How the mentalist came to be ;-

BH's superiors : So,what idea do you have for a good series?

BH : I'll just rip off "The Profiler" lol.

BH's superiors : What will be the theme of your rip off?

BH : I'll keep showing the viewers clues which are impossible to piece together,then when it's getting out of hand i'll end it quickly without any explanation.

BH's superiors : Sounds delightful,give this man a medal.