While Red John’s presence looms large over the entire Mentalist series, his first visual appearance, albeit obscured and cleverly disguised, occurs in Season 3, Episode 13, titled “Red John’s Friends.” This episode marks a turning point in the cat-and-mouse game between Patrick Jane and his nemesis, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the mind of the serial killer who murdered Jane’s family.
The Significance of “Red John’s Friends”
This episode isn’t just significant because we see Red John. It’s pivotal because it delves into his network. Jane manipulates a suspect involved in a cult-like group with ties to Red John, hoping to draw the real killer out. The tension is palpable, and the episode sets the stage for the intricate web of deception and manipulation that defines the later seasons. The visual encounter is brief and shrouded in shadow, yet undeniably present, solidifying Red John’s tangible presence in the narrative.
Analyzing the Scene: Deciphering the Identity
The scene in question involves Jane confronting a member of the cult. During this confrontation, a figure, their face obscured by darkness and a mask, appears in the background. This figure performs the now infamous Red John gesture – a gloved hand drawing a smiley face using the victim’s blood. Although the face is unseen, and later episodes introduce suspects, the presence of Red John is undeniably established here, making this moment crucial in the series’ overall arc.
Why “Red John’s Friends” is Crucial for Mentalist Fans
Beyond the Red John appearance, the episode explores themes of manipulation, control, and the corrupting influence of power. The cult itself mirrors Red John’s methods, highlighting the dark underbelly of society that he exploits. It’s a layered episode that provides insight into the type of person Red John attracts and the ideologies he uses to justify his actions. It’s a masterful piece of storytelling that keeps viewers guessing while slowly peeling back the layers of Red John’s carefully constructed persona.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red John and His Appearances
This section will delve into frequently asked questions about Red John and the episodes surrounding his presence.
FAQ 1: Was the actor playing Red John in “Red John’s Friends” the actual Red John actor?
No, the actor physically portraying Red John in “Red John’s Friends” was not the actor eventually revealed to be Red John (Spoiler Alert!). The intention was to maintain ambiguity and prevent viewers from identifying the character too early in the series. This misdirection is a key element of the show’s narrative strategy.
FAQ 2: Did Patrick Jane suspect the identity of Red John at the time of “Red John’s Friends”?
Patrick Jane undoubtedly suspected several individuals, but at this point in the series, he did not have definitive proof or a strong conviction about any one specific person being Red John. He was still actively gathering information and trying to narrow down the list of suspects.
FAQ 3: Why was Red John’s face hidden in his first appearance?
Hiding Red John’s face served two critical purposes: to maintain suspense and to allow the writers maximum flexibility in choosing the ultimate identity of Red John. By not revealing the actor early on, they could develop the character and storyline organically without being limited by pre-existing casting choices.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the smiley face Red John leaves at crime scenes?
The smiley face is Red John’s signature, a calling card that represents his twisted sense of humor and his desire to taunt Patrick Jane. It’s a deeply personal and psychologically damaging symbol that fuels Jane’s obsession with capturing him. It signifies complete control and a mocking disregard for human life.
FAQ 5: Besides “Red John’s Friends,” which other episodes feature Red John prominently?
Red John appears in various capacities (either directly or through his network) in numerous episodes, including: “Pilot,” “His Red Right Hand,” “Strawberries and Cream (Part 1 & 2),” “Red Handed,” “Red Moon,” “Red Sails in the Sunset,” “The Crimson Hat,” “Red John’s Rules,” “Fire and Brimstone,” “Red John’s Steps,” “The Crimson Bride,” and “Red John,” the episode where his identity is finally revealed.
FAQ 6: How does the Red John storyline affect Patrick Jane’s character development?
The Red John storyline is the driving force behind Patrick Jane’s character development. His pursuit of Red John consumes him, shaping his decisions, his relationships, and his overall outlook on life. It is a constant source of grief and anger, but also provides him with a purpose and a relentless determination.
FAQ 7: What are some of the key clues scattered throughout the series regarding Red John’s identity?
Key clues include references to Red John’s childhood, his connections to law enforcement and the cult of personality he cultivated. Pay close attention to seemingly insignificant details in dialogue and background imagery, as these often foreshadowed later revelations. Furthermore, the frequent use of symbolism related to the color red, books and poems referencing tiger tiger burning bright, and recurring themes of authority and manipulation served as subtle breadcrumbs.
FAQ 8: Who were some of the main Red John suspects throughout the series?
Some of the prominent suspects included Bret Stiles (the leader of Visualize), Gale Bertram (CBI Director), Sheriff Thomas McAllister, Ray Haffner (a CBI consultant), and Brett Partridge (a CBI forensic scientist). The series deliberately presented multiple plausible candidates to keep viewers guessing.
FAQ 9: Why did the Mentalist creators choose to make Red John a character with ties to law enforcement?
The choice to make Red John an insider, connected to law enforcement, added a layer of complexity and intrigue to the storyline. It highlighted the potential for corruption within the system and created a sense of paranoia and distrust among the characters. It also played into the theme of power and control, which were central to Red John’s character.
FAQ 10: How did Patrick Jane finally manage to identify and confront Red John?
Patrick Jane meticulously built a list of Red John suspects based on behavioral profiling and subtle clues gathered over years of investigation. He ultimately identified Red John through a combination of deduction, manipulation, and a stroke of luck, culminating in a final, decisive confrontation.
FAQ 11: What was the public and critical reception to the Red John reveal?
The Red John reveal was met with mixed reactions. Some viewers found the resolution satisfying and well-executed, while others felt that it was anticlimactic or that the chosen identity was not as compelling as other potential suspects. Critical reception was similarly divided, with some praising the long-term build-up and others criticizing the final execution.
FAQ 12: What lasting impact has the Red John storyline had on the crime procedural genre?
The Red John storyline in The Mentalist significantly impacted the crime procedural genre by demonstrating the power of long-term storytelling and character development. It proved that viewers could remain invested in a single, overarching narrative for multiple seasons, rewarding patient viewers with a satisfying (albeit controversial) resolution. It also highlighted the importance of complex villains and the psychological toll that such adversaries can take on the protagonist. The prolonged mystery, the meticulous clues, and the layered characters set a new standard for serialized crime dramas.