Been loving this series but this was the best episode so far. As a genderfluid drag performer myself could really relate to some of the things in this episode and it certainly hit on some emotional scales. Only episode I've gone back and watched again
15 Reviews
The Phoenix
claudio_carvalho13 January 2022
When a car is found completely burnt in an alley with a man handcuffed to the steering wheel, the CBI agents assume the case and Patrick Jane finds a woman's shoe heel at the crime scene. Soon he discovers the owner, the drag queen Glenda Snow, in a nearby cabaret. The agents believe the victim is the gay Archie Bloom and his father Archie Bloom Sr. That expelled him from home becomes a suspect. His homophobic colleague Rick Hughes that bullied him at work also becomes a suspect. His landlord Gabriel Lamb that forced Archie to use drugs and abused him also becomes a suspect. However, Glenda does not identify neither of them as the murderer. They are charged for their abuses while Patrick follows another lead and uncover a secret.
"Ruby Slippers" is one of the best episodes of "The Mentalist". The plot has many suspects and twists, but the final plot point with Patrick Jane revealing a secret is magnificent. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Ruby Slippers"
"Ruby Slippers" is one of the best episodes of "The Mentalist". The plot has many suspects and twists, but the final plot point with Patrick Jane revealing a secret is magnificent. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Ruby Slippers"
Good except...
swax853 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This was a good, different kind of storyline... but they gave away the twist at the very beginning of the episode; the first time Jane enters the drag queens' dressing room, as soon as tension builds, they focus on one queen's worried face. Whose face looks exactly like the victim. If they hadn't done that, it would've been a much more unexpected twist at the end.
My New Favourite Episode
michaelweatherly_ncis30 October 2012
I just had the opportunity to see this episode on DVD. I missed it the first time around because I had gotten so far behind in watching the season but this episode in particular makes me regret having missed the original run. This is an absolutely beautiful episode from the stand point of the storyline which should be shown in film studies classes as to how to make a socially relevant episode without being heavy handed and also from a visual stand point. The performers in this episode were all particularly beautiful and their commitment to the roles never veered into the parody or anything other than sheer respect for the characters. This episode with a beautiful twist towards the end has easily become my new favourite episode of a wonderful series.
The best Crime episode overall
gevshek25 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The best "Crime fiction" episode of all times in my opinion, and here is the reason why:
These kind of series are limited to 40 minutes per episode, which means, without parting or creating sequels for an episode, they have to create a node, put evidences, set a climax and satisfy the audience with the ending, thus, their goal is to generate an editing / setup / fiction of crime with logical results in order to obtain the utmost satisfaction on the audience. So, in other words, there business is to work on "fiction engineering" per each episode.
This episode is, among others of this show and other series that I've watched so far, is the best "Crime fiction" episode in the words of "fiction engineering", due to its swift and smooth style of scattering details, solving everything logically and presenting the utmost satisfaction to the audience:
1) The Cabaret is a decent "diversion" / "deviation" for all means, as it puts out a fancy-mayhem of details that no one can really keep up with the clues among the characters. It can both serve as a side- plot, but also can hide the biggest secret for solution, speaking from the writers' perspective. Nicely done.
2) Though lying all the time, Cabaret members do not contradict with themselves. Their excuses and alibis are well prepared, and convincing (if you are not Patrick Jane). Every other detective would be content with their written statements or interrogations. Using transgenders as a repellent/detracting factor for further inquiry was totally a bulls eye, as their effect on straight officials could the make the "Fifi Nix" setup work perfectly. This does not happen all the time, as some stupid clue would give away their plan at some point. This was not the case for this episode. It was all Jane, thinking outside of the box.
3) Surprise finale is the ultimate satisfaction element for Crime genre, if it is done duly and well. This was the case for this episode. Hear this out: I advised only this episodes to two of my colleagues, and they became addicted to the show, decided thus to start from season 1 episode 1.
4) The confrontation phase at the CBI was the best climax I've seen in this show specifically. Although there were more canonically critical episodes (especially regarding Red John), the scene where Patrick shows Archie Bloom Jr.'s photo to the suspects and accuses them with the explanation, considering its great combination with the silence and Baker's extraordinary acting (hateful look... priceless), makes my hairs raise and my eyes fill with tears - every time...
Reminded me of the "Murder in the Orient Express" of Agatha Christie, where Monsieur Poirot points out that everybody in that compartment was more or less the killer (not "a" killer, "the" killer exactly). This was just the opposite in the words of physically killing, but the exact same of mentally killing. That was a masterpiece like this episode, too..
All the Crime, logic and fiction equations, formulations and engineering were delicately engaged with visuals (casting, acting, actors, musics, etc.) and created the ultimate detective / crime / whodunit series episode in just 40 minutes. Noting was exaggerated, nothing was left in the air, nothing unsatisfactory..
Truly a schoolbook episode... Must be shown in TV / Cinema / - Scenario /Script-writing lessons in academies or courses.
Well done Mr. Heller...
These kind of series are limited to 40 minutes per episode, which means, without parting or creating sequels for an episode, they have to create a node, put evidences, set a climax and satisfy the audience with the ending, thus, their goal is to generate an editing / setup / fiction of crime with logical results in order to obtain the utmost satisfaction on the audience. So, in other words, there business is to work on "fiction engineering" per each episode.
This episode is, among others of this show and other series that I've watched so far, is the best "Crime fiction" episode in the words of "fiction engineering", due to its swift and smooth style of scattering details, solving everything logically and presenting the utmost satisfaction to the audience:
1) The Cabaret is a decent "diversion" / "deviation" for all means, as it puts out a fancy-mayhem of details that no one can really keep up with the clues among the characters. It can both serve as a side- plot, but also can hide the biggest secret for solution, speaking from the writers' perspective. Nicely done.
2) Though lying all the time, Cabaret members do not contradict with themselves. Their excuses and alibis are well prepared, and convincing (if you are not Patrick Jane). Every other detective would be content with their written statements or interrogations. Using transgenders as a repellent/detracting factor for further inquiry was totally a bulls eye, as their effect on straight officials could the make the "Fifi Nix" setup work perfectly. This does not happen all the time, as some stupid clue would give away their plan at some point. This was not the case for this episode. It was all Jane, thinking outside of the box.
3) Surprise finale is the ultimate satisfaction element for Crime genre, if it is done duly and well. This was the case for this episode. Hear this out: I advised only this episodes to two of my colleagues, and they became addicted to the show, decided thus to start from season 1 episode 1.
4) The confrontation phase at the CBI was the best climax I've seen in this show specifically. Although there were more canonically critical episodes (especially regarding Red John), the scene where Patrick shows Archie Bloom Jr.'s photo to the suspects and accuses them with the explanation, considering its great combination with the silence and Baker's extraordinary acting (hateful look... priceless), makes my hairs raise and my eyes fill with tears - every time...
Reminded me of the "Murder in the Orient Express" of Agatha Christie, where Monsieur Poirot points out that everybody in that compartment was more or less the killer (not "a" killer, "the" killer exactly). This was just the opposite in the words of physically killing, but the exact same of mentally killing. That was a masterpiece like this episode, too..
All the Crime, logic and fiction equations, formulations and engineering were delicately engaged with visuals (casting, acting, actors, musics, etc.) and created the ultimate detective / crime / whodunit series episode in just 40 minutes. Noting was exaggerated, nothing was left in the air, nothing unsatisfactory..
Truly a schoolbook episode... Must be shown in TV / Cinema / - Scenario /Script-writing lessons in academies or courses.
Well done Mr. Heller...
Wake up. The whole series is "woke"
xbatgirl-3002920 May 2022
Hilarious that some might not like this episode because of its theme. After doing a rewatch, I realized the underlying theme of the entire series is that many in law enforcement are corrupt, and that includes politicians and lawyers and usually the very rich, who also have a different set of rules apply to them than the rest of us. Often it is the outsiders, like in this episode, or those in the underclass are the best people. Sometimes these themes are subtle, often it's in your face. But it's always there, even if it goes without notice, like in one episode cops pull up to a convenience store and take the handicapped spot. It's in almost every episode for the entire series. If you are shocked the team are allies of the LGBT+ community, you are not paying attention.
Drag queens + the mentalist = cinematic tv history
pnrwrg23 December 2023
Okay so I won't go into too much detail about this episode because I really don't want to spoil it, but when I started the episode and saw it was about drag queens I was a bit worried. I know this was written in like 2011 so I wasn't sure how the mentalist writers were going to be able to handle this kind of subject, especially looking at it from a current day perspective but I was extremely surprised.
Yes it's sort of the bare minimum not to be offensive but this episode managed to be really sweet and wholesome. The way the entire drag world was handled was so well done and (from what I remember) the queens weren't made fun of throughout the episode. Yes there were characters who made uncomfortable jokes but it was clearly recognized as not what Jane and Lisbon deemed as okay. Also SHANGELA IS IN IT!! She is such an icon and I had no idea she was ever in this show until she popped up which was one of my other favorite parts of this ep.
Yes it's sort of the bare minimum not to be offensive but this episode managed to be really sweet and wholesome. The way the entire drag world was handled was so well done and (from what I remember) the queens weren't made fun of throughout the episode. Yes there were characters who made uncomfortable jokes but it was clearly recognized as not what Jane and Lisbon deemed as okay. Also SHANGELA IS IN IT!! She is such an icon and I had no idea she was ever in this show until she popped up which was one of my other favorite parts of this ep.
The best episode
miguelufrrj5 October 2021
Best one of this entire series. Very deep and well-written. The supposed ending was already satisfying enough given the storyline, and then the plot-twist makes it even better. Masterpiece, way above average for a show that's already pretty good.
Beyond a doubt - the best episode of the series
dplante200230 July 2022
The standard for The Mentalist is always high in every season - well-written story and characters, clever, surprising, and consistently so. This episode had heart in a way that police procedurals don't typically have. The crime story is excellent, but that's not the entire story. It brings you into the lives of people - and people not everyone might know or take entirely seriously and provokes emotions one doesn't expect to have in the police genre. This one was truly exceptional.
Predictably Political...Where did the fun go??
jokroeger13 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
First off, I understand where these people are coming from. Real people like this young man certainly exist, and often their pain comes from insecurities or even some form of trauma/abuse. So don't tell me I don't "get it"; I do. But whereas The Mentalist as a whole has been a series that I've enjoyed so far, I unfortunately found myself wondering, "Where's the fun?" Mrs. Doubtfire was funny because of Robin Williams' talent, and the story was heartwarming. However, these drag queens creeped me out from the start, and the mystery kept getting more disturbing. The worst part was the "big twist": the young man FAKED his own death, decided to become the "tragic hero" that so many stories of this kind frame the victims as...and neither Jane nor Lisbon have the courtesy to tell his own father that he is alive. Instead, the father lives out his days with the guilt of thinking he murdered his son, while the two detectives enjoy watching the boy perform "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". THAT is truly poor taste, especially in a show that has proven to be better than this!
Fantastic episode!
shevandell1 November 2022
This is one of my top 3 Mentalist episodes in the whole show, and anyone who watched it at least once knows that it's tough competition. This one is original, perfectly written, deep, with an engaging plot and three-dimensional characters. A great episode in an already great series. It is beyond me how some people may undervalue its quality simply on account of the theme they consider "woke" or "leftist" (whatever these words mean to them).
And let me say, Simon Baker was born to play Patrick Jane. Can't imagine anyone else in this role. I hope there will never be a remake of "Mentalist". Not needed.
And let me say, Simon Baker was born to play Patrick Jane. Can't imagine anyone else in this role. I hope there will never be a remake of "Mentalist". Not needed.
Perfect
npribnow15 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In my opinion this is a perfect crime/detective story. You get to know the murder vitim through the suspects and witnesses. Their statements and revealed secrets show us in dept what kind of character the victim was. We get to sympathize with the victim in a very emotional way that gets perfectly transmitted to the viewer.
I am also in love with the fact that this murder investigation ends in a fullfilling way giving you the hope for a better world.
Even though this episode could stand it's own outside of it's TV show, it also uses the viewers knowledge about the established characters to show some growth and deeper understanding of their characteristics. Even though lisbon already let the heavy weight of the law slide for a little girl that killed her own father before, in this instance she does that for an adult. Which is a big step and makes her even more likeable.
This is absolutely my favourite episode of the whole show.
I am also in love with the fact that this murder investigation ends in a fullfilling way giving you the hope for a better world.
Even though this episode could stand it's own outside of it's TV show, it also uses the viewers knowledge about the established characters to show some growth and deeper understanding of their characteristics. Even though lisbon already let the heavy weight of the law slide for a little girl that killed her own father before, in this instance she does that for an adult. Which is a big step and makes her even more likeable.
This is absolutely my favourite episode of the whole show.
stop doing that !
imarialharbi18 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What's wrong with this agenda that appears even in my favorite series!
You will feel that the writing of the episode is somewhat good, and you will start interacting with it until you realize that it forces you to sympathize with this group.
The episode begins with not accepting both Lisbon and Patrick, and this is very clear, and ends with the presentation of roses! What is this absurdity?
Please stop distorting cinema and television by introducing your ideas about it into the mind of the viewer.
Normally I wouldn't care that these ideas exist if there is at least good writing, but why mess with the course of events in this way.
Sticking up different stories that he's being harassed and assaulted by his father and bullied, and and, belittling the mind of the viewer, next time put a warning that this The episode is intended to honor a special category, and throw other followers at the wall.
You will feel that the writing of the episode is somewhat good, and you will start interacting with it until you realize that it forces you to sympathize with this group.
The episode begins with not accepting both Lisbon and Patrick, and this is very clear, and ends with the presentation of roses! What is this absurdity?
Please stop distorting cinema and television by introducing your ideas about it into the mind of the viewer.
Normally I wouldn't care that these ideas exist if there is at least good writing, but why mess with the course of events in this way.
Sticking up different stories that he's being harassed and assaulted by his father and bullied, and and, belittling the mind of the viewer, next time put a warning that this The episode is intended to honor a special category, and throw other followers at the wall.
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