In a few short minutes, everything changes. 'Red Sky In The Morning' is in many ways a culmination of the whole series to date, and a high point of the whole show, if only because they would back off from some of the most fundamental issues of the show in future seasons in order to wrap it up. Here, however, those issues are on full display. Is it possible that Red John is even more than he appears, and could Kristina Frye be the real kind of psychic that the ultra-cynical Patrick Jane denies at every turn? Can there be a life other than the one of vengeance, and what if he makes a mistake? The arcs that restart from here will go round in circles in future seasons, but here... Here, they all work.
There is a lot to like in this second season closer. For one thing, we get the return of the angelic Leslie Hope, a lesser known Canadian treasure, as the possibly true psychic Kristina Frye, never to be properly seen again as she is taken away by the series villain Red John after repeating Jane's original pre-series mistake. In fact, Simon Baker displays true acting chops here, going from charismatic charmer, to affable hopelessness, to a nervous mess, and then to a peculiar place beyond fear. Jane is a great character.
'Red Sky In The Morning' closes the second season and goes from wonderful, to weird, and then back to wonderful again. The closing experience with Red John is just a little shocking, and you do wonder what will happen next.
The problems with this episode are contextual, and not really anything to do with the hour itself. The problems lie in how themes won't be addressed in the future. Yes, Jane's vengeance finally will happen, but it will be in an unsatisfying way. The underlying tension between Jane's assertions that there are no psychics and the difficultly explained abilities of Red John (and Kristina Frye) is thrown away. The tension between Lisbon's dedication to the law and Jane's quest is ultimately reconciled by circumstances. However, for now, we are forced to wait and wonder what will unfold next. What does that calm and determined look mean?
On the other hand, we could all think about triceratops moulds instead. It's our choice.
O.
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