The Mentalist: Revelations of Red John and Jane's Finale
Many fans of The Mentalist felt a mixed bag of reactions to the reveal of Red John's identity and the simplicity of how Jane managed to put him down. This article delves into the varying perspectives on these pivotal moments in the show's plot, exploring why some viewers found them satisfying while others were left feeling let down.
The Buildup and Reveal: A Double-Edged Sword
Over several seasons, the mysterious Red John loomed large as one of the most compelling antagonists in television history. The Blake Association, introduced in season 3, further fueled the suspense and depth of the character. By the time Red John's identity was revealed to be Thomas McAllister, many viewers felt a mix of disappointment and satisfaction. While some appreciated the complexity and depth of the reveal, others found it lacking in the extensive build-up that had been carefully constructed over the preceding seasons.
Janes' Effort and the Final Confrontation
One of the most controversial elements of the final season involved Jane's method of eliminating those on Red John's list of victims. Some viewers found this approach unsatisfying, especially since it felt simplistic compared to the intense psychological battle that had been built up over the series. In an interview, a fan expressed strong disappointment, stating, 'One must not forget the whole BLAKE ASSOCIATION story… that was one hell of a plot for the show.' However, another fan took issue with the finale's approach, saying, 'Death of Red John was’t supposed to be that easy, especially after he made a long list of his crimes. That was a misstep, indeed.'
The Final Season: Disappointment and Criticism
For many viewers, the final season of The Mentalist was a letdown. Some fans were highly disappointed with the resolution of the Red John storyline. They felt that the reveal and Jane's method of taking him down were underwhelming. One viewer expressed their disappointment with a tirade: 'There would be an award /like Razzies for the best show to crash land it’s way from riches to rags, then The Mentalist will win this without a hiccup. If Bruno Heller had such creativity after all these shenanigans and portraying Red John like a smoke monster disappearing act for almost 7 seasons, this finale was a letdown. The megalomaniac serial killer looked more like a sheep waiting to be slaughtered.'
Concluding Thoughts
Despite the criticisms and disappointments expressed by several fans, there is still a strong appreciation for the overall television show. Simon Baker's impeccable acting as Patrick Jane was widely praised, earning him widespread acclaim. However, the final season left a bitter taste with many, highlighting a gap between the high expectations set by the show and the manner in which it was ultimately concluded.
Key Takeaways:
The complex and suspenseful storyline of The Mentalist created high expectations for the Red John storyline. Revealing Red John's identity as Thomas McAllister and Jane's simplistic method of eliminating him disappointed many viewers. The final season of The Mentalist was seen as a misstep, lacking the depth and complexity that fans had come to expect. Simon Baker's acting in the show was highly praised, but the overall narrative direction of the finale left many feeling unsatisfied.