Coming out of RED JOHN Part 4

  

In "The Coming Out of  "RED JOHN" Part 3"  post, I made predictions as to what would happen on "The Mentalist" in the next year or two. After watching the 100th episode on Sunday night, you should know I'm on the right track.

Remember a previous episode in which Jane helped a former friend and it ended up that she was a Psychiatrist? They made a couple of vague insinuations that Jane had been a mental patient. Then the topic was dropped.

I've told you that they are going to start making you think that several people from the CBI could be Red John or at least an accomplice. But I predicted the writers would point to the possibility that Patrick Jane IS Red John! Well, here come all the episodes which will continue to explore him as a psychopath.

But remember what I said? It's a smoke screen.

Please read Part 3 , which has all my main predictions, before commenting on this post.

I can also guarantee that FBI Agent Susan Darcy is NOT a RED JOHN accomplice. But after falling romantically for Jane, she will be killed by RED JOHN. Or will it be Patrick that kills her? ;-)

Round and round and round the writers will spin you. (Like a record round, round, round)

Happy Halloween with a Couple Favorite Music Videos

I stopped celebrating Halloween many years ago. Right around the time I became too old to go "trick or treating" from door to door, I also became a Born-Again Christian.

Now, in truth, dressing up in costumes and having a good time is something a person never really grows out of, so there is always a "tug" on my emotions around this time of year. I have a vivid imagination, can always think of a great costume and I'm never too old for a party.

Of course, this time of year also brings out certain songs, depending on what generation you belong too.

Those of us who grew up in the 1980's immediately think of "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

Those of us even older (not me of course) think of "The Monster Mash". Both 'classics' in their own right.

But when I think of Halloween, one song rises above the rest. AND the great part of it, is it can slip by my Christian conscience, so I can still enjoy it.

So for those of you who have never had one before, I give to you now a "Witch's Invitation."

With deep sincerity, Laura-Lee

"Witch's Invitation" by Carman

And if that video "left you hanging", then you should rap it up with some good news.

"THE COURT ROOM" Video

Now this is the best way to celebrate "Halloween". Make sure your name is written in "The Book"

GRACE: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine

Heather and her father, Kyle, were both doctors doing missionary work among AIDS patients in Zimbabwe. When Heather’s father became very ill she finally convinced him to get on a plane back to America for treatment. She went along to care for him on the trip and became very ill herself while on the plane. Soon she had to rush to the on board washroom where she began to vomit profusely, while her father remained in his seat with a 104.5 fever. From where she lay on the floor in the airplane washroom, Heather prayed to God for help. At some point she was found in the washroom and both her and her father were attended to by the 100 doctors who also happened to be on that plane!

With stories like that and many others, Max Lucado reveals to us God’s luxurious Grace in his new book, “Grace: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine”.

In a world where the meaning of Grace can be easily misunderstood or even twisted to the point of being unrecognizable, Lucado explains the difference between the human version of Grace, which usually involves strings attached or the idea of earning God’s favour, and God’s idea of real grace.
“Grace is simply another word for God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave.” (page 99)

Lucado goes even farther back to explain why we need Grace in the first place. We, as humans, are riddled with sin which “is not a regrettable lapse or an occasional stumble. Sin stages a coup against God’s regime. Sin storms the castle, lays claim to God’s throne, and defies his authority.” (page 34)

In order to rid ourselves of our entrenched sin we often think we can win God’s favour, just as a boy scout wins his merit badges. But if we “[make] the assumption that God rates on the merit system” then “some thorny questions surfaced. If God saves good people, how good is ‘good’?” (page 46 – excerpts)

I became familiar with the writing of Max Lucado about 20 years ago when I first read his book, “God Came Near”. Through the years I have read 9 more of the more than 60 books Max has authored. I refer to him as “The Point Man” because he weaves together anecdotes, human interest, jokes, current events and Bible stories in an almost seamless way in order to meld emotion, common sense and theology into a sharp point. I was expecting more of the same with this book and was not disappointed.

Even though his writing skills have continued to grow I do have a few reservations about “Grace”. It seems to me that grace has three sides to it. All of them in perfect balance. Max discusses it’s cost and it’s results but there is little emphasis or practical advice on how to pass it on. As is the case with most things of God, we learn the most, get to the heart of the matter, and find their greatest power in the sharing of them. Max briefly discusses this in chapter 9 by encouraging us to be “generous” and “forgiving” and a “Billboard of God’s mercy” (page 166), but fails to delve into it much deeper or give practical advice on exactly how to live grace out on a daily basis.

He also discusses the “cost of grace” and the fact that grace was paid for by Jesus on the cross. Through an enhanced story of Barabbas, Max Lucado demonstrates that Jesus was sinless and died for each of us personally. But I wonder if a person can truly understand the massive cost of grace without identifying with our Heavenly Father who allowed his only Son to be murdered in order to purchase that grace for us? Max excels at showing different points of view, yet he misses out on helping us view things from God’s view. The view of a Parent, sacrificing one innocent, beloved Child for the sake of a rebellious, evil one.

As Max puts it,

“ ‘Cheap grace’ comes from misunderstanding the enormity of the sacrifice.” (page 169) AND

“The gift is the Giver.” (page 150) [emphasis mine]

I am also concerned with Lucado’s use of so many different translations of the Bible. He seems to use whatever version of the Bible best suits his immediate purpose. Whether it be NIV or The Message, he used whatever version best made his point. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be the first step down a slippery slope to slanting the Scriptures to mean what what we want, instead of us wanting to get to what they mean.

At the end of “GRACE: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine” the book is further enhanced by a “Reader’s Guide” written by Kate Etue. It reviews each chapter with sections entitled, “Scripture Review” (which gives further Bible verses on the topic), “Ask” (which poses probing questions), and “Call on God” (which aids in beginning a conversation with the Lord).

Kate Etue picks some very pertinent Bible verses and her sincere way of starting us in a personal prayer time is both insightful and eloquent. However, I feel slightly manipulated by some of the questions in the “Ask” sections. As if I am being routed into conclusions and assumptions that I am might not come to on my own.

For Example: The question is asked,

“How is spiritual rest a holy assignment?”

When perhaps it should be phrased,

“Do you think spiritual rest is a holy assignment? If so, how?”

Yet, who am I to question the opinions of Cal Thomas (USA Today columnist), Sheila Walsh (author, speaker and singer), Colt McCoy (NFL Quarterback), Mandisa (American Idol singer) and the other 18 people who spend the first 4 pages of this book singing it’s praises?

In conclusion, I must admit that I always enjoy a book by Max Lucado, including this one. He is honest, refreshing and very funny. His topics are both timely and necessary and I feel encouraged by what he has to say. I can most definitely recommend “GRACE: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine” as a good read and a welcome addition to my home library (because I will want to read it again).

Or as Max says, “ I know we shouldn’t complain. But, honestly, when someone hands you a bar of hotel soap and says, ‘This is for you',’ don’t you detect a lack of originality? But when a person gives a genuine gift, don’t you cherish the presence of affection? The hand-knit sweater, the photo album from last summer, the personalized poem, the Lucado book. Such gifts convince you that someone planned, prepared, saved and searched. Last minute decision? No, this gift was just for you.” (page 149)

I suppose the same thing applies to God’s grace too. Let us rest in the presence of his affection.

I’m giving this book 8 out of 10 “Secret Christian Fishies".

For further information contact:

Graf-Martin Communications Inc

HERE'S A VIDEO FROM MAX LUCADO HIMSELF

** NOTE: Please feel free to leave a comment. I would like to know what you think of this book AND the Review. (Remember. You can leave a comment Anonymously)

The Coming Out of "RED JOHN" Part 3 (PREDICTIONS)

Submarines have radar that allows them to identify other submarines, boats and creatures nearby in the water. However, if another submarine sneaks up from behind and follows them from close behind, they cannot be detected by the radar of the first sub. The propellers at the back of the first submarine blocks the noise made by the submarine behind. It’s called “hiding in the baffles”. But, because the submarine captains know that another ship might be in their baffles, they do a “crazy Ivan”. Without any warning, they suddenly turn their submarine sharply to the right or the left. Since the hiding submarine has no idea that the in front sub is going to turn, they get caught.

I remember watching an old movie about World War II. The Nazis had captured somebody and were going to torture them until they “gave up the information”. I remember telling those watching the movie with me, “I know how to trick the Nazis”. Everyone turned to see how my 8 year old mind had figured it out.

“I would talk and talk and talk. Then talk some more. Any question they asked me, I would make up an answer. That way, if I ever do spill out the truth, the Nazis wouldn’t know it. It will be hidden behind all the other junk I said. Plus, I wouldn’t be tortured either, because I would just keep giving in and blabbing.”
Everyone paused for a moment, then my Aunt said, “That’s so stupid, it’s actually quite smart.”  (I never have figure out whether she was complimenting me or criticizing me.)


What does all this have to do with “The Mentalist” or Red John?

A few weeks ago I said that I had figured out who Red John was, but that I have no intention of telling because I don’t want to ruin the surprise for anyone else. Many people think I’m just ‘blowing smoke’ and I can’t blame them. And I must admit that the writers of “The Mentalist” are keeping a lot of things very vague so that they can shuffle things around and don’t write themselves into a corner. But I’m sure they won’t change who (I think) they have picked as Red John, because it’s just that good an idea.

However, if I do know who Red John is, then I should be able to make some extremely accurate predictions on what will happen next on the show. (And, just like Patrick Jane, that doesn’t make me a psychic, it just shows that I’m paying attention)

First of all, keep in mind that “The Mentalist” is a massive hit show. This means that it is in very little danger of being cancelled any time soon. So the writers have a lot of time to play around with and weave their web.

For the next year (or maybe 2), it’s going to be  like me “blabbing to the Nazis”. You are going to hear and see everything and anything. It will be like a manic version of “spin the bottle”. The stories will go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round. (And you’ll have no idea who’s going to end up kissing whom)

The search for Red John’s identity will be brought closer to home. The CBI. We are going to be shown clues that point to Cho, Rigsby, Van Pelt and even little Lisbon as Red John or one of his minions. But mostly, they are going to point to Patrick Jane as Red John (or a Red John accomplice). There are going to be so many clues, you won’t know what hit you. But keep in mind, it is just a smoke screen. They have years to play with us (the audience) and play they will. But planted in all those false clues, you will find some real ones. There won’t be many (maybe only 2 or 3 in an entire season), but they will be important. You will have quite a job trying to sort  out truth from deception.

And these myriad of clues will pop out everywhere. Just when you think the plot is going in one direction, it will suddenly take a sharp turn in another direction. (Remember the “crazy Ivan”?) The writers will do this to see if we’re following them too closely.

But, trust me, we will get no where near an actual solution of who Red John is. They’ve got the time (years) and the vaguer they make it, the more people will stay interested. It will also create some job security for the writers.

 
I would suggest you just enjoy each episode for what it is. Each main character will get take their turn to be the center of a plot and they are going to really “go for it” and use the opportunity to flex their “acting chops” (especially so they have something to send in to the Television Academy when it’s time to apply for Emmy nominations).  Enjoy the relationships between the characters as they deepen (and ripen). Enjoy the great acting by the guest actors. Enjoy watching the suspects jump through Patrick Jane’s mental hoops. But most of all, revel in the great dialogue.

Patrick Jane
 
…on messing with peoples’ lives:

“We’re the law. We can do whatever we want.”

… on doctors:

“People prescribing pills they know little about, for diseases they know even less about, to people they know nothing about.”

… on a high school Principal illegally putting cameras in the washrooms:

“Pervy, Perve, Perve, Perve!”

There is one more prediction I’d like to make , although this is closer to a guess (and keep in mind that I haven’t seen all the episodes yet).

In regards to Agent Darcy, of the FBI, who believes that Jane is working for Red John. I believe there will be a romantic relationship between her and Patrick Jane and then she will be killed by Red John. I’m not sure “why” I think that. But we shall see if I’m right.

Stay tuned, my fellow ‘Mentalistas’.

And one more REMINDER. "The Mentalist" is about to celebrate it's 100th Episode in which there will be some "flash backs" to before the Pilot episode. That should prove both interesting and comical. You won't want to miss that so "Check Your Local Listings" as they say.

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who works (and did work) on "The Mentalist". Take a bow for a job well done.

Cast of "The Mentalist"

 

 

Robin and Simon at the 100th Episode Celebration.

The Coming Out of "RED JOHN" Part 2

I expected to discover many comments when I revealed that I knew the identity of Red John in my original post, "THE COMING OUT OF RED JOHN".

 I mean, The Mentalist gets massive ratings , so I KNOW a lot of people are watching the show. And since the concurrent theme of the show is "Who is Red John?" I thought more people would be interested.

But there are probably two strains of thought of why I'm being generally ignored:

1) If I knew who Red John is, why wouldn't I just tell everybody?

2) There is very little chance that I have figured out what millions of other people haven't.


Both are very valid points. I'm nobody special and usually if someone has a "juicy" piece of information, they would 'spill' it.
It's simply that it's driving me crazy that I've figured it out but I can't share it with anyone. You see, the reasons I don't want to blab is:

1) Who Red John is is a brilliant stroke of writing and if I "tattle", the writers will have to come up with something else and this story line is already so great I'd hate it if they couldn't see it through, 

2) I really don't want to ruin it for anyone else. Half the fun of watching the show is NOT being able to figure things out.

I JUST CAN'T do those things.


Mostly though, I wish I knew a way to contact the Writers of the Mentalist (I already know about their Twitter page) but they're ignoring me. I've got some great ideas that could build on their great revelation.

The irony of the whole thing is that if I wrote a letter to "The Mentalist" TV Show and revealed Red John's identity IN the letter, it would get through to the writers. If they knew that I knew, I would definitely have their attention. But it would have to pass over many peoples' desks and through many peoples' hands before it got to the writers and then all those people would all know who Red John is. (and I guarantee that most of the people who work on "The Mentalist" don't even know Red John's true identity). So in order to protect "The Secret", I must remain silent and obscure. And it's killing me that I cannot talk to anyone about this! 

If I can find a way to give a hint that is not hugely obvious, that will reveal Red John to only a few people who are able work it out, then I will. But they've "hidden" the answer in plain sight, so anything I say will mess things up. Actually, I've already said more than I should.

The Coming Out of "RED JOHN"

When you see a  magician who has a really great act, you wrack your brain trying to figure out how he does his tricks. You know there is deception and slight of hand going on, but even with that knowledge you are no closer to discovering the answer. But once the magician reveals to you the "magic" behind his tricks you think to yourself, "It's so obvious! How could I have NOT seen it".
Which brings me to the trickery of the TV show, "The Mentalist". 

I was originally attracted to "The Mentalist" because of it's great writing.  And after encountering literally hundreds of "Who-done-it's"  mysteries, there are precious few that I have not figured out well before the end of the story. But, in the case of "The Mentalist" there were often times I couldn't pinpoint the villain until he or she was revealed to the audience.

Anyone who has watched "The Mentalist" knows that the mystery that perseveres in the show from week to week is, "Who is Red John?". I have gone around the circle of characters and possibilities in my mind and eventually discarded each one. THEN, like a lightening bolt, after seeing a very slight clue, I knew who Red John was! I told a couple of my family members who I thought it was in order to test my "magician's theory" that once you knew a trick it became obvious to you.
Then, I went to "Mentalist" Forums and other places  the fans hang-out (a thing I had never done before) in order to see if anyone else was close to discovering who (or what) Red John is. I found nothing amongst the fans and, in the meanwhile, my family members had watched "The Mentalist" again and confirmed that this secret became obvious once it is known.

It's my understanding that 17,000,000 in North America watch this show each week. It's weird to be "in" on something that the majority of 17 million people haven't figure out yet.  It makes me feel giddy and slightly fearful. (I suppose it's because of my belief that "the more you know, the more will be expected of you")

Having figured out the "big secret" my respect for the writers has grown even greater, although one would assume it would be less since they could not trick me all the way to the end. But I see the way they keep certain plot "doors" open, so they don't write themselves into a corner and can still change certain things should the need arise. Plus, the usual wonderful way they include things like humor, great dialogue, an intricate mystery and the respect they give us in assuming we are intelligent viewers. Also, with the success of the show, the writers are guaranteed many more episodes before the show is cancelled and therefore they have the luxury of taking their time to include subtle clues and weekly hints to direct us to the identity of Red John (or MISdirect us to the identity of Red John).

 And practically speaking, it won't hurt when "The Mentalist' has been cancelled, everyone is looking for new jobs and they are trying to sell copies of "The Mentalist: the Complete Series".
 

 

 

 

As for me, it's nice to know that if I were to fall upon hard times, I can always blackmail the makers of the show for piles of cash simply to keep my mouth shut.  (Ahhhh! The beauty of free enterprise)

Do I hear any bids out there?