Strawberries and Cream: Part 1

Robin Tunney almost ruined the season 3 finale. I finally learned why Tunney didn't seem to fit the role of Teresa Lisbon. I bought the DVD complete series of the "The Mentalist" and one of the Special Features is called "Evidence of a Hit Series", which is over 24 minutes long. In it, Tunney actually admits that she had never really played a character who was employed before joining this show. Therefore, she had never played someone in law enforcement! There is no evidence that she shadowed a police sergeant or lieutenant or even if there was a reputable law enforcement consultant on the set to help the cast. I haven't been able to determine if Tunney was the first choice or if other actresses turned down the role first. Only the latter makes sense to me. Tunney also said initially she wasn't comfortable playing someone in an authoritative role who is demanding and difficult. Really? Nothing surprising there. She went on to say she eventually became completely comfortable but I don't buy it. Although the one thing she was consistent about in her role was being difficult. I also learned that Bruno Heller admitted that he never intended for Jane and Lisbon to become a couple - it never crossed his mind. Also, Heller had made no decision on who Red John was and it actually took a long time to decide. I feel validated because the writing and other issues I noticed in numerous episodes were mostly what Tunney and Heller admitted to.