The CBI team is called to a vineyard in Napa Valley after the body of a red-haired teenager, Melanie O'Keefe, is found.
While Agent Teresa Lisbon suspects Melanie’s drug-dealer boyfriend, Patrick Jane believes the death was an accidental result of a bungled kidnapping by a serial predator attracted to redheads. The_Mentalist_1x02_Capelli_Rossi_E_Nastro_Argen...
The real killers are revealed to be a husband-and-wife team—the restaurant's chef and his wife—who had already kidnapped another red-haired woman and were holding her bound with silver duct tape. Key Character Introductions & Moments The CBI team is called to a vineyard
Jane goes behind Lisbon's back to set up an undercover operation using Grace Van Pelt as "bait" at a local restaurant. Key Character Introductions & Moments Jane goes behind
This episode solidifies the trend of including the word "Red" (or a red-related term) in every episode title until Season 6, symbolizing Red John's constant presence in Jane's mind. Production Details Director: David Nutter Writer: Bruno Heller (series creator) Original Air Date: September 30, 2008
This episode marks early romantic tension between the two, often referred to by fans as "Rigspelt," which continues throughout the series.
Portrayed by Xander Berkeley, the local Napa sheriff first appears here. He famously loses to Jane in a game of rock-paper-scissors six times in a row, establishing their early rivalry. In a major series spoiler, McAllister is later revealed in Season 6 to be the serial killer Red John .