Performing on the TV as a medium Patrick Jane gave a psychological portrait to a serial killer Red John. Imitating the use of supernatural skills he described killer as a person miserable since childhood, pathetic and lonely. Being angry with such description Red John cruelly killed Patrick's wife and daughter, police didn't catch him. After that Patrick confessed he is not a real and supernatural medium. But he has very real skills in knowing and manipulating people. Now he works for California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and consults them during crime investigations. He never believes that magic exists, but knows how people's brain works, so he is rather useful helper. But the only reason why he keeps helping bureau is his hope for revenge.