‘The Mentalist’ season 6, episode 16 review: Jane better make a move on Lisbon soon…

“The Mentalist” aired its first real episode without Rigsby and Van Pelt in the cast (even if they have been gone occasionally in other episodes) Sunday, and it actually felt more like an old-school hour than most of what we’ve seen since this “New Beginning” for Patrick Jane. There was a case that caused the characters to go undercover, have some fun moments, and catch some bad people in the process.

As a viewer, this is all fine to watch and pretty enjoyable. Unfortunately, it is a little bit more difficult to discuss as a reviewer, since it all is so formulaic and there are few standout moments other than watching Patrick Jane act like a pretentious art collector.

We have a feeling that what more people are going to have an interest in is the arrival of Pedro Pascal as an FBI Agent who has taken a liking for Lisbon … which in turn hurts everyone out there hoping to see her with Jane at some point before the series comes to a close. The tough part of this is that Pascal’s character seems to be a pretty nice guy, and you don’t want to see a nice guy fail. He treats Lisbon well so far, and has been much more forward with his feelings than Jane has.

Yet at the same time, we still want to root for her and Jane to work things out. This relationship for her should be good for forcing Patrick to be proactive, but don’t expect this story to be hurried along. There are many more cases to be solved, fun moments to be had, and clever Jane plans involved marching bands to be hatched. Patience is a virtue, but let’s not hope producers are so patient that the show gets canceled before there is resolution. Grade: B.

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Photo: CBS