Bruno Heller, Creator and Executive Producer of The Mentalist, is interviewed by TV Time Machine host Jim Benson about the CBS crime drama starring Simon Baker that has become a modern day classic.
In this edition of TV Time Machine, we ask you to concentrate for the next hour as we focus on a remarkable television series. We are proud to welcome creator and Executive Producer of The Mentalist, Bruno Heller. Mr. Heller has been at the helm of this exceptional drama since 2008, and previously served as producer and writer on the acclaimed HBO series, Rome.
Over these audio segments, Bruno Heller helps us explore virtually every aspect of this remarkable series, as we delve into the psyches of Patrick Jane, Red John and the CBI team. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to sit down for a reading, feel free to put on your thinking caps, as we release ourselves from the past, to experience a most perspicacious present! 
Listen to the Interview Below
Bruno Heller audio interview Segment One
In this segment, host Jim Benson and The Mentalist creator Bruno Heller talk about Mr. Heller’s early years plying his trade in the British film business, how stateside television productions differ from those across the pond, and the films and TV shows that influenced him in his formative years. Bruno Heller also discusses the genesis of The Mentalist, his view of real-life mentalists, his psychological assessment of Patrick Jane, and the qualities that Simon Baker possesses that makes him the ideal actor to play The Mentalist.
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Bruno Heller audio interview Segment Two
For the second segment, host Jim Benson and Bruno Heller discuss The Mentalist pilot, how Red John needed to be be an epic character in order to be a villiain equal to the skills of Patrick Jane, the classic literary characters that helped inspire some of Red John’s mythic qualities, and the dark psychological forces that at work within his evil personage. Bruno Heller also muses on the challenge of resolving the Red John question, and talks about one of show’s most popular characters, Cho–what makes that character tick and how from the beginning, actor Tim Kang was ideal for the role of the no-nonsense CBI agent.
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Bruno Heller audio interview Segment Three
For the final segment, host Jim Benson and Bruno Heller talk about the character of Teresa Lisbon (played by Robin Tunney), and how the relationship between Patrick Jane and Lisbon has evolved over the years. Mr. Heller draws a psychological profile of Lisbon’s character and how the personal lives of the characters might play out over time. The creator/writer/producer also discusses the genesis of his “Strawberries and Cream” season three finale, and the actor who played the supposed Red John (Bradley Whitford). Finally, Bruno Heller says that shocking truths will be revealed in the upcoming season of the series, and reflects upon his career to this point and the phenomenal success of The Mentalist.
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Connor Davey
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Bill
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teresa
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Mike
