Though not a human lie detector like Cal Lightman of “Lie to Me,” Patrick Jane of “The Mentalist” has his own seemingly supernatural abilities that make him an asset to the fictional California Bureau of Investigation. A former psychic, Jane now consults with the CBI on murder cases, lending the agency his mental acuity and powers of observation.
A Lucrative Past
Before working with the CBI, Jane was a popular psychic and medium who had developed a sufficient following to warrant his own television show. He conducted both public and private readings for his clients, pretending to communicate with dead friends and relatives.
This, of course, was a lucrative career choice, especially considering his success in the public arena. However, it all came to a shattering end when the serial killer “Red John” slaughtered Jane’s wife and daughter several months before “The Mentalist” begins.
It is not known how much money Jane brought in as a medium, but he drives a vintage car and lives in a well-appointed home with all the comforts and luxuries one can imagine. It is doubtful he could afford his lifestyle on the salary of a police consultant. However, if he saved his money from his work as a psychic and invested it well, he could very easily afford his expensive tailored suits and shiny designer shoes.
A Dangerous Present
Although Jane appears to abhor violence and detest guns, he doesn’t live a boring or safe life. He investigates cases with the CBI, talking to witnesses and interrogating suspects, and he has more than once found himself at the wrong end of a weapon. He states numerous times over the first season of the show that his main priority is finding — and perhaps eliminating — “Red John.” Therefore, he is consumed by the hunt, and the medical bills that might eventually result from his risky behavior could easily deplete his financial resources.
At the Tables
Patrick Jane occasionally finds ways to make money during the course of investigations. For example, in one episode he finds himself at the heart of a gambling mystery, and uses his mental prowess to count cards and win at blackjack and poker. However, regardless of how he rakes in dough, he always uses it for good, buying his friends at the CBI gifts or donating money to various charities.
It would seem that anyone with such intelligence would likewise be good with money. He probably knows how to balance risks in investments and how to keep tabs on his checkbook. We’ve never seen him pull out a credit card on “The Mentalist,” but he most likely would be approved for any number of platinum offerings.
