The Mentalist has been amazing this year so I just wanted to put my thoughts down to see if I am right.
As much as I wish it isn't Partridge, I cannot see how it is not him.... This is my theory on how it plays out
RJ (Partridge) realizes that PJ is close so he needs to ensure that he distances himself from the investigation. He deduces the list of suspects and includes himself on the list (how this list has been created has never been explained so I just accept that RJ figured this out). In order to draw suspicion away from him he arranges a plan with the higher ups at Tyger Tyger to fake his death. This includes luring Lisbon to the house where she is tazed and he wipes his blood on her face. Tyger Tyger arranges for him to be removed (totally possible) and he pronounced dead. Another body (most likely a Tyger Tyger member) is placed in there and the tattoo is removed as part of the process for when Tyger Tyger members die. If bodies kept showing up with three dots it might draw suspicion. This is why PJ says to Lisbon "What do you think" when he sees the picture that Cho takes. Not seeing Partridge's face is either a red herring by Heller or an oversight by Cho. I am going with the latter and this is why... All the details I just listed are assumptions because the next part is where I think it has to be Partridge.
5 remaining members are called to Jane's house where a bomb blows off and three bodies are recovered... I think this is where it eliminates these 5 suspects for the following reasons:
1) Who places a bomb in the house and assumes that they are going to survive an explosion
2) How is a body placed in the house to fake (for most) McAllister's death when Jane survey the house beforehand.. I am pretty sure that he would have seen a third body.
3) Lisbon shows up when it goes off leaving no time to place a third body.
4) If any of them are RJ and Stiles knows RJ he would have shown it instead of acting surprised
I believe that RJ is a part of Tyger Tyger and his right hand man is Bertram. Bertram has been in the loop with who Red John is and informed him about the meeting. RJ figured it was a perfect time to eliminate all the suspects in one place (including Bertram). If all of them and Jane are dead then he gets away cause he is dead (Partridge). He blows it up but there are survivors.
Bertram tries to kill Jane to cover his ass but he fails. Jane is fully aware that RJ can't be any of the 5 and the picture of Partridge arm and the fact that he mentioned Tyger Tyger to Lisbon to kick off his plan finally comes clear to Jane. So Jane does the one thing that will anger Red John the most. He gives someone credit for all Red John's murders to Bertram. This is a means to draw him out.
Now the last speculation that I have is that Bertram goes to his secret stash to get his stuff. He is told by Red John to leave the cigerette lighter there knowing that Jane will find it. The letter is coded and Jane is the only one that can decypher it. The message is something to the fact that I know you know who I am and if you want to settle this meet me at the church..blah blah blah. Jane leaves and tells Lisbon that he is done knowing all too well that he is going to meet Red John. With Bertram the suspect in a manhunt and most likely loyal to RJ (though RJ can probably arrange him to be killed anyways) the only loose end is Jane.
If this isn't Partridge then I hope its someone not on the list.. The real kicker is the third body in the house.. I don't know how McAllister could arrange this, though I think Xander Berkley would be amazing as Red John.
Any who we will find out on Sun.
