TV Jots

Simon Baker Is TV’s Next Big Fake Psychic

If you’re a fan of USA Network dramedies, you can’t help but think of its popular and funny detective series Psych after learning the premise of CBS’ new crime-drama procedural The Mentalist. The premise, however, is where the similarities between the two shows end.

Although the newer series features a character, Simon Baker’s Patrick Jane, with amazing powers of observation who has even worked professionally as a fake psychic in the past, The Mentalist’s subject matter is far darker and more urgent than that on Psych.

Sure, the show also has its very comical moments, many sprouting from Jane’s engagingly devilish sense of humor. But, make no mistake: Jane and his California Bureau of Investigation colleagues, led by reluctant ally Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney of Prison Break), have to deal with high-profile murders that Shawn Spencer can only dream of coming his way.

In the premiere episode alone, we learn that Jane’s wife and daughter were murdered five years ago by the eminently creepy, never-captured serial killer known as Red John, a tragedy executed because Jane somehow miffed the criminal during his fake-psychic TV show. Red John likes to leave a special calling card at the scenes of his crimes — a smiley face painted in the blood of the victim on a wall that greets responders. Psych this definitely ain’t.

On the second episode of The Mentalist, “Red Hair and Silver Tape,” Jane assists Team Lisbon with its investigation of a murdered waitress. The only thing that could make the plot better is if recent Emmy winner Zeljko Ivanek (Damages) returned; but, he went down for his sins on the pilot.

Get a taste of The Mentalist below, then make sure to watch if you haven’t started already. This show is so good, it can even get Gail O’Grady (Helen Pryor on American Dreams) and Steven Culp (Rex Van De Kamp on Desperate Housewives) to play roles that don’t last past the opening segment. After their scenes, I was hopelessly hooked, and I don’t foresee that reception changing anytime soon.