A fire at a nightclub kills the owner, and the CBI suspects arson. Jane's investigation reveals a complex web of relationships, leading him to a surprising culprit.

Every episode title in Season 1 (and throughout the entire series) contains a reference to the color , signaling Patrick Jane's obsessive fixation on Red John. Episode 1: "Pilot"

A girl is found stabbed to death, and her best friend is discovered nearby with no memory of the event. Jane uses hypnosis to recover her memories.