Hmm. I would say it's closer to getting someone all riled up and then they hit someone with a glass jaw.

but the awful thing he did that triggered it still means he gets part of the blame.

Nope.

I'm more than willing to agree to disagree on this. I said above that I understand that Sherlock the character feels some responsibility, and Bell the character blames Sherlock, at least partially. I see how the writers intend it to work *within the story*.

As a viewer, I do not buy into the "Blame Sherlock, at least partially" campaign, and I think it's poor writing if it's intended to drive character development.

Hmm. I would say it's closer to getting someone all riled up and then they hit someone with a glass jaw.

If you set his hair on fire. I can see I'm a minority of one on this - but I'm with the writers. Somebody starts a bar room brawl, and a third party kills a fourth part in that brawl, even though the main responsibility belongs to the killer, the brawl starter get a bit of the blame too. (Not speaking from a legal perspective.)

OK - I'm not saying my mind won't change on this, but not by the arguments made so far. No one has outright asked me to drop it, but I'm kind of getting a "please drop it" vibe, so won't pursue it further unless explicitly told it is OK. Don't want to offend, bore, or pursue a discussion everybody thinks is pointless.

And to post something I hope will completely uncontroversial, or at least not provoke passionate disagreement, finally getting rid of Red John once and for all has greatly improved the Mentalist. Though I want to throw things at the screen every time "two years later" comes on the screen.

What I liked best about this ep of The Mentalist is that they showed Lisbon figuring out who the mastermind was before Jane revealed it to her.

Yes, that was great. I both enjoyed this episode and want to mock it. Oh, what the hey:

Agent Kim: You can't have a couch. Jane: I cast a "charming asshole you can't resist spell" (rolls 20 sided dice) Yes! A 15! Agent Kim (dazed): OK, I'll get you a couch.

Five DEA agents have been killed. The cameras have been destroyed.

Jane: That mirror is in a funny place. I'll bet there was a camera there.

DEA Supervisor: I knew about the other cameras. How come I didn't know about that one?

Jane: I may be a genius, but on that one you'll have to ask the writers.

Jane: I want to talk to the girlfriend.
LIsboon" Let's go talk to Crystal, the girlfriend.

Jane to Crystal: You are really hot! Give me your phone number.
Every Member of the Audience who has seen more than three episodes: Jane just made a pass at a stacked blonde. She must be the murderer
Jane rolls the twenty sided dice: damn! A Two!
Crystal: Here is my number.

Later, while Jane is on his date with Crystal, Lisbon and Kim both separately follow him to the upscale spot where he and Crystal are meeting.

Kim: Two minds with but a single thought
Lisbon: how come an asshole like Jane can attract two strong self-respecting women.
Jane: Cause human women can't resist House Elves!

Jane (later, to Crystal) I'm harmless as a fly
Crystal: That would make me the spider
Jane: A role I'm sure you are very comfortable with.
Crystal: Say What!
Audience: Like we did not already know she was the murderer.

Later, inside house - Crystal confronts FBI's main suspect in shooting, calls him a bitch and has minion tie him up.
Crystal to audience: its only halfway through the show but its not even worth pretending you don't know I'm the murderer.

Later
Lisbon: Hey, you know Jane is dating a stacked blonde. She must be the murderer. Let's look at all the footage we have of her.
Kim: OK. I'm glad we are only 15 minutes behind the audience!
Lisbon: See, when she looks in the mirror she is posing. Crystal must know the camera is there.
Kim: She is smart enough to keep a low profile in every other way, but not smart enough to suppress her vanity and not to pose for the camera. Good thing even a ruthless criminal mastermind can't transcend gender stereotypes!

Later, on Crystal's boat

Crystal: How did you know I was the criminal mastermind!
Jane: Gender essentialism! But don't worry. You won't be able to kill me Lisbon has everything figured out. Lisbon! Any time now. Oh crap.

Jane: Oh well I'm just have to use my House Elf super powers to dodge the bullet and dive into the water.
Lisbon: Ha. Ha. I knew since you were the star of the show you couldn't bet killed. I just wanted to arrive late enough for you have get dunked as payback for being such an asshole.
Jane: Damn, I've got to stop forgetting that even my House Elf supercharm has limits.

Well, Mistress already gave him socks, what more does he want?

She's right, you know:

[link]

Well yes, after I saw that Macro he will always be a House Elf to me. But even a free House Elf has to choose between having people put up with his bullshit in return for his help and feeling grateful for his help. Even magic can't get him both.

I made that Macro, he said proudly.

And yes, Patrick is often insufferable. Frequently.