When a mobster under witness protection is executed, Jane brings his unconventional methods to the world of organized crime to locate the mole within the justice system. 21. "Miss Red"
Season 1 establishes the foundational mythology of the series. Patrick Jane is not a psychic; he is a former celebrity medium who openly admits his past career was a fraudulent performance. His life shattered five years prior to the pilot when he publicly insulted a prolific serial killer known only as "Red John" on television. In retaliation, Red John brutally murdered Jane’s wife and daughter, leaving his signature smiley face painted in blood on the bedroom wall.
You can find full episode guides and cast details on the Mentalist Season 1 Wikipedia page or view community discussions and reviews on The Mentalist Reddit .
When a high school football star is found murdered, the local community points fingers at a self-proclaimed teenage witch. Jane must separate superstitious panic from actual motive. 13. "Paint It Red"
A beautiful woman is found dead at a construction site with a bouquet of a dozen red roses. The investigation uncovers a passionate love triangle and a case of mistaken identity.
A former acquaintance of Jane's is accused of murder, but he claims to have information about Red John's identity. This episode deepens the mythology of the season-long arc.
So close the search tab, open a legal stream, and enjoy the pilot episode. You won’t regret it.
Season 1 consists of 23 episodes. Each episode title (with the exception of the pilot) contains a variation of the word "red," serving as a constant thematic nod to the looming shadow of Red John. Episode 1: "Pilot" September 23, 2008