A couple times last season, I pointed out that Jane went over the line of civility. He got way out of control sometimes and I have a hard time not disliking him for being an ass. The beginning of the third season has a very different tone than the second: every episode related to Jane's past and the human side of him was brought out.
"The Red Ponies," though, is more or less a normal episode. There isn't any Red John or references to Jane's past, which is completely fine. The factor that elevates "The Red Ponies" over a large majority of season 2 episodes is Jane's presence. He's not an overbearing figure who constantly does dangerous things, nor is a rudely belligerent. He puts up a facade as a horse whisperer--as is expected--but contains himself from doing anything overtly stupid, choosing to be the master in the background, controlling everyone without too much direct action.
Score: 8.6/10
