Patrick Jane’s relentless pursuit of the elusive serial killer Red John culminates in a dramatic confrontation. Red John is definitively caught and killed in Season 6, Episode 8, titled “Red John.”
The Final Showdown: Tracking Down John
For five seasons, Patrick Jane, portrayed masterfully by Simon Baker, dedicated his life to avenging the murder of his wife and daughter at the hands of the infamous serial killer, Red John. The Red John saga dominated the narrative of The Mentalist, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with intricate clues, shocking twists, and a web of suspects that seemed to constantly shift. The pursuit was more than just a police investigation; it was Jane’s personal vendetta, a driving force that shaped his every action and interaction.
The culmination of this pursuit arrived in “Red John.” After years of painstakingly piecing together clues, navigating treacherous red herrings, and enduring countless near misses, Jane finally narrows down his list of seven suspects to a single, chilling realization: Red John is Sheriff Thomas McAllister.
The episode unfolds with Jane orchestrating a calculated plan to force McAllister into the open. He uses coded messages and strategic leaks to lure his prey into a trap, designed to expose McAllister’s true identity and force him to confront the consequences of his actions. The tension is palpable as Jane meticulously lays the groundwork for the final showdown.
The Chase and the Kill
The reveal is explosive. Sheriff McAllister, a seemingly innocuous figure throughout the series, is revealed to be the mastermind behind the Red John killings. The confrontation isn’t a grand, theatrical battle, but a desperate, visceral chase through a park.
In a stark departure from the usual cat-and-mouse game, the final act is surprisingly brutal. The chase culminates with Jane grabbing McAllister and ultimately killing him in self-defense. The scene is raw, emotionally charged, and leaves little room for doubt: Red John is dead. The episode ends with Jane finally achieving his long-sought revenge, but with the lingering question of what comes next after dedicating so much of his life to this single, consuming purpose. The focus shifts to Jane’s future and what becomes of the CBI team after such a momentous event.
Unraveling the Mystery: Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some of the most common questions surrounding Red John’s identity and the resolution of his storyline in The Mentalist.
1. How was Sheriff McAllister revealed to be Red John?
Jane cleverly manipulated circumstances to force the seven remaining suspects to converge at a predetermined location. Using a pre-arranged signal, he observed their reactions. When McAllister appeared to be exhibiting supernatural abilities (later revealed to be a trick), Jane realized he was indeed Red John. McAllister’s subsequent attempt to evade capture confirmed his guilt.
2. Was Red John’s death controversial among fans?
Yes, Red John’s death was a divisive topic among fans. Some felt the death was anticlimactic, occurring in a relatively simple and brief scene compared to the build-up. Others felt it was fitting, portraying the desperation and brutality of a real confrontation after years of calculated manipulation. The rushed pacing of the sixth season, leading up to the reveal, was also a point of criticism.
3. What clues pointed towards McAllister as Red John throughout the series?
While seemingly insignificant at the time, several clues retrospectively pointed towards McAllister. He was present at pivotal crime scenes, subtly influencing investigations. He exhibited knowledge of Red John’s techniques and showed an unusual interest in Jane’s methods. His apparent lack of ambition also served as a disguise, allowing him to operate in the shadows. The poem tattooed on McAllister’s back, a previously unrevealed detail, confirmed his identity.
4. Why did Patrick Jane dedicate his life to catching Red John?
Red John murdered Jane’s wife and daughter after Jane boasted about his (fake) psychic abilities and insulted Red John on television. This tragedy transformed Jane’s life, fueling his obsessive desire for revenge and shaping his personality as a cunning and emotionally detached observer.
5. What impact did Red John’s death have on the rest of The Mentalist series?
Red John’s death marked a significant turning point in the series. It allowed Jane to finally move on from his past and explore new relationships and career opportunities. The remaining episodes focused on Jane rebuilding his life, finding happiness, and ultimately forming a lasting relationship with Teresa Lisbon.
6. Were there other suspects considered more likely than McAllister?
Yes, several characters were considered stronger contenders for the Red John title. Bret Stiles, the enigmatic leader of Visualize Self-Realization, and Gale Bertram, the former CBI Director, were both prominent suspects due to their intelligence, resources, and mysterious connections. Their subsequent elimination added to the shock of McAllister’s reveal.
7. What were Red John’s motives for killing his victims?
Red John’s motives were complex and often tied to his sense of power and control. He targeted individuals who represented perceived threats to his authority or who challenged his twisted worldview. Some victims were simply random acts of violence designed to instill fear and maintain his mystique. The overarching theme was a perverse desire to assert dominance and manipulate others.
8. How did Red John manage to stay hidden for so long?
Red John’s ability to evade capture stemmed from his meticulous planning, his network of informants within law enforcement, and his mastery of manipulation. He carefully crafted his public persona, blending into society and using his perceived ordinariness to his advantage. He also skillfully used his connections to anticipate and thwart Jane’s investigations.
9. What happened to the other characters after Red John’s death?
Following the Red John case closure, the CBI was disbanded. Jane and Lisbon eventually joined the FBI. Cho became the head of the CBI, while Rigsby and Van Pelt started their own security firm, continuing to use their skills to solve crimes. The series finale shows Jane and Lisbon finally marrying, having found happiness together after years of trauma and loss.
10. Did the show’s writers always know who Red John would be?
Reportedly, the writers did not initially have a definitive plan for Red John’s identity. This allowed them to explore various possibilities and introduce numerous suspects throughout the series. However, as the show progressed, they narrowed down the options and ultimately chose McAllister as the most fitting and impactful reveal.
11. What made The Mentalist such a successful show?
The Mentalist captivated audiences with its compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and Simon Baker’s charismatic portrayal of Patrick Jane. The show blended elements of crime procedurals with a central mystery, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience. The interplay between Jane’s intelligence, charm, and vulnerability resonated with viewers, making him a relatable and captivating protagonist.
12. How can I rewatch the Red John episodes?
The Mentalist is available for streaming on various platforms depending on your region, including streaming services like HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Individual episodes can also be purchased through digital retailers such as iTunes and Google Play. Check your local listings to determine availability in your area.