The Mentalist Series Finale Review - Brown Shag Carpet & White Orchids

First of all, it is very hard for me to write this very final review of the show as I'm not even sure if I'm in a right mental state to even review the episode. I am so exhausted by all the bittersweetness that  simultaneously dwells from the happiness of the characters and the farewell as an audience for the fact that it is the end of a 7 years era. But I decided to give it a go anyway. As fresh as my emotions are or the zero sanity left in me, it is my way to deal with grief - just like how this got me started to create this blog.

I watch many TVs, some of my favourites have an equally well written finale (Fringe, Breaking Bad, Friends) but none of them affected me this much that it consumed my real life. Well, nothing even come close. I'm not saying that The Mentalist has the best written series finale ever, but I love the fact that it was made so simple but so true. Its like a genuine gesture of gratitude from the cast and crew that was naturally projected on screen. That itself has served so much meaning and depth and I feel incredibly honoured as a fan. And story wise, the fact that it ends with a complete full circle completely served as a legacy of the show. Simon, thank you so much for writing that very brilliant ending. You completed the last piece of the circle. Thank you.

Overall, I loved how this Finale consists of so many themes all at once. It started off with darkness, fear, some actions, even several references to vampires, occult, blood rituals, self vivisection and then to explosion, before going in to romantic comedy theme where there's light, proposal, wedding planning, slutty elf, bimbo, funny Tunney, best line reading (sylvan theme), hormones attack, wedding ceremony, joyous party, dance and finally fairy tale happy ever after. It's a Mentalist movie with roller coaster of emotions. And as promised, it ends in an extremely high note.

The complete full circle:

To me the full circle served for both characters from their professional and personal life aspect. Jane first came into the show as a man who was once a family man, a fake psychic until he lost his wife and child. He danced his way in the darkness, had no purpose in life other than vengeance and to serve his own justice. Now he exits the show again as a family man with a wife and child who's found light and purpose to live - full circle. Not to mention he'd lost both wife and child in one night and yet gotten back a wife and child in exactly ONE night. His last case of being a fake psychic served as part of the circle, only this time he's doing it for a good cause. Good karma comes to good people so see, we basically witnessed Jane's circle of karma through this 13 years of timeline. Karma does come around quickly. 

Meanwhile Lisbon was once a happy child. Young Teresa's graffiti says it all, it defined her happiness as a child. Unfortunately she had to encounter a family tragedy that forced her to forgone every happiness and ideal life she had ever dreamed of. She became this tough angry woman married to her job and completely shut herself from all kinds of personal relationship. Her job became her one and only identity. She didn't have a life, never thought she would ever have a normal human life, a family, let alone a happy ending. But at the end she got it anyway, a family to go home to, and a little yellow house by the pond. Her ending is almost equivalent to the happy young Teresa's drawing. A complete full circle for her too.

I don't know about you but for me the Finale was shot as if some scenes were reminiscence of past episodes. I feel like I was watching clips from season 1 to 7. Could this be intentional to honour rabid fans as part of the wrap gift? Probably not. Its just me thinking too much. But anyway, I feel like its worth mentioning:

Pilot.

The fact that Jane went into being a fake psychic again could mean it was another leap forward to overcoming his past and trauma. He seemed at ease performing in front of the media to lure the serial killer. Given that this exact same action was the cause of his life tragedy, it was a major mental development. It was somewhat a testament that he finally recovered completely and free from his demons and completely ready to move forward. Also thanks to the Grand Canyon life-enlightening trip and the 3 legged dog for the cure that also gave him the nudge to figure out what he wanted to do with his future - the cure that comes from number 3. It was fruitful despite at the expense of Lisbon. 

Horse. Red Sauce topped with Little Yellow House

Red Velvet Cupcakes

If It Bleeds It Leads

Red Sails in The Sunset

Red Rum (I wanted to say it was also to honor Robin Tunney's The Craft)

Fire and Brimstone

Brown Eyed Girl

The Great Red Dragon

Ball of Fire. Funny that it was also Tom S who wrote this episode.

Black Market / A Price Above Rubies

Graybar Hotel

Devils Cherry

The Mentalisbon

This scene was so so good. Another side of Lisbon in top form. Robin was so good playing enraged Mentalisbon. Lisbon has been really good in reading people nowadays and in this interrogation it all came out so spontaneously, she manipulated the man upside down with her wit and sass and passion to save her loved one. It was a clever move. My boss is right back there. Tell him. Get me fired. Ruin my career. I don't care. It was a powerful scene. There, she said it. She made a declaration that her job is not one bit as important as Jane.

Dont you ever do that to me again. Ever.

I like the fact that Lisbon got a taste of Jane's fear. This is the first time she had got to taste Jane in grave danger since they're together. This role reversal surely gave her a clearer idea of his mentality.

The full circle of the ring

This ring has been with me for a very long time, and, it has obvious significance with my past. It also represents meeting you. If I didn't have this ring, I would never have met you. So in a sense it has the potential to represent my future, as well. And I'm not expecting you would ever wear it, but I want to share it with you. and I want it to represent our future..together. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?

The most honest, profound, poignant proposal I've ever seen. I'm so glad Teresa brought up the ring issue earlier, that question got him to thinking what does it represents. Very interesting to look at Teresa's choreography of emotions; from confused to surprised to extremely touched and finally tears of joy. Based on Patrick's lines, I'd say the ring act as a symbolism of their full circle together.

Did you also see the way she said Yes and her laugh? Tunney please, my poor heart. Jane's face too when he heard her 'yes', he'd lost every inch of vision as he grins like a happy little kid. He might be a 'psychic', but after all these years she's still a mystery to him. As much as she's an open book, she's the only one who had managed to surprise him - from the hidden hammer, to gluing his tea cup, to accepting his proposal and to the life-shocking biggest baby surprise. It's true when people said love is blind, it does give Jane some blindspot in a way. All in all, they will continue to surprise each other as they grow old together. It is a beautiful thing.

On a side note, I really loved how Lisbon was like a different person after the proposal. She seemed like she just let out everything inside her. Fun, mischievous, happy, and never ending big smiles. Even the non-hugger suddenly offers a generous free hugs: Who wanna hug me? C'mon... It felt like she's being reborn to the girl before her family tragedy. Jane fixed her as a rounded human being just like she fixed him.


Chisbon wedding dress shopping

*Tears*. My favorite platonic ship. These two go way back. They've known each other the longest and have been together since day 1, been through god-knows-how-many dead bodies together, darkness, dirty corrupt government bodies, all the way to the FBI. Throughout 7 seasons both characters have evolved significantly and so is their dynamic. They have this very unique and subtle bonding thats indescribable by words. Something only a Mentalista could understand. Lisbon has always been Cho's role model, as he quoted in Black Hearts: I saw the way you work, I knew I had to stay. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you. Hence it's very nice of Bruno to get Cho to pick Lisbon's wedding dress for her (excellent choice too, very sweet and elegant dress and yet so Lisbony). Afterall, he's the closest to a friend she has ever have other than Jane. And to have their last scene together with Cho citing to Lisbon that her mother must be very proud was a truly heartfelt moment, very fitting to wrap the two's dynamic. At the end, his smile towards her literally screams that he's also very proud of her. Thank you, Kimball. 

All the wrap up one-on-one team moments were also perfectly made - Jane and Abbott (so glad they brought up the napkin agreement!!!), Wylie and Cho, Abbott and Lisbon, Abbott and Cho, Lisbon and Wylie. We have all the necessary multidirectional one-on-one team moment to wrap up the show. And to top everything else the merge of FBI and CBI family gave out the best family feels ever. The Great One Big Mentalist Family.

The never ending cute scenes

When we're married do you think you might stop asking that question. That chair pulling, how cute was that???

Big credit to Teresa's snort. The banter, the teasing, this is how their signature banter has evolved as they became husband and wife - all topped with big smiles and rainbows and unicorns. This is how I imagined their banter look like as they grow old together.

Big credit to Teresa's hormones. This popular gurl was so overwhelmed and the preggy hormones might had just heightened her emotions tenfold. She went from crying, to wanting to elope, to attacking Jane with I love you and to cant wait to fire up the Airstream. That is the definition of hormones.

Honorable mention to Jane's new iPhone 6. New man, new life, new phone. Great choice but I was hoping Lisbon's ancient Blackberry would be replaced by an iPhone 6 too as I watched the scene. All things else, I don't think I need to mention the cuteness of the 3 kisses. Again, this is how I imagine them as they grow old.

The way Chris Long shot the bride and groom meeting at midpoint and have a long walk to the cabin was like a representation of their 13 years journey together.

What better way than to use your own wedding as a bait to catch a killer? Even Jane's signature 3 piece suit was used for his own wedding. Not to mention his way of getting that 'not real' wedding band for his wife? I'm just impressed that every elements of the show were put into use. It was classic Mentalist through and through. Bravo Bruno, Tom and Jordan.

Teresa holding that gun on her wedding dress was the greatest version of *quote Robin* Mentalist  crime version of romantic comedy. So in character. Look at Jane behind her, just being Jane. And the way he switched her gun to the bouquet was on point! I wanted to say this was also an honor to Robin Tunney's 'The In Laws', similar scene, sorry, major nostalgia.

Tying The Knot

The wedding ceremony was sacred, fun and total bliss all at once. I've never seen them the way they looked at each other this way. It was full of promise, full of light, like they're being reborn into a new world. A world filled with just joy and laughter. They've earned this happiness together and they so deserve it. It had been a long road, and a much longer blissful road awaits further. Congratulations, my babies. I still couldn't believe you've made it this far.

I also loved how they lifted the anti-kissing policy and just went full on kissing fiesta for the Finale. The tongues were an added pleasant bonus. Jane, please carry that passionate kiss and adorable cuddles forever. She's a cute little bear, be there to keep you warm day and night.

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Sorry, I need a moment before I can write about this last scene. Frankly, I don't know how many times I've teared watching this scene. Lisbon gave Jane the last piece to complete his full circle of life - a child. They were so fragile, so tender, so heart melting and tear jerking all at once. Their glow towards one another were so pure and true. It was a truly unbelievable moment for Jane when Lisbon delivered the news. The fact that she delivered it with just a subtle body language makes the whole scene even more magical, and Jane's choreography of facial emotions was Emmy worthy for Simon.

Lisbon closed her eyes as he embraced her, it felt like she's so glad to have given him the best gift of his life. And their sway as they embraced in each others arms were so Jane and Lisbon, only this time they're also swaying a child that is growing inside her. It was magical, a truly satiating moment for both the audience and the characters. The acting, the lighting, the ambience, it was fairy tale come to life. Heck, the profoundness of Jane and Lisbon's love story, I don't think there is nor there would be any fairy tale could even top this, ever. This goes without saying but it is literally my favorite scene of all time of all shows I've ever watched.

Now, we need to campaign for Simon and Robin to get an Emmy.

I quite loved the idea that the ending was definitive but it leaves an open imagination about their future. And I just received a question from TVFanatic as to how would I write their future if I can and here's my answer: First I would write them going for a short honeymoon around the world - just Jane showing Lisbon what the world with infinite possibilities look like, world of sailboats and all the adventures she's been missing in life. Then she would come back to the FBI and continues kicking ass but this time with a different eye and rejuvenated soul. Jane would be the loving house-husband who's always there to back his wife, professionally and personally, perhaps doing a part time consultant when he's too free? They would both raise their kid with unlimited wisdom and continue to make a difference for the world. The end. Please leave a comment below how would you write their future if you can? :)

Lastly, thank you Bruno Heller to have invented the best TV of all time, and Simon Baker and Robin Tunney who had been so wonderful giving life to the characters, so real and so believable. Without their talent and their off screen dynamic that wasn't intentionally delivered onto screen the show could never be this organic and successful. It was a gift. They are a legend. And The Mentalist is legendary. It will always be remembered and lives on forever.

Big hugs to all of us who make this season 7 happened with our saveMentalist campaign. I know I didn't waste my tea money, toys money, cake money for nothing. It was worth every penny.  It was a blessing. This show has been a part of me, part of my life style. It's like my spiritual guidance over the years. Now that its over there is a void in my heart that would take time to fill it back. Honestly, I feel like I am saying goodbye to a 7 years fiancee. Through this show I've met some great friends, talented and wonderful people. From the crazy to the wise, the normal to the weird, thanks for being part of my life. I hope for us this isn't a goodbye and that we will reminisce about the show from time to time. And don't forget, 9 months from now we will celebrate the birth of a miracle child. To those who's still having a hard time like myself, I'll quote Jane & Christine Orlando: Always look at the bright side.  Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened.

Thank you readers who've coped up with my ugly English all this while. And thank you so much for all your very kind comments on Twitter. You have no idea how much that means to me, they were all greatly appreciated. Cheers and take care.

If you want to read the last TVFanatic Mentalist Roundtable you can find it here: http://www.tvfanatic.com/2015/02/the-mentalist-round-table-a-happy-ending/