The Mentalist

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 23, 2008
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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Critic Reviews

  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    60
    The results are satisfying, and suspenseful, yes, but also a little bit stupid and predictable, too.
  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    60
    Baker has an unforced masculinity that allows him to play likable bastards like this, and with the other regular characters (played by Robin Tunney, Owain Yeoman, Tim Kang and Amanda Righetti) so far ciphers at best, he's able to carry the show by his lonesome.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    50
    There's an old-school feel to the storytelling (shades of "Columbo") that makes it feel comfortable--perhaps too comfortable, or at least too easy.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    50
    Baker does possess a certain roguish charm, and writer Bruno Heller ("Rome") and pilot-directing guru David Nutter mine that--as well as the central character's slightly menacing backstory--to try and invest the series with a bit of depth, mostly to little avail.
  6. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Adam Buckman
    50
    Too many serial killers threaten to overwhelm The Mentalist, whose charismatic lead character can stand on his own, if the show's producers would only realize that murders committed singly can be just as interesting as serial murders, and just as difficult to solve, too
  7. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    50
    Smart guys from the outskirts of society have been solving tough cases entertainingly at least as long as Sherlock Holmes. The Mentalist simply presents another, along with no compelling reason either to tune in or turn off.
  8. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Cynthia Fuchs
    50
    Patrick dramatizes his sense of superiority, intimidating and irritating just about anyone who comes in contact with him....The Mentalist does offer its own charms, chief among them Baker’s low-key, apparently complicated sarcasm.
  9. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    50
    As the lead, Simon Baker is too one-note smirky for me.
  10. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: John Leonard
    50
    And so far, so-so.
  11. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    40
    The smirky cynicism, savage mockery of New Age verities and prickly atheism of its lead character could have made The Mentalist fascinating (if not altogether pleasant) viewing. Instead, it turns down the same formulaic path as CBS' other police procedurals, a sort of CSI-with-a-fake-crystal-ball.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best TV Season of 2008
16
#16 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
8
#8 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 258 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 258
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 258
  3. Negative: 11 out of 258
  1. LordofFood
    Dec 29, 2009
    10
    Brilliant. Bruno Heller really thinks out the plot of the next episode and eventually makes it great. Simon Baker makes a good, sometimes Brilliant. Bruno Heller really thinks out the plot of the next episode and eventually makes it great. Simon Baker makes a good, sometimes cocky, smart, and observant Patrick Jane. Greatest show i've ever seen.… Full Review »
  2. Debbies.
    Sep 30, 2008
    5
    I want to like it, because I really like Simon Baker. But I do not think it is exciting enough. I do not care for who the show has as the I want to like it, because I really like Simon Baker. But I do not think it is exciting enough. I do not care for who the show has as the murderer(s). So far the murders really do not make since.… Full Review »
  3. BrandonN
    Sep 28, 2008
    10
    The first episode gave me me new hope for television.
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