Simon Baker Sizzles In "The Mentalist"

(CBS)  At a time when many new TV series are having a hard time finding an audience, one show this season clearly stood out from the pack.

"The Mentalist" is the number one new show of the season with an average of 17 million viewers. Many people say a lot of the credit goes it's charming and talented leading man, Simon Baker.

Baker, who stars as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his observation, stopped by The Early Show to discuss the upcoming season finale.

He was on The Early Show last May as one of the CBS stars of the new season. Of the four that were on the show, "The Mentalist" is the only one still on the air. Baker also visited last November, when the hype of the show's success began.

Baker's good looks was also a boost for the show. He landed People Magazines' Nov. list of Sexiest Men Alive (Sexiest Blonde) and their new list of 100 Most Beautiful.

"The Mentalist" airs tonight at 9/8 central on CBS.

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[aka_KJB]

"Mentalist" was one of the few pilots I previewed at the beginning of the season that wasn't just awful. The concept is only mediocre but Baker makes into a show worth watching. My only complaint was that he was in a successful series so he wasn't a consideration when they were casting for the new Doctor in "Doctor Who"!

[mollydtt]

Bush wasn't a smart aleck--he was a bumbling fool. Patrick Jane's character is smart. He expresses himself intelligently, and pays attention to his surroundings. He actually notices things. Big difference.

[arkieguy]

His role just goes to show that there are many TV watchers who like smart-alecks. Most of these must have been Bush admirers.

[judieb-2009]

I loved him in the Guardian and wished he would have smiled more. In this new show, his witty smile makes The Mentalist asure winner!!

[mollydtt]

I never watched this show until 2 weeks ago. I'll have to catch up.

Great cast--everyone works perfectly together in this series. I hope there are reruns during the summer.

[hagar39]

My favorite new show along with Fringe. Simon Baker is good at this part.
The creator, writer, director and producer has a hit.
And the other show? Fringe. Wow, If you liked the X Files you will love this show.
And Burn Notice? Another good show.
I watch NCIS, Two and Half Men, New Christine, Big Bang and thats' about all I care to watch.

[tedwest]

Baker is charming and charismatic. He's also the only redeeming factor in this mess that's a blatant ripoff of Psych. And the worst part is the ever diminishing story lines. Recent ones have been contrived and nonsensical, and they insult any viewer of average intelligence.

[jeannec3]

I LOVE this show. All the actors blend well together ! I don't think any just one actor makes the show great. It takes all of them to make a show great !