The Mentalist: The Complete Second Season

This CBS series stars Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, a former showbiz psychic who now offers his gifts of observation and psychological insight to the California Bureau of Investigation. In this 2009-10 second season, Patrick is still a flamboyant showman whose chaotic methods often try the patience of his boss, Teresa (Robin Tunney). The so-called mentalist also comes across as a bored genius who gets his kicks by tweaking authority and playing games with suspects. But he's unquestionably driven to catch Red John, the serial killer who murdered his wife and daughter. More attention is paid in this sophomore outing to the rest of the team, while Patrick is given a new romantic interest in the form of Kristina (Leslie Hope), a gentle, sweet, and sincere clairvoyant who isn't a fake (or at least so she says). Meanwhile, Red John returns with a vengeance. The Mentalist is a modestly entertaining procedural (despite its formulaic overreliance on Patrick's gifts and insights to find the truths missed by veteran investigators). Compiling all 23 episodes, DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette, segments with real-life mentalist Luke Jermay and the cast, and deleted scenes. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)