The revelation of Red John’s identity in season six of The Mentalist was a moment many fans had eagerly anticipated, yet for some, like many viewers, the unveiling of Gale Bertram as the notorious serial killer felt profoundly unsatisfying. The episode “Red John” (Season 6, Episode 8) sparked debate and disappointment, with many feeling the chosen character didn’t quite fit the established profile of the cunning and terrifying Red John. This sentiment resonates strongly with fans who had developed alternative theories, finding them more consistent with the narrative’s nuances. One such compelling theory posits that Brett Partridge, the CBI’s forensic analyst, was a far more credible and chilling candidate for the Red John mantle.
The Case for Brett Partridge: A Red John Hidden in Plain Sight
Brett Partridge was always an intriguing, if somewhat unsettling, presence within the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Several clues throughout the series subtly pointed towards him, making a strong case for his potential duality as the feared Red John.
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The Voice Connection: For viewers who watched The Mentalist in French, a significant clue emerged. The French voice actor for Brett Partridge was also used to voice Red John in key episodes, notably Season 2 Episode 23 (“Red John’s Rules”) and Season 6 Episode 1 (“The Desert Rose”). This deliberate casting choice in the French dub strongly suggested a connection between the two characters, a detail that resonated deeply with French-speaking audiences.
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Expertise and Obsession: Partridge’s professional role as a forensic analyst positioned him perfectly to understand and even anticipate crime scenes, mirroring Red John’s meticulous and theatrical staging of murders. His expertise in death and crime scenes wasn’t just professional; it often bordered on fascination, a trait that could easily be interpreted as a morbid enthusiasm akin to a psychopath’s.
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Animosity Towards Jane: A subtle but noticeable undercurrent of hostility existed between Partridge and Patrick Jane. Partridge often appeared resentful of Jane’s abilities and dismissive of his insights, a dynamic that could be seen as jealousy or even a deliberate attempt to undermine Jane from within. This animosity provides a personal motive for Partridge to be involved in Jane’s tragic past, orchestrated by Red John.
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Psychopathic Demeanor: Partridge’s personality consistently leaned towards the unsettling. He often displayed a lack of empathy, appeared emotionally detached, and maintained a somewhat unnerving composure, traits commonly associated with psychopathic tendencies. His discomfort in social situations and inability to genuinely connect with others further fueled suspicions about his true nature.
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Significant First Words: Partridge’s very first line in the series was “Red John Enters” in the pilot episode. This line, seemingly innocuous at the time, gains a chilling significance when viewed through the lens of him potentially being Red John. It could be interpreted as a clever piece of foreshadowing, almost a boast hidden in plain sight, typical of a narcissistic criminal like Red John.
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Morbid Fascination Unveiled: Partridge’s fascination with death and the macabre was more than professional curiosity; it was a deep-seated interest that verged on obsession. His eagerness at crime scenes, his detailed observations, and his almost clinical detachment could be interpreted as the fascination of someone intimately involved in the acts themselves, unable to resist the allure of his own dark creations.
Why the Bertram Reveal Falls Short
The official reveal of Gale Bertram as Red John, while intended to be climactic, left many viewers unconvinced and disappointed. Several aspects of Bertram’s character and the narrative leading up to his reveal felt inconsistent with the established Red John persona.
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Fear of Jane: Bertram, as portrayed, seemed intimidated by Patrick Jane. This starkly contrasts with Red John’s established persona of someone who is always in control, taunting Jane, and never showing fear. The power dynamic felt reversed, undermining the menacing image of Red John.
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Voice Discrepancy: The voice attributed to Red John, particularly in earlier seasons, was distinctly different from Bertram’s natural speaking voice. While voice manipulation is possible, the lack of a convincing explanation for this discrepancy further weakened Bertram’s credibility as Red John.
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Inconsistent Character Traits: Red John was characterized as a master manipulator, someone who reveled in his power and control. Bertram, on the other hand, often came across as a bureaucrat, more concerned with institutional power than the personal, twisted motivations attributed to Red John. His supposed regret for killing Jane’s family also felt out of character for the narcissistic and remorseless Red John.
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Age and Physicality: Brett Partridge, in terms of age and physical build, seemed to align more closely with the initial descriptions and portrayals of Red John. Bertram, being older and of a different physical stature, felt like a less physically imposing and therefore less believable Red John, especially considering Red John’s hands-on approach to murder.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Partridge Theory
While The Mentalist officially concluded with the Bertram reveal, the theory of Brett Partridge as Red John continues to resonate with many fans. This alternative interpretation offers a more nuanced and, for some, more satisfying explanation for the Red John mystery. Partridge’s character, with his unsettling demeanor, expertise in forensics, and subtle animosity towards Jane, provided a richer and more chilling possibility for the true identity of Red John. For those who felt let down by the official reveal, the Brett Partridge theory remains a compelling “what if,” allowing for a darker, more psychologically intricate understanding of the Red John narrative within The Mentalist.
