Sunday's episode of The Mentalist was quite possibly the strongest since the new format began. This hour had so much goodness packed into it and improved vastly in most areas over last week: Jisbon was turned up to max volume, Fischer was dialed down to a supporting character instead of cutting into Lisbon's screen time, a new ongoing story arc was introduced, and RigsPelt returned!
Early in the episode, I loved the little debate that Jane and Lisbon managed to mutter in the midst of Jane's clearance level being debated for a new, top-secret case. Lisbon reminded Jane that he is not her boss, and that she is no longer his either. Jane noted that now they are "equals, partners." Of course, Jane has never followed Lisbon's orders to the extent he was supposed to, and it's only to be expected that he'll be even more out of line now that she's no longer in charge of him. We can, however, always count on Lisbon to put Jane in his place, which makes their interactions so entertaining.
This was an interesting point to make because it established for us that Jane and Lisbon really are on semi-even ground on the new FBI team. Remember all of those arguments from past seasons when Lisbon had to remind Jane that he worked for her? That's not the case anymore. The dynamic has shifted between them in a way that changes their working relationship and leaves more room for a personal connection between them now that one is not a direct authority to the other.
The only aspect of "The Golden Hammer" that could have used a little improvement was the murder of the week. I knew the killer was the blonde assistant as soon as the character was introduced. She was clearly sketchy with her overzealous and anxious persona. However, the idea of Jane decoding spy exchanges from a newspaper was cool, and the plotline allowed for some other neat scenarios, more on which will follow.
While investigating the case of the murdered cartographer, Lisbon received a call from Osvaldo Ardiles, who asked her out to dinner and was so intent on this meeting that he was willing to fly in from Chicago. Ardiles claimed it was a business dinner but we still got the vibe that he's attracted to Teresa, too. However, Ardiles was clearly worried about something rather serious, our first clue that this seeming B plot was being introduced for more reason than just to keep stirring the Jisbon pot.
Speaking of my favorite romantic casserole, the scene with Lisbon telling Jane and Fischer that she had a date was absolutely fantastic. My inner Jisbon fangirl (which is pretty much outer as well) was "squeeing" at a garage-door-opening frequency when Jane started to act in a confused, inquisitive, downright jealous manner. Finally!
It's been a rare sight to see Jane jealous of Lisbon, but the reverse situation is practically the status quo. It's about damn time. My favorite bit was when Lisbon shifted from talking about Ardiles to discussing the case, and then Jane remarked, "you said 'date' and then the subject changed," wanting to know more about her plans for the evening and what they mean.
Even though Lisbon did clarify that this was a business dinner, Jane didn't entirely buy it, stating later in the episode that he knows Ardiles has always had a thing for Lisbon.
I even love that Fischer was present for this exchange, because there's no way she could have missed the red hot chemistry and tension going on in that conversation. It can't hurt for her to be more aware that Jisbon is a thing and her own potential feelings for Jane aren't going to accomplish much, even if this makes me feel a bit sympathetic towards her. The writers have saddled Fischer with a near-Martha Jones from Doctor Who type of position: she's perhaps developing unrequited feelings towards a leading man already involved in an epic ship. That's a tough place to be in.
I thought it was extremely intriguing, later in the episode, when - in reference to another topic involving the case - Jane said to Lisbon, "you have to have patience." Was he just talking about the case, or on another level, was he referring to how long it's taken him to confess his feelings to her? And Lisbon's retort, "I'd rather have coffee," was perfect. On either level of meaning, she's waited long enough. Yes, I let no opportunity to overanalyze possible Jisbon subtexts pass me by.
The somewhat predictable case did yield some typical comic gold, such as when Jane hilariously faked having his cell phone stolen by a suspect in the park, crying to a police officer, "that's my ringtone!" when a completely generic tone sounded from the framed man's pocket. Teeheehee.
Interestingly, Cho also made a comparison between Jane past and present while observing Patrick's approach to this week's mystery: Kimball said that Jane was acting crazy again, like in "the old days." Jane replied, "I'm fine. You have to learn to calibrate these things." Jane has been more balanced than ever since returning from Mexico, and certainly nowhere near as manic as he was in the early episodes of the show when the search for Red John was so frustrating. It's fascinating that Cho would make this statement, which later connects to something Jane notes to Lisbon. Is this foreshadowing to indicate that Jane will soon be pushed to the brink of insanity once again? Or just a nod to the show itself being reset and almost starting over from scratch?
Lisbon's dinner with Ardiles revealed that he believed he was being followed, nicely reflecting the spy theme of the murder of the week. Lisbon wondered whether he was paranoid or genuinely onto something, and referred Osvaldo to RigsPelt's computer savvy detective company for help.
Having been happy just to hear them briefly mentioned by Lisbon, I was beyond thrilled to get to see Rigsby, Van Pelt, and their ridiculously adorable baby. As the two gumshoes worked on discovering who was surveilling Ardiles, his issues continued to unfurl into a more serious and complex plot point. The fact that RigsPelt were scooped into this storyline also intrigues because it's suggestive they may be around for more episodes than I expected when the actors' departures were announced. And that's awesome! I missed these two like whoa, and I don't think the overall flow of The Mentalist works as well without them.
This brings us to Lisbon's insanely adorable spy outfit as she and Jane staked out the killer in the park. That hat and sunglasses combo was killin' it!
Jane noted, "this is like the stakeout of old. You, skeptical and grumpy. Me, cheerful and confident." There's that second reference to "the old days" I alluded to earlier. Hmm!
Speaking of adorable, Jane also said, "I'm cheerful because I get to sit here with you in the park on a beautiful day." Has the idea of Lisbon going on a date caused Jane to be more expressive of his affection for her? If so, we're all going to love the upcoming "Lisbon has a boyfriend" plotline! And how about Jane telling Lisbon, "you look great in that hat"? Her deadpan look back at him was so cute and funny.
When the murder of the week plotline was wrapped up (we got one of those "Cho-has-no-sympathy-for-murderers" confession scenes - I love those), it was time to delve back into RigsPelt's investigation of Ardiles' spy. When Wayne ever went into that mysterious building at the end of the episode, my heart was in my throat. I have to credit The Mentalist for still being able to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. I had absolutely no idea if Rigsby was about to be blown up, since he and Van Pelt aren't part of the main cast anymore and he was definitely headed into a danger zone, alone. As in Teresa Lisbon going into Brett Partridge's house solo at the beginning of Season 6 style. Scary. Anyway, it turned out that Rigsby didn't run into any problems except for the body of poor Ardiles, who definitely wasn't paranoid.
Even more shocking and compelling, Van Pelt found evidence that whoever was following Ardiles has it out for a number of former CBI agents, including all of our other Mentalist friends. Who could it be, and what do they want? I knew the implosion of the CBI couldn't just be smothered like that with no aftermath. I cannot wait to find out where this trail of evidence will lead.
What did you think of this week's episode? Did you enjoy the "Jisbon" moments? Who do you think may be targeting former CBI agents? Share your ideas in the comments!
About the Author - Virginia Mae Fontana
Virginia is happy to be reviewing Hart of Dixie, The Mentalist, Beauty and the Beast, Bones, Witches of East End, Covert Affairs, and Devious Maids for Spoiler TV. She is a college English instructor and also enjoys obsessing over films and pop music - in addition to tv shows, of course! You can find her blog, SugarRushed, at http://virginiamaeblog.blogspot.com/ and her Twitter handle is @SugarRushedBlog
