Into the Fire

It's a rare time when a series ends perfectly, but The Mentalist achieved this distinction. Starting with a broken man who's lived a life of feigning psychic powers from a circus background becoming the victim of a brutal unsolved crime, Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) sought out the CBI (California Bureau of Investigation) to gain information about the serial killer with the Red John moniker who murdered his wife and daughter. Patrick's profound intuitive skills lead him to assist the CBI under a skeptical Detective Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney). An unsteady relationship persists at first until Patrick proves to be an invaluable asset to the department. 

Over time and the closing of many cases thanks largely to Patrick, the pursuit of Red John remains a constant whether in the forefront or the background of Patrick's life. Determined to exact vengeance upon the evil killer, many episodes through the years deal with his pursuit.

Figuring out an appropriate ending to the Red John saga caused Patrick to flee, get found, and wind up at the Austin, Texas, FBI where he insisted he be joined by none other than Teresa Lisbon. The series took a chance with relocating and changing the dynamic of the procedural with some new cast members, but given the time to morph into its final state, it ultimately worked.

Through thick and thin, the friendship between Jane and Lisbon grew deeper but with a refusal to recognize their attachment to one another, the relationship strained. When an angry and frustrated Lisbon opted to take second best, she inadvertently forced Patrick's hand. His action brought the concluding season which gave that much needed recognition to their friendship-turned to-love.

The two hour finale aired on Wednesday (the 18th of February, 2015) and covered all the bases. Opting for a happy, fulfilling ending to a very good series, The Mentalist ended with a smile and a hint of a tear.   

Father, I always thank you for the talent you give and I always ask that those who possess your wonderful gifts find you, the One who gives them so generously. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.