dennis Franz or James Spader I saw first-hand the amount of control they had over the material and their work certainly reflects that. I also never want to walk away from shooting a scene feeling that I wasn’t able to do my best work because I wasn’t fully prepared. Also, I find it very disrespectful when actors show up not knowing what they’re doing.
Q3. I know that different actors have different ways of preparing for their roles. Can you elaborate on yours? Does it differ from role to role?
I think my preparation is usually the same. Being familiar with the material and making choices about how my character feels about people, places and things. Most of the time it’s really just knowing and understanding the script. Really understanding what the characters are saying and what it all means on a personal level. How the person feels in his or her own body.
Q4. Crina @ducrichy wants to know what was the most challenging role you’ve played so far, and why?
I did a small movie called “Angels Crest”. It was just myself and another actor (Chris Bauer) for 90 minutes. We shot it in three weeks in the mountains of California. It kicked my ass, both physically and mentally. I’m very proud of the film and I learned a lot shooting it. Very tough conditions, very low budget.
Q5. 17thSlam @AgentChy wonders, in your opinion, which role you are most recognized for and which would you choose to be most recognized for?
I think that depends on who you ask. Men usually recognize me from NYPD Blue or Boston Legal. Women on the other hand, usually recognize me from Desperate Housewives or The Mentalist.” Raising the Bar” had a very loyal audience, who always seem to find me in the airport.
Q6. Connor Davey @CJDavey wants to know, when you’re not working, what shows do you like to watch in your spare time?
Downtown Abby, Game of Thrones, New Girl, Smash (guilty pleasure), Walking Dead, The Killing… That’s kinda it. I write a lot and I have a three year old so….time is an issue.
Q7. Can you share what it is you write?
I’ve written a feature about things that I got involved with when I was living in Brooklyn NY. I did some really stupid shit that makes for a really fun movie. It’s about a kid who tries to find himself and in the process gets lost. I’ve also written some TV pilots that are in various stages of development.
Q8. Looks like we can expect to see writing credits added to your IMDB page. Speaking of movies, what’s your favorite film?
Citizen Kane, Godfather2, Apocalypse Now, Trainspotting, I could go on and on. So many great film makers.
Q9. What roles are you interested in and which do you turn down? Also, Valeria Moi @SiquelsA is curious on whether you’d play the pope 🙂
I pick roles for many different reason. It could be the role, the director, could be the chance to work with a great actor. Honestly, sometimes it’s a chance to make money! For instance I got offered a part in Total Recall. It was a small role but I really wanted to work with Colin Farrell and the director Len Wiseman. Sometimes it’s a scheduling problem where we can’t work out the dates. But most of the time if someone offers me a role it means that they know my work well enough to give me a part that I can do something with.
Q10. Would you be interested in acting in a foreign film?
Without question. I did a film in Sweden called “Rancid”. Loved my time there and the people were amazing.
Q11. How about an action film?
I would love to do an action movie. I was in Assault on Precinct 13 which was directed by a great French director Jean-François Richet. I would love to do more of them, they’re really fun.
Q12. I read somewhere that you are married and have daughter. Has parenthood affected your work or your approach to acting in any way?
I am married. Having a child has brought a sensitivity to my work that I maybe didn’t bring to my work before. I think I truly understand what it means to love. I guess I see life and death differently. There is a sense of mortality that come with being a parent, the thought that anything could happen to your child, well it just makes me see things differently. Selflessness. Living life knowing that someone counts on you. And never withholding love. Give it freely cause it’s all that really matter in this world.
Q13. Which of the many characters you’ve played, if any, do you feel you have most in common with?
I think maybe Walter Mashburn, aside from being a billionaire. Perhaps the character I played on “Raising the Bar”. The role was written for me, by people who knew me, so it was tailored to fit my personality. He was a sensitive guy with a great sense of humor and could be a really tough bastard. I guess that’s kind of who I am.
Q14. Your chemistry with Simon Baker and Robin Tunney on The Mentalist was fantastic. Connor Davey @CJDavey wants to know, what was the best part of working with them?
Thanks. I loved working with them both and I think that shows on screen. Simon is one of those actors that comes to work fully prepared with tons of ideas. He is fantastic in the role and never misses a beat. Much respect. He is also one of the most charming people I have ever met and that charm really puts people at ease. I always felt so comfortable doing scenes with him. Robin Tunney also has that same kind of charm. I loved working with her. Very easy going and personable. She’s the kind of women you just love hanging out with. She made my stay at the Mentalist a real joy.
Q15. In your two Mentalist episodes, were you given any particular instructions on how to play the character or was the script enough?
No notes or instructions. It was one of those jobs that was an offer and I think the producers knew what they were going to get. The first episode was directed by my friend Bill D’elia. We’d worked together before so we already had a nice short hand which made the show very easy to do.
Q16. A little bird called Ashley Gable tells us you two met recently. Can we dare hope to see our favorite Mentalist guest star in Season five?
First of all Ashley is a terrific writer whom I have so much respect for. We’ve stayed in touch and will continue to do so. I would work on anything she wrote. As for future episodes, I’ll let you know something when I know something.
Q17. Speaking of Walter Mashburn, if he had a theme song, what do you think it would be?
First thing that comes to mind is “Money” by Pink Floyd, Dark side of the Moon. But I would love to hear what the twitter folks think. Might be fun to get other people’s thoughts.
Q18. What would be your theme song ?
Again the first thing that comes to mind is “Creep” by Radiohead. But I’d be open to suggestions.
Q19. Last question: I have to ask, you have a very interesting and unique name. Can you share who chose it?
It’s my mother’s maiden name. My mom was an only child and Scottish tradition says that the first born son should carry the mother’s family name. So I’m Currie.
Mr. Currie Graham was last seen on House of Lies March episode, Veritas. His upcoming projects include two insanely star-studded films: Total Recall (now in post-production) and Hitchcock (filming).
Personally, I can’t wait to see him again on my favorite show. Oh the possibilities…
Image by Chizuru-chibi. Copyright Reviewbrain April, 2012. Not to be used without permission.
Perhaps, based on the spoilers being shared on Mentalist Finale Hysteria post, it may not be unreasonable to hope that we will…
[polldaddy poll=614880
Readers, you can follow Graham on twitter. Please don’t forget to rate and comment on the post. Perhaps you’ve got ideas on what you think Mashburn’s and Graham’s characters theme songs could be 😉 Also, can anyone guess which film his picture above is from?
*All material posted in this blog is the intellectual property of reviewbrain (unless otherwise stated). Readers are free to make use of the information provided they cite the source (this blog) either by name (reviewbrain’s blog) or by linking to it. Please extend the same courtesy to the authors of the comments as well (by mentioning their names) to ensure that credit is given where credit is due.
Note: I find myself in circumstances where I may be unable to write reviews for some time. I hope things will get back to normal soon. Thankfully my dear friend and blog commenter Violet has once again agreed to help me. I am beyond grateful and don’t doubt readers will enjoy reading this review as much as I did 🙂
Synopsis
When a dead man is found shot in the middle of a road, CBI agents Lisbon (Tunney) and Cho (Kang) and Patrick Jane (Baker) immediately realize the victim was connected with a nearby second-rate casino, the Golden Fox. Once there, Jane has the surprise to bump into an old friend,Jack Hellion (Andrew Rothenberg),who runs the casino magic show. Jane soon discovers that his former fellow is in big trouble and decides to help him.
Concise Verdict
While the settling promised an intriguing and enlightening glimpse in Jane’s youth, the result was rather disappointing. The reunion between Jane and his long lost friend is just a bit awkward and doesn’t give the viewers anything big to munch on. That Champagne definitely lacked sparkles… That’s even more frustrating since writer Eoghan Mahony had managed to deepen Jane’s history in the past by creating psychiatric Sophie Miller (S1 ‘Red Brick and Ivy’). Fortunately, some amusing moments here and there and make things a bit more lively. Conclusion: another mostly filler episode. 7.5
Detailed AKA Humungous Review (spoilers galore)
Jane’s evolution
I said the episode didn’t give us a lot of thinking about Jane’s youth. But, as a paradox, some moments enlightened a bit his evolution since the beginning of the show.
VIS #1 Jane joins his friend in the dressing room
After the magic show, Jane and Jack meet for a little chat while the magician is taking off his make up. The atmosphere is friendly, albeit a bit awkward, as both men seem to have gotten “sidetracked” from their promising futures from sixteen years ago. Jack explains that he got into drugs. Jane doesn’t mention the tragedy he went through -which his friend obviously ignores- and just tells that now he works with the police without explaining any further.
As much as the discussion is frustrating with the lack of juicy information, we get to witness perhaps the first time when Jane isn’t too ill at ease with a fragment of his past. Even more surprising, is Jane readily assuming his new life: when Jack is shocked by his new choice of career, Jane only goes farther in his role of consultant for law-enforcement by showing him the picture of the victim.
That impression is even confirmed when Jane confronts Hellion about his secret, namely that he is forced into robbery by the kidnappers of his girlfriend. Jane first plans to step in the game… by calling the police. Seriously, where were we looking when the man has acquired such lawful and Lisbon-esque reflexes?
VIS # 2 Jane turns to the team for help
Meanwhile, the team doesn’t stay idle and come up with various leads, a second dead body and a theory that involves Hellion. Then Jane barges in asking for their help. Three things stand out:
1/ the team and Lisbon are at long last a little efficient! They’re able to do an independent investigation without Jane’s help, have linked the victim with Jack’s staff and guessed there was something suspicious with the guy. They would have made something out of it if they had the chance to interrogate the man, no doubt about it.
2/ Jane has come at once after talking with Jack to ask for their participation. He doesn’t mock their theory. He doesn’t want Lisbon’s help only, nor did he invent a role for just one of his colleagues like he usually does. He asks for their help as an ensemble, as a team. That’s a rare enough occurrence to be mentioned. Usually, he does so for something big; even the last time he pulled out such a plan (‘Ring Around the Rosie’), Lisbon wasn’t included in his “long term con”.
3/ they are back to be wary of Jane’s so-called brilliant ideas. That was a very nice touch, as was Jane’s attitude in front of them. He tries to make them feel guilty by feigning hurt and leaving saying “I’ll manage on my own”. When he turns around as if he was leaving, his eyes betray that he’s playing them, but Lisbon runs in and takes charge, like in good old times…
In fact, many elements remind us of the lightness of Season 1. Everyone gets their characteristic part: Jane investigates alone, as a clever con man/ mastermind; Rigsby plays the naïve mark chosen as a “volunteer” during the show; Grace is the pretty girl used to distract the head of security; Cho makes the arrest, while Lisbon saves the day. This is definitely another bit of light-heartiness in the chiaroscuro that is S4.
In the same way, if we compare ‘Pink Champagne on Ice’ with S1 casino episode ‘Red Handed’, we see some interesting differences that make Jane’s evolution obvious: while at the time Jane occupied himself by gambling and tried to earn his colleagues’ friendship with extravagant gifts and by explaining part of his tricks (poker and the memory palace), here he already has their trust. They are reluctant by reflex, but they don’t doubt in playing along. They all work together like a well-oiled machine. He doesn’t hesitate either in asking for their help instead of trying to deal with everything alone… Moreover, Lisbon is more ready than ever to assume full responsibility for what may happen. We’ve been repeatedly showed all of these things during the last episodes, but, there, with the parallel with the first season, they are made even more visible. As if we were meant to see how well things still are before the big fallout that may come in the approaching finale.
The big plan of the week: ‘Jane’s Eight’
This arc is at the same time the better part and the biggest flaw of the episode. It’s flawed because it could have been handled better (see Pet Peeves), yet the casino robbery was an interesting alternative to Jane competing with his friend on the field of prestidigitation.
Scenes won’t be commented individually here but rather as a whole. Jane’s scheme was indeed inspired by many movies picturing casinos robberies and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ is a good example of them (I couldn’t resist parodying the title here). The main elements have been used indeed.
– Classic characters: we have a friend in distress, kidnappers, ex-cons less than reliable, the traitor and of course the mastermind.
– The technicalities: the use of disguises, the gimmick with the keys, an astute way to hide in the safe room. Not to forget the inevitable scene of surveillance of the main room with the chronometer in hand, the messed up camera as well as the innocuous mean to take the money out. Name it, you have it!
– Distraction is the key… the most classic move: pretty girls are the best way to distract people (Van Pelt, the assistant helping Jack to get an alibi during the show). Here the theme is linked with prestidigitation since there are a magic show as well as mirrors to make the two friends disappear and a substitution of boxes with Lisbon hidden in. To quote last season, the woman really gets the part of Jane’s “lovely assistant” here…
That peculiar aspect makes ‘Pink Champagne on Ice’ another of those themed episodes disseminated in Season four. We already have been presented with an undercover cop episode, one in the fashion world, as well as many in appealing locations (island, vineyard). The writers definitely try to vary and give dynamism to moments that aren’t related to Red John. Those nice efforts also illustrate how willing they are to avoid the monotony of routine investigations, which is always a problem in a recurring police show: many episodes like this one are built quite originally -a new team; Grace lost in the woods; Jane becoming amnesic or off investigating with Darcy; a supposed murder victim alive and hidden in the attic, a killer who hasn’t killed yet, etc…. Viewers are distracted from the angst involving Red John and things don’t get too boring. One especially clever move for that matter is referring to S1 best assets, for example punching Jane in the nose, always a big hit (pun totally intended).
VIS # 3 : Cho’s blossoming love life
During the investigation, Rigsby notes a bunch of red flowers lying on the side of Cho’s desk. Cho just tells that they are for Summer and, to his friend’s surprise, he admits that he’s seeing her. That brief scene hints at various things. First, Cho begins to go public about his affair with the former hooker/ informant. Things go well and seem to be getting serious, since flowers to a lover hint at romantic feelings more than at just a casual fling.
Is that a way to make us understand that all is great with him and that his addiction is history? Or is it a stretch to wonder if he’s trying to smooth down a quarrel by offering flowers to his girlfriend after stopping the use of painkillers? I just hope this cute moment isn’t meant to be all we’ll get as a conclusion for the addiction arc…
Best Scenes
The winner: VIS# 2. The team’s reaction to the prospect of posing in another of Jane’s plans made me crack a smile. With a pinch of nostalgia at that.
1st Runner up: Lisbon emerging from the box. The idea that Jane choose to stuff in there the most petite woman (with her big gun) is quite amusing. Her voice steady, she literally kicks in to save the day. She isn’t even unfazed to have half of her hair in her face. You’re a super cop or you’re not.
2nd Runner up:the epilogue. At the very last both friends acted a bit more natural around each others. Jane using the other’s admission about drugs to insinuate that it damaged the foundations of his memory palace was pretty funny and in character.
Image by Chizuru-chibi. Copyright Reviewbrain April, 2012. Not to be used without permission.
Honorable Mentions
– Even it wasn’t an outstanding episode, thanks to Eoghan Mahony for creating at least one character from Jane’s past who is neither a mark nor a carnie, but who still manages to fit with Jane’s sense of spectacle and magic tricks. It’s a nice change!
– Is that me, or the atmosphere of the casino, a little lame, sad and without glamour, also remind of Mahony’s ‘Blood and Sand’? The island had a bit nostalgic, out of time vibe. Part of its inhabitants was running away from their past, just like this little more than a bump on the road casino illustrates Jack’s failures…
– Finally we have a team episode: the communication between Cho and Rigsby, the team scene, Wayne supporting Lisbon, all those moments make us feel that the team can still be a whole. Every one of them took part in the scheme this time, not just our dynamic duo.
Pet Peeves
– Was that hypnosis scene even necessary? A man who performs every night and day magic tricks that demand smoothness and dexterity, in front of a public, suddenly has trembling hands because he’s nervous… Not the most believable of events, but ok, we can go along. But would hypnotism even work on him since he probably already knows the trick or at least what Jane was doing? “Relax: I’m hypnotizing you” is not the most calming thing ever in my book… And I won’t even mention that just because he’s a magician he knows how to crack a safe.
– Is that credible that the security of a casino is so lousy? They mess with the camera, take the key and sneak into the most ill-secured safe chamber ever, and that’s all it takes to robber a casino. Worst, one single man goes in there alone with all the keys, ready to be knocked out cold if someone was hiding in the hallway – the “Personnel Only” door isn’t locked, no less. And the owner cannot even afford a second camera in the room, a simple glass window in the door must suffice. I guess it’s *really* a second-rate casino. They’d rather call it the Skinned Fox…
– I also guess there is truly nothing suspicious with a guy who has nothing to do with magic carrying a huge magic box out of the safe room. Silly me, why would one the guards need to ask him about it, really?
Best Lines
– “Mentalists, big talkers, no skills” magician Jack Hellion to Patrick Jane. That’s one of the rare mentions of our main character as a “mentalist” rather than a fake psychic. Other than in the title of the show, of course…
– “I am looking for clues… Yes, in the newspaper. That’s why I’m reading every single word” Jane explaining to Lisbon why he spent the team’s brainstorming session sitting on his couch reading the news. The lazy guy doesn’t even bother trying to be convincing anymore…
– “Did he say “crazy idea”?” Lisbon’s circumspection after listening to Jane’s attempt to drag them all into his last scheme is particularly cute.
– “ He said “trust me”.” Cho responds warily to the above.
– “Always a bad sign” Rigsby concludes that rather endearing ensemble.
Note: thanks to JohnScott for pointing out (comments for ‘Season Four Finale Hysteria’) that the ‘Pink Champagne on Ice’ was a quote from the famous song ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles: “”Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice / We are all just prisoners here of our own device”. Although his interpretation of the quote seems a bit daring to me, I must say I completely missed the hint here. It’s probably a wink to the mirrors used in the robbery and maybe a description of the cheap, shiny, and quite sad atmosphere in that half-way casino where Jack ends up after wasting his promising career in drugs. Now I can stop wondering who may be drinking that invisible champagne!
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