The last episode of The Mentalist, titled “Blue Bird,” aired on February 18, 2015, concluding the series’ seven-season run. This episode finally resolves the lingering tension and delivers a satisfying conclusion to Patrick Jane’s long and intricate journey, tying up loose ends and offering a glimpse into his future.
The Climax of a Seven-Year Quest: Understanding “Blue Bird”
“Blue Bird” focuses on Patrick Jane’s pursuit of a new adversary, a serial killer targeting young women, known as Lazarus. The case is intertwined with Jane’s burgeoning relationship with Teresa Lisbon and the delicate balance between his past, defined by the Red John saga, and his potential future, free from vengeance and filled with love. The episode sees Jane and Lisbon working together, utilizing Jane’s signature observation and deduction skills, to catch Lazarus before he can claim another victim.
The narrative masterfully weaves together the procedural element of solving the crime with the emotional core of Jane and Lisbon’s romance. We see Jane finally confess his love for Lisbon, culminating in a heartfelt proposal and, ultimately, their marriage in a small, intimate ceremony. This union symbolizes Jane’s commitment to moving forward and embracing happiness after years of being consumed by the tragedy inflicted upon him by Red John.
The capture of Lazarus provides a sense of closure, demonstrating Jane’s continued ability to use his unique skills to help others. However, it is the personal resolution – his marriage to Lisbon and the promise of a family – that truly defines the episode as a fitting end to the series. The final scene, depicting Lisbon revealing she is pregnant, cements the notion that Jane has finally found peace and a reason to embrace life to the fullest. The “Blue Bird” metaphor, subtly referenced throughout the episode, represents this newfound happiness and freedom.
Deciphering The Mentalist: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What happened to Lazarus in “Blue Bird”?
Lazarus, the serial killer in “Blue Bird,” is apprehended by the FBI, thanks to Jane’s brilliant deductions and strategic planning. The FBI sets up a sting operation using Jane’s insight into Lazarus’s modus operandi. While the details of the capture aren’t extensively showcased, the viewer is assured that Lazarus is brought to justice.
FAQ 2: Why is the episode titled “Blue Bird”?
The title “Blue Bird” alludes to the play L’Oiseau Bleu (The Blue Bird) by Maurice Maeterlinck, which tells the story of two children searching for the Blue Bird of Happiness. The bird represents happiness and can only be found by looking inward, not by searching the world. In the episode, Jane finds happiness not by continuing his search for vengeance, but by embracing love and a future with Lisbon. It symbolizes the peace he’s finally attained.
FAQ 3: Does Patrick Jane ever confess his love for Teresa Lisbon?
Yes, Patrick Jane finally confesses his love for Teresa Lisbon in “Blue Bird.” This confession is a pivotal moment, leading to their engagement and marriage. It signifies his willingness to open himself up emotionally and commit to a future with her. The build-up to this moment had been a core element of the series’ later seasons, making the payoff all the more satisfying.
FAQ 4: Where do Jane and Lisbon get married?
Jane and Lisbon have a small, private wedding on a beautiful property, surrounded by close friends and colleagues. The location emphasizes the intimacy and personal nature of their relationship. Cho officiates, and the ceremony reflects their unconventional but deeply loving bond.
FAQ 5: Is Red John mentioned in the final episode?
Red John is not directly mentioned in “Blue Bird.” However, the episode’s themes of healing, moving on, and finding happiness after tragedy implicitly acknowledge the impact Red John had on Jane’s life. The resolution of Jane’s personal journey allows him to finally leave the shadow of Red John behind.
FAQ 6: What happens to the other characters in the CBI/FBI team?
While “Blue Bird” primarily focuses on Jane and Lisbon, it provides brief glimpses into the lives of the other characters. Kimball Cho is shown to be a successful agent within the FBI, and he officiates Jane and Lisbon’s wedding. The episode suggests that the remaining team members continue to work together, maintaining their professional relationships.
FAQ 7: How does the episode compare to other season finales of The Mentalist?
“Blue Bird” differs significantly from previous season finales, particularly those focusing on the Red John storyline. Earlier finales were often suspenseful cliffhangers, driven by Jane’s relentless pursuit of vengeance. “Blue Bird,” in contrast, prioritizes emotional resolution and provides a sense of closure, focusing on Jane’s personal growth and happiness.
FAQ 8: Why did The Mentalist end after seven seasons?
While official reasons were never explicitly stated, factors likely contributing to the show’s ending included declining ratings and the natural conclusion of the Red John storyline. Once Jane achieved his goal of avenging his family, the show needed to reinvent itself, which it did successfully by focusing on Jane’s relationships and new cases. However, creatively and commercially, seven seasons seemed like a natural stopping point.
FAQ 9: Does the episode leave any unanswered questions?
“Blue Bird” effectively ties up the major storylines and offers a satisfying conclusion to Jane’s journey. While minor details about the characters’ futures are left to the viewer’s imagination, the core narrative arcs are resolved, leaving little room for significant unanswered questions. This contributes to the episode’s overall sense of closure.
FAQ 10: How does the ending of The Mentalist align with the show’s overall themes?
The ending of The Mentalist perfectly aligns with its overall themes of justice, redemption, and the power of the human spirit. Jane’s journey from a man consumed by vengeance to someone who finds happiness and love underscores the show’s message that even after profound tragedy, it is possible to heal and rebuild one’s life. The resolution reinforces the importance of human connection and the potential for personal growth.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of Lisbon being pregnant in the final scene?
Lisbon’s pregnancy in the final scene represents a new beginning for Jane and Lisbon. It symbolizes their commitment to building a family and embracing a future filled with love and hope. It signifies Jane finally moving beyond the ghosts of his past and fully embracing life. This revelation is a powerful and poignant way to end the series, leaving viewers with a sense of optimism and happiness.
FAQ 12: Was there ever talk of a spin-off series?
While there was initial speculation about potential spin-off series focusing on other characters from The Mentalist, such as Kimball Cho, these plans never materialized. The decision to end the series with “Blue Bird” allowed the creators to provide a definitive conclusion to Jane’s story, preventing the dilution of the narrative through spin-offs.