The moment viewers had waited for finally arrived in “The Mentalist” season 6, episode 8, titled “Red John”. This episode definitively reveals the long-sought-after identity of Patrick Jane’s nemesis, ending years of speculation and cat-and-mouse games.
The Anticipation and the Payoff
For five seasons and seven episodes, the identity of Red John remained one of television’s most gripping mysteries. Patrick Jane, portrayed with captivating intensity by Simon Baker, dedicated his life to vengeance against the serial killer who murdered his wife and daughter. The series masterfully built suspense, dropping clues and red herrings that kept viewers guessing until the very end. “Red John” delivered a resolution that, while controversial for some, undeniably brought a significant chapter in the show to a close. The episode’s pacing, dialogue, and Baker’s performance combined to create a truly unforgettable television moment.
Setting the Stage: The List of Seven
The penultimate episode, “The Great Red Dragon,” narrowed the suspect pool to seven individuals: Gale Bertram (the CBI director), Raymond Haffner (a private security consultant), Bret Stiles (the leader of Visualize), Reede Smith (an FBI agent), Robert Kirkland (another FBI agent), Sheriff McAllister, and Brett Partridge (a coroner). This narrowed focus heightened the anticipation and allowed viewers to truly consider each suspect’s potential guilt. The episode ended with Jane cornered, further emphasizing the danger and impending revelation.
The Final Confrontation
“Red John” opens with Patrick Jane seemingly trapped. He leverages his intellect and psychological understanding to manipulate the situation, eventually leading to a private confrontation with Sheriff Thomas McAllister. Jane deduces McAllister is Red John through a series of observations and deductions, including McAllister’s fear of pigeons (a detail mentioned early in the series) and his reciting a William Blake poem that Red John often used. The subsequent chase and eventual kill confirmed McAllister as the man behind the mask.
Unpacking the Revelation: Reactions and Aftermath
The revelation of Sheriff McAllister as Red John was met with mixed reactions. Some viewers felt the choice was anticlimactic, believing a more prominent character like Bertram or Stiles would have been a more satisfying reveal. Others praised the show for its misdirection and appreciated the unconventional choice. Regardless of individual opinions, the event undeniably marked a turning point for “The Mentalist.” The remaining seasons shifted focus, exploring new storylines and allowing Jane to move on, albeit scarred, from his past.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Red John Mystery
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Red John reveal and its implications:
Why was Sheriff McAllister chosen as Red John?
The show’s writers ultimately chose McAllister to achieve a surprise element. The character was present from the beginning, appearing in multiple episodes, but he was never presented as a primary suspect. This deliberate obscurity, while frustrating for some, allowed for a shocking reveal that subverted expectations. Creator Bruno Heller wanted someone who could plausibly be overlooked and blend into the background, a seemingly harmless figure who could orchestrate elaborate crimes unnoticed.
What evidence pointed towards McAllister being Red John?
While seemingly innocuous, several clues pointed to McAllister’s involvement throughout the series. These included:
- His recurring presence near Red John-related crimes.
- His knowledge of specific details only Red John would know.
- His potential access to law enforcement resources, facilitating Red John’s activities.
- The aforementioned fear of pigeons, connecting him to earlier episodes.
- His quiet and unassuming demeanor, allowing him to operate under the radar.
Was the Red John reveal planned from the beginning?
This is a debated topic. While the writers had a general idea of Red John’s character and motivations, the specific identity was not definitively decided upon until later seasons. The show runners explored multiple possibilities throughout the series, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to audience theories and reactions.
How did the reveal affect the show’s ratings?
The “Red John” episode garnered high ratings, attracting a large audience eager to witness the culmination of the long-running storyline. However, viewership declined in subsequent episodes as some fans lost interest after the primary conflict was resolved. The show attempted to introduce new villains and storylines, but it never quite recaptured the same level of intrigue.
What other characters were considered for the Red John role?
Several characters were seriously considered for the role of Red John, including:
- Gale Bertram: His position as CBI director made him a prime suspect.
- Bret Stiles: His intelligence and resources made him a formidable candidate.
- Lisbon: A dark horse theory, adding emotional complexity. While not seriously considered, fan theories explored the possibility.
What happened to the other Red John suspects?
Following McAllister’s death, the remaining suspects were largely cleared of suspicion. Bertram was killed in a confrontation with Lisbon, Haffner disappeared, Stiles met an ambiguous end in South America, Smith was arrested, and Kirkland was killed earlier in the season. This effectively removed all potential loose ends connected to the Red John storyline.
How did Patrick Jane finally kill Red John?
After a tense chase, Jane cornered McAllister in a church. During a brutal fistfight, Jane gained the upper hand and ultimately strangled McAllister, finally avenging his family’s death. The act was presented as a moment of catharsis and closure for Jane.
What were the criticisms of the Red John reveal?
The primary criticism was the perceived anticlimactic nature of choosing McAllister. Some felt he lacked the gravitas and presence to justify being the mastermind behind Red John’s crimes. Others criticized the uneven pacing of the final confrontation and the abruptness of the reveal.
How did the Red John reveal impact Patrick Jane’s character arc?
The Red John reveal marked a significant turning point in Patrick Jane’s character arc. With his vengeance fulfilled, he was able to begin healing and moving on with his life. He eventually found happiness and love with Teresa Lisbon, demonstrating a newfound capacity for connection and emotional vulnerability.
Did the actors know who Red John was before the episode aired?
Simon Baker, the actor who played Patrick Jane, knew the identity of Red John before the episode aired. The other actors involved were likely informed closer to the episode’s production to maintain secrecy and prevent leaks.
What happened after the Red John storyline concluded?
After the Red John saga ended, “The Mentalist” jumped forward in time, showcasing Jane’s new life as a consultant for the FBI, alongside Lisbon and other familiar faces. The show explored new cases and developed the romantic relationship between Jane and Lisbon, culminating in their marriage in the series finale.
Is “The Mentalist” worth watching even after the Red John reveal?
While the Red John storyline is undeniably a central draw, “The Mentalist” remains a compelling procedural drama even after the reveal. The show continues to offer engaging mysteries, well-developed characters, and sharp writing. Many viewers enjoy the shift in focus and the development of Jane’s relationship with Lisbon. While it might not be the same show, it’s still worth watching for fans of crime dramas.