I enjoy The Mentalist because it's one of those cookie-cutter shows that doesn't require much thought and is based on such a cliché and silly premise that it should have Comedy in the genre along with Mystery. I wouldn't call it drama since that implies seriousness. Jane, the Mentalist, goes about each case making fools of the perpetrators using tactics that are simply not real but which -- judging by the reviews -- many people think might be real. I believe the writer intends for the persona of Jane to be entertaining, humorous, and even a bit cheesy. There are certain ways to psyche people out, so to speak, and get them to choose certain colors or remember certain subliminal commands (done so adorably by the Grifter, Sofie, on Leverage). But most Mentalists, like Magicians, use other ways to put on a show using behind the scenes trickery. In the Mentalist, the writers suppose that someone can do much more than is actually possible (short of being psychic). So of course it makes it intriguing. However, very predictable thus cookie-cutter. Cho is especially humorous with his poker face and dry wit. But the whole crew plays great supporting props for Jane's escapades. We know in reality, very little of what Jane gets away with would be tolerated from professional investigators. I also find the show explains a lot of the so-called clues that Jane notices with his superior intellect but which most of the audience would have also noticed. But that's part of the charm of this show -- the fact that armchair sleuths can piece together the puzzle on their own by the end. Overall, I would say this is a light mystery with a good sense of humor that reminds me more of a Columbo style.
Review of The Mentalist
