Bruno Heller has stated previously that names are very important to the show.

Below I present more proof that Brett Partridge is Red John.

Using an English to Scottish dictionary, 'partridge' translates to 'patrick'. This along with the Jane/John name contrast seems to be an intrinsic effort to link the antagonist and protagonist of the show.

Since RJ and PJ have been said to have similar skill sets, personalities, etc. (leaning some to falsely believe they are the same person), I believe the show's story arc will culminate with PJ having to choose vengeance via murder of RJ, in essence forcing him to align himself with RJ's dark ideology, or allowing justice to prevail, thus providing the ultimate contrast in two otherwise very similar individuals.

The many characters with sketchy backgrounds, anagram names, etc. are deliberate efforts by the writers to confuse and obscure the basic truth that RJ has been in plain view all along.

The theory presented by others regarding deliberate efforts of agent Kirkland and the others on PJ's list to destroy and obscure evidence is spot on. I believe RJ (Partridge) is not as skillful as he would like us to think and that he relies on the *reluctant* protection of others.

At some point in his younger days as a member of Visualize, RJ had access to the secret records that they keep on members. He then used this information to hand-pick powerful people from law enforcement that would *have* to assist him or risk him divulging their dirty laundry. Bret Stiles knows Red John's identity and is powerless to stop him because all the 'Dirt' Red John has from Visualizes files would destroy Bret's church if it was made public.

I believe Bret Stiles has all the power and influence he wants, he is head of a church after all! Why would he threaten that by running around as a serial killer? Bret has what he wants. RJ is someone who struggles for self worth and validation through the fear he imparts in others....in other words, a person who feels overlooked by his peers. (Sound like Partridge yet?) Red John hates women for some personal reason, hence the ritualized killings and he savors the power he can exert over men whom appear much more powerful then him in 'real life' via his leverage over them through Visualize. Everybody can agree that RJ gets some kind of thrill out of the killings. What's not quite so obvious is that he really enjoys the power he has over law enforcement during the cover-ups.

Lisbon is somehow involved in accidentally feeding info to RJ. The last few episodes show that PJ has picked up on this and is turning the tables by feeding false information through her. Has anyone picked up on how PJ whispers 'I'm sorry' to Lorelei's corpse and then says to Lisbon 'She had it coming'? He truly felt bad for Lorelei, but wanted a different message to get back to RJ. I don't think Lisbon is in with RJ but she may be inadvertently telling the wrong people (her boss Bertram, with Kirkland hiding behind a door, for instance) information sensitive to the investigation. She still seems to genuinely care for PJ, her job and humanity in general, so I'm hoping the leaks are accidental. This is how I believe RJ is always manages to stay 'one step ahead'.

Red John's name comes from the author of last book of the Bible. The Book of Revelations was written by JOHN of Patmos.

William Blake created a whole series of paintings based upon Revelations including the Red Dragon. In the bible, the Red Dragon has 7 heads, one which is mortally wounded and resurrected (Brett Partridge). In the Revelations, the The Dragon 'engages to persecute the Woman, but she is given aid to evade him. Her evasiveness enrages the Dragon, prompting him to wage war against the rest of her offspring. (12:13-17)'

So the Red John killings are a ritualization of the above act with Red John acting as the Dragon (note the resemblance of the linoleum knife he uses to a dragon or tyger claw) The Women is represented by the victim who is ritually tortured and the red smiley face is the face of the Baby from revelations, which represents Christ and his followers.

Further subtle religious allusion is occasionally presented by brief camera shots of the cross Lisbon wears around her neck.

The Blake Tyger poem in summation describes how good and evil in this world all originate from the Creator and without one, the other cannot exist. Blake's work is important to e story because it provides a bridge between religion (faith) and the occult. Both themes are explored in The Mentalist. It's always the female characters whom engage Jane in these discussions of faith and mysticism. Coincidence?

So in a nutshell, Red John is a 'Sad Little Man' who deals with his dark past by imagining himself to be the Devil (Dragon). He deals with his deep-seated women (mommy) issues by slaying them in ritualized killings and gets away with it by using the hijacked secrets of powerful men to leverage control.