While "The Mentalist" series finale airs this Wednesday, Simon Baker has voiced that he's not getting the "tragic ending" he had hoped. The actor, who plays protagonist Patrick Jane, is instead getting a "happy ending" for his character. Still, the Season 7 will be satisfying no matter how joyful or sad it might be. Keep reading to hear more about what Simon Baker has to say about the final episodes, plus even more spoilers for Wednesday's two-hour conclusion!
In an interview with The Hull Daily Mail, Simon Baker voiced his desire for a "tragic" conclusion instead of a happy one. "I think the most tragic endings are more romantic in a way. I also think about the character that I signed on to play," he told the newspaper.
"He was a tragic character from the beginning, and to me, it only ever felt right that there was sort of a tragic ending to it," added the actor who plays Patrick Jane.
As we previously reported, executive producer Bruno Heller has promised "it's going to be a happy ending."
"[Simon Baker] is a ferocious man and was pushing for: 'No, let's take him out!' [Laughs] But the beauty of being able to end a series when and where you want to is that you can deliver a happy ending. The last episode will be a kind of joyful encore, as opposed to a whimpering exit," the EP and creator explained to TV Guide.
Still, with the proposal in Episode 12 and the much-awaited "Jisbon" wedding in Episode 13, Baker knows fans will be pleased with the series finale!
"I think it is satisfying," explained Baker to Channel Guide Mag.
"I really enjoyed [being a part of the series] and I want to leave loving the experience and I want the show to finish with people loving the experience," insisted Simon Baker.
In fact, although he didn't get the ending he was lobbying for, Baker had a crucial part in the development of the finale.
"I didn't write the script, but I definitely wrote the last scene," said Baker. "I just called Bruno [Heller, creator and executive producer] and said, 'I think this should end it, and what do you think?' And he said, 'I love the idea.' And he wrote a draft and I fiddled with that draft."
At the end of the day, it seems Simon Baker has most definitely given "The Mentalist" series finale his stamp of approval.
"Brown Shag Carpet" (Episode 12) and "White Orchids" (Episode 13), the penultimate and finale episodes of "The Mentalist" will air consecutively on Wednesday, February 18.
The official CBS press release states that on the series finale, "Jane and Lisbon decide to tie the knot, but a killer's quest for revenge may cost them their happy ending...Original cast members Owain Yeoman and Amanda Righetti return for the series finale."
According to the official synopsis of Brown Shag Carpet," Episode 12 and the penultimate episode of Season 7, "Jane agrees to once again pretend to be a renowned psychic and be used as bait in an attempt to lure out a serial killer and give the FBI a chance to apprehend him."
On "White Orchids," Episode 13 of Season 7 and the series finale, "Lisbon accepts Jane's surprise marriage proposal, but a killer's quest for revenge may cost them the happy ending they've worked so hard to achieve."
Are you ready for the exciting two-hour series finale? Are you all about the "happy ending," or do you wish Simon Baker got the "tragic ending" he so desperately wanted? Sound off in the comments section below!
