"The Mentalist" Episode - "Red Hot"

On this week's episode of "The Mentalist," serious and long-suffering CBI agent Lisbon (played with eye-rolling perfection by Robin Tunney) finds love. Or at least lust.

The object of Lisbon's affections is much-married rich guy Walter Mashburn, a handsome and charming if a bit too self-assured, character introduced to us last season. After flirting cleverly, Mashburn and Lisbon wind up hitting the sheets.

In this episode, Mashburn involves the CBI in an investigation of a death threat received by the CEO of Barjoran Helicopters, Yuri Barjoran. For awhile, Walter is a suspect, having embarked on a pursuit to take control of the company from Barjoran. Another suspect is an old girlfriend of Mashburn's, who now happens to be somewhat psycho (for Lisbon's sake we wonder -- is it Walter's fault?)

Patrick Jane -- brilliant, observant, sleepy and witty alternately and delightfully, gets off plenty of clever remarks in "Red Hot."

Lisbon: (about a toupee) "Gross. Why would you take it?"
Jane: "Evidence."
Lisbon: "Of what?"
Jane: "Bad taste."

Jane also acts like a child plenty, another reason why viewers adore him, as when we see him playing with Barjoran's toupee-on-fake-head collection. He's also hilarious in a scene where he freely uses Walter's credit card during an auction. It's hard to imagine a better portrayal of the troubled yet playful, unique character Jane, than that given by Simon Baker. What other actor could pull it off?

For action and explosion fans, Jane, Lisbon and Walter get shot at while Lisbon's pointing out to Walter he'd do anything for a thrill. Nah, they don't get hurt. Later a huge explosion is provided in which Yuri and his security chief Drucker appear to be killed.

Some amusing trickery is employed by Walter and Jane in acting out a fight in which Walter punches Jane quite convincingly. Of course, later it's revealed this fakery was a set-up to trap the real killer.

Although at one point Lisbon really thinks Mashburn could be the killer, and is visibly upset at the possibility, this plot ending was pretty predictable. Turns out Barjoran faked his own death to avoid Walter's impending takeover of Barjoran Helicopters.

But isn't all this plot stuff just so much distraction? This is the episode we've looked forward to where Lisbon becomes a Real Woman with feelings and everything. Where viewers get to see Mashburn watch Lisbon get dressed and strap on the gun belt. Isn't that what we all really wanted?