Ep 12. Red Rum

In season 1, episode 12 of The Mentalist, titled "Red Rum," Patrick Jane and the CBI team are called in to investigate a homicide at a luxury spa. The victim, a wealthy socialite named Dahlia, was found strangled in her hotel room, and the only evidence at the scene is a cryptic message scrawled on the bathroom mirror in Dahlia's own lipstick: "REDRUM."

As they delve deeper into the investigation, the team discovers that Dahlia had no shortage of enemies and her life was far from perfect. She was in the middle of a bitter divorce, had a history of drug abuse, and had recently been sued for embezzlement. In addition, her personal assistant, who was the last person to see her alive, is acting suspiciously.

Meanwhile, Jane is dealing with his own personal issues. He is haunted by memories of his murdered wife and daughter and is struggling to cope with his guilt over their deaths. He finds solace in a surprising source: Dahlia's grieving husband, who shares a similar tragic past.

As the team races against time to catch the killer before they strike again, Jane uses his extraordinary powers of observation and deduction to unravel the mystery behind Dahlia's murder. Along the way, he also forms an unlikely bond with her husband, who helps him come to terms with his own past.

In the dramatic final moments of the episode, the team finally uncovers the identity of the killer, but not before Jane puts himself in grave danger. The episode ends with a shocking twist that sets the stage for future episodes and leaves fans eagerly anticipating what's to come.

Overall, "Red Rum" is a gripping episode of The Mentalist that showcases both the show's ensemble cast and its titular character's unique talents. It offers a compelling mystery, emotional depth, and plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.