The Mentalist uses all the skills of some of the best Sleuths in history. He uses all the tools of Sherlock like deduction. Or Hercule Poirot's observation. and a dash of Ellery Queen's charm and inquisitive nature. What's original is the choice of an former con artist for the role. Changed into a crusader of justice by the death of his wife and daughter by a serial killer. Patrick Jane is such a breath of fresh air. The way he speaks his mind to the rich and powerful. Calling them jerks for the way they act. His bunt nature is similar to Dr. House with out that venom he spews. Its a great show without all of the gory murders of CSI or NCIS.