Just a thought.  In episode 2 when the three suspects are meeting in Bertram's office, Reede asks what mistake RJ made.  Jane then says the following:

"I would tell you but I always thought this room might be bugged... wired!"

3 episodes later, someone tries to bug Cho's desk. My theory is this: Jane hypnotized either RJ or one of his co-conspirators to have someone bug the CBI.  It would explain why someone would out of the blue hire a PI to do such a lame thing.  They didn't choose to make a mistake, they were hypnotically suggested to do so.

This is one aspect of the plot that I had major issues with this year!  If it wasn't Jane's doing, I hope there's a damn good explanation as to why RJ would hire a PI to bug the CBI.

This guy ( McAllister / Xander Berkley ) would be a convincing Red John... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBvZ9JzQUiw ... In fact ... I think maybe the case is solved ....

So I'm curious about something.  Most of the theories I've read on Bertram ignore Rosalind Harker's physical profile of RJ, either unintentionally or intentionally.  May I ask why?  Her account of Roy Tagleofera was the very first piece of evidence about RJ.  Jane was absolutely sure Roy was RJ.  He even brought Rosalind to the morgue in season 4 to make sure the man he shot in the cafe wasn't RJ.  Even Dumar, the sheriff who wound up being the killer in "Red John's Footsteps" confirmed that Roy was really RJ.  So again I ask, why are so many people ignoring the physical profile?

Okay, think about this.  In season 1 finale, Rosalind gives us the physical profile for RJ.  2 episodes later, we meet Bertram for the first time.  He's six ft 3 and bald.  If Bertram is RJ, that would imply Bruno Heller decided 2 episodes after giving us our first evidence of RJ, he would introduce the "real" Red John who doesn't fit the evidence...  Really?  Is that not an incredibly convoluted idea?

Anywho, I would like some people's thoughts about Bertram.  Comment below if you have a theory that might explain away Rosalind Harker's description.

I have argued for Ray Haffner as Red John,

but,

If we are judging the last seven suspects by the actors playing them, then Xander Berkley ( portraying McAllister ) comes out way on top...Anyone who has seen him in other roles ( like Percy in the show Nikita, or " The Man " in the series " The Booth at The End" ) knows he has the intelligence and subtlety to play a character like Red John...The small town hick Sheriff he plays in The Mentalist almost seems like a waste of talent...but he has played other characters, convincingly, that would be more than a match for Patrick Jane ....

As a director he would be your perfect choice to play Red John....A guy that can play the simple small town fellow....but change gears to emote menace and a top level intellect...

Just a couple of notes.

1) The CBS Mentalist site now has two previews on it. 

2) One of the previews specifically says that RJ brought the bomb to the meeting to kill Patrick and the others.  This is a blow to those who say that RJ can't be on the list because why would he come to the meeting.  The answer is that RJ didn't get the memo that there are two more weeks until he is unmasked and planned to end it on Sunday.

3) I honestly believe you have to get it out of your heads that BH is going to pull a head fake.

If it's Partridge or the Michael/Bob Kirkland twin thing then it's just a stupid ending that is so cliche.

4) I am still betting on McCallister since he was the first suspect we saw.

Apparently everyone is still on the idea that Partridge faked his death.  I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I would like to make an argument that Partridge IS really dead.  Here are some very good options for why Red John would have killed Partridge first.

1.)  It's a trap!:  RJ knew Van Pelt had bugged the suspects phones.  Partridge was not a vital member of Tiger, Tiger, so RJ chose him as bait.  He attacked him, then called in an anonymous tip to lure Jane and Lisbon to the house.  Unfortunately, Jane and Lisbon had a fight, so they were separated at the time, and Jane didn't show.  RJ lets Lisbon live, cuz he's really after Jane.

2.)  He knew too much:  Partridge said "Tiger, Tiger" so we can assume he's a member.  So what does he bring to the table as a member?  Forensics!  That's his profession after all.  He covers up the evidence for various crimes, especially Red John's murders.  He makes sure there is no evidence that can be traced back to RJ.  Therefore, he might know the most incriminating evidence about RJ.  He knew too much, so he was the first to go.

3.)  Ego:  We know RJ is very narcissistic.  Perhaps the thought of Jane qualifying Partridge as a suspect insulted him?  RJ killed Jane's family for insulting him.  It stands to reason that RJ would kill Partridge if he thought he was not worthy of the Red John name.

4.)  He wants to get caught:  RJ has shown he truly loves the cat and mouse game with Patrick.  The fault of genius is that it craves an audience.  Somewhere deep down, RJ really wants to Patrick to figure it out.  He killed Partridge to narrow the suspects and bring Jane one step closer to meeting him in person.

Truth be told guys, I feel those are all legitimate reasons, and I will be really disappointed if Partridge comes back from the dead.  it's such a cliche plot device that we've seen a million times before.  Don't we expect more than that from Bruno Heller?  I know I do. 

Contains Spoilers!

We know the next episode is "The Great Red Dragon".  Much has been made of the references to Revelation and perhaps this indicating that someone will have a "fatal wound that heals."  Up to this point, there has been a lot made of Partridge or Kirkland.  But I think in light of the promo for this episode, those who are speculating Jane releasing false info to the press is correct, that he will say someone has died who hasn't really died.  Thus the "fatal wound" will be "healed."

That may come into play with Rigsby's board and statement to the other officer, as well.  Remember Jane tells him to trust no one, especially those in law enforcement.