A Retrospective Look at The Mentalist 

I genuinely think The Mentalist is one of the most underrated series of the past 20 years. Red John is such a compelling villain, Patrick Jane is a complex, endlessly likable protagonist, and the whole main cast is charming. It avoided most of the network pitfalls of shoehorning storylines and rushing.

I remember a moment from the first season. Jane is at a bar being hit on by a gorgeous woman. When she makes her offer, he shows her his ring and declines. "I'm married," he says, and the unspoken "And that means something to me," is really powerful, especially since the audience knows Jane's wife is dead and the gorgeous woman doesn't. 15 years and I've never forgotten that scene.

My favorite moment from the show is, when Jane puts Lisbon's keys into the puzzle box. Jane wants to see how Lisbon fights with puzzle, but she just takes hammer and smashes box. xD Even Jane was supriced! xD

I loved how the tone of the show completely changed everytime Red John was involved. Jane going from superficially gleefull and charming to obsessively following the clue to get to the killer of his family is done incredibly well. And during scenes like Steiners death, he was portayed as a very caring person. Jane as a character is incredibly multi-layered and I am suprised that we got something like him from a "simple" crime show. I am still waiting for another show with an equally interesting character.

I'm not from US so I've never thought of tea as something feminine. It's really interesting how little details of media so rooted in culture of authors.

The episode when he drinks belladona and hallucinates his daughter all grown up is my favourite, it's so whimsical and so sad, but it gives him some closure.

the scene in season 1 where he says "there's no point in hiding anymore, i can see you" to the supposed mentally challenged dude that turns out to be the killer is one of the best moments in this show.

I also liked how literally ALL episodes had names pertaining to the colour red, until the finale and from then on all episodes have names with colours other than red.

i can’t believe i’ve just found this. the mentalist was my ultimate comfort show

In regards to Jane’s feminine characteristics, I think it’s interesting the name they even chose. Using a feminine first name “Jane” for the character’s last name is a choice. Especially because he always introduces himself like he’s James Bond and people always use his last name only

I loved how her fiance turning out to be working for Red John, changes Van Pelt. She had to shoot him. She goes on this dark journey afterwards, & she never quite regains her old innocence, but grows in her compassion & resilience.

It does make me a little sad when writers will change the culprit from the one that makes the most sense if watchers/readers have a strong theory surrounding them to someone else just to subvert expectations. It should feel rewarding to have your fans so dedicated to picking up on all the clues you're leaving that they manage to piece it together! Even though it won't be the most shocking reveal, it would feel super rewarding for those who have been paying attention and caring.

Never felt that The Mentalist had a "fall from grace" after the season 3 finale. Throughout the Red John period it was top tier television and one of my favourite shows. It lost a lot of momentum and had to adapt after Red John, which is perfectly understandable. While the later seasons weren't as good as the earlier ones, there was never a precipitous drop off in quality and it remained an enjoyable watch all the way to the end.

I loved this series, it's my wife's favorite and she got me into it. But it was almost comical how easily a lot of the killers would get out of their confessions in court. We kinda made "The Patrick Jane Defense" a joke. "He locked your client in a coffin and pretended to bury him alive so he would make that confession? After there was no evidence or eyewitnesses linking them?" "Yes your honor." "Case dismissed."

I wasn't disappointed that the first Red John reveal was turned into a red herring because on a first viewing I never really believed it. Too much of it felt like a set-up, especially the use of a famous face from something else (and the first time the camera passed over him I actually thought it was Chandler from Friends). Red John needed to be an actual character in the show, even if only a fleeting one. Anything else was cheating. I do think the show lost its way later on, especially after the real Red John was revealed, but it came back strongly at the end and I liked the finale, which didn't go down the dark route that some viewers might have anticipated and which would, to me, have been cheap sensationalism (killing off Lisbon, for instance). After everything Jane had gone through, he deserved a happy ending. (Ok, so I'm sappy. Sue me.)

The Mentalist is honestly a pretty comfy show tbh. I love rewatching it every once in a while.

I always liked the character of Jane. Like you say, it's the contradictions that keep it interesting. He's light and playful on the surface but the actor still lets you know there's a burning rage under the surface and that's what kept me watching. But the Bradley Whitford reveal was where it peaked. He was the perfect Red John.

The Mentalist will always have a dear place in my heart. For all its highs and lows I was there for the whole ride, especially because of one of the strongest dynamic duo's I ever had the pleasure of watching.

The wedding dress shopping scene with Cho and Lisbon is still one of my all-time favorites.

Okay, rapid fire: 1- this is an amazing debut video essay! Keep it up! 2- while working at a gas station in socal I was able to meet a few celebrities (some good some meanies) and the best was by far Rigsby's actor! I stumbled realizing it was him (not hard to do, he's freaking tall) and just blurted out "You're Wayne Rigsby!" Mind you I was like 20 and he had no reason to be nice to me but he just lit up at being recognized for his role and was an absolute joy to speak to. 10/10 3- I had the odd luxury of changing my middle name later in life and chose ... Patrick XD because of the Mentalist That is all, just wanted to share. So excited to watch your channel grow and so enthused on your genuine takes that are much needed

I actually really like how Red John is revealed and who he is. Ultimately he's just a guy doing awful things, he's not supernatural, he's not a force of nature, he's just some guy. All that power, depth and otherworldly stature is what we the audience and the characters on the show give him. Yes he's smart to get away with it for so long but he's ultimately just some guy. Also Jane knowing in advance before we realise who Red John is, is like par for the course of the show. Every episode he knows who the killer is way before we do.

This was such an excellently done video essay. You are also the only youtuber I've found who is discussing this show to this extent. I hope you keep fulfilling a niche like this and your channel grows. Good luck.

I was a huge fan of the show and I even had the honor of having a character named after me in season 4 because they picked a fan name. I still love it and rewatched it twice over lockdown.

havent even finished the video yet but just really excited to see people still talking about this show in 2024. It remains one of my absoltue fav shows that I rewatch constantly because of Jane's gentle personality and characteristics. Adore this show fr it's wonderful to see everyone here know it

I'm glad I'm not the only that had problems with the Red John reveal. The fact that the show expected me to believe that a small town sheriff had the time, money and recourses to repeatedly travel from Santa Monica to Sacramento (assuming he drove, that's a six hour drive on a good day) to commit crimes and leave no evidence behind and no one in his small little town finding his constant disappearances suspicious just never sat right with me. It felt like insult to my intelligence and I had only recently turned 14 when Red John aired, so my critical thinking skills had yet to fully develop, that's how much this bothered me.

10/10 When sheriff mcallister says "I hunt anything with a face" and how he moves so silently I was mad suspicious

"Grace and lightness is an act of heroism" really speaks to me, and this short segment might hold the secret to why I love the series so much. I'm naturally a rather broody and unsocial type, but since I was just getting into adulthood I felt being truthfully positive was something I have to do no matter whether it's easy or whether I like it. This here existence is a gift, and that's what matters. Jane is a wonderfully written and enacted personification of this principle: no matter how horribly life treats you, there's not just always something to be glad about, there's always some way to make others happy, or at least happier. And you have to take it.

Never in my life have I seen a better first video on a channel. Yes, that's some slight bias because this is my favorite TV show. But the amount of effort put into the script, the editing, the descriptions. If i didn't look to see what other videos were on this channel, you could have had me convinced you been doing this for years.

As a side note, during the show it is slowly revealed that both, Cho and Rigsby also have a troubled past that could've led them to become criminals themselves. In regard to Red John, there is this phrase of the "banality of evil".

I have such a soft spot for this show. I'm a total sucker for the "brilliant but broken" detective trope, but have re-watched the Mentalist more than most (except Hannibal).

I just finished devouring all 7 seasons of The Mentalist, and I had to take the journey alone as to avoid spoilers. Thank you so much for putting so much of my experience into words. It may be flawed as heck, but is definitely one of my favourite shows of all time. You're a peach!

This is one of the greatest character focused video essays I've ever seen.

I really like how, in the last season, they didn't make Jane and Lisbon all lovey-dovey and coupley. They maintained their independence and while it was about their relationship, it was more about Jane struggling with his trauma from his first wife's death and his fear that Lisbon's job would cause him to lose her, too. And when that finally came to a head, Lisbon was empathetic but refused to sacrifice who she was for his comfort. With many shows where the couple works together and eventually gets together, the show tends to lose a lot because it then becomes generic and boring relationship drama. At least The Mentalist managed to keep that angle fresher, especially with trying to keep that divide between work and home, so we could still have that banter and flirtation.

Really like your take from the perspective of a fan who saw the show as it aired, and the fine demolition job on the lazy excuses for RJ's canonical identity. Bait & switches are so childish, cliched. I wished you talked more about Robin Tunney's performance, I think she's so underappreciated. She wasn't just a dumb cop upended by Jane in every case. She complemented his techniques and eventually came to use them like when she helped figure out who kidnapped him. Jane wouldn't be nearly as sympathetic a character without Lisbon's personal and professional partnership. To me that was the reason for all my rewatches, not RJ. It was what the final season was about, what the fans wanted, not the serial killer. I think that says it all about what the show really was about. Regardless, I really enjoyed your well-researched and comprehensive analysis about my favorite show of all time.

The mentalist is my favourite show ever and same goes for my family. Simon baker and his perfectly imperfect personification of Patrick Jane was , is and forever will be held dearly by me. So so happy to see so many others that hold so much love for this show as well! That made me truly happy! Lisbon is the cutest and her brilliant acting chops and adorable nature made the show so lovable. Jane is a tv show character that's closest to my heart, every emotion was masterfully done and every single scene, every micro reaction every little detail roped me in. Such a fantastic show! Thank you for making this video❤

I was not a huge fan of this show, but I was _invested_ in season 3, and The whole mall scene, Bradley Whitford so BEYOND GODDAMN PERFECT for this _legendary_ character and smacking it SO OUT OF THE PARK! Simon Baker as Patrick Jane was _Lightning in a bottle_ and Bradley Whitford in Starberries and Cream was the THUNDERCLAP that followed. I never saw Se7en, but I've heard the reveal of Kevin Spacey in that movie was insane, and IMO the closest I can imagine to that is the reveal of Red John in that scene. The subtly, power, nuance, menace, the surprise calm of it all. I had never been so gripped by a scene on TV as I am with that moment, both these actors giving IMO LEGENDARY, the LOOK in Jane's eyes as he watches John fall and then sits down at the table waiting to be arrested because... that's it, that's what he set out to do. For all the light and joy he brought on his journey here, his dark deed he never made any qualms about was FINALLY complete, just as he promised. It. Was. PERFECT. I completely checked out when they retconned that ending, because that was such a beautiful and meaningful scene, and now it was nothing and that felt like a betrayal of an investment and I really lost faith that they could top that. I wouldn't have thought anything of the later reveal that Red John was some rando we saw for one scene in season one, and having it intentionally be that anticlimactic because it's theorized most unsolved serial killings are done but just... some random unconnected person. But if *_Strawberries and Cream hasn't been as fantastic as it was,_* it wouldn't have been nearly as much of a problem.

Not lying here: after season 3 I just continued watching because of Simon. But the show is still my favourite to watch when doing crochet. Also I liked that in the "real" death of Red John, Patrick didn't shoot him. Especially after the multiple times that he expressed he disliked for guns.

As someone from New Zealand... the tea observation is absolutely fascinating.... you guys gendered tea!? XD It never even occurred to me that his tea drinking was at all odd for the character... I know people like that... I know men like that, always drinking tea, always offering tea. I've literally gone to a mates place just to try his new teas... I knew American's don't really drink tea so that's the angle I thought they were going for in the Mentalist back when I watched it but wow.... It makes me wonder what traits/features I give to my characters that could become something of note to someone from a different culture, even though to me, it's nothing noteworthy at all XD

I absolutely loved this show. My dad and I used to watch it together and now it’s a big part of my childhood. My second watch when I was older lead me to see through a lot of the cliches, but Jane’s charm really held the series together.

This was always one of my favorite shows. But I’ve never seen anyone on RU-vid talk about it in depth before. So thank you for this analytical and nostalgic trip down memory lane.

I really liked all of the side characters. I would totally watch the Cho show and the chronicles of Grace and Wayne and even if Lisbon had her own show.

"Grace and lightness is an act of heroism" This is Something I needed to hear in my life when things are feeling dark.

I remember how pilot pulled me in. The way Patrick Jane rummaged through people's kitchens in order to prepare himself some tea... Mmm that's genius, definitely one of my absolute favourite shows. Thank you for your analysis, it was wonderfully made.❤

I had been looking for videos that deep dive into tv shows I'm a fan of. Dive into the nuances of the character and the underlying meaning of different things, and this is by far the best full video I've seen. The depth that you go into is amazing. Great video.

And honestly, I think I’m one of the few people who like the eight episode countdown to the full reveal of red John. I like how it played out from start to finish. I liked all the choices for who it might’ve been. And honestly, I adore who they actually made the ultimate choice in who was red John. But I think I like it a lot not because of red John, but because of every other character being given a spotlight in such a way that it feels like their stories that were brought together over the entire series were given a proper ending. I don’t think the final season was so much about Red Jon as everybody else despite the way it was presented. Red John did not need to have an entire episode dedicated to a chase with a explosion and climactic showdown, it ended quietly. It was not for us, the audience, it was for Jane, the character, which I understand a lot of people could be upset about. But to me, I really appreciated that.

I still love the character of Patrick Jane. For all his self loathing for his past actions, Jane always appears to be okay with who he was and what are his values. Jane never questions if his behavior is too feminine (drinking tea, caring for others, displaying his emotions) or not manly enough (dislike of weapons and fighting, use of trickery over brute force,...). He is just who he is.

Never saw this show as a kid, but found it over the last few years as something to watch with family. It has brought me a lot of happiness over that time, and it makes me really happy to see it still being appreciated! Also, the tea thing for me never stood out (probably cause im british!) so it's interesting to hear how different it appears to american viewers. Great video!

This video is incredible and I sincerely hope you explode over the next year. I was gripped from start to finish and even when I disagreed, your manner was really good at diffusing any potential tension and your points were well-justified. I'm also a bit shocked at how cohesive this script is. I have a lot of respect for the restraint to not go on tangents or to gush about the series, even though you clearly have a lot of love for it. This is super high-quality.

I loved this show growing up, it was my favourite from all the crime dramas I watched, so glad to see this analysis!

I literally learned English watching The Mentalist. It will always have a special place in my heart, but it sure was a product of its time!

Wow, thank you for this treat ❤ I was obsessed with this show and have been a fan of Simon Baker ever since. (He's truly spectacular in everything he does.) The story arch, the protagonist, the lovely mix of harmless entertainment, humour and darkness had me from the first moment. I re-watched the show recently and to me, it hasn't lost its lustre and will always have a special place in my heart.

I felt no letdown from hype because I never knew about the show until years later. I had to spend a lot of time searching for syndicated episodes to watch in order. It was intelligent, the characters were people I liked, and the stories were good. I have watched many series beginning to end, and this might be the first one I really liked that I did not feel bereft when it was over.

OMFG THE VIDEO ESSAY I'VE ALWAYS BEEN WAITING FOR

There are so many retrospectives on youtube from both big and small channels, and just recently I found myself rewatching random episodes of The Mentalist, catching little details I never noticed here and there both with the acting and the directing, so I typed "mentalist retrospective" into the search bar on a whim and I see exactly one video that was relevant, and fairly recent in the grand scheme of things. I hope this gets swept up into the algorithm because it was a very enjoyable and well put together video, not just for the general overarching look into the show and its characters, but also for the elephant in the room that was the handling of Red John and his end, a crying shame if there ever was one. Also cute character picture.

So wait a dang minute: I just checked out your channel because I absolutely loved this essay on one of my most dearest series. I know this sounds so typical, but I literally can't believe you make this type of quality content and you still have such a small channel. I'm incredibly impressed!

You have no idea how thrilled I am to come across this video. I LOVED this series so much and I’ve seen it go basically unmentioned since it ended, so thank you 🙏

39:29 Jane chose the church where they were going to meet. Bertram wanted to meet somewhere else initially. Jane rejected his idea of a meeting place, throwing out a dummy suggestion instead (like a bus or train station, I think) that he knew would also be outright rejected. _Then_ he presented the church (where he'd already taped the gun under the pew) as if it was a compromise. Also, the fact that Red John had _A_ phobia of some kind was brought up before season 6, when What's-her-name from the first couple of seasons of Angel got herself beheaded off screen. Yeah, they didn't decide that it was a fear of birds until they re-introduced the sheriff. But it didn't come _COMPLETELY_ out of nowhere. Personally, I wasn't watching the show when CBS gave you that false promise about meeting Red John. They were well into season 4 when I was catching up via syndicated episodes, so I never got to feel slighted by that. Also, I'd already learned not to trust network TV promos. They'll go as far as super-imposing a (cheap) gunshot effect at the end of a barrel to mislead the audience about what's going to be happening in the next episode. (I'm talking specifically about a promo for an episode of Lost in season 6). Bradley Whitford... was pretty much exactly the kind of actor you would expect them to cast in such a role. A recognizable, though not preventatively expensive, character actor. And you get the sense that the end of that episode is kind of the way Jane had always pictured things playing out for himself. You could pretty much stop watching at the end of season 3 and consider it a (somewhat tragic) story told. But then you (eventually) get the _other_ version of the way things could possibly go. The version where he actually manages to get his revenge and escape to spend the "rest of his life" on a beach somewhere. And _then_ we get to see how maybe that scenario is not quite the happy ending it sounds like. Yeah, I was a little underwhelmed by the identity reveal too at the time. And I was keenly aware of the overt lamp-shading line about it being a disappointment even during that first watch. But in retrospect... I don't really mind it so much. You look back at episode 2 of the series, during the scene where he's trying to make Van Pelt get into his car - before the killers of that episode are actually revealed - and the foreshadowing _is_ accidentally there. At the time it was just supposed to be a red herring (pun intended). But oddly, it works as foreshadowing just as well. Edit: Upon closer inspection... yeah, the phobia wasn't introduced until season 6. I really thought that episode I mentioned was from season 5. Oh well. Details.

i found you through your pretty little liars video essay (which was extremely well done) and was surprised to see it had come from a new, small channel! when i saw that this was your other video i was so excited - not nearly enough people talk about this show. i just finished it and wow! i’m very impressed with your thoroughness and nuanced takes in both of your videos, and i will patiently anticipate your next release!

Red John being the Sheriff of a little town made it ridiculously awesome, as years later police discovered that the golden state killer was one as well. Had some prophetic element to it.

You're telling me this is your first video?! I looved your analysis and after this one I watched the easy a one and now I only have one more video? I want more! I love your perspectives on the shows and it makes me want to rewatch them more critically 🥰

Your take on Jane's character 9:34 is what I enjoyed most about this review. I get the negatives you point out in the narrative arc, but I still watch every episode again and again because of the charm of Simon's performance.

Great essay! I always figured Red John would be the least expected character, so it made sense to me. The others were too obvious, so it seemed right to me it was him.

This is extremely detailed observation. Amazed at the time you put into creating this 55 minutes

RU-vid recommended me this video and I am so glad. I adored how you spoke and explained each of your points. An extremely simple but every effective and relaxing setup. After the first minute I knew I was in for a full hour of interesting opinions and ideas. As for the mentalist itself, this was a blast from the past. I used to watch it on Fox Life in my country together with my mom when I was a young teenager. In general it wasn't my favorite crime show, but there was always something that made me come back and that was undoubtebly Jane. His charisma and contradicting character was so enjoyable to watch, I cared deeply for his story and his relationship with the cast around him. I never did see the finale, in fact I thought it ended at season 3, until many years later. Regardless, I loved it and it was a lot of fun to see someone share it once again. These early 00s TV shows are something I think are special now. What I mean by this is the weekly release scheadule. Having a season slowly premiere episde by episode and have you learn thigns gradually over time is something that I trully enjoyed. I miss that. Hope you have a good new year and continue making these videos, simple and thoughtful and comforting to watch. Subscribed!

apparently this is controversial, but I actually really liked the final red john reveal. and I guessed it before the reveal happened. we know where the characters were standing before the bomb went off, and jane stood between mcallister and the bomb, so there was no way mcallister had been “charred beyond recognition” while jane only withstood minor injuries. I also liked the fact that while jane holds the contradiction of being arrogant and self-loathing, red john lacks the latter fact, and his arrogance is his downfall. and I found the performance of the chase and jane killing red john very compelling. i’ve cried watching patrick’s face as he asks if red john is afraid and if he regrets killing his family and he says “good. good” when red john answers yes. I find it fulfilling and cathartic 🤷🏻‍♀️

The one thing I'd say about the mentalist, is with every rewatch, as i get older, i have to ignore how horrific it is what they do. They regularly manipulate and lie to people in order to trick them into confessing to crimes in a way that is only acceptable because its a tv show and we know theyll be right in the end. Also a lot of the observations feel like that would be total bullshit outside of tv land. In particular Jane states that he checks the feet of every wheelchair fo prove if they are lying. This is based on the harmful belief that every wheelchair user is paralysed and that anyone else is faking it. This is brought up twice in the show.

I just started watching the show after watching this essay a few months back, and I cannot thank you enough. A show that has me loving not just one or two, but *all* of the main cast is a rarity for me. Even knowing how things might eventually hit a downward slope, I'm still enjoying the early seasons as they are.

I did not think I would make it 5 minutes, your intelligent breakdown and obvious love of the show and other source material made it a joy to watch!

i haven't logged in to RU-vid in almost 3 years but i had to just to let you know how fantastic this video, and your perspective, are. absolutely fantastic, enjoyed every single second of this, please keep going!

The mentalist and psych were two of my favorite shows as a teen, i havent watched them in years now and this vid made me want to go back to them so bad lol

I loved this video!! Fantastic breakdown of a well made show that wasn't talked about enough. Keep up the great work and I look forward to future videos.

your character analysis, narration and everything is on point. thsi video is a masterpiece and it made me cry because you nailed and spoke out a lot of the things that i felt watching the mentalist. thank you for this video

I know the Red John stuff is messy, but I never cared that much about this overarching storyline. It's very interesting, but there are so many episodes that can stand on their own with The Mentalist. For me, the characters and their relationships were the main driving point to rewatch this show about four times after I discovered it in 2019. And I really enjoy the FBI seasons, seeing Jane after Red John died and his relationship with Lisbon. It's such a refreshing relationship to see, that is not based on physical attraction, but on deep personal understanding of each other. But I also like the ending of How I Met Your Mother, so there's that lol I'm not really a "a bad ending ruins a whole piece of media" type of person.

The Mentalist truly is one show very close to my heart, and I wish I could easily recommend it to everyone, but knowing how let down I was with how the RJ/Blake Association unravelling, I do hold myself back. But Still I wish Everyone would give this a go, most importantly for the journey of the character of Patrick Jane. It is definitely one of the iconic characters in modern tv scene. So full of charm, uniqueness, full of depth. All the things you mentioned that help him stand out from detective characters of all the other similar shows, make Patrick Jane a CHARACTER to remember by for ages. His charm will make you smile, his antics will tickle you, his pain will make you feel for him so much major portion of the fan community wanted Jane to avenge his family's death knowing the consequences he'd have to face. My teenage self cried after watching S7 finale in 2015, acknowledging the full circle Patrick Jane went through this show, when it ended I forgot all about the downs of this show, when the ending credits roll on the finale shot of the show, I WAS HAPPY for HIM. I remember reading in 2021, there was a Korean drama adaptation of this show in the works, sets and casts all finalized. I doubt how anyone can don on the role of Patrick Jane, because Simon Baker was the PERFECT guy to play it for all the reasons you mentioned. I do hope, if the Korean series does gets made, they go with the S3 finale RJ reveal as the final reveal of the serial killer.

That was a great video, very thoughtfully structured and cut in a way that keeps your intention easily for an hour. I really had fun reminiscing with you over the show and learning new things about it at the same time!

I LOVE THIS SHOW! I’m glad someone’s talking about it and not JUST comparing it to Psych!

I absolutely love that someone is talking about this show, amazing video !

Beautifully done video,Mentalist and Bones are my favorite shows even both shows kind of take a turn for the worst at some point I still enjoy rewatching them ,whenever I feel down I will bing those shows.

I haven't seen your channel before, but the premise of this video is one I've wanted to see pop up somewhere for a year or two. Thank you for making this! Can't wait to watch.

First of all, great video, your script was perfect, analysis was spot on and the pace of the video had me wathing it in one sitting. Second, the show was indeed great. The greatest scene which I used to convince several friends and girlfriend to watch The Mentalist was that "I see you" scene s1e09. That is just pure gold. Imma watch the other videos on your channel, hope you get the recognition you deserve for the good work you put on. Cheers from Brazil.

Patrick Jane is so playful and fun that he made me forget the horrible tragedy that he experienced and that he worked as a detective that has to look and analyze horrible murder scenes

I find this an outstanding analysis of my all time favourite TV show. Thanks for your excellent insights into the story arcs, the different plots and the brilliant characters.

I actually never watched The Mentalist until I discovered your channel. And I binged the whole series only because I was so interested in your video about it and wanted to see the show before watching the video. So... I have to thank you twice. Once because I watched a show that I really enjoyed and maybe wouldn't have touched for another couple of years of it wouldn't have been for your video. And ofc for your video itself. I really like the way you deep dive and explain your thoughts about the shows/films you are covering. It's so interesting to watch/listen to. Thank you for all your work. I really love it ♡

This is the first video of yours I've caught and I'm loving it so far.

Decided recently to rewatch much of The Mentalist, as I had just finished House and decided to go back to my childhood in that era of television. Now as a writer myself I watched the season 3 ending in a different light, killing Red John at that moment felt empty. This aspect of knowing what Red John looks like but not able to actually do anything would have been a great addition to the story. I like most episodes of The Mentalist, mostly because the characters, the story always felt second rate. This is a great video going over how you viewed the show, nicely done.

🔥🔥🔥this absolutely amazing, not a single detail was left out

YOOO FINALLY A VIDEO ABT THE MENTALISTT. absolute banger of a show

I did not grow up to this show... I discovered this show when I was 18 and I was hooked. The plot, the characters, the mystery it was amazing. Even though the show is ingrained in my brain I watch it again and again. And the slow burn was worth it. I loved how you discussed every aspect of the show and I am glad someone mentioned how amazing this show was.

it's sad, that this video essay doesn't have a lot of views((( Your video is awesome. As Mentalist fan, I enjoyed it! Keep making good videos)

This is my comfort show! So I'm very glad to see people talk about it like this!

Loved The Mentalist. Patrick Jane was a great character. He was everything you said and more❤ Your video essay is a masterpiece, Sloan. Please make more! 😊

Beautifully done. Thanks for reminding me, and for providing more insight. Looking very much forward to your next essay.

Why they decided to do that bait and switch I will never understand. That moment between him and fake Red John was so perfect. I like to pretend that the show ended there. I didn’t even remember what happened after that until you reminded me 😂

Mentalist and Castle were two of the best TV shows ever because of great writing: characters and humor/irreverence (though both fell off toward the end-Castle changed showrunners, and Mentalist who was red John yikes).

this used to be my favourite show, very glad to have found this video, can’t wait to watch it

Super duper subscribed. Incredible video. Thank you, Sloan.

Thank you for the trip down memory jane! I really loved this show when it was airing. I'll be back if/when you talk about whatever show you wanna do next

I loved the Mentalist. It would be so awesome to get a deep dive like this about The Blacklist as well.

Thank you for bringing back so many memories. I still feel a longing for that world and for the dynamic between Lisbon and Jane.

So glad I found this channel I have watched every video thus far and each one hits so hard. I am so excited to see where this goes and see what else you talk about.