Ep 11. Red John's Friends

In The Mentalist season 1 episode 11 entitled "Red John's Friends," the CBI team is tasked with investigating the murder of a wealthy man named Todd Johnson. Initially, it seems like a typical robbery gone wrong, but things quickly take a sinister turn when it's revealed that Johnson was a member of a secret society known as the Visualize Self-Realization Centre.

The Visualize Centre is a New Age organization that claims to help its members achieve happiness and success through meditation and positive thinking. However, it's soon clear that the group is more cult than community, with a charismatic leader named Bret Stiles at the helm. Stiles is played by Malcolm McDowell, who brings his signature blend of charm and menace to the role.

As Jane and the team delve deeper into the case, they discover that Johnson wasn't the only member of the Visualize Centre to meet a grisly end. In fact, several people connected to the organization have been murdered over the years, and all of them appear to be linked to a mysterious figure known as "Red John."

Red John is a notorious serial killer who has been taunting Jane ever since his wife and daughter were murdered. Jane is convinced that someone inside the Visualize Centre is connected to Red John, and he uses his trademark charm and manipulation to try to get inside the group and uncover the killer's identity.

Meanwhile, tensions are running high between Jane and his colleagues at the CBI. Jane's unorthodox methods and arrogant attitude have always been a source of friction, but his obsession with Red John is pushing him further and further outside the lines of acceptable behavior. The episode raises complex questions about the nature of justice, morality, and the lengths that people will go to in pursuit of their goals.

As the investigation heats up, Jane finds himself drawn ever closer to Stiles and the other members of the Visualize Centre. He puts himself in danger and tests the limits of his own conscience as he tries to get to the truth. And when the shocking identity of Red John's accomplice is finally revealed, the episode ends on a cliffhanger that will leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment of the series.

Overall, "Red John's Friends" is a standout episode of The Mentalist's first season. It balances sharply written procedural elements with complex character development and high stakes drama. Featuring strong performances from all the main actors, and a stand-out turn by McDowell as the enigmatic Bret Stiles, it's a must-watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.