Who does Robin Tunney play in "The Mentalist"?

Robin Tunney plays Senior Special Agent Teresa Lisbon in “The Mentalist.” Lisbon leads the California Bureau of Investigation’s Serious Crimes Unit and becomes the professional partner and boss of consultant Patrick Jane, played by Simon Baker.

The series premiered in 2008 and follows Jane as he helps the CBI solve murders while pursuing the serial killer Red John. Lisbon is a grounded, duty-focused investigator who often has to manage Jane’s unconventional methods, making her one of the show’s central characters rather than a minor supporting role.

A common mix-up is confusing Tunney with other major cast members: Simon Baker plays Patrick Jane, Tim Kang plays Kimball Cho, and Amanda Righetti plays Grace Van Pelt. Lisbon’s career also changes during the series: she begins as a senior CBI agent and later works with the FBI. Her relationship with Jane develops gradually and becomes an important part of the later story.