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Review: 'The Mentalist' starring Simon Baker

Verne Gay | Off Camera

September 23, 2008

THE SHOW "The Mentalist"

WHEN|WHERE Tonight at 9 on CBS/2

REASON TO WATCH Simon Baker

WHAT IT'S ABOUT Patrick Jane (Baker), our mentalist, is a searing, smart cop who, from the tiniest details, gleans great cosmic truths about people's lives and - because he's also a cop - their motives. Comparisons to Sherlock Holmes are apt, except he's doesn't have his Dr. Watson; Jane's more of a soloist, a slightly chilled, distant personality who has an uncanny ability to see into everyone else's heart except his own.

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He's suffered a horrific loss - details of which will unfold - and as a result doesn't want to look too closely inside. (And yes, by now you're thinking of House, too.) The other cops he works with tolerate Mr. Know-it-all because he is so bright. Tonight, there's a brutal double homicide that may be the work of serial killer "Red John," so named because he draws a smiley face with his victim's blood at each of his crime scenes.

BOTTOM LINE You've got to admire CBS' tenacity with Simon Baker. At least I do. He's an immensely attractive, telegenic actor who screams out "big star" in every line on his face, and in every strand of his golden, tousled hair. First, "The Guardian" - a good show, perhaps even a very good one - then "Smith" (not bad, either), and now, finally this. Is three Baker's (and CBS') lucky number? Not sure. His strength can also be his weakness: Remote and somewhat icy suggests "deep" and "exotic," but also "standoffish."

Tonight's pilot is briskly competent. The formula - must find murderer of beautiful woman before last commercial break - predates the dinosaurs, but also incorporates some satisfying twists. Watch by all means - just wear a sweater when you do.

GRADE B