It was inevitable that we’d get a new boss for our familiar band of CBI members, and it seems the powers-that-be want us to like the guy, at least for now. Wainwright is probably younger than everyone else, but he definitely comes into the mix with experience that seems not of simply textbook knowledge. Though I kinda like the new guy, I was bugged by how he was introduced to the team. It came across as rather unrealistic that he’d be simply thrown at the team like he was, with nary an introduction or some sort of vetting process that the others were aware of.
The most interesting part of the episode came toward its end, when Wainwright approached Jane with his own assessment of Jane’s … psychopathiness. It’s moments like this that make me think that the creators really have it in their heads that Patrick Jane is involved with Red John in some way other than simply being a victim. Oh, maybe he’s not THE Red John, but there’s something there. It’ll be interesting to see if Wainwright will take what he’s learned about Jane and find something out about him that we don’t know yet. If nothing else, Jane’s a more troubled individual than we might think.
I anticipate Wainwright will be around for some time, but he doesn’t have that permanent-member feel, does he?
Oh, somewhat off-topic: I contacted actor Jack Plotnick tonight, who plays forensics officer Brett Partridge on the show, and he tells me he’s likely not making an appearance this season. Seems perhaps my theory that he’s Red John — or part of Red John’s clan — may be shot.
Clacked by Keith McDuffee 
on Oct 13, 2011 @ 23:23 EST5EDT
