(100 Things: The Mentalist) 001: Red Badge
100 Things I love about The Mentalist
001: 2x03 Red Badge
It's all about Lisbon...!
When I first decided to do this challenge (I'll admit already, that it isn't 100% planned, though I know a lot of things that will come up), I immediately knew that this episode would be the focus of my first entry. I could easily have picked a character (Lisbon, naturally) or ship (Jane/Lisbon, probably) or even an aspect of the fandom which I adore, and all of these things (and more!) will come up eventually, but I just knew I had to focus on Red Badge first.
Why?
Because this episode, in my opinion, is nothing short of perfection.
There's arguments from both sides of the fence about Red John. Whether the show could survive without him, when most of the episodes that are generally accepted as being the best are about him. Whilst I do very much like a good Red John episode, this is certainly one of the episodes that provides an ideal counter-argument against him. It doesn't even focus on Jane, even.
It's no secret that I'm one of those 'obsessive' Lisbon fans, so to speak. Therefore, this episode was almost guaranteed to be one of my firm favourites. However, that doesn't stop it from being incredibly clever and a hell of a ride for anyone to enjoy.
The case is one of the more genuinely interesting ones that The Mentalist has featured. A serial rapist, from a case which both Lisbon and Samuel Bosco were previously involved with, being killed. The case from Lisbon's past which made her career. Aside from Lisbon, you never really see the other 'plausible' suspects. Instead, the case builds, pretty much damning Lisbon, until the revelation at the end - where all the other hints and clues become apparent from the end. It's also an episode which just shows how important the team are to one another - that they truly do have each other's backs - and that Rigsby, Van Pelt and Cho are every bit as good at their job as you expect them to be. They don't just leave it up to Jane to wrap up the perpetrator with a bow.
And that's what makes this episode so clever - the duality of it. I can remember my first watch of the episode, where I was almost convinced of Lisbon's guilt (only almost because a. it's Lisbon, they're not going to do anything THAT damaging to the character, especially as it was early season two and we hadn't had years getting to know the character, to understand her moral system, though she was already well characterised back then. And b. because we already knew she was going to be in the rest of the season...) Then, on multiple rewatches, you're in on the storyline. You know why she's acting crazy (with some serious overacting from Tunney, which makes so much more sense when you know the full picture, and stops it from looking like she's, well, not as good an actress as she actually is), you know what she isn't telling Bosco and why Jane is needling Minelli's concern for her. It's almost like watching the same storyline told in two different ways.
It's also the episode which provides satisfying closure to the story arc which was really set in the season 1 finale - the repercussions of Jane saving Lisbon's life. It shows how yes, she is struggling to cope with the concept and her indebtedness to him, the fact that she's still questioning how she relied upon him for her survival. The problems going on inside Lisbon's head are built up over the first two episodes of the season, and come to a head in the third. Of course, it also builds up other story threads for later episodes too - hints about Rigsby and Van Pelt's impending relationship (Lisbon: 'she will do well if she manages not to sleep with Rigsby') and of course, the whole Lisbon/Bosco relationship. Bosco, of course, was seriously underused and so much more could have been made of him, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. That doesn't mean he doesn't sparkle in the few episodes he's in - this one included.
The episode is also an ideal machine for showing more about the inner workings of the CBI. The 'procedure' after a shooting - having to be signed off by a shrink. Other teams who can work just as well as the Serious Crimes Unit - it's easy to forget, sometimes, that there are more units than just the SCU, as understandably, they're not given any screen time except as walk on extras. The procedure after cases - meetings with the deputy AG - testifying in court and the like. It shows that the job is not done, even after they've made the arrest. There's also interesting insight into how the characters react with one another - the animosity between Lisbon's team and Bosco - despite the fact that Lisbon and Bosco do have the utmost respect for one another. Lisbon and Minelli's relationship is explored in different facets - the fact that he 'wants her nailed' if she's responsible and not afraid to throw her to the wolves if necessary, yet his disappointment in her when he genuinely believes she's guilty. It also shows that despite the fact he thought she was a murderer, he still had an incredible amount of concern for her - not enough to visit her himself, but to send a trained official who he respects to deal with someone apparently having a meltdown.
This episode is probably the episode where we learn the most about Lisbon. Her incredible amount of self-control, her strength of character, the things that are important to her. How much of her soul she has sold to 'the job' and the effect it has had on her as a person. Just how much she needs her career, the respect of others, and her own self-respect. How, whilst she prides herself in doing a good job, she doesn't seek out the limelight. And most importantly, it shows what it would take to break her. And she very nearly does break.
All in all, this is just such a satisfying episode and one I'll never get bored of. Ashley Gable is, quite simply, a genius.
Some Scenes:
Lisbon: Dr. Carmen, why won't you sign off on me?
The first clue that not all is at it seems when it comes to Carmen and his involvement in the McTeer case: he signs off on Jane after just the one session, yet he keeps Lisbon coming in week after week. Whilst I'm not about to argue that Lisbon is completely mentally sound, compared to Jane, she has no problems whatsoever. The ever so slight break in her voice when she pleads with the doctor for a real reason as to why he won't let her go gets to me every time.
Jane: Life's a game. You always have time for that.
You have to wonder how Jane is always capable of talking people into his fun and games. This is one of the few moments where we see Lisbon relaxing, almost, and letting Jane have his fun. It also shows just how intuitive Jane is - he knows she needs the distraction, just something else to focus on, albeit briefly. But at the same time, he's probably garnering information on her - how she's reacting to the case, despite the fact she's not thinking about it beyond needing to work on it instead of playing Jane's silly mind games. What's the betting he's already clocked she's under the influence of lorazepam here?
I also really like this game - I have no idea just how he works out which cup the note is under. As Lisbon says 'well you have a 25% chance...'
Van Pelt: Lisbon was like a rockstar for a while... a superhero with a secret identity.
I seem to be picking more caps for every scene. *g* Anyway. I love this moment, because it shows some important character aspects: Van Pelt's virtual hero-worship for Lisbon (though the others are admiring of her 'career-making' case, Van Pelt is the one who is especially complimentary), Lisbon's desire to talk the situation down and Jane just remaining fairly aloof about it all (probably, because he had already read the article and committed it to memory a long while ago.) Bosco's interruption and teasing of the whole team, before returning his attentions to Lisbon is just the icing on the cake.
Jane: six times tables? Wow.
Obligatory Jane-is-good-with-kids scene. And naturally, said kid is a little girl. Though Emily is quite sweet, and also provides more to the plot because McTeer was grooming her.
Lisbon: That's me, cool and calm.
It's always been a part of my headcanon that this specific Deputy DA is a. bisexual, or if not, gay and b. has a bit of a crush on Lisbon. She barely says a word to Cho, but lavishes praise on Lisbon, which she grudgingly accepts and does seem to get mildly embarrassed about. This is also the scene where the bombshell about Lisbon's fingerprints being on the magazine of the murder weapon comes to the fore.
Jane: I bet you wish you wore gloves, huh?
This scene, which I briefly discussed earlier, I more want to speak about how everyone is positioned. Lisbon sitting down, the three men towering over her, despite the fact that Jane is much more obviously 'on her side' than the other two are. Really, that says more than any words they can all say. It's almost like they're trying to intimidate her by presence alone, but of course, Lisbon being one of them, knows what they're trying to do.
Cho: Who's going to work the case as hard as us?
The team, discussing the Lisbon situation. Jane already knows what he thinks, he's just garnering the thoughts of the others. It's interesting to note that despite the fact that they're 'the law', the only one who is willing to actually adhere to it is Rigsby. The others would happily let Lisbon get away with murder - literally. Though it's heart-warming to see just how much they're willing to stand with her, you have to have a little more respect for Rigsby and his stance.
Lisbon: I can't remember. It's weird.
I love this scene so very much. It has banter, but of course, there's the deeper undercurrents given their current predicament. The fact that even after working with Jane for a considerable amount of time, she's still trying (and failing) to lie to him is endearing. And then, we get to the crux of the matter: 'I don't want you inside my head.' She still doesn't entirely trust Jane.
...and what is it that she doesn't want him to know so badly? ;-)
Bosco: Anger turns people. Lisbon: Yes, it does.
That one piece of dialogue is what makes this scene. You can tell this is the moment when Lisbon's cogs are whirring, thinking 'what if, what if?' She's already admitted that she doesn't remember, so it doesn't take too much of a leap for her to worry if what everyone is saying is right...
Lisbon: Boss... Minelli: Don't.
Oh, this moment is heartbreaking. Lisbon looks so lost and alone when Minelli, essentially, rejects her. It's like her losing her father all over again, as he is pretty much the father-figure in her life at this moment in time. She needs him to stand by her, and instead, he's doing exactly what he promised: throwing her to the wolves. But it still hurts, as he's assuming guilt. Whatever happened to 'innocent until proven guilty'? She hasn't been charged with murder, yet...
Rigsby: Is that right? Bosco: Yes, it is.
Rigsby, sizing up to Bosco. This always amuses me. Whilst he very obviously has the size-advantage, Bosco completely stares and talks him down, even if it leaves Rigsby feeling like he's 'won'. Still I love this moment because the whole scene has cracking Cho dialogue and sees them getting on with business, even with Jane tied up elsewhere.
Jane: I'm not hypnotising you, Lisbon
The hypnotism scene - I love the dialogue so much. I suspect the reason she went under so easily is the medication and the stress. However, it's the fact he lulls her into that sense of security by saying he's not doing it, is just perfect for these two. And this is just such an adorable moment. As for the talking through trance moment - of course Jane is going to draw out a little bit more about her, which she wouldn't ordinarily talk about. Then, her 'I want my money back' when he reveals that she has completely blanked Tuesday night is heartbreaking. Especially as Jane really just seems as lost as she is - even he doesn't know how to make her feel any better about it all. Yet.
Van Pelt: what is happening?
Oh boy, the meltdown scene. As I said earlier, first time I watched it, I pretty much though 'God, I thought Robin was a better actress than that'. However, in retrospect, it works well, because it's Robin, playing Lisbon, who in turn, is pretending to have a serious meltdown. Lisbon isn't going to have the same finesse that any of the actors in the show have - she's a cop - so naturally, it makes sense that her whole meltdown will be especially exaggerated. And poor Van Pelt! I think the moment really rattled her...
This is one of the scenes which has such a duality to it. First impressions is it's Lisbon, having a meltdown, messing around with guns, alcohol, and prescription drugs. Other watches? It's Lisbon, trying to relax - and get into character - to put on a show when Carmen arrives. She's setting the scene, making it look like she's drunk, drugged and seriously considering suicide. And that's what makes this scene work so well.
Minelli: I didn't take her off-duty weapon.
This scene shows Minelli at his most conflicted. Though he denies being concerned about Lisbon being suicidal - and/or about her blaming the bureau for it - it's blindingly obvious that he is. He's also in political quicksand. Though her normal weapon and badge have been confiscated - he's left her in the possession of another weapon. If she had been guilty and if she had used it, he would have been screwed.
And of course, even though he doesn't admit to it - and doesn't know whether or not she is guilty - he doesn't want her to hurt herself because she is like a daughter to him.
Lisbon: I lock it down because I have to, because that's my job.
Quite frankly, I could have quoted this entire speech. Though it's used to convince Carmen that she's teetering on the edge of insanity, in order to get his confession, you also cannot help but feel there's more than a little hint of honesty in what she's saying. This is the kind of talking that Lisbon needs to do, this is her actually getting some sort of therapy from him, even if it is also her bringing him down, quite spectacularly. It shows her using that quicksilver mind and getting exactly what she needs from him.
Oh, and when Jane joins in, there's a Wizard of Oz reference too. What's not to love?
Jane: He's in love with you? Lisbon: Don't be silly. Jane: I know, hard to fathom, but there's no accounting for taste, is there?
I love this whole final scene. The Lisbon and Bosco interaction, where she's just getting everything back to normal and they're both apologising - him for thinking she was guilty and her, for not letting him in on the plan. The moment when Bosco places his hand on the box and Lisbon reflexively removes hers speaks volumes really. It's almost him putting out the olive branch, subconsciously expressing how he feels about her, and her rejecting him. Then you get Jane and the teasing banter about the whole situation. Jane's dialogue speaks volumes too: the words he uses, carefully chosen, suggest that, though he's no way near ready for it, Bosco isn't the only one with feelings for a certain agent.
...and that's me, done. For now...