Two weeks after 9/11, CBS unveiled an oddly appealing little drama series on Tuesday nights called "The Guardian." It starred someone few Americans had heard of, an Australian actor named Simon Baker, as a soft-spoken attorney who, in order to avoid being disbarred for a drug conviction, agreed to perform community service as a legal advocate for kids in trouble.
Social work is not a sure-fire idea for a hit prime-time TV show, but "The Guardian" stuck around for four years of modest ratings thanks in large part to its unlikely lead actor. And so, in its usual conservative fashion, CBS has signed up Baker for another series (his third with the network) that marries his "Guardian" role to a "CSI"-style police procedural. "The Mentalist" is safe, predictable, manufactured crime drama ... and it works.
Baker plays Patrick Jane, a onetime TV psychic who helped people connect to their loved ones on "the other side." (His character has two first names, just like a real-life celebrity.) Now he uses his actual gift -- that of keen observation -- to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve tough crimes. Though clearly sorry for duping people into thinking they could speak with dead, he's not exactly the repentant type. That should sound familiar to fans of Baker's old show. So he spars with the senior agent, Lisbon (Robin Tunney), whose unit Jane is assigned to, and he tells off an overzealous CSI, calling him "a ghoul" who gets off thinking about dead people.
Because "The Mentalist" is a crime-solving ensemble show, Baker once again does not have to carry this show on his shoulders, any more than he had to on "The Guardian." After all these years, I don't really know if he's that great of an actor, because he's rarely had to stretch. But if he isn't, then hats off to him for convincing us that beneath that silent, ruggedly handsome exterior is a tortured jerk who has to push himself to do good deeds. That, and the overly telegraphed sexual tension with Agent Lisbon, give "The Mentalist" its personality to set itself apart from all the other blood-spatter shows on CBS.
The Mentalist Airs 8 pm CT on CBS (KCTV-5)
it was ok enough. i miss The Unit in this timeslot though. NCIS/THe Unit had a one/two punch that worked to great effect for me on Tuesdays. I think this show could work after Cold Case on sunday nights where The Unit is now supposed to air....Crossing Jordan did quite well for itself for a handful of years in the sunday at 10 spot and that's honestly what this show reminded me of in some part. (some parts.) other parts had a medium kinda feel to it. (I really do like medium i must admit.) this show was entertaining tho.(and i rather enjoyed crossing jordan during its years on the air as well i should add.) i don't know if i could committ myself to a couple of years of the mentalist...but i'll watch it for now as its in between ncis and without a trace. (house and fringe get taped on my vcr)
Also what's up with the title. I can't see anyone saying Oh man i gotta get home--there's an all new Mentalist on tonight!!!
bah what do i know.
bring on the unit.
Posted by: matt stechel | September 23, 2008 at 11:14 PM