CHUD.com Community › Forums › SPORTS, GAMES & LEISURE › Television › CBS- The Mentalist
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

CBS- The Mentalist

post #1 of 52
Thread Starter 
I kept seeing previews for this new show on Sunday, while watching football. It seems pretty cool, looks like it will have that creative writing where it should be pretty entertaining, and that the cases that are being solved should be pretty intriguing. Plus, the cast is solid- Simone Baker and Robun Tunney- anybody else see these promos yet?
post #2 of 52
I watched the pre-air pilot, didn't go in expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised. Yeah it's just another procedural with a twist, but it has a refreshing charm. Baker is great in it.
post #3 of 52
I love the tone of the show and Baker is surprisingly charming and funny.
post #4 of 52
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this just Psych, only not funny?
post #5 of 52
Well, Psych is a comedy about a guy with hyper-observation skills that pretends to be a psychic.

The Mentalist is a procedural drama about a former TV psychic who is free and open about being a complete and utter fraud in the past, who solves crime based around his observation skills, his ability to read people, and his manipulation. As described by wiki, "manipulation. theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries".

Saying they're the same is apples and eggs really, they both have their own varying differences, especially in the tone.

Edit: I'd say the first scene in the pilot will completely sell you on how Baker's character is different from Shawn Spencer. It's brilliant.
post #6 of 52
So which one is GoBots and which one is Transformers?
post #7 of 52
I think the title alone makes this a guilty watch.
post #8 of 52
i still cant get past how much of a rip off of Psych this comes off as.
post #9 of 52
I agree when I saw the commercial this afternoon I had just been watching Psych season 2 on DVD in the morning. And all I could think was wasn't I just watching this?
post #10 of 52
Thread Starter 
As someone posted earlier, I think the tone of The Mentalist is going to be much different. For one it appears to be a drama, while Psych is a comedy. Also, one being on Cable and one on Network I'm sure will have an effect. From what I've read The Mentalist is going to be big on the surprises... as in you think you know where the direction of the case is going and then all of the sudden Simone shows up and points some stuff out and it changes the case.
post #11 of 52
It's got a hell of a teaser that sets it apart from Psych right off the bat.
post #12 of 52
post #13 of 52
It doesn't matter. It still takes the same premise of Psych, tries to change a few minute differences and pass it off as new and original.

Yes, there are differences between Armageddon and Deep Impact. But it's still a big fucking rock about to hit Earth and kill everyone.

Yes, there are differences between 30 Rock and that other sitcom that came on the same damn year, but it was still "backstage at a SNL-type comedy show."

If you want something like Psych, just buy the damn show and put Psych on the network. Copied shows -never- outlast the original. Never.
post #14 of 52
I caught the pilot last week, actually. I wouldn't say that it's anything like psych, at all.

tcjs makes a good point, but it definitely seems to be it's own series. (And, I dislike your typical "copy-cat-series/movies"...).

There also seems to be some good interactions with the supporting cast, and group that Baker's character will be working with...

I liked it.
post #15 of 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcjsavannah View Post
It doesn't matter. It still takes the same premise of Psych, tries to change a few minute differences and pass it off as new and original.

Yes, there are differences between Armageddon and Deep Impact. But it's still a big fucking rock about to hit Earth and kill everyone.

Yes, there are differences between 30 Rock and that other sitcom that came on the same damn year, but it was still "backstage at a SNL-type comedy show."

If you want something like Psych, just buy the damn show and put Psych on the network. Copied shows -never- outlast the original. Never.
Did you see the pilot? They are polar opposites.
post #16 of 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Murder View Post
Edit: I'd say the first scene in the pilot will completely sell you on how Baker's character is different from Shawn Spencer. It's brilliant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Bateman View Post
It's got a hell of a teaser that sets it apart from Psych right off the bat.
Quoted for truth
post #17 of 52
True.

And, I'm also excited to see what comes with...

Spoiler:

Red John

For a procedural to have an underlying storyline like that is a pretty good move. Gives the fans something to follow...
post #18 of 52
Thread Starter 
I'll be watching tonight at 9 on CBS. I think shows can share a similar premise... but this is a completely different cast, different direction... just an entirely different tone. I think it will stand on it's own as an enjoyable show.
post #19 of 52
If I were tuning into this because of the promos...which basically promise Psych but with Simon Baker...I'd be pissed.

That said I wasn't all that impressed...but I might give it a few eps.
post #20 of 52
I'm tuning into this because Simon Baker makes me feel good.
post #21 of 52
Man, that opening bit was just great. But the supporting characters didn't even register during the episode. Hopefully they can keep getting guest appearances from actors like Zeljko Ivanek and Steven Culp...

I did notice one bit that was off. When the team met up in his bedroom, his bed was parallel to the door with the door down a hallway. No way he could've seen someone slip a letter under the door if he was sitting up on the bed...
post #22 of 52
It's not Psych. But after watching it, it's not Psych like Deep Impact isn't Armageddon. It's kinda pretty much the same basic premise, where one creator decided funny was good and the other said that serious was best.

However, I did enjoy it. Baker is pretty cool. He plays smarmy, charming bastard very well. It needs a little something, though. Snappier dialogue, some distinct visual style, better co-actors...it needs a bit of a bite to not become the show that's all about the lead showing up his colleagues every week 'cause he's so goddamn bad-ass in his skillz (acting and character on theshow-wise.) You know, 'cause we already have House. Will certainly watch next week.

But not until I've watched the Shield and Fringe.
post #23 of 52
My wife and I watched it last night and about five minutes in, she said, "It's Pysch mixed with House."

So yeah, I retract my earlier statement. Why rip off just one good show when you can rip off two?

I also resent the 20-something 90210-esque squad he's hooked up with.
post #24 of 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by mediumdave View Post
It's kinda pretty much the same basic premise, where one creator decided funny was good and the other said that serious was best.
So basically it's Breaking Bad when compared to Weeds?
post #25 of 52
It was good..for some reason..its almost seemed like "Life" meets "Psych".
post #26 of 52
So, the second ep., didn't disappoint...this series is off to a solid start.

Funny that they had this episode deal with Red heads...Red John...what's up with all of the Red!?
post #27 of 52
The case of the week wasn't exactly memorable, by Jane's motives and characterisation are fun, definitely sticking with it.

Is it wrong to find Tunney extremely hot?
post #28 of 52
Anyone, for a split second (given the actress who played the mother), hope that the killer was a Predator? At least I think it was her..
post #29 of 52
Thread Starter 
Agreed- the cases have been pretty engaging. Like I said earlier as long as the writing holds up in this series, it will be successful. I'm really liking it thus far.
post #30 of 52
Even a fake physic could've seen this coming: CBS has inched closer to granting a full-season order to freshman smash The Mentalist, ordering six additional scripts for the Simon Baker-led drama.

The move comes as The Mentalist has emerged as this season's only surefire hit. In its first two outings, the show has won its time slot with an average 15.4 million viewers.

An official back-nine order could come as early as this week.
post #31 of 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Murder View Post
Even a fake physic could've seen this coming: CBS has inched closer to granting a full-season order to freshman smash The Mentalist, ordering six additional scripts for the Simon Baker-led drama.

The move comes as The Mentalist has emerged as this season's only surefire hit. In its first two outings, the show has won its time slot with an average 15.4 million viewers.

An official back-nine order could come as early as this week.
Having the powerhouse (like it or not) NCIS as it's lead in can't hurt those numbers.

And this show officially lost me with the paper-rock-scissors at the beginning.
post #32 of 52
post #33 of 52
What's on the video. Work firewall blocks youtube.
post #34 of 52
Derren Brown, an "English magician, psychological illusionist, mentalist, painter and self-professed sceptic regarding paranormal phenomena". In it he approaches a few football (soccer) fans outside of a stadium and wins against them every single time in paper-scissor-stone, or draws/loses when they ask him to, and even wins when he has his back turned to them.

I presumed that scene in the show lost you because you thought it totally unrealistic and ridiculous, but maybe I was jumping the gun.
post #35 of 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Murder View Post
Derren Brown, an "English magician, psychological illusionist, mentalist, painter and self-professed sceptic regarding paranormal phenomena". In it he approaches a few football (soccer) fans outside of a stadium and wins against them every single time in paper-scissor-stone, or draws/loses when they ask him to, and even wins when he has his back turned to them.

I presumed that scene in the show lost you because you thought it totally unrealistic and ridiculous, but maybe I was jumping the gun.
Gotcha.

But no, I just thought the scene was stupid as in trying to be funny but really it wasn't.
post #36 of 52
Still enjoying the show but hinting that that one woman really could speak to the dead was a fucking copout, based on the show's premise.
post #37 of 52
Yeah, I always hate how any show that has a psychic on it that every gives shit to, turns out to be really psychic. It's bullshit. While the show is still House with fake psychic guy, it's still enjoyable because former psychic is very very fun to watch.
post #38 of 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quarant View Post
Still enjoying the show but hinting that that one woman really could speak to the dead was a fucking copout, based on the show's premise.
Yeah, I was annoyed a bit by that seen, but then I read it as showing Jane's vulnerability about the death of his family. The woman was a fraud and used that vulnerablity to attempt to redeem herself in Jane's eyes. I think he still knew she was a fake but could not react to what the woman said.
post #39 of 52
I picked a random episode while I was on vacation back home. Now I watched the first 2 eps and I am enjoying it a lot. I was sick of procedurals but this is a great show.
post #40 of 52
So happy I found this thread as I don't hang out much in the tv forum. This is about the only show I watch. Big Simon Baker fan here. I'm starting to groove on the supporting characters too. Especially Robin Tunney and Owain Yeoman. And I have never seen Psych. Nor do I know what channel plays it.
post #41 of 52
Anyone else following this? I just watched the only one Witch in town episode.
post #42 of 52
I've started to. I don't think it's as good as Psych, which may or may not be a fair comparison, but it's entertaining enough.

Although, Tim Kang should get more to do.
post #43 of 52
Bump

post #44 of 52
Anyone see/hear Steve Franks comments about The Mentalist?

"For me it's like, am I upset about it? Listen: when you go to the cereal aisle in the grocery store and you see Fruit Loops. If you look down on the bottom, there's something that looks just like Fruit Loops and it's in a different bag and it's called Fruity Loopos."

Pretty funny, and I like both shows.
post #45 of 52
I like this show. Been catching up on reruns. Baker plays Jane well and it's great to see he got an Emmy nod. Like how the show is witty and I do see the comparisons to Psych, which I love.
post #46 of 52
Has anyone else seen the Psych commericals that mention the Mentalist? I know they mentioned it in an episode last season.

I do watch both shows too
post #47 of 52
I honestly like this better then Psych. Mostly because of Baker, I find him better then the lead in Psych for some reason. The same reason House is a better medical show then most of the other ones.
post #48 of 52
Still love the Baker. Anyone caught the S2? Any comments?
post #49 of 52
The episode where Lisbon acted out of control to draw out the police psychiatrist was good, though I'm really starting to get annoyed that anyone can be hypnotized by anybody (it seems) at the drop of a hat.. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the "big reveal" in season 2 is that Red John is someone that OMG WE KNEW ALL ALONG. Still, it's entertaining and I actually like the new time slot.
post #50 of 52

Holy Fuck. I was not expecting that for a season finale. The level of emotions the last 5 minutes brought out were just... words cannot describe the love I have for this show. This could have been the series finale for all I know, I don't know where they're going after that. The last few seconds on Patricks face.. amazing. I've been unable to watch a lot of TV since... June? But I have it all DVR'd this was the one of the only shows I kept up with on a somewhat weekly basis and I do not regret that decision one bit!

New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Television
CHUD.com Community › Forums › SPORTS, GAMES & LEISURE › Television › CBS- The Mentalist