After seven seasons, “The Mentalist” ended its popular run with an upbeat and gratifying tribute to the fans. (Spoiler alert: Don’t continue reading if you haven’t seen the finale and don’t want to know what happened.) The two-hour series finale gave devotees of the CBS drama lots to be excited about: a proposal, a wedding and some surprise baby news. Creator Bruno Heller described this seventh and final season as an “encore” for the viewers, and the finale didn’t disappoint. Long-time followers of the show saw their wishes granted for their favorite characters: FBI consultant Patrick Jane and FBI agent Teresa Lisbon.
Here are our top 10 countdown picks for the finale’s best moments:
10. Jane suggests to a distraught Teresa they abandon the public wedding and get married by themselves at the cabin.
I loved how Lisbon’s emotional moment played right into Jane’s hands. He really wanted to keep her safe from the serial killer out to get him, but hey, if the elopement made her happy at the same time, why fight the merging of their motivations? Her reaction to hearing the truth was also great, as she accuses him of withholding information. “You were gonna deprive me of a guilt-free elopement,” she accuses Jane. “From now on, we need to be 100 percent honest with each other.” Seconds later all is forgiven as they trade kisses and she runs to get ready. No matter their reasons, they’re on the same page.
9. Teresa catches the killer while wearing her wedding dress.
How fitting to see Lisbon involved in the operation to catch the serial killer, even on her wedding day. Watching her pull her gun in her long white gown was fantastic. So was her continued emphasis on honesty. “See how much better things turn out when you’re honest with me?” she needles Patrick. But he is not fazed. Patrick grabs her gun out of her hands and tosses it to Abbott before replacing her weapon with her wedding bouquet. It is time to get down to business. These two have somewhere important to be.
8. Jane shows Teresa the house and land he wants to buy.
The little shack may not be much, but it sits on 24 acres of idyllic country land. Surrounded by a peaceful lake with ducks, Patrick wants to remodel the small cabin into a beautiful house for them. Finally, Jane wants to settle down and plant some roots. His intent is sweet, but even better is the conversation it prompts. Teresa tells him she also has needs, and making sure Patrick doesn’t run away again is at the top of the list. As she tests his commitment to the relationship, she asks if he’s ever going to take off his wedding ring. The scene serves as a catalyst for reminding Patrick it’s time to move forward.
7. Jane and Lisbon file for a marriage license; Lisbon sees her ring for the first time.
This unconventional scene fit their relationship wonderfully. For most couples, their conversation wouldn’t have seemed too romantic. But for these two, it was playful and fun. When Jane jokes maybe he wouldn’t have asked for her hand if he’d remembered how tedious a marriage license was, she tells him, “No take backs.” Then Jane motions to his pocket and Lisbon wants to see the ring. But when she does, she thinks it’s so large, it must be fake. The reality stuns her. Of course Jane is thrilled to give her such an extravagant ring (that he likely got at a discount since he caught the jeweler trying to swindle some customers). Once Lisbon accepts it’s really hers, she can’t hide her excitement and wants to try on the ring. But Jane playfully taunts her by making her wait. He is clearly pleased with himself and loves making her happy.
6. Jane sees Lisbon in her dress.
Teresa looks gorgeous in her bridal gown, and Jane clearly thinks so, too, as he can’t wipe the huge little-boy grin off his face when he sees her. It’s satisfying to see him so smitten with his wife-to-be. His request that they both promise to look at the bright side in life shows just how far he’s come with Lisbon by his side.
5. The proposal.
A romantic picnic overlooking the lake turned into a day to remember for the couple. It starts when Lisbon notices Patrick is not wearing his wedding ring. He says it’s because he’s not married. As he pulls it out, he gives a speech: The ring has obvious significance to his past, but it has the potential to represent his future as well – their future together. As he proposes, Teresa is shocked. She was obviously not expecting the proposal. But her happy laugh and joyful tears reveal her heart, and there is no mistaking the love and adoration in her eyes. In turn, Patrick is ecstatic with her answer and tells her he didn’t know she would say yes – she’s still a mystery to him. The man who seems to know everything didn’t know what to expect this time. That makes him appreciate the outcome even more.
4. Cho helps Lisbon pick out a wedding dress.
What a fun scene! Who knew Cho would be the perfect shopping companion? His responses to her dresses were hilarious: “Makes you look short,” “snow cone,” “slutty elf.” His brutal honestly is exactly what she needs to hear. And she had no idea that Cho’s mother (who apparently made designer gowns) instilled in him a great sense of fashion, so it’s Cho who knows she needs a simple, vintage dress with clean lines. The amusing scene ends with a touching moment as Cho insists Lisbon’s mom would be very proud of her.
3. The wedding reception.
What a joyous celebration befitting a perfect ending to the series. The wedding party almost seemed like a finale party for the cast. Everyone was there, including their old CBI co-workers Van Pelt and Rigsby. Seeing the old crew together with the new felt symbiotic. I particularly loved Cho, Van Pelt and Rigsby’s selfie. Plus, it was great seeing everyone dance the night away. The Earth, Wind & Fire song provided the perfect celebratory tone of commemorating not only a wedding, but seven wonderful seasons of a beloved show.
2. The wedding ceremony.
Though Jane and Lisbon had considered eloping by themselves, it was fun to see the wedding take place in front of friends and family. The couple, however, seemed to only have eyes for each other. Patrick’s vow of “I sure do” was a fun response to taking Teresa as his wife. And their passionate, extended kiss as man and wife demonstrated their complete and total bliss. The group celebration afterwards mimicked the TV audience response in that moment. Just like their wedding guests, I wanted to clap and cheer and throw rose petals. These characters have been a part of our lives for seven years, so it was gratifying to see their happy ending. Their bliss was well-deserved.
1. The baby news.
The most surprising and tender moment came in the final minutes as Teresa says she has something she needs to tell Jane – and then simply places her hand on her stomach. Patrick understands the motion and is floored. It’s hard to surprise Patrick Jane, but this time he’s almost speechless. And the emotions written on his face said it all. Jane is finally getting all the happiness he lost. He is starting a new life. And the realization of the great things to come meant more than words could express. His choked-up emotion became a precious lasting impression for the couple and the viewers. After seven years of fighting to overcome his past, Jane is getting his happy ending. He and Lisbon are ready for their bright future together.
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