Mentalist Season five premiere review (The Crimson Ticket/Red Glass Bead)

Synopsis

The FBI and CBI battle over which organization will get to interrogate Red John ally Lorelie Martins (Emanuelle Chriqui). The former team’s involvement stems from them discovering, interfering, and then helping arrest the woman in an undercover mission staged by CBI consultant Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) and Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney). Lisbon is concerned Jane is unable to maintain objectivity with Lorelie because he had been intimate with her, but  Jane is loathe to give the Feds the case especially after Red John had told him he has a friend there. CBI head Gale Bertram (Michael Gaston) tries negotiating with FBI Head Alexa Shultz (Polly Walker) into giving them Lorelie. Meanwhile, for appearances sake, the CBI team has to partner with the FBI in investigating a double homicide.

Concise Verdict

While season four’s finale The Crimson Hat was a fantastic episode, it left viewers with a lot of questions and loose ends. Season five’s premiere answers most of those so neatly and perfectly (CONTINUITY, PEOPLE!) that I was left with remarkably very little to compla-err, say about it. Other than express my relief and delight in how Bruno Heller remains as profoundly talented and capable of bringing us fantastic episodes season after season.  The writing of the Red Glass Bead felt simultaneously familiar and fresh. The same could be said to the acting, direction and music. Mentalist, you are my happy place. I have missed you so much and am so glad to have you back. 9/10.

VIS #1: Teaser: CBI meets FBI

The scene at the beginning of the episode where viewers meet the FBI was fantastically written. The FBI shows up on the crime scene because they were told to take over all Lisbon’s cases until investigation into the Serious Crime’s Unit’s actions is over. Lisbon tells them that “the brass made a deal” and that they are all back at work as normal. Agent Read Smith (Drew Powell) expresses shock that they are going to walk away after they “destroyed the career of a fine FBI Agent, caused the death of your own boss, and this one” pointing at Jane, “this one’s got assault, narcotics and fraud charges on him.”

– Continuity, how I love thee! I love how Heller acknowledged all viewers’ questions off the bat.  I for one was very annoyed when I didn’t hear that the wonderful Catherine Dent would return as a guest star this season and that we were (again) meeting new FBI agents, but this statement reassured me that the reason would be explained as, obviously, she was the agent Smith was referring to.

FBI’s (Ivan Sergei) then proceeds to ask another question viewers undoubtedly had: “How’d you get such a sweet deal?” Jane tells them “It was the FBI that messed up, not the CBI.” Cho and Rigsby are quick to concur with the latter stating that they were able to capture Lorelie in spite of the FBI’s interference.

-Kang and Yeoman’s simple “That’s right” was very funny.  Something about the way they read the line just made me smile. Or maybe I’m just so glad this show is back.

Jane points out that one of the FBI agents is very angry and riles him up before turning to leave. FBI again iterate their disbelief that the team is not in jail. Cho tells them to walk away and Smith tells him to make him. Here, Lisbon intervenes to push the two away from each other but Smith who tells her to get her hands off him. A brawl ensues between the agents.

-I love how despite the fact that Jane being the one to raise tensions; it was Lisbon who inadvertently started the fight.  I like to think that Cho and Rigsby were coming to her defense when they started the fight. After all, their love for Lisbon boss has long been established. This would add extra depth to a later scene interesting when Lisbon reams them for the fight.

VIS #2 Jane and Lisbon talk to Bertram

Jane and Lisbon go to see Gale Bertram telling him “welcome back”. Bertram tells Jane he could not be less happy to be back.

-Welcome back indeed Michael Gaston! So happy to see him. Looks like Bertram was forced back from a vacation or something to fix up Jane’s latest mess.

Jane and Lisbon sincerely thank Bertram for “fixing things”. Bertram then admonishes them for fighting with the FBI and tells Jane he is down to his last chance, which he was only given because “getting rid of you now would be evidence of a scandal we are trying so hard to conceal.”

-Thank you, Heller for explaining why Jane wasn’t just fired after this latest fiasco. Building on Bertram’s pragmatism (which was established way back in season three) it makes perfect sense that the official would rather cover up the mess as he’s always been wary of a media frenzy.

VIS #3 Jane, Lisbon, and Red John’s FBI Friend

Jane and Lisbon argue over RJ was telling the truth that he has a friend in the FBI. Lisbon thinks he was lying and Jane insists RJ was pulling a double bluff, wanting them to think he’s lying when he’s actually telling the truth. When he asks Lisbon why she’s so insistent that RJ is lying Lisbon replies:

“Because I would like to feel solid ground under my feet. I would like to trust somebody or something. You with your wheels within wheels…..”

Lisbon drifts off when she realizes that sometime during her speech Jane took off, then continues on to say “you’re driving me nuts.”

-It’s no surprise Jane took off here. The scene is continuity on how Jane is impatient with and doesn’t bother to tolerate what he perceives as Lisbon’s inconvenient emotions. It makes a later scene, where he acknowledges Lisbon’s frustration that much sweeter…

VIS #4 Lisbon is Boss

When Lisbon returns to the office, Rigsby asks her where the FBI are. When she tells him they are pursuing other inquiries He says “sweet” and fist-bumps Cho. Lisbon then launches into the following tirade:

“Listen to me, the FBI is a fine organization and they are our partners. We need to work with them. They deserve our respect and our trust. Am I clear!”

Tough Teresa how I love thee. How I missedthee. Now I realize her rant her was possibly indirectly venting due to her frustrations (not the least of which are due to Jane) but I’ll take emotional frustration from her any way I can get it. Also, Lisbon was always a bit terse with her colleagues (see season one) so it’s not like her snap her is out of character. And while she takes a moment to rein herself in afterwards, her anger is totally legitimate as is shown by her later statement “You two go canvas the crime scene like you should’ve instead of fighting with the FBI”. Cho and Rigsby, appropriately chastened, follow orders.

VIS #5 Jane and Lisbon talk about Lorelie

After the FBI grants the CBI permission to talk to Lorelie, Jane asks Lisbon not to listen in on his interrogation, saying that he needs to tell her truthfully that they are alone.

-I think Jane’s request stemmed from the fact that he knew Lorelie would be able to tell that he was lying. Also, I think he knew he’d say things which might concern her, and wanted to spare her that.

-Lisbon agrees.

It’s very interesting to me that Lisbon was able to lie to Jane. Reminds me of the season three premiere (which I adored) and reassures me that she’s not just blindly following his instructions (a la season four). Hopefully this keeps up…

Lisbon warns Jane to be careful and not get pulled into Lorelie’s game. Jane feigns ignorance and makes a joke until Lisbon finally tells him: Go ahead, laugh.  But she’s practically the first person since your wife that you’ve, you know. Jane’s response is an exaggerated “Oh”.

-I think Jane here is as impressed as I am that Lisbon actually brought up his relationship with Lorelie. But her next sentence has a decidedly different affect on him.

Lisbon tells Jane “It wouldn’t be surprising if you had feelings for her.”

-I find it interesting that Lisbon’s assumption of Jane’s character, and how seriously he takes intercourse is not all that different than mine. It’s gratifying to say the least. After all, neither us can be blamed for thinking that considering he’s been celibate since he’s wife died. Jane’s response?

“She’s a stepping stone to red John. I knew that from the beginning I don’t have any feelings for her.”

-Lisbon gives Jane a look, like she doesn’t know what to do with that information. Or it could just be I’m projecting. Seriously, Jane’s words make complete sense. After all, he’s sacrificed (almost) everything else to find RJ, why not his body? On the other hand a part of me still went “sure Jane, if you say so” after he his statement. Regardless of whether Jane knew who Lorelie was when he slept with her, I find it very interesting how firmly he stated that he feels nothing for Lorelie.

VIS #6: Jane interrogates Lorelie

When Jane goes to talk to Lorelie she asks him why he works at the CBI: “Why do you bother. You’re trying to hold back the tide with a broom. I think, you do it to be close to Teresa Lisbon. I think you’re a little bit in love with her.”

-The music just swelled at this point, right and left, like a fly, teasing. Titillating. What’s even better was having Lisbon listening in on the conversation, despite telling Jane that she wouldn’t.

Jane chuckles and tells Lorelie that he does it to pass the time, before offering to do anything for Lorelie if she’ll help him with Red John. Lorelie asks him to kiss her. Jane asks what that would prove and when Lorelie calls him out on not doing her bidding he gives her a lingering kiss before telling her that he wants her out of prison, help her start a new life if she lets him get Red John. Lorelie tells him to see her again in the evening after she gets a chance to think.

-I think on some level Jane recognizes that Lorelie is jealous of Lisbon. What I’m wondering if anyone will ever raise the issue of whether that puts her in danger of RJ or not. It could be why Jane conceded and kissed Lorelie. It seemed to be him reassuring her that he feels more for her than he does his boss. Why else would she have requested the gesture? As to Jane’s response that he works at CBI to “pass the time”, that much is true and he’d said as much in season two’s premiere, but I think we can all agree that his affection for his boss, the whole team for that matter, is another reason. Him being in love with Lisbon? Well, lets just say that if Jane thought Lorelie is clever enough to read him lying to her about their talking alone, enough to ask Lisbon not to listen in on them, then that entails she’s clever enough to figure out how much Jane feels for Lisbon.

VIS #7 Lisbon Confronts Jane

On his way to his perch, Jane is stopped by Lisbon who asks him if he’s crazy. Jane is confused until she tells him: “I told you to be careful, I told you not to go over the edge!” Jane, bemused, is quick to rebut: “And I told you not to listen,” to which Lisbon snaps back “Don’t be childish, I am not your girlfriend, I’m an officer of the law. How can I not listen?”

-I just have to say how much I love Lisbon’s response here. It’s nice to see her remember her position within the CBI framework, not just as Jane’s friend. And I love how surprised he was that she didn’t do his bidding. Lisbon has been degraded to practically being Jane’s lackey so it’s nice to see she still has a mind of her own.

Lisbon goes on to tell Jane: “You kissed her, you offered to help her escape.” Jane explains “And I would ask her to marry me if I thought she’d buy it, I was playing her.” Lisbon vehemently replies “She’s playing you. We should’ve given her to the feds.

-I have to point out I was as confused as Jane seems to be here that he needs to explain himself to Lisbon. But Lisbon’s concern hints that she didn’t believe Jane when he told her he doesn’t feel anything for Lorelie. Also, her reaction is downright legitimate if one takes into consideration the last time Jane tangled with with a beautiful woman. Lets not forget that Jane never answered Lisbon’s question that time on if he’d known (i.e. intentionally let) Erica would escape. That could very well account for her fear here.

VIS #8 Jane asks Lisbon to not stand in his way.

When Jane goes to once again talk to Lorelie, Lisbon tells him that they haven’t resolved their issue. That one call to Bertram would put a stop to Jane’s interaction with the woman. Jane asks her “Please don’t do that” and tells that he’s sure he can turn Lorelie. Lisbon nods and Jane thanks her with a pat on the shoulder.

-It’s nice to see Lisbon asserting her authority, and to have it actually mean something again. I mean, I love them at friends but for the sake of realism we need the fact that Lisbon is Jane’s boss to actually be hinted at; for principle’s sake.

VIS #9  Jane apologizes to Lisbon

This was my favorite scene in the episode. Mr. Heller is a very sneaky person. Without having the characters really say anything, he conveys the fact that Jane acknowledges the many emotional undercurrents in their relationship that were strained due to what he had to do to get to Loralie. Also, that Jane values his and Lisbon’s relationship enough to try smooth things over, despite the risk said emotions have of interfering with his investigation. Then there’s Tunney’s fantastically wry delivery…

Image by Chizuruchibi. Copyright Reviewbrain October, 2012. Not to be used without permission.

Speaking of which, what do you suppose is Lisbon’s top issue?

Icings on the cake

I like the continuity that FBI boss is a woman.

There were a lot of Season one vibes going on, which I loved: Jane being only a moderate jerk (alas, losing Loralie, I’ll expect he’ll be back to full blown Jerk by next episode, Lisbon’s gorgeously natural styling, her season one bite (which, again I hope lasts, but suspect  Jane’s apology will have her back to her mellower self). Anyway, any reminders of that precious first season always make me happy. They were all fantastic but that was the one which started it all.

About Darcy; the exposition that she had a break down after shooting Luther was nicely done. Very realistic considering how she and Wainwright were on good terms. And her character had been so well developed, her passion for her job, that it’s possible she felt guilty that her zeal, desire to be a good agent is what brought him down.  I just have to say I would love if she were brought back to the show at some point. She really grew on me.

I LOVED the story Bertram came up with for the press as to how the operation had gone down between the CBI and the FBI. Also loved how the CBI agents had to go back to work to add credibility to the story; they can’t very well have been suspended for “good work” on a “joint operation” could they? Really very nicely done bringing back the status quo.

J/L car discussions. After Red Moon, Jane and Lisbon’s car scene discussion have become something I always associate with Heller, although it was Jordan Harper who first used the method back in Season two.

Honorable Mentions

Direction by Randy Zisk: Love how the episode started on Jane’s face looking at Lorelie through the two way mirror. Her small smiles as she was being processed show that she knew Jane was watching her. The scene where Jane interrogated Lorelie with Lisbon listening in was also beautifully staged.

Best Lines

“Woman can strangle people.” – Lisbon. Love the subtext here. Doesn’t take much to imagine who Lisbon pictures herself strangling.

“I know I can.” Grace, in response to the above. Rightetti’s timing and reading of this line was beautifully funny.

“Your temples are pulsing like some weird undersea creature. If that’s not anger you should see a doctor.”

“Don’t be childish, I am not your girlfriend, I’m an officer of the law. How can I not listen?”-Lisbon, to Jane.

“For what? There’s a long list of possibilities.” Lisbon, in reply to Jane’s apology. So true.

Pet Peeves

-I wish someone would have brought up FBI Agent Craig O’Laughlin, and how he was secretly one of RJ’s allies as in relation to why the case should be kept at CBI. Conversely, when Jane says that at FBI Lorelie will either escape or be killed I immediately remembered all of RJ’s people (Todd Johnson, Rebecca) who were killed at CBI and I wished the FBI would have used that argument to counter.

-Another RJ lead is lost in the wind. Is anyone else as unsurprised as I am? I really wish this plot line would have ended with  Strawberries and Cream. It would have been a fantastic send off, and Bradley Whitford was perfect. What a waste. All I can hope is that the real face off will be even better (not a tall order, considering how talented Heller is). But I’m honestly bored with RJ plot, have been for a while now.

Conclusion

I’m waiting on who new CBI head would be. I’d love for any of the previous heads to come back, but it would make most sense if it was Hightower. Enough time has passed for her to have resolved whatever legal issues could have been stopping her from returning. Also, now that Red John’s statement that he has a friend in the FBI seems completely true, it raises some questions:

-Was Loralie’s fear when the FBI took her genuine? It certainly seemed so. Was she in fact ready to talk, like Todd Johnson was, and thought she was going to get killed?

-Gale had said at the press conference that as part of the FBI and CBI’s deal, “One of our operatives had criminal charges fabricated against him to go undercover. We apologize to the public for that deception.”  Since RJ has someone at the FBI, he knows about the deal between the CBI to cover up the botched operation. But what will RJ make of Gale’s words that Jane charges were fabricated? Will he realize that Jane’s breakdown had been the start of a ruse on Jane’s part, or will he assume that Jane came up with the plot after RJ contacted him?

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