So Sunday's episode wasn't horrible.  It was fun.  And, unlike the last several episodes, it felt like a complete thought.  

For me, much of the evidence that we weren't through with the RJ storyline was in how poorly it was handled and, then, how clumsy and awkward the post-RJ episodes have been.  It is these things that gives us room to theorize and makes it easier for us to make the leap that it is all subterfuge to make way for a grand twist or reveal.

If all of the other episodes were as good as this one (and it wasn't perfect), it would be much harder for me speculate that we are being led up the garden path because I could buy this as a genuine effort at revamping The Mentalist.  

So I find myself wondering - can I get on board with a decent 2.0 Mentalist (that gets renewed) and accept McRJ as the real deal?  

I'm not sure I'm built that way.  

It would be easier if, for instance, the new character wasn't named "mar"-cus.  It can't be a coincidence that one of the MAJOR CLUES THAT IS NOT ADDRESSED AT ALL IN THE RJ REVEAL is in a new character name.  I'm not suggesting that he is RJ but rather that Heller is purposefully poking the bear.  If they are SO ADAMANT that the show is through with RJ, why do this?  

For now, I will find solace in the fact that this was at least a good episode and perhaps a renewal isn't totally out of hand.