'The Mentalist' recruits Terry Kinney

Will play Agent Bosco in a recurring role

By Nellie Andreeva

July 8, 2009, 03:00 PM ET

Veteran Terry Kinney has landed the all-important new recurring role on CBS' hot crime drama "The Mentalist."

In at least seven episodes of the Warner Bros. TV-produced series' upcoming second season, Kinney will play Agent Sam Bosco, a seemingly flat-footed policeman with a deceptively sharp intelligence.

Bosco leads the California Bureau of Investigation's Serial Crimes Unit and is brought in to assist in cracking the case of the elusive Red John serial killer, whose victims include the wife and daughter of CBI consultant Patrick Jane (Simon Baker).

Bosco and Jane are bound to clash as Bosco's by-the-book approach is a constant irritation to Jane, while Bosco hates Jane's unorthodox methods and is determined to oust him from the CBI.

To make things even more complicated, earlier in his career, Bosco was Teresa Lisbon's (Robin Tunney) boss, and a dark secret from their shared past hangs over their current relationship.

"Oz" alum Kinney recently co-starred on ABC's well-received but short-lived dramedy "The Unusuals."

Kinney is repped by ICM and Brookside Artists Management.

'The Mentalist' recruits Terry Kinney

Will play Agent Bosco in a recurring role

By Nellie Andreeva

July 8, 2009, 03:00 PM ET