The Mentalist (TV Series) The Red Mile (2011) User Reviews

Good episode, but the last scene is a classic

[beaglepilot2003 · 8/10 · 30 August 2012]

The red mile is a good episode with the standard well-written, witty remarks and interesting plot. The most interesting part of this episode is the hard right turn the relationship between Patrick Jane and Coroner Steiner takes which culminates in one of the most touching scenes of the series.

The episode kicks off with the standard conflict between Jane and Coroner Steiner with Jane making fun of Steiner's staunchness with a small joke at Steiner's expense.

The episode advances with Jane befriending Steiner for reasons initially unclear. Steiner is invited to help Jane investigate a murder and, by this offer of friendship, even comes to respect Jane as an investigator.

The last scene in the most dramatic and striking. Steiner invites Jane over to his house and makes both a revelation and a request. Jane initially refuses, but, as he always seems to do, he does the most compassionate thing...which, as often happens, includes a cup of tea.

Regardless of one's beliefs, this last scene is sure to give people thought on both their own humanity and their compassion for others.

Fun and moving

[filton · 9/10 · 8 August 2018]

This is perhaps one of the weakest episodes in terms of plot (the motive for the murder is rather contrived and frivolous), but it has one of the most beautiful endings in this or any series. That final scene, packed with subtext ("Do you have any tea?", the coin trick) and beautifully acted, is so underplayed and sensitively done that it stands out a little from the weak 'whodunnit' part, but it makes the episode worth watching just for that. Also revealed is an important piece of information about Van Pelt's fiancé O'Laughlin, with more frustration and sacrifice for the stand-up guy that is Rigsby. And there's a re-visiting of criticism of the moneyed class. But the jewel in the crown of the episode really is that ending.

Have some Kleenex handy.

One of the most touching moments of the series

[chingutamadre · 9/10 · 16 November 2021]

The main case of murder is not a standout, but it was ok. The plot that truly stands out is the relationship between Steiner and Jane, so touching and amazingly written.

These moments are the ones that tell you The Mentalist is not just another typical police tv show.

Heart rendingly beautiful

[NothingGoodToWatch · 10/10 · 8 September 2018]

The Mentalist is my favourite show of all time, but this episode truly stands out. The compassion that Patrick Jane shows towards Dr. Steiner is proof of the fact that he is a truly kind human being. The case of the murdered man who believed he was abducted by aliens was quite good as are all the other cases in this show. But in this particular episode it was the story with Jane and Steiner that is truly memorable. The last scene makes me cry every time I watch it.

beautiful episode

[kallolildas · 10/10 · 18 August 2019]

The murder and the detective side of the episode. it was below average. but dr Steiner's death scene. it really moved me.

A classic

[alci350 · 10/10 · 22 November 2022]

This episode was so full with stories/storylines, it was connected to The Mentalist from the beginning to end. Some things you would not have expected to see and some things are the pickup points for what is to come. So this is a very essential episode.

But this episode was also special in humanity side of life/of some characters. The buildup to the end of the episode was really mentally shocking. Patrick Jane is just a character, but it's a friend everyone needs in his/her real life. How they prepared the ending is realistic and how it played out is just so genuinly emotional, it's something you will never forget.

Bravo to all who wrote, played and produced it.

The Dr Steiner episode

[Osmiumos · 10/10 · 5 September 2023]

The byplay between Jane and Dr Steiner is really something. Both characters are played brilliantly, the finale is brilliant storytelling, casting, production, soundtrack and acting.

This episode again showcases the casting of Baker in the lead role, he can play the cheeky fool with his brilliant smile, but his capacity to show vulnerability and utterly believable grief and sadness... bravo. I am watching the series through again and am just blown away by his craft and his total commitment to the role. I don't know how he landed this role nor who else was considered, but i cannot think of any other actor who could have been cast or could have possibly made such a success of this role. Brilliant.

Abducted by Aliens

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 1 January 2022]

When the investment broker Timothy Hartley is found murdered, shot and with slit throat, Patrick Jane and Lisbon investigates the crime scene, and Patrick plays a trick in coroner Steiner. While transporting the corpse to the morgue, the van of Steiner is stopped and the body is stolen by two hooded men. Lisbon and Patrick head to the Cook's mansion, who belongs to a traditional family, to interview Hartley's family member. Meanwhile, FBI agent Craig O'Laughlin joins the CBI team since the FBI is investigating organ tissue trade. The CBI agents learn that Timothy as claiming that he had been abducted by aliens and they follow the lead. Dr. Steiner asks Patrick Jane to help the investigation and he accepts the request of the coroner.

"The Red Mile" is a good episode of "The Mentalist", with an intriguing mystery. There are many leads in the plot to find the killer and the reason of the abduction, but in the end Patrick Jane as usual resolves the case. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "The Red Mile"

The Mentalist can't seem to displease me

[dominictomlinson93 · 19 September 2011]

This is probably one of the worst Mentalist episodes, the story is not as sharp as others and as I was watching the episode I couldn't help thinking that for the first time the Mentalist was loosing it's steam. However, it is still the same lovable format and characters that cant seem to annoy or disappoint me. I will carry on watching the Mentalist. And I can just tell the season finale is going to be amazing. Will Patrick meat Red John face to face aside from face to mask. I would also just like to mention that on a recent survey it showed that Gregory House of House, Jack Bauer of 24 and Patrick Jane of The Mentalist are the three most Broken characters on TV. I couldn't agree more, and credit to all three actors who are always at the top of their game whilst playing these roles.

Overrated

[suchalad · 6/10 · 13 May 2022]

The murder investigation was pretty meh. Steiner and Jane were enjoyable and the ending was admittedly very touching. But the last 2 minutes (for me) doesn't make this a more enjoyable than many episodes which are rated lower than 8.4.