The Mentalist: The Complete First Season

“Mentalist (noun): Someone who uses mental acuity, hypnosis, and/or suggestion”—that's the definition that opens each episode of this mystery procedural, and that's exactly what Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) brings to his role as a special consultant to the major crimes squad of the California Bureau of Investigation. Jane is a former stage psychic who once used his talents for observation and reading people as a means to fake supernatural abilities, until a serial killer called Red John punished his arrogance by murdering his wife and child. Jane now uses those skills to investigate crimes and gauge suspects; but he's still the showman, reveling in sleight-of-hand and displaying a gift for misdirection and theatrics, with his flamboyant behavior and chaotic methods often trying the patience of both his boss, Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney), and other CBI agents. In the 22 episodes of the 2008-09 first season, Jane is a cousin to both “deception expert” Tim Roth on Lie to Me and “fake psychic” James Roday on Psych, but ultimately it feels like this is just another entry in the already burgeoning genre of mystery series in which one man's special gifts and insights uncover truths no one else can see. DVD extras include a pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes, unaired scenes, and a gag reel. Optional. (S. Axmaker)