When The Mentalist returns next Sunday it will flashforward two years into the future, with Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) and the rest scattered about the world in the aftermath of Red John’s story wrapping up.

The Mentalist Spoilers

The California Bureau of Investigation has now officially shuttered its doors, forcing its former employees to find work elsewhere. Jane has taken his consultant skills out of the country. His identity in California was inextricably tied to Red John, who had killed both his wife and daughter, and he needed a new start elsewhere.

"[Red John] has helped define who [Jane] is as a character completely from the very beginning,” Baker told USA Today. “It's been the driving force and the objective of my character is to find this guy."

"You see how things have manifested over those two years,” Baker continued. “You see some real shifts in character and approach to life. It really does deal with the idea of what's missing in his life and how he's lost his mojo. It's a coming of age in a way."

Flashforward: Patrick Jane Gets New Start

Series creator Bruno Heller sees the resolution of Red John and Jane’s new emotional freedom as a way for the character – and the series – to reinvent itself in a way. There will be a “more joyous and happier Jane,” which could pave the way for future romance and friendships.

Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney), who always threatened to be a romantic interest for the consultant, resides in Northern California and finds herself missing her former partner. “She has made a new life for herself, after two years she finds she's thinking about Jane all the time," Heller said.

Baker adds that, "[The Mentalist] redefines the relationship between Jane and Lisbon in a real and adult way. That's a really strong element of the show.”

As for the other characters: Wedded pair Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman) and Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti) are in San Francisco. While the two will be a main part of the early episodes of The Mentalist’s 6th season, they’re to be written out by season’s end. Kimball Cho (Tim Kang), meanwhile, is in Austin as Denis Abbot (Rockmond Dunbar) finishes closing the CBI in Sacramento.

The Mentalist airs Sundays on CBS at 10/9c.

– Chelsea Regan

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