One of my favorite people on earth works on CBS’s hit show THE MENTALIST so to support said person and their efforts (and the efforts of Hotness Monster Simon Baker) I decided to get my grubby hands on some screeners. I’m happy to report that as of this moment am completely caught up on the series and completely loving it.

True, The Mentalist is a weekly crime procedural that’s not too involved or intricate. That’s why it’s catching over 20 million viewers a week but I’m not above that like many TV enthusiasts may claim to be. Sure it’s no LOST, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA or DAMAGES but you know what? It’s not trying to be. It’s closest cousin would probably be something more like THE CLOSER – it’s about serious crime but has plenty of humor and a cramazingly adorable star.

That’s right folks, I’m kinda sorta head over heels for Simon Baker and his portrayal of Patrick Jane. Not only is he far from hard to look at, he’s wounded, sarcastic, good with his hands… do I need to continue? Jane is the kind of character you really don’t want to like because he’s so smug and pretty but over time you’re just drawn into his charming web of charmy-charmness and you can’t escape.

It took about two episodes before I was sold on Baker and Jane as a lead. I was much more skeptical of the supporting cast which another reason why I hesitated taking on the show this past fall.

I’m talking about Robin Tunney and Amanda Righetti specifically. Sure I loved me some Tunney when she was just a budding film actress but her recent television foray was less than convincing and/or stellar. She was great as Deb in Empire Records, she was pretty wonderful in The Craft and I liked her a lot in Niagara, Niagara but she lost all credability with her role on PRISON BREAK. That was just some gawd-awful acting and the day they killed her off was the best day that show ever saw.

I was certain that anything she touched from that point on was going to fail miserably but I’m happy to report that I’ve really grown to like her as Teresa Lisbon on The Mentalist. She’s a good wing-woman for Jane and I like how she interacts with President Logan Gregory Itzin. Is it ridonkulous to think she could head up that CBI Unit? Absolutely but I’m fine over looking that detail.

Amanda Righetti was an even harder pill to swallow; I mean come on, she was on that bullshit NORTH SHORE, in a bunch of D-grade horror films not to mention her character on THE O.C. was a total twunt – my opinion was completely warranted. I saw her at Comic-Con in both 2007 and 2008 but she didn’t really win me over with wit, charm or intelligence so she had a long hill to climb.

I’m not gonna lie, her involvement with the Friday the 13th remake and my boy Jared Padalecki made her climb a little easier but going into the first couple eps of The Mentalist I totally expected a cheesefest from her.

Aside from her outfits being un-realistically tailored (but incredibly well fitting) I find Grace Van Pelt quite appealing! She started out really self-conscious and insecure but has slowly come out of her shell. I love her awe at what Jane can do and I love how she’s proven herself to be quite resourceful. She’s not afraid to take a stand, she’s got a good (if not wounded) heart, and her innocence is sexy as all hell. Van Pelt FTW! Now that’s something I never thought I’d type.

Owain Yeoman has grown on me as well. I have always viewed him as the muscle, the brawn of any show he’s been in and he kind of fills that role here but there’s a lighter side which I kind of dig. I’m not against seeing the man naked, I’ve got needs… He’s funny, he’s good with a gun and his crush on Van Pelt is adorable.

Tim Kang rocks the house boys and girls. I don’t know why I like him so much but I do. He’s the straight man to Jane’s wacky antics and he seems pretty darn cool.

It’s hard to write about people you like (notice my rants on the girls above).

I guess I should talk about the story a little, huh?

Like I said, it’s a procedural but there is an underlying/running mystery involving a serial killer named Red John and his fascination with the ex-television psychic Jane. Red John killed a few folks and Jane did plenty of analyzing for the press, talk shows and police which seemed to piss off said crazy killer, leading him to off Jane’s wife and daughter. Red John is still out there and Jane’s seeking revenge at almost any cost.

While there’s no Charles Bronson action or Dirty Harry justice happening yet, it seems likely that it’s in Jane’s nature and future if the situation presents itself. He’s made it very clear to President Logan and Lisbon that if he finds Red John, he will kill him without care to ramifications that face him. Atta boy!

I’m just rambling now so I’m gonna sign off but if you’ve thought that The Mentalist was beneath you or just another cookie-cutter procedural I really wish you’d give it a chance. There’s something so winning about the cast and the flow of the show that you’ll find yourself completely invested before you know it.

The Mentalist airs Tuesday’s at 9pm on CBS

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Ducky Does TV, The Mentalist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.