The TV Police Podcast – Episode #12: “Red Rum” | The Mentalist S1E12 Rewatch
Guest: Sarah Pryzibilla (Key 2nd AD / 1st AD, The Mentalist)
In this episode of The TV Police Podcast, hosts Owain Yeoman and Tim Kang revisit The Mentalist Season 1, Episode 12 – “Red Rum,” joined by special guest Sarah Pryzibilla, who worked as a Key Second Assistant Director and First Assistant Director on the hit CBS series.
Sarah takes us behind the scenes of The Mentalist, breaking down the essential role of an Assistant Director in television production, from scheduling and on-set communication to maintaining character continuity across a fast-moving network procedural. The conversation explores how actor interpretations shaped character development, why The Mentalist stood apart from other police procedurals, and how comedy, drama, and mystery were carefully balanced.
Owain and Tim also reflect on the evolution of television since 2008, including the shift from film to digital, the rise of binge-watching, and how social media has changed casting and audience engagement. Sarah discusses her return to performing with her narrative podcast “1968 Black Flower Drive,” while the group examines the lasting legacy of The Mentalist and the continued influence of true crime storytelling.
Perfect for fans of The Mentalist, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone interested in behind-the-scenes TV production and police procedural storytelling.
Keywords:
The Mentalist podcast, Red Rum Mentalist, Sarah Pryzibilla, Assistant Director TV, The TV Police Podcast, Owain Yeoman, Tim Kang, Mentalist rewatch, behind the scenes television, TV production podcast, police procedurals, true crime storytelling, filmmaking careers
