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Generally, I like spoilers. I like interviews with the cast and writing crew of my favorite shows. They usually give me insight into the future plans of the show, and I can see if any of my theories are more fact than fiction. Some people avoid spoilers like the plague, but most of the time, they make me more excited about things to come. Such was not the case when I stumbled onto an article for one of my favorite shows, The Mentalist (TV) in the May 10-16 issue of TV Guide Magazine, by Michael Logan. Creator Bruno Heller, and actors Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, and Leslie Hope were interviewed.
In essence, it seems that after years of denying himself of any romantic interests since the murder of his wife and child, Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is ready to dip his toe in the pool of the living again. And the woman who has spurred on this sudden (dare I say, jarring?) emotional reevaluation? Kristina Frye (Leslie Hope), fellow psychic consultant. We’ve met her before, the last time she and Jane crossed paths she vexed, frustrated, and generally knocked our favorite wily consultant off his keel. It was entertaining.
But when she reaches out to arch nemesis, Red John, probably earning her a slot on the serial killer’s top ten hit list, Jane goes into protective overdrive, demanding she go into protective custody. The article goes on to say that "Jane’s a little smitten with Frye" and in the episode airing May 13, "he’ll start to develop feelings for her."
Okay. Then I want equality for the two leads. If Jane can move on emotionally, then so should Lisbon (Robin Tunney). Give Lisbon a new guy to pique her interests romantically, maybe let her think about having a life outside the CBI. Let her have a guy she can trust and be close to, to be all the things she can’t be with Jane. No way is Lisbon less emotionally mobile than the most screwed up guy on the show.
Leslie Hope says, "[Frye] and Jane are in the same profession and both really good at what they do. She’s the Hepburn to his Tracy." So, Jane is basically dating a less-broken, female version of himself? I’m not sure, but I think that might say something about his conceitedness and ego winning out in the end.
It is also important to remember that the article and Baker point out that "neither Jane nor the fans might be ready for this change" and the whole issue might get shoved to the back burner when Red John makes another appearance. I, for one, am glad to see his return. Red John episodes are always the most emotionally volatile and important for character development.
Some parts of the interview with Baker make me wonder if he’s actually watching the same show I am. Because some of his comments about why Lisbon and Jane don’t work romantically don’t fit the vibes they throw off in the show. Some of his comments, like saying, "Lisbon brings out the naughty boy in [Jane], he needs someone to bring out the man," just make me ask, "Uhm, wha…?" Tunney’s view is a little less cut and dry, but I don’t think either one of them should be using qualifiers like "never" or "ever" when talking about their character’s future on a show that is only in season two.
Jane’s going on a date. Red John rears his psychotic, blood-thirsty head again. Lisbon has to deal with the resident serial killer and her feelings about someone else getting Jane’s attention. One thing is for sure, these final episodes of The Mentalist (TV) are going to be one hell of a rollercoaster ride!
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