The Mentalist Round Table: "Violets"
Christine Orlando
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A deadly gang of art thieves had Patrick Jane in his glory on The Mentalist Season 6 Episode 16, as he took the entire team undercover for an elaborate con to catch the bad guys.
Our TV Fanatics Robin Harry and Christine Orlando are joined by The Mentalist fan Neha to discuss how they feel about Lisbon and Marcus Pike and what Jane was thinking when he cast his latest con.
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What do you think of Lisbon dating Marcus Pike?
Robin: I'm okay with it. I'm not a hardcore shipper, but I do think the writers are heading for a Lisbon/Jane end game (which I'm surely on board with). In the meantime though, Lisbon deserves to be wined and dined, and Marcus seems like a good guy with excellent taste. I say go for it, Lisbon!
Neha: When I first heard the spoilers about Pike I wasn't sure, but now that I have seen him in action, I absolutely love him! He felt really refreshing to me. In a world where the only man in Lisbon's life expects her to almost always read between the lines, a direct no mess, no games approach must be like the first day of spring for her. Of course, she grabbed it! Their chemistry is great and I think Lisbon needs to have some fun at this point.
Christine: I agree with Neha that Pike's direct approach was a huge contrast to Jane. I'm OK with Lisbon and Pike dating as long as it's just for a few episodes and it's used to help move Teresa and Patrick's relationship forward. I've got my fingers crossed that that is where this story is headed.
Did you see any subtext in the roles Jane gave everyone in his elaborate con?
Robin: Yes and no. I'm sure he thoroughly enjoyed having Lisbon as the girlfriend and Fischer as the tramp, but he was also being practical. Kim practically seduced Jane while he was in exile so he knew what she was capable of, and I can't even imagine watching Lisbon try to seduce someone. Conversely, he and Lisbon have known each other longer and have better chemistry, and would make a much more believable couple.
Neha: Yes, absolutely. He's always said for a lie to really work, there has to be some truth in it. Kim got to be the seducer because, let's face it, that's what she was on the island with Jane. Also after he walked into that banter between Lisbon and Pike in the stolen art museum, I don't think Jane wanted her to spend any behind the scenes time with Pike.
Christine: Yes, I thought that was lots of fun. That he dressed Lisbon in that very feminine white dress and gave her the role of his girlfriend but put Fischer in the tacky animal print and made her the seducer had me wondering if they were simply roles he thought they could play or did he subconsciously see them in these roles in real life.
Do you believe McKaye was right? Is Lisbon Jane's soft spot?
Robin: Oh my gosh, yes. Whether platonically or romantically, there's no denying that Jane loves Lisbon and would do anything for her.
Neha: Oh, absolutely, if Lisbon is not his soft spot I don't know who is. If McKaye had put a gun to Lisbon's head Jane would have given up pretty much anything.
Christine: McKaye got it right. If nothing else she is his best friend but I think they're on the cusp of being much more. I don't know how Jane would handle it if he ever lost her.
Who had the best outfit of the episode?
Robin: The black and white dress Lisbon wore the day after the party was just fabulous. I want one!
Neha: Lisbon, we never get to see her out of her button up shirts and blazers, this was a great change.
Christine: I'm with Robin, I really liked Lisbon's black and white dress. It really stood out because we never see her in skirts. But I also couldn't help but notice all of the scarves Jane wore. I don't know why but every time I saw him in one it made me smile.
What was your favorite scene from this episode of The Mentalist Season 6?
Robin: This is the most fun episode we've had in FOREVER, so it's strange that my favorite scene was a sad one. It absolutely broke my heart to see Patrick at the end of the episode, sitting all alone in the dark. Without Red John and without Teresa, he really is lost.
Neha: I really enjoyed this episode, more than I thought I would. Surprisingly, my favorite scene was the one in the fish bowl when Wiley was forced to brief everyone. They all looked so amused, like when a toddler plays doctor and you play the patient. Also, the look on Lisbon's face when she saw that dress was priceless. Patrick's direct quote Wiley read out at the end, all made for an excellent scene!
Christine: I really enjoyed Pike and Wiley watching the scene at the bar unfold over the video monitor. There's something about Wiley's enthusiasm that's just infectious. I think Jane has a new protégé.
C. Orlando was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.
