I’ve been watching Season 1 of The Mentalist off and on for the past couple months, and I’ve finally finished all the DVDs! I didn’t think the pilot was particularly great, but I kept plugging along and ended up really getting into the characters and their dynamic. The cases are pretty much like any other procedural out there (in other words, nothing special), so it’s the characters that kept me coming back.
In particular, I love Simon Baker as Thomas Jane. I think he’s very…charming in the role — and charming is a word that I almost never use! But it’s definitely the best way to describe him. I also love Rigsby and Van Pelt (I totally ship them), and think Lisbon is ok (though I can tell from various message boards that lots of fans think she’s the weak link). Cho I can take or leave, though.
I think it’s great how friendly they all are together. I enjoy watching workplaces where everyone gets along, because that’s just something that doesn’t happen where I currently work. Sure, it’s not like Jane and Rigsby get together and light baccarat cigars out on the balcony after a long day at work like Denny and Alan from Boston Legal, but I like that they all grab some pizza when they close a case.
I’m definitely planning to continue watching Season 2!