Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate the double murder of a golf pro and his wife in Palm Springs. The crime scene bears the unmistakable signature of Red John—a smiley face drawn in the victim's blood—but Jane quickly deduces it is a copycat killer. We learn Jane's tragic backstory and his motivation for joining the CBI. Episode 2: "Red Hair and Silver Tape" Director: David Nutter Writer: Bruno Heller
Below is a draft of a structured as an index for The Mentalist Season 1. You can copy this format directly or use it as a template.
| Episode # | Title | Original Air Date | Synopsis | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Pilot | September 23, 2008 | The series premiere. A double murder in Palm Springs is staged to look like the work of a notorious serial killer, Red John. CBI consultant Patrick Jane believes it's a copycat and uses his sharp skills of observation to guide the team to the real killer among a web of affairs and embezzlement. | | S1.E2 | Red Hair and Silver Tape | September 30, 2008 | The team investigates the murder of an 18-year-old in Napa County. Jane orchestrates an undercover operation with Agent Van Pelt as bait to trap a sexual predator, leading him into a dangerous situation with two killers. | | S1.E3 | Red Tide | October 14, 2008 | After a high school girl's body washes ashore, Jane's investigation leads him to a group of surfers. He sets a mentalist trap to uncover the truth behind a cover-up involving a murdered security guard. | | S1.E4 | Ladies in Red | October 21, 2008 | A wealthy investment banker is found murdered inside his hidden safe room. Jane uses his charm to investigate the man's secrets, discovering he was living a double life and stealing from clients. | | S1.E5 | Redwood | October 28, 2008 | A girl covered in her best friend's blood is the obvious suspect, but she has no memory of the murder. Despite evidence pointing to her, Jane is convinced of her innocence and sets out to find the real killer. | | S1.E6 | Red Handed | November 11, 2008 | Jane investigates the murder of a casino owner. While solving the case, he also takes the opportunity to try his hand at the blackjack table, leading to friction with the CBI team. | | S1.E7 | Seeing Red | November 18, 2008 | A psychic predicts a woman's murder, making her a key suspect. Patrick Jane holds a séance of his own to prove the psychic is a fake and the real killer. | | S1.E8 | The Thin Red Line | November 25, 2008 | The team investigates the murder of a drug dealer's girlfriend and the state's witness. Jane believes the primary suspect may have a different motive, leading to a tense trial. | | S1.E9 | Flame Red | December 2, 2008 | A murder in a small town is investigated, with Jane uncovering that the motive was an act of vengeance rather than a random crime. | | S1.E10 | Red Brick and Ivy | December 16, 2008 | Jane takes a personal interest in a professor's murder when he discovers the prime suspect is his former psychiatrist. | | S1.E11 | Red John's Friends | January 6, 2009 | A convicted murderer promises to give Jane information about Red John in exchange for his freedom. Jane becomes singularly focused, quitting the CBI to prove the prisoner's innocence. | | S1.E12 | Red Rum | January 13, 2009 | A high school boy who killed a local witch's cat is found dead. Jane sets a mentalist trap to get the witch and others to reveal the truth about his murder. | | S1.E13 | Paint It Red | January 20, 2009 | A $50 million painting is stolen, and the body of a business tycoon's son-in-law is found where it once hung. Jane suspects others, including a Russian oil baron, are behind the heist and murder. | | S1.E14 | Crimson Casanova | February 10, 2009 | A wealthy bachelor is murdered, and the team must sift through his many romantic conquests to find the killer with a motive. | | S1.E15 | Scarlett Fever | February 17, 2009 | The murder of a high-profile media consultant leads Jane into a world of public image and private lies. | | S1.E16 | Bloodshot | March 17, 2009 | Jane is temporarily blinded after an explosion at a crime scene. This forces him to rely solely on his other senses to help the team find the bomber. | | S1.E17 | Carnelian Inc. | March 24, 2009 | The team investigates a murder at a corporate retreat, uncovering a plot of corporate espionage and betrayal. | | S1.E18 | Russet Potatoes | March 31, 2009 | The body of a young woman is found buried in a potato field. The investigation leads to a family-run farming business with deep secrets. | | S1.E19 | A Dozen Red Roses | April 7, 2009 | A beautiful socialite is murdered, and Jane must identify the killer among her many admirers while navigating a world of wealth and power. | | S1.E20 | Red Sauce | April 28, 2009 | A former mobster is released from prison after 20 years, only to be killed. The investigation forces Jane to confront the CBI's director, who has a connection to the case. | | S1.E21 | Miss Red | May 5, 2009 | A beauty pageant contestant's sister is found dead. Jane goes undercover at the pageant to find a killer hidden among the contestants and their stage parents. | | S1.E22 | Blood Brothers | May 12, 2009 | A 16-year-old boy is found dead at a military academy. Jane and the team must go undercover at the school to uncover a conspiracy of bullying and murder among the students. | | S1.E23 | Red John's Footsteps | May 19, 2009 | The gripping season finale. Jane finally gets a lead on the real Red John, setting a trap that has devastating consequences for the CBI team and reveals a shocking truth. |
The team investigates the murder of a young restaurant worker found tied up in a vineyard. Jane uses a bold psychological trap during a dinner party to expose the killer. Episode 3: "Red Tide" index of the mentalist season 1
The team encounters a brilliant and manipulative hypnotist who programs innocent people to commit murders for him. Jane must out-hypnotize the mastermind. Episode 19: "A Dozen Red Roses"
Episodes and the full season can be bought on Google Play, Vudu, and the iTunes Store.
The CBI investigates a series of corporate extortion threats against a massive investment firm after a board member plummets to his death during a skydiving retreat. Episode 18: "Russet Potatoes" Director: Norberto Barba Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate the
A Hollywood movie producer is murdered in a vineyard. Jane travels to Los Angeles to navigate the deceptive world of movie studios and political campaigns. Episode 20: "Red Sauce" Director: Adam Kane
This comprehensive index provides a detailed breakdown of all 23 episodes, key character arcs, and streaming information for Season 1. Season Overview and Core Premise
If you’ve ever searched for you’re likely looking for direct directory listings of the first season of the hit CBS crime drama The Mentalist . This write-up explains what that search means, why people use it, what you can expect to find, and legal alternatives. Episode 2: "Red Hair and Silver Tape" Director:
In this episode, Jane and the CBI team investigate a murder case involving a restaurant owner. The case leads them to a surprising suspect, and Jane must use his skills to uncover the truth.
The debut season establishes Patrick Jane's unique role within the CBI. Formerly a celebrity psychic, Jane admitted his medium status was a fraud after the serial killer "Red John" murdered his wife and daughter. Driven by a desire for vengeance, Jane uses his razor-sharp skills of observation, psychology, and mentalism to help Senior Special Agent Teresa Lisbon and her team solve homicides. Complete Episode Index: Season 1 Episode 1: "Pilot" David Nutter