The return of The Mentalist after a 3 week layoff coincided with new developments at the office. The new CBI boss, Agent Hightower (Aunjanue Ellis), is ready to get the CBI in order. As we've seen, Jane rarely follows the rules and Lisbon barely manages to keep things under control. Hightower's plan to control the unit is deceptively simple. She tells Lisbon she needs to keep Jane under control or be replaced. She tells Jane to not go overboard or Lisbon gets replaced. Not only that, she also tells Lisbon she knows about Rigsby and Van Pelt, like a shot across the bow, simultaneously warning Lisbon and extending her power.
This puts Jane in a difficult place. He's a free spirit, but with Lisbon's job on the line, there's not much else he can do. Hightower has shut down him and the rest of the team until they can push back. Jane can't threaten to leave, because he's only staying at the CBI to catch Red Jane. It'll be interesting to see where the Hightower plot goes.
The murderer was extremely obvious from the very beginning. Before even going into the case, it was clear Rigsby's friend Bamdino would be the killer. The missed background check was the first and only clue needed. However, the case somewhat kept my attention with the Slocombe looking for revenge like Jane looks for revenge.
Score: 8.7/10
