Even with so many variations on the formula, the most important element of any quality procedural is the richness of the characters that solve these weekly cases. It only takes one great character to draw you in, and The Mentalist (currently airing its sixth season on CBS Sundays) has that down with its ridiculously charismatic lead Patrick Jane (the emmy-nominated Aussie Simon Baker). Jane used to act as a professional psychic, using conman tricks from his youth living in a gypsy commune, before he challenged the serial killer Red John on live television by claiming to understand him and his motives. Red John retaliated by brutally murdering Jane's wife and young daughter, painting a morbid smiley face on the wall with their blood, his signature calling card. This was the catalyst for Jane's reform, using his skills as a mentalist (defined as "Someone who uses mental acuity, hypnosis and/or suggestion. A master manipulator of thoughts and behavior" in first season's opening of each episode) to catch criminals as a consultant for the (fictional) California Bureau of Investigation while he continues to hunt for Red John.
As is the case with most procedurals that employ overarching subplots, the more serialized episodes that feature the numerous twists and turns of the Red John investigation are the standouts. As the series progresses, Jane learns more and more about Red John, discovering a seemingly endless parade of "friends" who claim the killer is always ahead because he is a full blown psychic, a trait Jane knows to be impossible. However, certain inexplicable events lead Jane to question his own beliefs as the final chapter of the Red John saga plays out in the current (and perhaps final) season. Although the central mystery is certainly tantalizing, the best thing about The Mentalist is just watching Jane and his elaborate schemes to reveal Red John's identity. Furthermore, since Jane uses similar tactics to solve whatever case the CBI picks up each week, nearly every episode is a treat to watch (even if you have figured out that week's culprit all on your own). Part of Jane's charm is how inappropriately blunt he is about his observations, typically insulting the grieving families in a hilariously matter-of-fact manner while explaining how he drew his conclusion, as he has no patience for the various skeletons that inevitably fall out of their closets the moment he steps into a room.
Of course Jane's tactlessness in dealing with people and his unorthodox (and probably not strictly legal) methods for revealing each episode's murderer often result in heavy rebuke for his patient boss/partner Theresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) from her superiors, however his skill at closing cases with confessions typically resolves any issues. And yes, although there are slight hints of a potential romance for Jane and Lisbon, the series wisely gears their relationship more towards close friends, as Lisbon is a dedicated professional with the utmost respect for authority and Jane is a rule-flouting rogue still haunted by the memories of his wife. Despite their often seemingly polar opposite personalities, their friendship and trust remains so resilient that they can even move beyond their intentions regarding Red John (she unsurprisingly plans to arrest him and put him on trial, while Jane constantly makes it clear he will kill him the moment he finds him). The cast is rounded out by a few supporting CBI agents with intriguing back stories (and entertaining dynamics with Jane): the no-nonsense Kimball Cho (Tim Kang), the optimistic Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman), and the open-minded Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti). So if you prefer you're crime procedurals with a tone balancing the light humor of a charismatic lead and the dark macabre of a serial killer, then give The Mentalist a shot and prepare to be engrossed by its intriguing insights into the arts of "reading" people and psychological suggestion.
