who was red john the mentalist

Red John is a fictional character and the primary antagonist of the CBS crime drama "The Mentalist" for the first five seasons and part of the sixth season. He is a serial killer who began his killing spree in 1988 and killed more than 70 people, including the wife and daughter of the show's protagonist, Patrick Jane. Red John is not just a serial killer but also the founder and leader of a secret criminal organization called the Blake Association. His followers see him as a savior and carry out his plans willingly. In the series, the identity of Red John is revealed in season 6 to be Thomas McAllister, the sheriff of Napa County. McAllister is shown as the mastermind behind the killings and the manipulative cult leader who has deeply infiltrated law enforcement and other institutions to protect himself. This revelation explains Red John's ability to evade capture for so long and his far-reaching influence. Red John is depicted as a narcissistic psychopath who uses fear, manipulation, and a deep network of followers to control and torment Patrick Jane and others. His character is considered one of the darkest and most terrifying villains in television history due to his psychological tactics and cult-like control over his followers.