The CBI investigates a corporate retreat after a whistleblower falls to his death. Jane uses the high-stress environment of corporate greed to force the killer into making a mistake. 18. "Russet Potatoes"

A mafia informant under witness protection is executed style-style. Jane uses an unconventional fishing trip to get close to a local mob boss and solve the execution. Episode 21: "Miss Red"

An arson specialist turned field agent. Rigsby is dependable but easily flustered, particularly regarding his growing feelings for his colleague.

The Mentalist was a major hit for CBS, redefining the crime procedural genre for a new generation. The show's pilot episode drew an impressive , making it one of the most successful new series of the 2008-2009 television season. Lead actor Simon Baker became a household name, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2009 and becoming one of television's highest-paid actors by 2010.

Season 1 was a massive ratings success for CBS, regularly drawing over 15 million viewers per episode. Critics praised Simon Baker's charismatic performance, which earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The season successfully balanced the "monster-of-the-week" procedural format with tantalizing hints about the overarching Red John mythology, setting up a multi-season cat-and-mouse game.