The CBI team
99 episodes of The Mentalist carry this thread, 4d 3h in all — 23 of them are in The Red John arc.
Arc membership is derived from each episode's own title and summary text. It shows where a thread is foregrounded, not every episode it touches.
In airing order
Consultant Patrick Jane, Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon and her team investigate the double murder in Palm Springs of a pro golfer's wife and her doctor, which has the hallmarks of a serial killer with a personal connection to Jane.
While Lisbon and her team investigate the murder of a young waitress in the Napa Valley, Jane goes behind Lisbon's back to orchestrate his own undercover operation using Van Pelt as bait.
When a high school girl's body washes up on the beach, Patrick Jane sets a mentalist trap in order to get her surfing friends to turn on each other and reveal what really happened.
When the CBI uncovers three arson cases, Patrick Jane suspects the only surviving member of a National Guard unit of murdering his friends, and goes undercover to prove it.
Patrick Jane, enticed by the promise from a convicted murderer that he'll reveal information about Red John upon his release, becomes singularly focused and quits the CBI in order to prove the prisoner is innocent.
When a young football talent from a small town appears to have been killed in a black magic sacrifice ritual, the CBI investigation focuses on a self-proclaimed Wiccan witch, whose cat was allegedly tortured and killed by the victim prior to his death.
With Patrick Jane's help, Cho goes undercover as a ladies' man with all the right moves in order to catch a killer who has his own set of pseudo-mentalist techniques.
A story of greed and betrayal pits Patrick Jane against a group of financiers when the CBI investigates a series of murders at a corporate retreat in the wilds of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Patrick Jane and the CBI team track down a mastermind who hypnotizes people into doing their bidding.
Lisbon fears that serial killer Red John is drawing Patrick Jane into a trap when the CBI team investigates the murder of a young girl and the abduction of her twin sister.
While the unit tackles a murder case involving a woman who stole a million dollars from her employer, Jane and Lisbon learn that the Red John case has been reassigned to a new CBI team led by the straight-shooting agent Sam Bosco.
Lisbon and the team work the case of a State Senator's murdered intern, while Jane simultaneously tries to find out what new information Bosco has uncovered on the Red John case.
Jane, Cho, Rigsby, and Van Pelt decide to conduct their own investigation when Lisbon is accused of murdering a child molester she arrested who was recently paroled.
Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team encounter one of California's most dangerous motorcycle gangs when investigating the death of their primary attorney.
The CBI team investigates the death of a wealthy man living in a haunted mansion, and Rigsby and Van Pelt grow closer.
Even after Bosco arrests Jane and puts him in prison for spying on the Red John investigation, Jane is able to help the CBI team from his cell to solve the murder of a young man.
Minelli orders Jane, Lisbon and the rest of the unit to play nice and work together with Bosco and his team to locate a kidnapped woman being held for ransom.
The CBI team are faced with a violent and shocking crime in their own offices, but must work the case in spite of their alarm at who may be behind it.
Patrick Jane and the team are called to investigate the robbery and murder of a wealthy jeweler while attending a black tie fundraiser for the CBI.
Rigsby goes undercover as an alum at a 15th high school reunion when Patrick Jane and the team investigate a double homicide that may be linked to an old prank.
Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate when the body of a high-end luxury car sales woman is found in the trunk of a Bentley in the dealership's showroom.
When a member of Cho's former gang, the Avon Park Playboys, is found murdered, Patrick Jane insists on helping Cho with his off-the-books investigation.
When Dr. Alicia Seberg, a government research scientist, is exposed to a deadly toxin while at work and has only hours to live, she calls Patrick Jane and the CBI to find her murderer.
While investogating the murder of an English tutor who stole a valuable artifact from a British museum, Patrick Jane, Lisbon, and the CBI team brace themselves to finally meet their new boss, Madeleine Hightower.
When a Jane Doe with amnesia and covered in blood steps in front of Cho and Van Pelt's car, Patrick Jane must use all of his skills to discover who she is, her last location, and why she lost her memory.
When Patrick Jane's sneaky conduct causes the case of a confessed hitman to be tossed out of court, his annoyed CBI team must start the investigation over from scratch.
When a media mogul is murdered, Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate cult leader Bret Stiles, who may have had an axe to grind following the publication of a critical story about his group.
Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate the death of a mathematical genius by a gun-wielding clown.
Romantic sparks begin to fly when Patrick Jane and supposed psychic Kristina Frye cross paths again during the CBI investigation into the murder of a charismatic head of a non-profit organization that fights human trafficking.
When the CBI investigates the kidnapping of a prominent lawyer and state house lobbyist, the CBI Director wants Jane on the case, but he is uncertain of his future with the unit after his encounter with Red John.
Patrick Jane and the CBI team are called in to investigate the murder of a convict who served nine years for rape and murder, but was recently released on DNA evidence.
Patrick Jane and the CBI team hit the horse track when a jockey is found murdered and suspects abound.
The case of a murder and missing person on an intensely secure wealthy family's compound perplexes Jane and the CBI team.
Jane and the CBI team narrowly escape a fiery end when a building explodes while they're investigating a death threat. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Lisbon and billionaire Walter Mashburn when they meet again while on the case.
Patrick Jane is kidnapped and Lisbon and the team go back through years of Jane's casework to find suspects only to realize that almost everyone he's ever dealt with might want to harm him.
The CBI pursues two lines of investigation when a Santa is murdered: Patrick Jane goes undercover in an AA group; and Rigsby and Van Pelt question members of an authentic Santa society. Meanwhile, following the demise of a person in custody at the CBI, J.J. LaRoche is brought in to question the team when it appears to be an inside job.
Patrick and the team investigate the murder of a woman with ties to mixed martial arts fighters. Meanwhile, LaRoche focuses his investigation on Rigsby, who in turn is forced to ask Cho for a huge favor in order to keep his job.
When Patrick Jane and the CBI must work with a criminal profiler, Dr. Montague, to solve a double murder, it becomes a competition for Jane to prove that his methods are superior.
Van Pelt's actions are called into question when a witness is murdered while she is assigned to his protection.
When a modern-day prospector is found dead near a mining site and Lisbon is injured during the initial stages of the investigation, Agent Hightower joins Patrick Jane in the field for the first time.
Evidence in the murder of an antiques dealer found dead in a museum indicates that the suspect may be a member of the CBI team.
After a doctor is found dead at a golf course, the CBI team searches for a killer amongst a hospital's staff and patients. Meanwhile, when LaRoche is placed in charge of the CBI, his first act of business is to demote Lisbon, and name Cho the new team leader.
Patrick Jane and the CBI team must track down the killer of a man who believed he experienced an alien abduction - even after the victim's body is stolen from the coroner's van. Meanwhile, Van Pelt takes a break from the case to shop for wedding dresses.
When a prison guard is stabbed to death outside of a jewelry store, Patrick Jane suspects one of the guard's inmates is the killer. Meanwhile, Rigsby questions his own father about the murder.
After a young violinist is shot to death, Patrick Jane questions the members of the Northern California Symphony Orchestra about the murder. Meanwhile, Cho crosses paths with a precocious young pickpocket.
In prison for killing his nemesis, Patrick Jane must prove that the man he shot really was Red John. Meanwhile, Lisbon urges Van Pelt to seek counseling in the aftermath of the death of her fiancé, Craig O'Laughlin.
With Lisbon suspended and the rest of the team reassigned, Jane is reinstated as a CBI consultant and forced to work with a new team. During the investigation, Jane conspires to bring his former team back together.
When the son of a former client from Jane's days as a psychic is kidnapped, Jane and the CBI team are asked to help find him. Meanwhile, Jane butts heads with his former client's new "spiritual advisor".
Jane notices a suspicious looking man carrying a gun at a political rally and sets out to prove he's a psychopath on the brink of committing murder. Meanwhile, Lisbon investigates the death of a photographer at the same rally.
Jane and the CBI team investigate the murder of a woman whose body washed up on an island off the coast of California. Meanwhile, Rigsby worries that his relationship with a public defender may create awkwardness between him and Van Pelt.
When the CBI team travels to a resort town to find out who murdered a police chief, Lisbon crosses paths with her brother Tommy, now a bounty hunter, who's tracking a bail jumper.
In order to find the killer of an undercover narcotics cop, Jane and the CBI team retrace her investigation.
Jane and the CBI investigate when a retired NFL star quarterback is presumed dead after his car blows up. Meanwhile, while preparing for a court case, Rigsby and Sarah Harrigan take their relationship to the next level.
During the search for a firefighter's killer, Jane is attacked and nearly drowned, resulting in a temporary loss of his memory and a return to his pre-CBI con man persona.
Jane and the CBI must narrow down the long list of suspects after a high-end divorce attorney with many enemies is killed on his speed boat. Meanwhile, Jane is questioned about whether Red John was responsible for Panzer's murder.
With very little evidence, Jane and the CBI investigate the death of a mob boss' son. Meanwhile, while taking a belligerent witness in for questioning, Van Pelt is haunted by the memories of O'Laughlin's shooting.
Jane and the CBI narrow down the list of suspects after a disgraced clothing designer on the verge of a comeback becomes a fashion victim. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Darcy continues her investigation into finding Red John.
While a jury deliberates the guilt or innocence of a defendant on trial for murder, Jane tries to prove she has been wrongfully accused before time runs out. Meanwhile, Summer may have gone too far when she helps Cho make a case against a suspect.
When a charity worker is killed, Jane has Erica Flynn, a murderer he helped imprison, furloughed in exchange for information she claims to have about the case. Meanwhile, Rigsby and Sarah try to adjust to impending parenthood.
Jane suspects that Susan Darcy has ulterior motives when she asks for his help with a homicide investigation. Meanwhile, the CBI team handles the murder of a young woman who was killed after meeting someone in an online chat room.
Jane and the CBI try to narrow down the list of suspects when a terminally ill man, is found murdered. Meanwhile, Cho is forced to face his demons.
Jane and the CBI try to determine who would have reason to kill a popular English teacher, giving Jane an opportunity to show off his acting skills to a drama class. Meanwhile, Cho hides his relationship with Summer from Lisbon, and Rigsby gets a special delivery.
Jane and the CBI gang get involved in the world of a Drag Queen Cabaret when a body is found burned to death in the alley behind their theater.
While investigating the murder of a surfer, Lisbon reconnects with her former fiancé, Greg Tayback, who she hasn't seen in over a decade. Also, Cho questions his decision to be in a relationship with Summer.
On the eighth anniversary of his wife and daughter's death, Jane receives a message from Red John, causing Jane to lose focus on his current case and put the investigation and his career at the CBI in jeopardy.
While Jane tries to decipher Lorelei's connection to Red John, the CBI team is forced to partner with the FBI to solve the murder of a hotel employee.
A bank employee is murdered during a heist and Jane and the team must work to track down the killer. Meanwhile, Lisbon is pulled deeper into the CBI/FBI rivalry.
When Rigsby's father is found injured at a crime scene, the team must find out if it is the result of a long-standing small-town gang war.
Flashing back several years, a distraught Patrick Jane arrives at the CBI to ask for evidence in the Red John investigation. However, while shadowing Libson, Jane winds up helping the team solve the murder of a judge's son.
The CBI team investigates the murder of a real estate agent with former gang ties, while Jane searches for leads on his new connection to Red John.
The death of a young botanist leads the team into the lucrative world of medical marijuana, while Cho's work with the rapid response team brings him back into contact with Summer.
The CBI team visits a high-end California rehab center in order to investigate the death of a young model who was a patient there, while Lisbon ramps up her investigation into Tommy Volker.
The CBI investigates the death of a geologist, which Lisbon is convinced is the key to bringing down Tommy Volker.
Jane and the CBI team investigate a 25-year-old case that seems to connect Red John with members of the Visualize cult, and Lisbon contemplates her future.
Lorelei Martins returns, determined to find out if Red John had a role in her sister's death, and Jane is forced to confess to Lisbon his part in Lorelei's prison escape.
The CBI team investigates when the body of a female army medic who worked with soldiers with PTSD is found near a military base.
The CBI team investigates when the young lead of a local theater production dies on the eve of the opening. Meanwhile, Jane hopes to get more information about Red John from the comatose Jason Lennon.
Rigsby and Van Pelt go undercover as a couple with relationship problems to investigate the death of a woman who received advice from a radio love doctor.
Jane and Lisbon secretly continue their dangerous mission to narrow down the list of seven Red John suspects as they investigate the murder of a man who was missing for two years.
Jane discovers an important clue to Red John's methods as the team encounters four of the suspects, and the CBI investigates the case of a software engineer killed by a drone strike.
Jane gets the CBI involved in a murder case in Napa in order to investigate Sheriff McAllister, while Rigsby and Van Pelt contemplate their future in light of a new office policy.
Following the shocking events at Jane's house, the Red John list is narrowed down further, and the CBI's priority is the remaining suspects.
The FBI reluctantly enlists Jane's help to find a missing computer programmer, but he refuses to help unless Lisbon is brought on board as well.
Jane and the FBI investigate the murder of a high-tech cartographer who may have unearthed a spy ring before his death. Meanwhile, Rigsby and Van Pelt find themselves on the trail of an alarming conspiracy.
Jane's investigation leads him to join a separatist commune after a U.S. attorney is found dead in Mexico, even though there's no record of her crossing the border. Also, Rigsby and Van Pelt convince J.J. LaRoche to help them discover who is stalking former CBI members.
Jane and Fischer investigate a murder at an oil fracking site, while Rigsby and Van Pelt travel to Austin to help investigate suspects in the string of attacks on former CBI team members.
Grace is kidnapped by the killer who has been hunting former CBI members, but when the prime suspect appears to have an airtight alibi, Jane must rely on all his skills to locate her before time runs out.
Jane enlists his colleagues in a dangerous sting operation to catch a deadly team of art thieves. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Lisbon and an agent from the FBI's art squad.
A chance encounter with a suspicious-looking individual leads Jane and Lisbon to uncover a vast human trafficking ring. Meanwhile, Lisbon remains tempted by Pike's offer to move to D.C. with him.
Jane's freedom is at stake when a grand jury is empanelled to decide if he should be tried for the murder of Red John. Meanwhile, Lisbon tries to find out how Jane feels about the possibility of her leaving Austin with Marcus Pike, and Cho and Abbott follow new leads in the human trafficking ring they recently uncovered.
With time running out to save the victims of a kidnapping ring before they are transported overseas, Jane and Lisbon zero in on the criminal enterprise's mastermind. Meanwhile, Lisbon decides if she will move to D.C. with Marcus Pike.
A new lead in a cold case requires Lisbon to delay her plans to leave for Washington, D.C. with Marcus, giving Jane time to finally come to terms with his feelings for her and decide on a course of action.
Jane and Lisbon decide to keep their new relationship a secret from their colleagues as they investigate the murder of an undercover agent. Also, young, ambitious agent Michelle Vega joins the team.
Lisbon goes undercover as a prison inmate in order to get a convict to turn on her boyfriend, who is the leader of a high-end car theft ring.
Jane and Lisbon travel to Beirut where they must work with former adversary, Erica Flynn, who agrees to help the FBI apprehend her boyfriend, a courier for terrorist organizations, in exchange for amnesty for her past crimes.
The FBI is brought in to consult on a botched DEA raid, but when Abbott's former boss tries to blackmail Abbott into keeping the agency's missteps quiet, he is forced to choose between his career and morals.
A murder investigation becomes personal for Lisbon when she learns that her underachieving younger brother, Jimmy, is being sought as a key witness.
Jane worries for Lisbon's safety when the team puts itself in the line of fire to protect the witness in a murder investigation from a skilled assassin.
Lisbon accepts Jane's surprise marriage proposal, but a killer's quest for revenge may cost them the happy ending they've worked so hard to achieve.